B'Twin Triban 3(a) or 5(a) or Fit 5

Chrisoldinho
Chrisoldinho Posts: 2
edited August 2013 in Road beginners
Hello all,

A new member here looking for some advice on a few bikes...

I am looking to purchase my first road bike after many months on a cheap mountain bike which is now feeling the pain of too many road miles, I am not doing anything crazy (yet) mileage wise, but would like to future proof to a degree in case I increase the mileage.

I have read a variety of posts and in my budget £3-400 range many I see 3 stand outs:-

B'Twin Triban 3a (white), albeit not the red version with the carbon forks I have read quite favourable reviews on decathlon.co.uk

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-roa ... Advantages

B'Twin Triban 5a (black), this is obvious choice but sourcing one is proving difficult and it is at the very very top end of my budget leaving me nothing spare for accessories, clothing etc that I would also like to purchase

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

B'Twin Fit 5, this has flat bars but apart from this I am lead to believe it is essentially a road bike, the price sits in between the other 2 and it has a carbon fork, are there any other benefits / negatives of owning a road bike flat bars, or this bike specifically?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/fit-5-road-b ... ctFeatures

Thanks for any input.

Comments

  • Neil_aky
    Neil_aky Posts: 211
    I have the red Triban 5 and love it. The step up to the Triban 5a is significant enough to make it worthwhile; however, the most important thing is riding the bike and the steel fork on the Triban 3a will be fine and the other stuff you want to buy will only grow.

    I would say that if you have the money, the Triban 5a is the best value but all of the BTwin bikes are good value and you won't regret buying any of them.

    The Fit 5 again, is a really good bike, and it really is a personal choice - in value terms though it is an excellent choice.

    I would say go to the store, try them, buy whichever you like and fits your budget, they are all good bikes so you can't go wrong; whichever you buy, just get out enjoy riding it!
  • arranj
    arranj Posts: 66
    I have a 5a and I can tell you it is definitely worth the money - providing you don't get some monkey setting it up for you, as I did.

    From what I have read on the triban owners forum you want to ensure that they check the wheels are greased thoroughly as it would seem the factory skimp on grease in assembly.
    I've also had problems with a tyre fault and gear indexing, but decathlon promptly sorted that out with a free service and £20 gift voucher.

    Other than setup it's a beautiful bike and well worth the money! I've only managed about 50m on mine so far but I am in love with it - had the choice of getting a red 3 with carbon forks, but the upgraded Sora 2013 groupset made me pick the 5a!

    You will enjoy it, so get it if you can source one! I had to drive a 160m round trip to get mine from Southampton!!
  • arranj
    arranj Posts: 66
    Not to forget lifetime frame warranty and 2 year part warranty (not wear and tear) but if something goes very wrong they will cover it all.
  • snowjho
    snowjho Posts: 108
    Chrisoldinho wrote:
    Hello all,

    A new member here looking for some advice on a few bikes...

    I am looking to purchase my first road bike after many months on a cheap mountain bike which is now feeling the pain of too many road miles, I am not doing anything crazy (yet) mileage wise, but would like to future proof to a degree in case I increase the mileage.

    I have read a variety of posts and in my budget £3-400 range many I see 3 stand outs:-

    B'Twin Triban 3a (white), albeit not the red version with the carbon forks I have read quite favourable reviews on decathlon.co.uk

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-roa ... Advantages

    B'Twin Triban 5a (black), this is obvious choice but sourcing one is proving difficult and it is at the very very top end of my budget leaving me nothing spare for accessories, clothing etc that I would also like to purchase

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

    B'Twin Fit 5, this has flat bars but apart from this I am lead to believe it is essentially a road bike, the price sits in between the other 2 and it has a carbon fork, are there any other benefits / negatives of owning a road bike flat bars, or this bike specifically?

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/fit-5-road-b ... ctFeatures

    Thanks for any input.

    I think the 5a is the right choice if you can afford it. Best VFM. If your budget is tight keep saving.
  • paultennant
    paultennant Posts: 1
    Out of intrest, why not the red Triban3 ?
    Some stores are getting them.
    The one next to the M6 at Walsall had 11 of the 54cm red ones last week according to the website.
  • too slow to go
    too slow to go Posts: 89
    If you can find a red T3 then go for that but the stock levels are going down fast, call the store and ask if they have any in stock.

    What happens after 3 hrs riding on the T5? "A very comfortable ride for outings for up to 3 hours."
  • davidtalbot
    davidtalbot Posts: 46
    Have got a Forme 5 (last years Fit 5) and its a cracking good ride, essentially it is Triban 5 with flat bars according to the bike guys in Decathlon. But I have just bought drop handlebars and shifters to put on it as it just goes to well to be sitting up MTB style. So I'd say go with the T5

Categories