BTwin Triban 3 (new 2013 model) or used?

sinetwo
sinetwo Posts: 17
edited June 2013 in Road beginners
Hi All,

I'm up/downgrading from my GT MTB as I've realised... I hardly do any MTB'ing :)

Most of my cycling is commuting and I wanna build up my endurance for the London -> Brighton next year.

I'm essentially looking for a reasonable Road Bike and I've heard the Triban3 is excellent value for money. However it's frequently out of stock and difficult to get a hold of in the right sizes. They've launched a new model now (white instead of red?) so hopefully they should be getting some in, in a few weeks.

My main question(s):
* any noticeable differences between the Triban 3 2012 and Triban 3 2013 models?
* is it worth going for the new Triban 3 if all I'm going to do is commute + do 1-2 epic trips per year?
* or should I get a used one which could be *even* better value for money at £300?

I'd greatly appreciate any responses, as I couldn't find any relevant posts on this exact question in the forums...

Comments

  • LonesomeWanderer
    LonesomeWanderer Posts: 28
    I got a Triban 3 (the red one) a couple of months ago. The main selling point at this price point is the carbon forks which the newer white one doesn't have so I 'd be inclined to look around at other makes/models if the red wasn't available. Second hand Triban 3s are quite scarce as people seems to keep them for winter bikes so if I was buying second hand I'd probably also be looking at other makes/models.

    If you can get hold of a red one it's a fantastic bike for the money though (but make sure you replace the peddles - the ones it come with are awful)....
  • kingofthetailwind
    kingofthetailwind Posts: 575
    The groupset on the new Triban 3 is also downgraded. Shimano 2300/Sora mix to "Microshift".

    Overall the new model is 1.4kg heavier I think.

    Probably still a decent bike for £300, but not the bargain it was.

    If there are no original Triban 3s left (and I'm sure there are, lots in the Belfast store last week) then save for a Triban 5.
  • woodywmb
    woodywmb Posts: 669
    What about Halfords' lower range bikes?
    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710
    Don't think you could go far wrong with this - although gearing is limited to 7 x 2 which is fine for starting out.
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1296598/
  • gubber12345
    gubber12345 Posts: 493
    i have one on ebay for sale

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290931798266? ... 1555.l2649

    but I suspect your to far away for collection.
    Lapierre Aircode 300
    Merida
  • montyburns56
    montyburns56 Posts: 70
    Woodywmb wrote:
    What about Halfords' lower range bikes?
    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710
    Don't think you could go far wrong with this - although gearing is limited to 7 x 2 which is fine for starting out.

    If you do want to buy a Carrera then the TDF would be a better bet as it is currently reduced to £300.

    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710

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