Hey everyone!
I’m stuck choosing between two second-hand bikes, both priced at €800, and I’d really appreciate your advice based on your experience.
I’m getting into cycling more seriously, I only rode around 500 km in Norway when I lived there, and now I live in the mountains of Switzerland, so I’m riding both mountain roads and flat terrain regularly.
I’m not chasing speed or performance. What I really want is a comfortable, reliable everyday bike that can also handle bikepacking trips through Europe, including some gravel and light dirt tracks. I plan to tour lightly loaded, just the essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, and clothes.
I currently ride a Triban RC500, which I like, but I find myself wishing for an easier climbing gear on the steep stuff.
🛠️ About the two bikes:
🔸 Kona Sutra AL 2021
• 3×9 Shimano Sora/Deore drivetrain (wider gear range, easier climbing).
• Mechanical disc brakes.
• Touring geometry — upright, stable, comfy for long rides and daily use.
• Lots of mounts for racks and fenders.
• Steel frame, weighs about 12.5 kg.
🔸 Triban GRVL 520 Subcompact
• 2×11 Shimano 105 with 48/32T crankset and 11-34T cassette.
• Hydraulic disc brakes (better braking power).
• Lighter (~10.7 kg), more modern frame.
• Sportier gravel geometry — quicker but less upright.
• Wider tire clearance (up to 47 mm).
• Fewer mounts for racks.
Thank you so much for you help!🙏🏻
by Charlynozawa
4 Comments
For longer backpacking trips I would favor the steel frame, but that’s a bit personnal, I hear very good stories about triban bikes.
Also the mech brakes may sound a bad point for the kona, but if you plan long distance backpacking they are easier for maintenance and road side fixes …
Also the max 32/34 gear ratio on the triban might not enough for me on long climb while loaded (esp. if you want to go off-road), but that’s up to your legs…
You’re essentially choosing between a bike made for touring ( the kona ) and a sportier bike, which is more relevant to your plans ?
By far the Triban: more than one hole on the fork, better groupset (more reliable and comfy, even to change gear on crowdy street) and you won’t see that much difference while climbing. I got the grvl 520 (the roady one) and i’m still using it. It’s very versatile, even on long backpacking trip (no bike Touring though).
Just take care of it, and you’ll see you can ride thousands of km. And don’t forget, some good tyres can really change the way a bike feels
Does the AL Sutra have somewhat reduced tire clearance, as you say that Triban’s is bigger?
Definetly triban 🙂