B'TWIN Triban 300 Road Bike

[Sycamore]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-300-road-bike-wh...
Seen this online, what does everyone think for an entry level road bike?

As this is PH, I've just ordered a Fiesta Black Edition on a lease and take delivery in a few weeks. It's on a 10k mile lease and I do around 12k a year, so it means I've given myself a reason to get off my arse and cycle to work Currently using an ancient mountain bike to commute..

[Vocal Minority]

There is a lot of love for Triban around these parts.

Seen as great value for money.

[budgie smuggler]

Yes, they're good starter road bikes. I had one and loved it till it got nicked

If you can stretch to £330, the 500 model has carbon forks and slightly better stuff, like the old 300 model used to have.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike...

[Barchettaman]

+1000

Stretch the budget a bit and go for the 500, it's a much better package.

The Mekk Pinerolo is also worth a look.

Besically there has never been a better time to buy a budget road bike. Alu frame, carbon fork, half-decent wheels and STI shifters all for +/- £330, just unbelievable value.

Best of luck whatever you decide. Remember that skinny road tyres need a LOT of pressure, about 8 bar, or else your wheels will go out of true.

[Fugazi]

I have the 500SE which is the same as the 500 except for the blue colouring and the Microshift instead of Sora gear, have done almost a thousand miles on it now and it's held up fine. In fact if mine ever dies I'd have no hesitation in buying another. The Microshift gearing on the 500SE feels more 'clicky' than what you get on the Sora shifters with the 500 but they've never needed adjusting since the initial setup and each change is solid. The wheels have been fine, although some people report that they're not the best mine are still running true, even after a lot of KOM chasing over speed humps.

[jamiebae]

Left-field and minor budget creep option...

http://www.wiggle.com/eastway-r40-apex-2013/

No carbon fork, but still a lighter bike overall than the others. Some seem to have compact chainsets, others have 53/39 so that's something to be aware of though.

[Gruffy]

I bought a 300 in May and it's now got 6,500km on it. I wanted to get the cheapest possible because it was my first bike and I wasn't sure I would stick with it, but once I got hooked I wished I'd got the 500 with carbon forks. The 300 is a great bike for the money but if you plan to put big miles on it then it's worth a bit of budget creep. I've changed most components once or twice already, but I don't think it's designed with that sort of mileage in mind.

[StarmistBlue400]

Ive had mine for a couple of years, brought it from a friend.

Last month I replaced the wheels and rear cassette. OK, they had needed replacing for a while but had lasted nearly 4 years. The BB needs replacing next but TBH it has been an amazing bike. Since May I have used it for the daily commute and it has done a great job. Replaced the pedals, chain twice and just the usual wear and tear items.

Have done 40+ miles without an issue and it has survived two crashes.

A friend has the 500, hasn't used it much but looks the business.