B'twin Forme 5 - how does this stack up?
bigchiefally
Posts: 10
Hi,
I was pretty set on getting a Giant Rapid (4,3 or 2 not yet decided) but I went into Decathalon and saw a very very similar looking and feeling bike in the B'twin Form 5.
I quite liked it and it was a good bit cheaper - £450. The bikes are apparently just into the UK stores, they arent even on the website yet. Got the below from the French decatholon website, the reviews it gets on there from users are reasonably good.
For a complete amateur are these specs decent? Any idea how they compare with the rapids?
ta
BENEFITS
Efficiency aluminum frame with carbon seatstays, carbon fork with scabbard.
CHARACTERISTIC
weight 10 kg in size 60
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Frame: Aluminum with carbon seatstays The sloping aluminum frame is very solid and easily. Its geometry shortest provides a comfortable position. The tube shapes to optimize performance. The Shrouds carbon filter vibration. The shapes of the bases and Shrouds increases lateral rigidity.
Fork: Carbon It combines strength, lightness and precision.
Stem: JD 362 to 10 ° (90 to 120 mm) Handlebar: MTB JD 500 to 540 mm The flat handlebars allow a more upright position, but also more reassuring.
Selle Royal Viper; Seatpost: 27.2 mm diameter aluminum The seat allows comfortable long rides.
Shifters: Shimano R660 Trigger, Front Derailleur: Shimano R453; Rear derailleur: Shimano Sora; Cassette: FCC MICHE 9v 12X26; Crankset: Shimano FC453 50/39/30; Chain: KMC Z9000 Controllers "trigger" for ease, speed and accuracy. 27 speed perfectly calibrated to help even the beginner cyclist to find their rhythm without forcing.
Pedals: Pedals automatic.
Rims: Flat; Hubs: Aero 32; Rays: round 32; Tires: Btwin All wheels + tires ensures excellent road holding. Tires in section 25 provide more comfort.
Caliper brakes: Double pivot; Brake levers: Alloy 3 Finger Black A powerful progressive braking and reassuring. Appropriate levers allow a good grip and a mix of easy braking.
I was pretty set on getting a Giant Rapid (4,3 or 2 not yet decided) but I went into Decathalon and saw a very very similar looking and feeling bike in the B'twin Form 5.
I quite liked it and it was a good bit cheaper - £450. The bikes are apparently just into the UK stores, they arent even on the website yet. Got the below from the French decatholon website, the reviews it gets on there from users are reasonably good.
For a complete amateur are these specs decent? Any idea how they compare with the rapids?
ta
BENEFITS
Efficiency aluminum frame with carbon seatstays, carbon fork with scabbard.
CHARACTERISTIC
weight 10 kg in size 60
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Frame: Aluminum with carbon seatstays The sloping aluminum frame is very solid and easily. Its geometry shortest provides a comfortable position. The tube shapes to optimize performance. The Shrouds carbon filter vibration. The shapes of the bases and Shrouds increases lateral rigidity.
Fork: Carbon It combines strength, lightness and precision.
Stem: JD 362 to 10 ° (90 to 120 mm) Handlebar: MTB JD 500 to 540 mm The flat handlebars allow a more upright position, but also more reassuring.
Selle Royal Viper; Seatpost: 27.2 mm diameter aluminum The seat allows comfortable long rides.
Shifters: Shimano R660 Trigger, Front Derailleur: Shimano R453; Rear derailleur: Shimano Sora; Cassette: FCC MICHE 9v 12X26; Crankset: Shimano FC453 50/39/30; Chain: KMC Z9000 Controllers "trigger" for ease, speed and accuracy. 27 speed perfectly calibrated to help even the beginner cyclist to find their rhythm without forcing.
Pedals: Pedals automatic.
Rims: Flat; Hubs: Aero 32; Rays: round 32; Tires: Btwin All wheels + tires ensures excellent road holding. Tires in section 25 provide more comfort.
Caliper brakes: Double pivot; Brake levers: Alloy 3 Finger Black A powerful progressive braking and reassuring. Appropriate levers allow a good grip and a mix of easy braking.
0
Comments
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The mountain bikes are well respected and a bargain. No doubt hey'll stack up well.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
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Parktools0 -
I've just been down and test ridden one, I really liked it and have just filled my online form in for the cyclescheme 8)
It also matches my Cube with the Matte Black finish, time to start getting some pimpin bits
One thing to advise, the wheel/tyre gaps in the fork/frame aren't that big and you wont be able to fit mudguards, there are eyelets however for fitting a rack on the rear. I'm also advised the largest tyre you can fit is a 28c
I had the Specialized Allez 16 & Cube SL on my shopping list but for the money the spec on the Forme5 is better/lighter and over £100 cheaper so no real contest for me
Matthew
ps. they look awesome in the flesh0 -
Ta for that,
after ruling out the 2012 Rapids 3 and 4 from my local shop (the salesmen did a great job of putting me off ever buying anything from them) I have narrowed it all down to a 2011 Rapid 2 online from triton cycles or the B'twin Forme5, the rapid 2 being about £100 more.
Leaning towards the Giant as I really liked the super brief test ride the super grumpy salesmen allowed me to do on the rapid 4, but I still like the idea of buying somewhere local like the Decathalon store and it is cheaper. Decisions decisions....0 -
If you are able to visit a Decathlon and test ride one I recommend it before making any decision. You never know you might not like it. Test rides are a must when buying any bike as you don't want to spend your hard earned ££ on something that might not suit you.
Matthew0 -
Decided in the end to not go for the Forme5, as nice as I thought it was, and went for the 2011 Giant Rapid 2, was £100 more but liked the test ride. Now a 3 or so week wait for the cyclescheme voucher to come through and bike to arrive...
Ta for the opinions.0
