Triban RC 500 SPD Road Cycling Shoes

The Triban RC 500 SPD Road Cycling Shoes are surprisingly capable road-biased shoes. They're well suited to commuting, touring and general riding, though there are better options for training/harder riding.

• Pros: Surprisingly comfortable, easy to care for
• Cons: Not the stiffest sole; sizing

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Materials/construction

These are fully synthetic, with a 100% polyester inner sock and perforated polyurethane upper with an angular mesh panel across the toe box to assist climate control. "Bumpers" around the toes are designed to combat premature wear and accidental toe-stubbing.

The sole comprises a glass fibre mid, polyester outer and rubberised grippers. They're drilled for recessed twin-bolt cleats and offer a decent blend of pedalling efficiency and walkability/grip.

Subtle retro-reflective detailing is strategically positioned around the heel, sides and laces.

Build quality is uniformly good throughout, and is reinforced by a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects. I'm still running B'Twin shoes and other kit thousands of miles, and several years hence, with no hint of imminent retirement.

I prefer the neat convenience of Boa dials or buckle type systems, but the laces ensure easy tunability and even pressure across the foot – a bonus, given that the sizing is less precise than numbers would suggest. I default to a 44 in most brands' cycling shoes, but these, with their long, narrow design, I found uncomfortably tight.

I might have stuck with 44s had they been the RC 520s, which are leather so will mould to the feet over time, but the size 45 RC 500s that were sent in for testing were fine, given that I use a specialist insole and default to touring/trail socks, the sort with reinforced toe and heel sections.

Power transfer/efficiency

Overall performance has been favourable. On the road, power transfer doesn't match that of sportier types, but it's superior to trainer-type commuter/touring shoes. Powering up 1-in-7s on my fixed there was some discernible give, but rigidity is a pronounced improvement on trainer types. I've cruised along the flat for several hours at 18-20mph without any sense of foot fatigue or those painful "hot spots" that can make a challenging ride miserable. Ten miles of stop/start town riding seems the ticket.

I've also indulged in mixed terrain day rides, and again the soles have struck just the right balance between power transfer and practicality off the bike. However, sole flex was more apparent with the off-road pedals' smaller surface area.

While I wouldn't be reaching for emery paper, the rubberised tread needs to coarsen slightly before you can reliably walk over slippery surfaces, such as mossy tiles or wet stones.

Comfort/climate control

The 500s provide good support, especially around the heel cup and toe sections. Breathability is one of the downsides of synthetic uppers but, thus far (paired with merino/hybrid blend socks), moisture and odour management is better than I'd expect, especially at this price point.

I was a bit sceptical as to how effective the big mesh panel would be. A race slipper with multiple vents would certainly be airier, but with temperatures ranging between 19 and 25°C, they've been up to the job. My feet have never exceeded the faintly clammy stage, and thus far there have been no funky odours.

Unexpected showery rain hasn't resulted in soggy feet either, although beyond two or three-mile scoots I'd be packing overshoes if rain was forecast. (Compatibility seems fine with standard road-biased models, such as Alé's Winter Shoe Covers.) 

Durability

These are very easy to care for: a damp cloth should be all you need to dismiss everyday dirt and grime, while more stubborn stuff is easily removed with a product such as Crankalicious Epic Hide Leather and Vinyl Leather Cleaner or a conventional leather cleaner.

After 500 mixed terrain miles, wear is limited to superficial erosion of the toe and heel tread.

Value

These are certainly good value, although if you're seeking something slightly sportier you might do better to stretch the budget slightly: the B'Twin 500 road shoes are £49.99, feature a three-strap Velcro closure system and offer a choice of recessed twin-bolt SPD or three-bolt cleats, while for another £25 you could get the leather RC 520s I mentioned earlier, which promise a stiffer sole.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, there are better options for more spirited riding, but despite some quirks I've enjoyed testing the RC 500s and feel they meet the cross-purpose design brief competently. And if you don't like the Whale Grey/Navy Blue of our test pair, alternatives are Grey, Bordeaux/charcoal grey, Black/Black and Fluro Orange/ Charcoal Grey.

Verdict

Well-priced and competent choice for commuting and touring, but check the sizing