Triban 3 or 5a? Opinions needed.

Oliver T

Hey everyone,

So I've come up with a bit of a niggle in the route to buying a new road bike.

Basically, I've managed to narrow myself down to two bikes - the Triban 3 (The classic red one), and the Triban 5a (The black one).

My budget is preferably at the lower end, but I can stretch to get the 5a at £430.

So, what's your opinion?

Thanks everyone.

VTech

Get the 3.
Badass bike and worth twice the price.

c-mac

The 3 was my first road bike. Very happy with it. Previously rode a 15 year old Giant mountain bike so anything would have been an improvement! Not familiar with the 5a so not sure what the jump up in components is.

Oliver T

The 5 is http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-roa ... 39801.html

It looks nice but I'm not really sure how it warrants such an increase in price.

Blandiblub

Ah, almost the very same question I had! Cheers!

Yes, been looking at a first road bike (currently have a Sirrus) but not sure whether to really go for it (Canyon Roadlite) relatively speaking or start with a more budget model. I know the 3 is really rated but can't help thinking the 5 is a better starting point. Was previously looking at the 7 (Tiagra, double compact, more carbon!). The new 5 has 2013 Sora doesn't it, as opposed to the microshifts on the 3?

I thought the 3 was cutting costs by going back to a metal fork - site still says it's carbon. Hmm.

The only other Q I had - not wishing to hijack - was about the double/triple selection. No idea what's on the 3 but the 5 is a triple and the 7 a double compact. Not sure what's better - I do have a big(ish) hill near home (SE London) but then it's pretty flat. I do currently need the granny gear on the Sirrus but maybe a higher gear will motivate me to get fitter quicker?!!

Oliver T

I'm not sure about the gear question, but I know that you're thinking of the 3a when you say no Carbon fork. That's the cheaper white model, not to be confused with the 2012 t5 which is also white

Blandiblub

Popped into Decathlon in Lakeside yesterday - tried the 3 in a size 54 (indicated by their sizing on their website). Seemed about right for me (5'7", short legs!). Guy in there was very helpful - gave me loads of info about new models, what's being replaced, comparisons with groupsets, etc.

I'm still none the wiser in terms of triple v double but the 3 and 5 have triples and the 7 a double (Tiagra) so I guess it'll come down to what I want to spend. At £429, the 5 seems a great bike (new one with the full 2013 Sora) but I'm not sure I can justify an extra £170 for Tiagra. The shop guy said he thinks it IS worth it (he would wouldn't he!), but I can't help think that if you add on some Mavic wheels, you're approaching Canyon Roadlite pricing and that has 105.

I might be over thinking this though (probably am) - should just get a 5 and get on with it.

stephenmx50

I am also looking to getting my first full road bike, i think i will go for the triban 3, cant justify the extra money for IMO not much gain. (although the 5 certainly looks better - not keen on the triban 3 red, but its only a colour!)

Is it just me or does the decathlon website not function correctly today? I have been keeping an eye on the stock of the Triban 3 at my local store (Lakeside) as they have been out of stock for a while (well in a 57 anyway..) it seems now you cant view the stock at a particular store??? or am i missing something and just stupid...?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red ... 74036.html

AllanES

Blandiblub wrote:

Popped into Decathlon in Lakeside yesterday - tried the 3 in a size 54 (indicated by their sizing on their website). Seemed about right for me (5'7", short legs!). Guy in there was very helpful - gave me loads of info about new models, what's being replaced, comparisons with groupsets, etc.

I'm still none the wiser in terms of triple v double but the 3 and 5 have triples and the 7 a double (Tiagra) so I guess it'll come down to what I want to spend. At £429, the 5 seems a great bike (new one with the full 2013 Sora) but I'm not sure I can justify an extra £170 for Tiagra. The shop guy said he thinks it IS worth it (he would wouldn't he!), but I can't help think that if you add on some Mavic wheels, you're approaching Canyon Roadlite pricing and that has 105.

I might be over thinking this though (probably am) - should just get a 5 and get on with it.

I got a Triban 3 last summer from Lakeside. I can't fault it. I've just had it serviced by a local guy to me and it's like as good as new again.
I must say, as a road cycling beginner i've been grateful for the "granny-ring" on the triple a few times.
For the price, my impression is it's difficuly to beat as an entry, try-it-and-see-if-you-like-cycling bike. It's done the trick for me!
And now I'm looking to upgrade to something else around the popular £1000 mark and I'm finding myself, like you, over thinking it all. And doing far too much research. I just need to take the plunge and get the bike!
Having said that, i'll definitely be holding onto my 3 as a very able back-up.

AllanES

stephenmx50 wrote:

I am also looking to getting my first full road bike, i think i will go for the triban 3, cant justify the extra money for IMO not much gain. (although the 5 certainly looks better - not keen on the triban 3 red, but its only a colour!)

Is it just me or does the decathlon website not function correctly today? I have been keeping an eye on the stock of the Triban 3 at my local store (Lakeside) as they have been out of stock for a while (well in a 57 anyway..) it seems now you cant view the stock at a particular store??? or am i missing something and just stupid...?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red ... 74036.html

I got my Triban 3 last summer as my first road bike (great bike for the money IMO) - from Lakeside and yep, finding stock of the size i was after (60) was difficult. I actually phoned and then got them to reserve a 60 when one came into stock. I didn't rely on the website stock list.

stephenmx50

stephenmx50 wrote:

I am also looking to getting my first full road bike, i think i will go for the triban 3, cant justify the extra money for IMO not much gain. (although the 5 certainly looks better - not keen on the triban 3 red, but its only a colour!)

Is it just me or does the decathlon website not function correctly today? I have been keeping an eye on the stock of the Triban 3 at my local store (Lakeside) as they have been out of stock for a while (well in a 57 anyway..) it seems now you cant view the stock at a particular store??? or am i missing something and just stupid...?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red ... 74036.html

The Online stock checker now seems to be working :shock: It seems they now might have my size instock, as mentioned above will call to double check and reserve.

Blandiblub

FWIW, I was in there yesterday and it seemed though they only had 54 in stock and ready to try out, which was handy as that's my size! They MAY have had a 57 but can't say for sure.

Really helpful in there though so would presume they'd be equally helpful with a phone call to check the stock.

Mind you, my next nearest is Surrey Quays on my side of the Thames so if I do get one, I'd probably get it there so I can ride it home!