New bike help: BTwin Triban 3 or second hand bike

bertiewearing

Hi all,

I'm in need of a new road bike for a charity ride to Switzerland in the summer. This will be my first road bike, but I want to be able to keep the thing for the next few years commuting to Uni in London, and possibly progressing onto more serious biking with it.

I've done a lot of research, spending the last 3 days pretty much solidly chugging through reviews and forums; alas, with my uni exams just a mere 3 weeks away I now don't have time to read any more reviews.

I doubt I'll buy another one for a long time, so I need to look at a fairly long relationship with the bike.

Anyway, most importantly, I only have a budget of ~£400. I don't mind it being second hand, but I don't think I would like a bike older than 2012 (2011 at oldest).

My research so far has concluded in the B'Twin Triban 3 taking the pedestal for a brand new bike, as it has so many reviews exalting its bang for buck ratio.

But seeing as I want to keep it for a while, and will probably start taking biking more seriously, should I just try and go for a second hand bike which is originally more expensive than the Triban 3?

The problem I'm facing is that the Triban 3 isn't too dissimilar to so many bikes in the £500-600 bracket regarding components.
- Would the 'newness' of the Triban 3 outweigh the meager component bonuses on a second hand bike?
- And if I could get a £500-600 bike for ~£300-400, what models would be suggested to best the Triban 3?

Sorry for the essay, and any help would be appreciated.

http://imgur.com/r/funny/0nvq3Cz

zn533

Unless you really know what you're looking for (or know someone else who can physically be there to check over a second hand bike for you), I would recommend the BTwin. I have one as my commuter and it is cracking value.

Good luck and happy riding!

wellbeloved747

I got a second hand allez for £400 carbon bars,stem,forks,seat post. full tiara, turbo trainer and 2 extra sets of wheels!!

bertiewearing

Cheers for the suggestions chaps. Thanks for that wellbeloved, at least I know I can get some good deals if I'm lucky. I'll have a gander at Gumtree. I know I shouldn't but i'm too excited about buying a new bike! Physics can wait!

hipshot

Recommending particular bikes is difficult, it's just far too subjective.

Most on here would agree that getting a bike that fits you is far more important than the manufacturer, material or component level. At your budget however the Triban is a pretty safe bet and you are less likely to suffer a mechanical than on a used bike, unless you fork out for a full service.

Don't forget you can upgrade the components on any bike if you plan to keep it long term.

That's some ride you have planned, good luck.

fsman

I just got the "previous Triban 3" red with Carbon forks. You can't beat it for VFM. I use it for my daily commute (have a ribble grand fondo for weekend fun).

I saw a review from a decathlon staff member, they rate the old 3 and actually said that the new 3a is a downgrade.
So if they have the red T3 with Carbon forks in your size - get it as it is selling out fast.

Peter91

I was in the exact same position recently. In the end I decided I wasn't confident enough at assessing a bike's condition to buy second hand, and that the Triban was such good value anyway, I might as well buy new. Having said that I decided to get the new Triban 5A for 400 (I think it's gone up 30 quid), as I thought it was worth the extra. Something I was surprised about was the cost of all the accessories; added up to a LOT very quickly...worth bearing in mind

Oh and I love my Triban; had it for 5 days, done 5 rides and enjoyed every one (even the slightly hungover one!).
To be fair I should qualify that with the fact I've ridden no other road bike with which to compare it.

fatdaz

wellbeloved747 wrote:

I got a second hand allez for £400 carbon bars,stem,forks,seat post. full tiara, turbo trainer and 2 extra sets of wheels!!

And do you wear the tiara over your helmet or instead?

Htron

A second hand bike may bring extra costs. I needed to replace tyres, chain, cassette and chain rings on my eBay special. A brand new Triban 3 will save you this expense and time. Something to consider.

robertsims

Love my Triban 3 - can't recommend it enough for the money.

supermurph09

bertiewearing wrote:

I doubt I'll buy another one for a long time, so I need to look at a fairly long relationship with the bike.

Not a chance! You'll get the bug! A new bike is inevitable. We are powerless!!

bertiewearing

Haha, probably. I decided on a Triban 5 on Gumtree for £265 which was handy! I'll take it into my local Decathlon store to get it checked out, and now I've an extra bit of mullar I'll hopefully be able to fix a better seat/wheels! Cheers for everyone's help!

whitestar1

bertiewearing wrote:

Haha, probably. I decided on a Triban 5 on Gumtree for £265 which was handy! I'll take it into my local Decathlon store to get it checked out, and now I've an extra bit of mullar I'll hopefully be able to fix a better seat/wheels! Cheers for everyone's help!

Nice buy! You have made a £235 saving on a bike that will match a Specialise or Giant at £800! Great savings!