I was lucky to buy this bike from a French tourist in Australia who brought a new one out on the plane with intention to tour Australia. He changed his mind after 150km and sold the still new bike to me. We cannot buy this bike here in Australia. I'm 54, have owned dozens of bikes of all kinds and this is my all time favourite. It does anything, goes anywhere. Off-road is fine. Yes it's heavy, but comfort means everything to me. I live in a mountainous area and it climbs just fine with good range of gears. The Brooks is the only thing I changed, after 1200km it still gave me sores. If I had only one bike, this would be it. I haven't ridden my other 3 bikes much since I got the 900.
Great summary of the RT900. It is indeed a fine bike. I also have two more bikes and I feel the difference in comfort when I ride this one. It is special Indeed and you were lucky to get one in Australia. Greetings from Portugal!
@@trailsofliving5837 Yes, right place, right time. It was my dream bike, never thought I'd acquire one. I ride it daily, 30km commute to work in all weather, mostly at night. I love this bike!
Was going to buy it, had reservations about it having an AL frame rather than steel. What made me change my mind though and get a Kona Sutra instead is that somebody on youtube got a bikepacking varient. After his trip, the rims had cracked next to every spoke, decthlon replaced them for free, but he had to wait 3 months which is far too long to be without your bike.
Does the 170kg rating definitely include the weight of the bike, as you said? I've just bought one, love it so far, very robust and well specced. I think I was lucky that they had some available in my size (no other sizes though). Mine had Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour tyres which was a nice surprise. I've made a few tweaks that others might be interested in: First a kickstand, I went with the M Part Primo Twin-leg Kickstand. It attaches very solidly to the chainstay bridge and works very well, keeping the front wheel a couple of mm off the ground, and very easy to deploy and retract again with one foot. I've also bought Koga Denham handlebars, as I just can't get on with the MTB-style bars it came with, not enough variety in hand positions and the ones you do get are not comfortable. Finally I swapped the Brooks saddle for a Rido R2 which is vastly more confortable, to my arse at least. Thanks for the review!
Lucky you. I kept my eyes on both the 900 and 920 for a year. They are never in stock at the local Decathlon store(on-line). I end up buying a 520 instead recently. Planning a six-month trip with this bike in 2024.
Spektrum8 I know! When I got this bike, I met a guy on the local Decathlon's store, who was waiting for 1,5 years for this bike to become available. We collected bikes the same day. In my case, I was just searching for it for a week or so, and one day, it was available...😀😀 I am sure that the 520 will be enough for your 6 months trip. Wish you a good adventure! Cheers!
not a big difference, but it costs twice as much, I have 520 for a year now. I am very glad. I bought a front rack and a set of bags from decathlon. very nice bike. my weight is 120 kg and I constantly ride behind with my son, he weighs more than 20 kg. the bike works great. I do not regret that I took the 520 Touring.
HI Alex, you are right. It's basically the same bike, this one obviously with other type of components which make it more expensive. But what you do with one, you can do perfectly with the other one. Greetings!
I have a riverside bike. Unfortunately i bought it too big for me, but i like it a lot. Downside is that many small pueces got rust relatively fast. Nevertheless i have ridden it everywhere. Totally recommended.
This is a well explained and visually presented and unbiased review. Thank you. Is it possible to have the large 28" rims swapped out for the internationally more popular and accessible 26" rim size?
Thanks for your feedback, Col McLaurin. I am glad you enjoyed it. I am not 💯% sure, but I believe it is possible yes. But probably you would have to remove the mudguards which are for the size 28". But I can't guarantee that unfortunately. Cheers!
I finally recieved the last small size frame in stock online and delivered to Decathlon in Spain. It did not arrive with the seat so the store gave me one to borrow. I rode it home 35km and the rear casette started making noise like it was loose. Turns out that nice Deore XT hub went loose already. Since there are no other sizes readily available, they ordered a large frame version and they are going to take the seat and wheel off that to put on my bike.
I've read that this a common problem with the hubs? Idk, my cheap bikes never had this problem. Then again it's a through bolt that I've never had. I'm wondering if during the assembly, that hub didn't get tightened enough so there was too much play.
Hi Lloyd. Sorry to hear that you had all those problems. I didn't experience any of those, as I had the bike mounted and checked in the store. Not having the seat included is very strange, but hope that they can solve it for you. Once everything is sorted, you will enjoy the purchase.
Hello! I'm glad I found you! I also bought the RT 520 model because the 900 is not in stock, size XL. Even for 520 I waited and watched the Decathlon site for more than 1 year and a half. Overall I'm satisfied, I'll do some upgrades: mudguards, handlebars, seat and seatpost. The first upgrade I wanted to do was that steering stopper system - you mention it in the video. But unfortunately the Decathlon mechanic told me that it doesn't fit when he tried to assemble it. Although, in principle, the frame is the same on both 520 and 900. I've been desperately looking for a month now for a photo, a video, some instructions, something, anything, showing that system mounted on an RT 900. But nothing! Did you install it on your bike? Those from Riverside still haven't answered my persistent questions about the steering stopper system. Thank you!
Hi Andrei, thanks for your comment. Congratulations on your 520. I haven't installed the steering stopper in the bike, it already came preinstalled. Sorry but in that sense I won't be able to help. I would insist with Decathlon. Good luck!
I've had this bike for several days now and I have not had problems with it so far. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv The handlebars, seat+ seat post, pedals, and front wheel were detached for shipping. It was easy to reassemble, but I did need to go out and buy a set of tools in the metric system to reattach parts. Use lubricant (WD-40 works well) on screw threads and hinges before re-assembling.(NOTE: Do Not Throw Away Any Of The Packaging Until After Assembly Because Some Of The Packaging Contains Small Parts That You Will Need To Reattach Parts!!!)Took it to a bike kitchen for fine tuning afterwards, and for refilling the tires (they'd lost some air during shipping) and then practiced riding on it. It fits me perfectly at 5'4" with the seat at the lowest possible setting--would not recommend for anyone shorter, as it may be difficult to get on and off the bike without assistance of some kind. The aluminum body is beautifully welded together--the only thing that irks me somewhat is some of the plastic parts, but oh well. Not too experienced with bikes (haven't owned one in years) but if you're not willing or are unable to spend $600+ on another bike, I would say this is a good way to get started. Just check everything before you go out riding--air levels in the tires, wobbling of the seat, handlebars, or pedals, loose screws/parts, you know, as it will happen over time. Common sense. Good luck to ya, and hope my review helps.
Thank you for sharing your insight on this bike. It seems actually finding one in stock is difficult? When they are available, can they be found in or ordered by bike stores? are they only available firm purchase online? I’m in Arizona, USA.
Thank you the Truth for your comment. Yes, it is not easy to find it in stock. I was really lucky as I caught one when it was available and I was just searching for a couple weeks. But I met one guy, picking up the bike in store the same day, who was waiting already for 1,5 years. I guess you just have to look all the time. Sometimes in the stores they are able to tell you when certain product will be available, at least that's the experience I had in Portugal, with other Decathlon products. Cheers and good luck! 🤞
@gusjeazer Hi. I have had no more that 130-140kg on the bike. It reaches considerable speeds dowhill when loaded and obviously it won't break in 10 mts. But in general, I didn't notice any lack of breaking power. Cheers.
Hi Izzy Puddy! The racks are stock with the bike. Check the bike here : www.decathlon.co.uk/p/_/R-p-332461?mc=8643287. I believe any luggage will fit these racks as they have the standard measures, but Decathlon also offers a specific line of luggage for this bike: www.decathlon.co.uk/p/_/R-p-311050?mc=8561752 Cheers!
I don't have any concrete numbers to give you unfortunately. I just can tell you that the bike on flat tarmac roads can easily do around 20km/h, is very slow on ascents and around 45-50 downhill. Light gravel roads you can probably do average of 15km/h. But all very subjective ... depends on your shape, how much weight you carry... Sorry
NO way in hell I would ride anything like this. FAIL. Cheapskates. >> DeFAILeurs big nah, >> Steep slope frame with duck squat rear. NOPE >> Bean pole seat post. Nope I have my own design custom with Rohloff14 disc with cable TRP Spyre caliper. At 20,700 miles, it gets BETTER all the time. I made a full chain cover. The last chain went 4,000 miles with NO service. And SA XL-FDD dyno DRUM brake front hub with 2.3/ 2.0 spokes. ALWAYS works with ZERO fuss, for 32,000 miles now. I made a bunch of awesome CF accessories.
I was lucky to buy this bike from a French tourist in Australia who brought a new one out on the plane with intention to tour Australia. He changed his mind after 150km and sold the still new bike to me. We cannot buy this bike here in Australia. I'm 54, have owned dozens of bikes of all kinds and this is my all time favourite. It does anything, goes anywhere. Off-road is fine. Yes it's heavy, but comfort means everything to me. I live in a mountainous area and it climbs just fine with good range of gears. The Brooks is the only thing I changed, after 1200km it still gave me sores. If I had only one bike, this would be it. I haven't ridden my other 3 bikes much since I got the 900.
Great summary of the RT900. It is indeed a fine bike. I also have two more bikes and I feel the difference in comfort when I ride this one. It is special Indeed and you were lucky to get one in Australia. Greetings from Portugal!
@@trailsofliving5837 Yes, right place, right time. It was my dream bike, never thought I'd acquire one. I ride it daily, 30km commute to work in all weather, mostly at night. I love this bike!
Same story here 👍
I've been checking Decathlon's site daily waiting for almost a year and as of this week these bikes are on discount across many EU countries.
Nice review I’m planning on buying just the frame and the forks maybe .
I’ll slowly build my dream bike
Was going to buy it, had reservations about it having an AL frame rather than steel. What made me change my mind though and get a Kona Sutra instead is that somebody on youtube got a bikepacking varient. After his trip, the rims had cracked next to every spoke, decthlon replaced them for free, but he had to wait 3 months which is far too long to be without your bike.
Does the 170kg rating definitely include the weight of the bike, as you said?
I've just bought one, love it so far, very robust and well specced. I think I was lucky that they had some available in my size (no other sizes though). Mine had Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour tyres which was a nice surprise. I've made a few tweaks that others might be interested in:
First a kickstand, I went with the M Part Primo Twin-leg Kickstand. It attaches very solidly to the chainstay bridge and works very well, keeping the front wheel a couple of mm off the ground, and very easy to deploy and retract again with one foot. I've also bought Koga Denham handlebars, as I just can't get on with the MTB-style bars it came with, not enough variety in hand positions and the ones you do get are not comfortable. Finally I swapped the Brooks saddle for a Rido R2 which is vastly more confortable, to my arse at least.
Thanks for the review!
Lucky you. I kept my eyes on both the 900 and 920 for a year. They are never in stock at the local Decathlon store(on-line). I end up buying a 520 instead recently. Planning a six-month trip with this bike in 2024.
Spektrum8 I know! When I got this bike, I met a guy on the local Decathlon's store, who was waiting for 1,5 years for this bike to become available. We collected bikes the same day. In my case, I was just searching for it for a week or so, and one day, it was available...😀😀 I am sure that the 520 will be enough for your 6 months trip. Wish you a good adventure! Cheers!
not a big difference, but it costs twice as much, I have 520 for a year now. I am very glad. I bought a front rack and a set of bags from decathlon. very nice bike. my weight is 120 kg and I constantly ride behind with my son, he weighs more than 20 kg. the bike works great. I do not regret that I took the 520 Touring.
HI Alex, you are right. It's basically the same bike, this one obviously with other type of components which make it more expensive. But what you do with one, you can do perfectly with the other one. Greetings!
I have a riverside bike. Unfortunately i bought it too big for me, but i like it a lot. Downside is that many small pueces got rust relatively fast. Nevertheless i have ridden it everywhere. Totally recommended.
thanks very much for your review , very useful
Thanks for the video. I’ve been looking for the Decathlon Riverside touring 900 but, can’t seem to find it in the US.
This is a well explained and visually presented and unbiased review. Thank you. Is it possible to have the large 28" rims swapped out for the internationally more popular and accessible 26" rim size?
Thanks for your feedback, Col McLaurin. I am glad you enjoyed it. I am not 💯% sure, but I believe it is possible yes. But probably you would have to remove the mudguards which are for the size 28". But I can't guarantee that unfortunately. Cheers!
26" rims would still have to be disc brake wheels. Internationally most 26" bikes are rim brakes. I don't think that is going to help with anything.
If you do that you'll ruin the geo and scrap your bb on the ground
I finally recieved the last small size frame in stock online and delivered to Decathlon in Spain. It did not arrive with the seat so the store gave me one to borrow. I rode it home 35km and the rear casette started making noise like it was loose. Turns out that nice Deore XT hub went loose already. Since there are no other sizes readily available, they ordered a large frame version and they are going to take the seat and wheel off that to put on my bike.
I've read that this a common problem with the hubs? Idk, my cheap bikes never had this problem. Then again it's a through bolt that I've never had. I'm wondering if during the assembly, that hub didn't get tightened enough so there was too much play.
Hi Lloyd. Sorry to hear that you had all those problems. I didn't experience any of those, as I had the bike mounted and checked in the store. Not having the seat included is very strange, but hope that they can solve it for you. Once everything is sorted, you will enjoy the purchase.
Hello! I'm glad I found you! I also bought the RT 520 model because the 900 is not in stock, size XL. Even for 520 I waited and watched the Decathlon site for more than 1 year and a half. Overall I'm satisfied, I'll do some upgrades: mudguards, handlebars, seat and seatpost. The first upgrade I wanted to do was that steering stopper system - you mention it in the video. But unfortunately the Decathlon mechanic told me that it doesn't fit when he tried to assemble it. Although, in principle, the frame is the same on both 520 and 900. I've been desperately looking for a month now for a photo, a video, some instructions, something, anything, showing that system mounted on an RT 900. But nothing! Did you install it on your bike? Those from Riverside still haven't answered my persistent questions about the steering stopper system. Thank you!
Hi Andrei, thanks for your comment. Congratulations on your 520. I haven't installed the steering stopper in the bike, it already came preinstalled. Sorry but in that sense I won't be able to help. I would insist with Decathlon. Good luck!
Thanks for the video. Can I ask you what model the kickstand is? It seems very sturdy.
Thank you 🙂👍🌅🌻
Agree about the bars, what did you upgrade to?
I've had this bike for several days now and I have not had problems with it so far. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv The handlebars, seat+ seat post, pedals, and front wheel were detached for shipping. It was easy to reassemble, but I did need to go out and buy a set of tools in the metric system to reattach parts. Use lubricant (WD-40 works well) on screw threads and hinges before re-assembling.(NOTE: Do Not Throw Away Any Of The Packaging Until After Assembly Because Some Of The Packaging Contains Small Parts That You Will Need To Reattach Parts!!!)Took it to a bike kitchen for fine tuning afterwards, and for refilling the tires (they'd lost some air during shipping) and then practiced riding on it. It fits me perfectly at 5'4" with the seat at the lowest possible setting--would not recommend for anyone shorter, as it may be difficult to get on and off the bike without assistance of some kind. The aluminum body is beautifully welded together--the only thing that irks me somewhat is some of the plastic parts, but oh well. Not too experienced with bikes (haven't owned one in years) but if you're not willing or are unable to spend $600+ on another bike, I would say this is a good way to get started. Just check everything before you go out riding--air levels in the tires, wobbling of the seat, handlebars, or pedals, loose screws/parts, you know, as it will happen over time. Common sense. Good luck to ya, and hope my review helps.
Perfect.
Nice 😊
Este modelo infelizmente está sempre esgotado... Parabéns pelo video!
Rodrigo se está em Portugal. O tamanho M e L estão disponíveis. Cumprimentos!
Obrigado. Vou verificar
Thank you for sharing your insight on this bike. It seems actually finding one in stock is difficult? When they are available, can they be found in or ordered by bike stores? are they only available firm purchase online? I’m in Arizona, USA.
Thank you the Truth for your comment. Yes, it is not easy to find it in stock. I was really lucky as I caught one when it was available and I was just searching for a couple weeks. But I met one guy, picking up the bike in store the same day, who was waiting already for 1,5 years. I guess you just have to look all the time. Sometimes in the stores they are able to tell you when certain product will be available, at least that's the experience I had in Portugal, with other Decathlon products.
Cheers and good luck! 🤞
@@trailsofliving5837 thank you 😊
Are the breaks enough when cycling with 170kg? I would think 160 discs and mechanical brakes are a bit meagre for the weight limit.
@gusjeazer Hi. I have had no more that 130-140kg on the bike. It reaches considerable speeds dowhill when loaded and obviously it won't break in 10 mts. But in general, I didn't notice any lack of breaking power. Cheers.
Thanks for the video! Apologies, but what are your racks and what are the compatible bags for the racks?
Hi Izzy Puddy! The racks are stock with the bike. Check the bike here : www.decathlon.co.uk/p/_/R-p-332461?mc=8643287.
I believe any luggage will fit these racks as they have the standard measures, but Decathlon also offers a specific line of luggage for this bike: www.decathlon.co.uk/p/_/R-p-311050?mc=8561752
Cheers!
I am 65 and need one to tour all Europe. Any advice?
Thanks for the great video! What are you max and average speeds on flat tarmac roads? and also on light gravel with this bike?
I don't have any concrete numbers to give you unfortunately. I just can tell you that the bike on flat tarmac roads can easily do around 20km/h, is very slow on ascents and around 45-50 downhill. Light gravel roads you can probably do average of 15km/h. But all very subjective
... depends on your shape, how much weight you carry... Sorry
Hello, thank you for this video. what did you choose for handle and pedal please? Best regards
Hello Guillaume! I have chosen the Brooks Plump leather grips and the pedals are the Shimano EF202.
Cheers👍
@@trailsofliving5837 Thanks !
How big is the rear rack 35mm?
Hi Leandro. Yes I believe so. According to Decathlon's website the rack is 34mm X 22mm. Cheers!
The world’s most annoying music… spoilt a good review…. But… a good review nonetheless. Thank you! I even subscribed but… just change the music 😉)
can u buy this bike in usa? if yes where?
Decathlon is a chain for sport goods in Europe. Maybe they are not in the USA.
Dommage que la fourche soit rigide
BROOKS WIN 😂🤦🏻♂️
NO way in hell I would ride anything like this. FAIL. Cheapskates.
>> DeFAILeurs big nah,
>> Steep slope frame with duck squat rear. NOPE
>> Bean pole seat post. Nope
I have my own design custom with Rohloff14 disc with cable TRP Spyre caliper. At 20,700 miles, it gets BETTER all the time. I made a full chain cover. The last chain went 4,000 miles with NO service.
And SA XL-FDD dyno DRUM brake front hub with 2.3/ 2.0 spokes. ALWAYS works with ZERO fuss, for 32,000 miles now.
I made a bunch of awesome CF accessories.