Before I bite the bullet...

danjanoob
danjanoob Posts: 7
edited January 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi everyone I am this >-< close to going to pick up a Triban 3 as my first road bike.

Only thing stopping me is the possibility of buying something pricier on finance instead. The obvious benefits would be spread cost and perhaps a better bike.

Saying that, it would be nice to just pay for it and own it in one go. It's obviously a very good bike for the price, and probably ideal for a beginner such as myself.

I can't decide what to do. Been thinking about this for a couple of weeks and still can't decide. Now I have the money it's time to take action.

What would you do?

Buy now or finance?

Comments

  • Gabbo
    Gabbo Posts: 864
    Interest free finance 100%

    - No huge dent to your finances
    - Alcohol/cigarette money to subsidise monthly payments
    - Greater enjoyment factor
    - Greater bike
    - No need to upgrade frame/components in near future
    - Reputable brand

    Depends what your short/long term budget is, though!
  • nawty
    nawty Posts: 225
    A good life rule is that if you don't have to do finance, don't (which, except for a mortgage you never REALLY do).

    The Triban 3 is a great bike. Buy it, ride it, and see if you love cycling. When/if you reach the limits of the bike save for something better...
    Cannondale CAAD 10 Ultegra
    Kinesis Racelight Tiagra
  • Gabbo
    Gabbo Posts: 864
    Gives you the opportunity to pay over a period of time without any added on interest - http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/bikes- ... kes-c18#b9
  • nawty wrote:
    A good life rule is that if you don't have to do finance, don't (which, except for a mortgage you never REALLY do).

    The Triban 3 is a great bike. Buy it, ride it, and see if you love cycling. When/if you reach the limits of the bike save for something better...

    This is pretty much what I'm leaning towards. The more I look at others, the more of a bargain the T3 looks. I don't think i can justify the finance and extra outlay for a lower or similar specced bike.

    Going to go down to Decathlon and see how i feel with it in front of me. It will sink or swim.

    Thanks though to all of you, food for thought while i'm there.
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    nawty wrote:
    A good life rule is that if you don't have to do finance, don't (which, except for a mortgage you never REALLY do).

    The Triban 3 is a great bike. Buy it, ride it, and see if you love cycling. When/if you reach the limits of the bike save for something better...

    Plus 1. The only thing that is ever worth owing money over is a house. Not a car, not a kitchen and certainly not a bike.

    If you can't afford a more expensive bike now, don't buy one. You've not had a road bike before so you won't know the difference anyway. The Triban is a very highly rated bike on here so no need to worry about that. In the meantime, there is a lot more expense to cycling than the bike. Use the money that would have gone on the credit payments to build up the other kit you need. Shoes, bib shorts, jackets, lights, tools (esp tools - you can save a fortune in time if you teach yourself how to maintain your own bike) etc etc - there is a lot of stuff which will make much more of a difference to how much you enjoy cycling than a more expensive bike.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • Well I bit the bullet. I left it to chance; If it would fit in my car then I would have it. (I drive a toyota mr2, which is a small 2 seater). Fortunately, it's a t-bar so my roof panels come off, so i was able to fit the bike in with the front wheel taken off and the bars at an off angle. I got some funny looks going down the A13 :D

    This was after having a little convo with the assistant there, and him letting me try the 54cm and 57cm versions to see what I preferred. I actually surprised myself and walked out with the 57cm. I'm only 5'8" but the 54cm somehow felt a lot more squashed and small. It felt like a childs bike. The 57cm allowed me to relax and felt more stable when standing and putting the power down. I bought a few extra bits too to get started; bottle and holder, pump, two tubes, jersey and rain jacket. I also bought a B-twin computer which i'm having trouble setting up and have no idea how to mount to the bike. If anyone knows how to change it from kmh to mph let me know :) It's this one:

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/dc-4s-wired- ... 30032.html

    And they gave me the front and rear lights which was a nice touch.

    Cheers Decathlon and Btwin, looking forward to many miles 8)

    Oh, also, how would I check the wheel hubs are lubed ok?

    Here is a little pic, the lights look a bit clumsy but will do for now.

    8415370456_1a0997dd58_b.jpg
    my new daily! by danjama, on Flickr

    I did have other questions but they've vanished from my head now!
  • LankyDJ
    LankyDJ Posts: 44
    Good for you. My brother in law has a triban 3 and loves it. A great bike for the price! Enjoy.
  • LankyDJ wrote:
    Good for you. My brother in law has a triban 3 and loves it. A great bike for the price! Enjoy.

    Thanks! I can't wait to get out on it. Will go for a cheeky ride after work tomorrow :D
  • prhymeate
    prhymeate Posts: 795
    I think you'll be glad you saved the money once you realise how much you end up spending on all the extra gear that you never thought you'd need. I know I was when I bought my Triban 3! Plus it's a great bike for the price.
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    Park Tools is a great resource for how-tos on bike maintenance and repair.
    - - - - - - - - - -
    On Strava.{/url}