Commuter bike for a beginner - some questions before deciding.

[jay clock]

+1 for avoid suspension
+1 for Triban at under 10kg

 

[John the Monkey]

You say you'll be doing mostly road commuting, buy the correct tool for that job, I.e. Slick tyres, 32mm is more than ample, 28mm would be better (I only ride 23mm myself), and no suspension. Also make sure if can take proper mudguards and potentially a pannier rack if going any distance or carrying more than a wallet and phone

Agreed on most of that, but the OP shouldn't discount big tyres. I ride 42c tyres on my Surly Long Haul Trucker, and love them - they give the bike a nice, plush ride that thinner tyres (and I've been down to 32c on that bike) don't.

 

[RoubaixCube]

Simples - get a set of mountain bike tyres to give you both options.That's what I intend doing come pay day!

There are tyres which are great on the road but have a decent to varying amount of off road ability, Schwalbe Marathon series under their touring range has a lot of choices with even some full on MTB knobbley tyres which obviously arent exactly first choice for road use.

@natrapx

Check out Schwalbe's touring range (linked above) and pick a tyre based on the kind of terrain you will be commuting over for country roads though id rather just stick to full on road tyres but the marathons give you more than enough options to take things a little off road if you want to cut through some fields or rougher terrain.

25mm tyres will have no problem with some gravel, though you might end up losing a little bit of speed and comfort of not having a 35-38mm tyres. Speed isnt that important on a commuter though - you need something thats strong & possibly a little rugged thats reliable that will carry you to and from work in one peice.

 

[natrapx]

Simples - get a set of mountain bike tyres to give you both options.That's what I intend doing come pay day!

Ok, so correct me if i'm wrong as this is all super new to me! With the Triban, it comes with 700x25, but will support up to 700x32. The larger the size the more grip you get, but also the slower. Thicker tires are better for rougher terrain, but road tires work better in the mid 20's and get you going faster.

If i'm to swap the tires, i'm only swapping the outside rubbers, not the inner tubes or the spokes etc. which is a fairly simple job?

 

[vickster]

Just the tyres. Although if the tubes are say 20-28 and you go for a 32mm tyres you might want to change those. Not sure it's obligatory though

Triban wheels are often criticised for being heavy and badly built so that might be a future upgrade if you find you have issues

 

[biggs682]

some good pre owned bargains at the moment where people have bought bikes on a whim and hardly ridden them so dont rule out the 2nd hand market @natrapx

 

[natrapx]

Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice. I ended up getting the Triban 520 from Decathalon. Looks great, rides great and looking forward to getting started with it properly!

 

[RoubaixCube]

first and foremost, I would highly recommend you replace those Hutchinson tyres straight away for something a little more puncture resistant.

Secondly, replace the saddle with a Charge Spoon and you'll have a great companion for longer rides.