Entry Level Bike

GTerrier

I've been looking at the Triban bikes today and they look decent. My dilemma is that I would ideally not want to spend more than £300 as I'd still consider my mountain bike to be my main interest, however, if spending up to £150 would make a massive difference I would consider it. If not though, the Triban looks good to me.

What do you think of the following?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/daw ... e-ec035285

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-def ... ac4c1f743b

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-1.1-c.html

Any advice would be much appreciated.

GTerrier

If I could also throw the next one into the mix too....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-VIKING-G ... %26ps%3D54

Mikelancs

I think your best bet as others will probably follow and say that the Triban or the Giant are your best bets.

Although the Viking I know nothing about so cannot comment.

blackhands

The Triban looks the best bet, yet alone the best value. It has the same components as the others but it has carbon forks which are not only lighter but also give a better ride. Avoid alloy forks at all costs - they tend to give a harsh ride: steel forks are better than alloy but tend to be very heavy. I'm not too sure about the wheels on the Triban although I've used a Decathlon front wheel and its OK. But, wheels on any of these bikes are always going to be a compromise.

GTerrier

Thanks for the advice, I guess that solves the dilemma quite conclusively. I'm intending to use it for a lot more than just commuting and intend to get a good amount of wear out of it. Hopefully the Triban will do the job, it certainly seems to be a favourite of many people.

karlth

The wheels retail for £20 (front) - I know because I bought one recently, so draw your own conclusions. Like most bottom range Decathlon stuff, they work; they're round, they're the size they say they are - latest all singing all dancing tech they're not.

If MTB's going to be your main thing, however, then I cannot imagine you'll find anything seriously lacking on the Triban.

simon_masterson

£150 won't make a big difference. Spend £300 and be happy; spend the extra money on some choice extras (eg. pedals and shoes), and be even happier.

GTerrier

Thanks again. One final comparison request though. If I was to spend more like £500, would it make a significant amount of difference and if so, which of the following would be a better purchase?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f95-2012/

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2011

Thanks again

simon_masterson

Don't bother. At most you'll get weight reductions that you won't appreciate. Both are bikes that you'll want to upgrade from, so get the cheaper one and kit yourself out.