Finance vs 2nd Hand vs wait for Triban 3

[voodoochilli]

Hello!

I'm new to all this so please forgive my ignorance.

I want a road bike! My budget is about £350 max, I really can't go above that in one go. I can however spread payments and possibly get something more expensive if it was over a longer period.

My first thought, after some research was to get a Triban 3, but they seem to be constantly out of stock and I can't travel to a store (for numerous reason I won't bore you with), but I could wait for that, but I don't want to and I'm worried I might lose the drive to do this cycle thing if I don't get a bike soon and just end up with a rowing machine for my cardio (boooring!).

I've tried ebay, but I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I nearly brought a bike for £350 just now but after reseacrhing it, it seems it might not have been a good decision since the company went bust as far as I can tell.

Finance - has anyone used this to buy their bikes? Evens seem to be a popular site, does anyone have experience with them and their finance options? Can anyone point me in the right direction maybe with another company that they have used? Are the Specialized Allez bikes any good?

Thanks in advance! Sorry for the long-winded message! Any advice at all would be welcome.

 

[Raging Squirrel]

Finance on a bike may not be such a great idea just incase you decide cycling isn't for you. Use ebay or find a cheapish bike in your budget somewhere. Claud Butler do a roadbike for £350

 

[voodoochilli]

Finance on a bike may not be such a great idea just incase you decide cycling isn't for you. Use ebay or find a cheapish bike in your budget somewhere. Claud Butler do a roadbike for £350

If I went down the finance route, I'd only spend say £500 at most. I'll check out Claud Butler. Thanks!

 

[vickster]

Whatever you do, make sure you buy a good U lock and insure it if you intend to leave it anywhere out of sight for more than 2 minutes

Decathlon Triban 3 is a very good bike for £300 - you can buy online too

Interest free credit card, buy the bike, set up a standing order to pay it off every month, cut up the card. I wouldn't pay huge APR on anything that will depreciate in value from day one (and could get nicked)

If interest free credit, anywhere will be as good as anywhere else. It will be provided by a regulated finance company not the bike shop itself. You will still need to pass a credit check

£500 won't actually get you a bike that is much 'better' than the Triban in reality, it's such good vfm. If you are considering the Allez get yourself to a shop and test ride it - Evans are good for this, but you'll need to leave a CC imprint as collateral

 

[biggs682]

2nd hand every time for loads of reasons

 

[Radchenister]

Where is the warranty on second hand and on a more basic level, simple new buyer confidence is lacking in buying second hand, as a beginner you're like a Grouse on open day with some sellers - I'm not belittling the honest sellers but even the fairest individual isn't going to replace your wheels or BB if they get a glitch IMO.

 

[stu9000]

Decathlon Surrey quays has just got a load of triban 3s in. I bought one today!!
I did loads of research, looked at a couple of second hand ones and scoured the web.
Finance is a mugs game in my view.
The 2nd handers were either too beaten up or the wrong size.
People seem to pay crazy money for bikes. No way could I justify blowing £500+. The Tri 3 is reasonably priced and good spec.
Service was good. I suggest giving them a call to get sized and then Gert it delivered.

 

[voodoochilli]

Do you think they would deliver from a store rather than a warehouse?

 

[Ladytrucker]

I'd go for a second hand bike to start with. No point in shelling out loads of money and end up with something you are not happy with. I'll stick with my 8 year old MTB for the summer and save up. Once I've lost some weight and am able to do the distance I want to then i will treat myself to a proper road bike, until then it's the cheap bike to start with.

 

[vickster]

I think that may be how decathlon operate inthe UK. How about giving them a call. They should know for sure

 

[tribanjules]

[QUOTE 2378018, member: 259"]Remember if you get the Triban 3, the pedals and tyres are not very good and will probably need replacing so you'll need to budget for that.
I am not dissing the Triban 3, my son has one, but some of the parts are not terribly good. You might also want to budget for a rack and some mudguards would be sensible if you will be commuting.[/quote]

go to the specific tribam 3 thread or the triban3 forum - loads of info
crud catchers fit well but v cosy clearance

 

[voodoochilli]

I'd go for a second hand bike to start with. No point in shelling out loads of money and end up with something you are not happy with. I'll stick with my 8 year old MTB for the summer and save up. Once I've lost some weight and am able to do the distance I want to then i will treat myself to a proper road bike, until then it's the cheap bike to start with.

Seems to me a second hand bike costs about the same as a Triban 3 anyway.

 

[172traindriver]

You would be better getting off to somewhere like Evans and having a chat with them, or a local bike shop and discuss your requirements.
Apply for a 0% credit card buy the bike, speard your costs equally over the 12 month period, then bin the card.
My Mrs had laser eye surgery and used this method to pay for it, as long as you keep up the regualr payments it will be a good idea.

 

[Ladytrucker]

Seems to me a second hand bike costs about the same as a Triban 3 anyway.

Yes you are probably right, I've just been looking at them in Decathlon. I have my eye on a few road bikes but they will have to wait until later in the year when I'm fit and healthy.

Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Onthedrops]

An e mail or phone call to your nearest Decathlon will be the best first move.
They will then be able to reserve a T3 for you. Dependant on your inside leg neasurement will determine the best sized frame for you.
For the money, you can't do better than a T3. Sure, 2nd hand is one way, but you won't be getting a full 2 year warranty or the backup that Decathlon provide.

Lot's of detailed information on the Triban 3 thread.

Alternatively click the link on the sig below.