HELP NEEDED! Trek 1.2 at £500 or Btwin Triban 3 at £330?

ssomerset1
ssomerset1 Posts: 8
edited August 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi,
I was originally going to buy the Triban 3 at £330 from my local decathlon store. However, the local bike shop round the corner has a trek 1.2 in my size on sale from £700 to £500.
Is the 1.2 much better than the Triban? I thought it compared to the Trek 1.1, so is it worth spending the extra for the Trek 1.2, or would you go for the Triban 3.
Just using for daily commuting, and the odd triathlon, my first road bike, so want to make the right choice!
Thanks!

Comments

  • Calpol
    Calpol Posts: 1,039
    Trek seems a decent deal. If its a 2013 bike you should have 9 speed Sora which dispenses of the thumb shifter. Its not a bad groupset to be honest. The Trek might be a stronger resale proposition but if you are starting off in road cycling then don't underestimate all the other costs/kit you need. If £500 was my absolute limit on budget I would be getting the triban and spending the balance on shoes, pedals, helmet, bib shorts, tools, tubes and computer. Thats a bit of an "on the fence " reply but my experience is that buying the bike is just the start.
  • KonkyWonky
    KonkyWonky Posts: 186
    I'd rather have the Trek to get away from the 2300 shifters on the Triban 3, but like Calpol says bare in mind all the other items you will need.
    2013 Canyon Ultimate AL 7.0
    2003 Specialized Allez Sport
  • Red Triban 3 if you can find one is a cracking good bike the white one is still good but not quite as good! Though not sure why you are seeing it at £330, its £299 on the decathlon website and in the Nottingham branch. As Calpol says that leaves you plenty for the other bits and bobs like shoes, shorts, waterproofs for the commute etc.
  • Thank you everyone! I think it is £330 in the Stockport store, need to check. The only thing with the trek is that it comes with three free services, maybe worth having? I am swinging towards the cheaper Triban I think.
    Are there any major differences on the spec between them? What is the difference with the Shifters? Am I mainly paying for the name, or is there a major difference?
    Thanks so much for all advice!
  • I have just found a second hand Kinesis Crosslight Pro carbon fork with carbon steerer, V-brake mount for £225.
    Your thoughts please!
  • ssomerset1 wrote:
    I have just found a second hand Kinesis Crosslight Pro carbon fork with carbon steerer, V-brake mount for £225.
    Your thoughts please!

    You mean what's it worth?
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • Yes, Is it worth considering it? This is the ad http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/road- ... to-content
    He said he would do £225.
    Thanks.
  • patrickf
    patrickf Posts: 536
    ssomerset1 wrote:
    Yes, Is it worth considering it? This is the ad http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/road- ... to-content
    He said he would do £225.
    Thanks.
    I'd swing for one of the other bikes personally. That bike above only has a single front chainring and has it really only got one brake!?

    If this is a first bike then I'd stay with something more "conventional".

    Also don't underestimate the importance of buying a bike the right size for you. Only buy a (second hand) bike if you know it will fit.
  • Thank you, out of the Trek 1.2 and the Triban 3 what would you go for?
    Many thanks.
  • patrickf
    patrickf Posts: 536
    ssomerset1 wrote:
    Thank you, out of the Trek 1.2 and the Triban 3 what would you go for?
    Many thanks.
    As above, I'd personally prefer the 2013 Sora shifters as these don't have the thumb button to shift up. Instead they have the two levers as with the higher end groupsets. This means you can shift up/down from the drops.

    That said, if you're always going to be riding on the hoods then that point is pretty much moot.

    That is, of course, assuming that the Trek is a 2013 model.

    Also, depends on your actual top budget - don't forget accessories and clothes.

    Both bikes are ultimately good bikes from what I've read.

    For reference, I have a Trek 1.5 2011 model and have been very happy with it.
  • I think it is the 2012 model.
  • ssomerset1 wrote:
    I think it is the 2012 model.

    You do realise that the 2013 models came out this time last year (i.e. in 2012) and the models just coming in now are the 2014 models. So the 2013's will be the outgoing ones. I wouldn't expect to see any 2012s still around.
  • maybe its a 2013 then i just assumed last years model was 2012. I'll double check. Thanks. So are you saying its not worth the extra money and go for the btwin? What are the main differences betweem them? Originally the trek 1,2 is £700 compared with the btwin £300.
    Thank you.
    Sarah.