Raleigh Pioneer Trail or Decathlon Riverside ACTV 500

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flumpet

New Member
Hi
I need to replace my trusted, well used and very comfortable Raleigh Pioneer Sport 200 which i have had since the last century (!!!)
(image is not my bike but the same as)
Screenshot 2025-09-19 180445.jpg


I will be leisure cycling - using roads, cycle paths and some off-road trails

I'm looking at 2 options,
  1. Raleigh Pioneer Trail - link to Pioneer Trail https://www.raleigh.co.uk/gb/en/pioneer-trail/?attrFrameShape=Low Step&attrFrameSize=46cm
    Screenshot 2025-09-19 175946.jpg
  2. Decathlon Riverside ACTV 500 - Link to Decathlon Riverside ACTV 500 https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hybrid-bike-low-frame-actv-500-yellow/_/R-p-352592?mc=8871078

    Screenshot 2025-09-19 175753.jpg
The Raleigh is a make I'm very used to and happy with, comes more complete but is heavier and has v brakes (same as my current bike). I like the colour of the Riverside, is lighter, has hydraulic disc brakes (but not sure of the benefit and if will i notice for leisure cycling), but not as many gears and nor as complete.

thoughts...?
 
Out of those two I'd opt for the BTwin. I used to commute on a BTwin Triban and you get good VFM and you'll definitely notice the weight saving IMO. The advantage of the brakes depends largely on how adventurous of road you want to be,
 

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Senior Member
Location
Hampshire, UK
Out of those two, definitely the AVTV 500 for me.

Hydraulic disc brakes, 700c wheels and a proper cassette (36/42 is only a fraction harder than 28/34 for going up steeper hills).

But it's £550, you might find some other good alternatives around that price.
 
I have a Raleigh - not one of them but I like the make
I also hired one in Cornwall a few years ago and fo a basic bike used for hiring to any Tom Dick and Harriet then it was wonderful
it just went anywhere I took it - I went down a trail and it just did everything

and in this case it has the rack and stuff


BUT - you would notice the different with the hydraulic disk brakes
then give a more definite feel and do not give up in the wet
I have 2 bikes and when I use the folder with the V brakes I have to tell myself it will actually work when I start out!

sorry - ride them and see how they feel is what it comes down to
 

wafter

I like steel bikes and I cannot lie..
Location
Oxford
Personally I don't think I could bring myself to buy another bike with non-disk brakes (vintage / interesting stuff notwithstanding) so that would write the Raleigh off for me straight away.

Equally with your budget I'd not be looking at new - it would go a lot further on something second hand...
 
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