BTwin Triban 3
Author
Discussion

Jonnny

Original Poster:

29,897 posts

219 months

Monday 1st July 2013
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So, looking for my first bike since I was about 13 years old.. Love cycling in the gym and want to get out on the road.

Read some reviews on the Triban 3 but understand these were all reviews on the 2012 T3, with carbon forks etc.. The 2013 T3 (White version) has standard forks. Apparently no where can get hold of the older version now. Do carbon front forks make that much of a difference? Could I get the 2013 T3 and retrofit some carbon forks further down the line?

Budget isn't very much at the moment since I've just bought a new car, but this lovely weather makes me want to get out on two wheels, rather than four..

Sandy3535

2 posts

186 months

Wednesday 10th July 2013
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Hi Jonny,

Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.

Jonnny

Original Poster:

29,897 posts

219 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
quotequote all
Sandy3535 said:
Hi Jonny,

Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.
Hi Sandy,

Sorry - Forgot all about your email. Will check today and let you know.

Sonofabeesting

599 posts

213 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
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Hi I have just brought one (a red Triban3) from the Reading store (last Friday). I have no experience of road bikes but it seems great for the money. I found that the stock checker shows none instore but if you call they might have limited stock!

crisisjez

9,209 posts

235 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
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Selling mine, bought in dec for the winter. Not used that much. Nice bike to ride but I fancy a Fixie for next winter.

Greendubber

15,301 posts

233 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
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I saw a few red ones in the Coventry store yesterday if thats any good for you?, about 1 minute away from jct 2 on the M6.

Jonnny

Original Poster:

29,897 posts

219 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies, chaps.

Actually gone for the Carrera Virtuoso.. Love the look of it, and my closest Decathlon is abit of a drive. Hopefully the Halfords bike mechanic isn't a tool.

Jonnny

Original Poster:

29,897 posts

219 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
quotequote all
Jonnny said:
Sandy3535 said:
Hi Jonny,

Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.
Hi Sandy,

Sorry - Forgot all about your email. Will check today and let you know.
Sandy,

They don't change for engine size as far as I can see.. There are a few options listed though.


Sandy3535

2 posts

186 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
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Hi Jonny, many thanks for info. By the way, I've got a 2010 Giant Defy full carbon road bike, it's an excellent bike and I'd really recommend that you go for a full carbon frame. I've got 3 Giant bikes and they're all excellent and great value for money. Have a look at www.paulscycles.co.uk they usually have some good bargains. Cheers.

andy753

26 posts

159 months

Saturday 13th July 2013
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You're right, the new Triban 3 is terrible - I have been trying to get hold of a 2012 Triban 3 for my wife - to no avail. The new Triban 5 is a cracker though for £429 - see http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-blac...

It has 2013 Sora which means paddle shift not thumb shift. The only down sides to this bike are the wheels, brake calipers, saddle and tyres which are B'Twin.

If I were you, I would look at Merlin Cycles - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-b...

For £600 it is fantastic value.

John87

1,121 posts

188 months

Saturday 13th July 2013
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andy753 said:
You're right, the new Triban 3 is terrible - I have been trying to get hold of a 2012 Triban 3 for my wife - to no avail. The new Triban 5 is a cracker though for £429 - see http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-blac...

It has 2013 Sora which means paddle shift not thumb shift. The only down sides to this bike are the wheels, brake calipers, saddle and tyres which are B'Twin.

If I were you, I would look at Merlin Cycles - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-b...

For £600 it is fantastic value.
The Glasgow store had some red Triban 3's a couple of days ago. Two 54cm and about 5 or 6 57cm. Apparently stores can post out anywhere in the UK for £14.99 if these sizes are ok.

I needed a 60cm though so bought the new Triban 5. I have no experience of road bikes before this but so far it seems amazing value. The saddle is comfortable for me so far after about 40 miles of riding. The wheels are probably heavier than in pricier bikes but that leaves room for a future upgrade and there has to be some compromise at this price. The tyres seems fine so far although I have only ridden in dry weather and not for long enough to get any punctures as yet. The brakes feel poor when slowing down from higher speeds but I'm hoping that changing the pads at some point soon will improve them. It might just be that I'm used to the disc brakes of my MTB and stopping from lower speeds. Overall though it seems like a very good bike with plenty room for upgrades but nothing wrong with the standard equipment.

Jonnny

Original Poster:

29,897 posts

219 months

Saturday 13th July 2013
quotequote all
I bought a Carrera Virtuoso last night, pretty good fun! Brakes feel good, only been out for a 10 mile ride this morning but got up to 35mph and felt fine. The chain seems to be scraping on the front derailleur (If thats the correct name) so need to adjust that.

Gizmoish

18,150 posts

239 months

Saturday 13th July 2013
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Jonnny said:
I bought a Carrera Virtuoso last night, pretty good fun! Brakes feel good, only been out for a 10 mile ride this morning but got up to 35mph and felt fine. The chain seems to be scraping on the front derailleur (If thats the correct name) so need to adjust that.
thumbup
Plenty of guides online to adjusting the limit screws and cable tension. Nothing unusual in that - cables stretch a bit as they bed in.

Jonnny

Original Poster:

29,897 posts

219 months

Sunday 14th July 2013
quotequote all
Gizmoish said:
Jonnny said:
I bought a Carrera Virtuoso last night, pretty good fun! Brakes feel good, only been out for a 10 mile ride this morning but got up to 35mph and felt fine. The chain seems to be scraping on the front derailleur (If thats the correct name) so need to adjust that.
thumbup
Plenty of guides online to adjusting the limit screws and cable tension. Nothing unusual in that - cables stretch a bit as they bed in.
Thanks! Will have a look for a guide and get it sorted smile

CaptainSlow

13,179 posts

242 months

Sunday 14th July 2013
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Jonnny said:
Gizmoish said:
Jonnny said:
I bought a Carrera Virtuoso last night, pretty good fun! Brakes feel good, only been out for a 10 mile ride this morning but got up to 35mph and felt fine. The chain seems to be scraping on the front derailleur (If thats the correct name) so need to adjust that.
thumbup
Plenty of guides online to adjusting the limit screws and cable tension. Nothing unusual in that - cables stretch a bit as they bed in.
Thanks! Will have a look for a guide and get it sorted smile
Which gears does it scrape in? Are you cross chaining?

Jonnny

Original Poster:

29,897 posts

219 months

Sunday 14th July 2013
quotequote all
CaptainSlow said:
Which gears does it scrape in? Are you cross chaining?
Tbh I've no idea.

The bike doesn't tell me which gear I'm in, just two arrows.. Could be cross chaining, guess thats when I'm in the furthest apart cogs?

CaptainSlow

13,179 posts

242 months

Sunday 14th July 2013
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Yes, don't do it.

eta

I have a Virtuoso (and a Virago that I use now), get shot of those tyres asap..I went for Schwalbe Luganos at £10 at pop.

Gizmoish

18,150 posts

239 months

Sunday 14th July 2013
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Rubino Pro 3. Get the colour that matches the frame / saddle / bartape etc. wink

StarmistBlue400

3,087 posts

248 months

Monday 15th July 2013
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I brought a red one from a mate. It's my first road bike and I find it really easy to ride but I don't have anything to compare it with. The gears and very quick and smooth. It's also survived two crashes amazingly well. The mate I brought it from says the components on the new model are not as good and the salesman in decathlon agreed. Even when I upgrade I will keep it for winter work.