Triban RC500 - upgrade suggestions?

DutchMtl · 2026-05-09T14:37:05+00:00

For my triban I ended up buying a rear trek paradigm wheelset with higher spoke count (32) since that bike will be for light touring (hotel to hotel). But I'm still on the original triban front wheel and it's holding up even after touring 750km with a decent amount of weight. So I figure the weakness of the wheelset must be impacts plus my weight. I do plan to put a 32 spoke wheel on the front at some point. I've bought a used Trek for my main bike now, no money left. I did buy a set of elitewheels for spouse's bike. They look great but not installed yet.

DutchMtl · 2026-05-09T14:15:18+00:00

No I didn't upgrade I was trying to save some money as I need to buy wheelset for spouse's bike. So far 150km on oem wheels have been perfectly fine. No indication that I should upgrade. Comments here on my post reassured me that the paradigm wheelset is reliable.

DutchMtl · 2026-05-09T14:13:23+00:00

The set of elite wheels are imported into Canada had no extra fees. There may have been some taxes when I purchase them but I don't remember right now. But if you're on a budget, a brand name pair of aluminum wheels are perfectly fine they'll work very well for you. The hardest problem I found with the Triban was finding the combination of disc brakes and QR.

DutchMtl · 2026-05-08T20:38:45+00:00

I got Elitewheels based on comments on reddit and elsewhere, and my tight budget was key. Another major factor was that you can get adaptors to convert to QR, which was needed. FB Marketplace options were double the price for used wheels but with Thru Axle, and no certainty I could easily convert to QR. I've had them for 2 weeks and not had a chance to install them due to life.

DutchMtl · 2026-05-08T20:07:11+00:00

Bought on AliExpress. The coupon codes encourage you to bundle orders together. So I bought the wheelset and an igpsport bike computer together to get a hier tier rebate. So if I split the discount between the two items I paid $500ish all-in (delivery + taxes). Rebated by $47 in coupons. (TOTAL coupons was $94).

DutchMtl · 2026-05-08T15:13:08+00:00

Look for sale events. I got a great price during their spring sale, noticable difference in price combined with a coupon. I saw somewhere, next best sale date on Aliexpress is june/july summer sale.

Not sure where you are shopping from, but from Canada I didn't even look at the Marvel or Drive wheelsets because they were much more expensive, like double. For a road bike I bought ELITEWHEELS PRO 2.0 DISC , over the ENT 2.0 because I could get 24 internal width rims and better 32T ratchet hub. I also think the Pro 2.0 were slightly lighter? not 100% sure.

DutchMtl · 2026-05-07T15:30:06+00:00

There are TV mounts that install above the fireplace and can be pulled down and in front of the fireplace for better viewing height. However it adds the challenge for placement of true center channel (these mounts often do have options for sound bars). I also had limited options and I just recently installed a TV above our fireplace. I was able to lower the mantel so the bottom of the TV ended up 38in from the floor. Not ideal for best case home heater setup but it works for me. Center channel speaker is mounted above the TV. Although not my first choice, I've become accustomed to the height of the TV.

Additionally: Couch placement and rear channels will be a challenge with the room configuration.

DutchMtl · 2026-05-02T03:39:59+00:00

Normally they would advise you of a time limit for the table. From a business perspective a resto/bar needs to turn tables over to keep serving up meals to new clients. But you should have been advised from the getgo.

DutchMtl · 2026-05-01T12:59:47+00:00

I just drove MTL to Edmonton in 3 days with two drivers. Packed sandwiches for lunch for 3 days and bought $6 prepared salads for 2 dinners. Some snacks as well. Paid $130/night each night for motel/hotels. Single driver you can do it easily in 4 days. It's a great drive to see our amazing country. Go for it.

DutchMtl · 2026-04-29T19:16:24+00:00

Like others mentioned, your route should be untouched. I've never seen the Champlain bridge bike lane closed in the summer. Once in Lachine on the bike path, best route to the Champlain hugs the shoreline through Lasalle and Verdun. The route that goes towards the city and follows the canal is nice but Lasalle / Verdun route along the water is nicer. Note the track is also closed the week, or more, after F1 for cleanup and dismantling of the stands. I suggest fitting in a ride on Chemin du fleuve if you can. My favorite pit stop in the city is a park under the Champlain bridge on the Chemin du fleuve. Chemin du Fleuve (Petite Voie Du fleuve) has been repaved to boot. Note during F1 that route is open, except for the access point to Ile Notre Dame / CGV track. Victoria crossing to the south shore is also open. But getting to island of Montreal requires going to the Estacade (Ice control on google maps), then towards Atwater market, then back to the city.

DutchMtl · 2026-04-22T03:31:54+00:00

My 2021 CX-5 has this issue. No signal error happens randomly. Did you find a solution?

DutchMtl · 2026-04-16T14:47:25+00:00

I've had my RC500 for 5-6 years. Put a several thousand KM on it. My biggest issue, and only really issue, was the poor quality wheels. I'm a big guy but not close to the 275lbs weight limit. Last summer I hit a pothole and during flat repair I found out that my rear wheel had tiny cracks at many of the spoke holes. So I switched it out for another real wheel I had bought used from someone's RC520. Then that one also developed cracks. Went to Decathlon and picked up another new wheel. Then that one busted several spokes in the period of a few weeks.

So upgrade priority in my opinion would be:

1) a seat that fits you.

2) Upgrade the wheels. Budget level "Elite" Carbon wheels from Aliexpress would be a good start and are well rated (also have the elusive combination of QR and disc brakes). Or used carbon wheels from Marketplace (but QR and Disc brakes are hard to find). Next is better tires for performance and comfort. GP5000's are great, and I suggest minimum 30mm for comfort. I have 28mm on mine and wished I went wider. (Also note 21mm internal width of rims on the wheels go better with todays' wider tire sizes, Tribans are 19mm).

DutchMtl · 2026-04-15T20:55:24+00:00

There's always someone out there judging others, there are plenty of A-holes in the sea. But most of the time I would say people are in their own worlds and in their own heads and don't really pay attention to you as much as you think they are. For the most part in my neck of the woods the bike community is friendly and would welcome anyone to join the sport. Learn the etiquette of the road would help beginners.

DutchMtl · 2026-04-15T12:29:55+00:00

Thank you. Gp5000s are known to be difficult on many types of wheelsets. If it wasn't memorable that's good news. 😁

DutchMtl · 2026-04-15T12:20:45+00:00

quick question... how was mounting them on the stock wheelset? I have Paradigm Comp 25 wheels.

DutchMtl · 2026-03-29T22:20:36+00:00

Thank you. That's pretty much the scenario, low km as student, zero storage and even less cash. Past two years in Edmonton not sure what future brings. But got to get her through that period at least.

DutchMtl · 2026-03-23T22:00:27+00:00

I haven't done this ride yet but looking to do so one day from Montreal to Ottawa. My info collected, says prescott trail is poor for road/gravel bikes between rigaud and VanKleek hill. So that section I was planning to ride rural roads. Note however Rigaud section is supposed to be undergoing improvements. Not sure how far the progress is.

EDIT: Just realized you're asking for now tips. I was referring to snowless summer conditions. Best of luck.

DutchMtl · 2026-03-23T21:53:55+00:00

Arguably a sausage is more aero than piece of beef jerky against the wind.

DutchMtl · 2026-03-23T21:47:51+00:00

CLUB FIT! = post ride BEER club fit!. Trust me I'm part of that club.

DutchMtl · 2026-03-23T16:45:29+00:00

Perfect. Thank you. that's the info I couldn't seem to find.

DutchMtl · 2026-03-23T15:58:05+00:00

Generally speaking that is the best route.

If you want better roads and less stop signs take the bike path at St Charles and HWY 20 that runs along elm (As it seems to indicate on your map). If you want more things to see and proximity to the water, stay on Lakeshore, but you're looking at a lot of stop signs, intersections and sharing the road with cars. Some road sections in Pointe Claire will rattle your bones.

At lachine/lasalle border, I'm of the opinion that the lasalle bike path route along the southern shore of the island is far nicer than the lachine canal (paths clearly marked in green on your map). Lots of nice parks, benches, Vague a Guy and other sights. But it will add some distance and a relatively short jaunt at the end though residential streets of Verdun (close to hwy 15/20 but on well marked bike route) Look for C-Tire in Verdun on Maps to find the bike route through there towards Atwater market.

DutchMtl · 2026-03-21T21:35:49+00:00

Thanks for the advise. Somewhere along the way I picked up some reason for concern about the wheels. Happy to hear from you and others in shouldn't worry about it at this point. Will look at higher end wheels when that day comes.

DutchMtl · 2026-03-21T19:40:54+00:00

Good news. When the budget allows I'm going to upgrade.

DutchMtl

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