First Bike - Triban vs The World

[Xipro]

It'll be worth the wait! The build quality on my Ribble was superb as well. The company has their detractors on this board, but so does just about every mail order bike shop.

There will be a lot of Londoners who can give you good advice on locks to get.

I'm fortunate in that there's reasonable bike parking facilities where I work, and that it's not easy to wander on site. And that I don't live in London...

Hi everyone, I have a dilemma.

I can't really wait the two to three weeks needed for the build of the Ribble. My local branch of Decathlon has the Triban 5 and Triban 7 in stock, does anyone know how the bikes/parts compare to the Ribble?

I'd also like to thank all of you; this forum has been very helpful thus far and I appreciate it a lot =)

 

[vickster]

The 7 looks a well specced bike for the money with tiagra gearing, normall you'd pay £800+ for a branded bike with that and the carbon fork. The wheels and tyres won't be much cop if you want performance.

The ribble has a very basic 3500 group set, lower down the pecking order

But my both tribans are seriously dull black things to look at the ribble at least has some colour. If you can live with the complete lack of aesthetic IMO, go for the 7. Plus some very solid locks

 

[AndyRM]

If they have it in stock, get the 7. It has better components. You may need to upgrade the wheels as I have read they aren't the best. Still, a good bike for the money!

IMO it's not as nice a frame, but needs must!

 

[smokeysmoo]

I honestly don't mind buying used, but I just need to know what to buy.

+1 for buying used, definitely the most bang for your buck, BUT, you are right in that you need to know what you're looking at, and a reasonable mechanical knowledge is a must as well.

As for not knowing what to buy, you do really as you'd decided on the Triban, so look for something in a similar vein.

Don't know what size you need, but there is a 54cm Triban 3 on fleabay HERE, and a 63cm Triban 5 HERE.

Chucking 'Ribble bike' in fleabay brings up 33 results including THIS 56cm model, and FWIW the Ribble 7005 'winter' bikes are a great ride and even new offer superb VFM

PS: don't get hung up about colour, you can't see it when your riding it anyway

 

[vickster]

Colour is the first thing I consider when choosing a bike

OP is in London, Edinburgh, Stockport and Scunthorpe might be considered a faff

 

[smokeysmoo]

Colour is the first thing I consider when choosing a bike

As indeed do most folk V, but the fact is it really doesn't matter when your on it, and if you buy second hand limiting colour can drastically limit your pool of choice too.

OP is in London, Edinburgh, Stockport and Scunthorpe might be considered a faff

FTFY

 

[vickster]

Call me a cautious purchaser, but I'd want to be able to look at a second hand bike before handing over the cash

I can see the colour of my bike when I am riding it, I am able to see the crossbar even with my belly

 

[cyberknight]

I actually like the black of the triban 7 , my nice bike is white and although its the spec i went for the colour is a swine to keep clean .

 

[inkd]

The triban 7 was reviewed in this months Cycling active. IMO it offers a lot of bang for the bucks but as mentioned the wheels/tyres and brake pads need upgrading. It`s defo on my list of test rides for when my cyclescheme is due.

 

[Xipro]

Hey!

I went out and got a Triban 7!

I must say, it's very quick and extremely fun to ride!

I have a few questions regarding the bike though...

I've read that some people think the tyres are a weak point, but how much of a difference would it make if I replaced them? I've only ridden about 10 miles thus far and apart from a bumpy road, I haven't noticed anything bad about them... If I were to replace them, what would you recommend and how much of a difference do tyres generally make? Also, how much of a difference do wheels make?

Secondly, my bum hurts a bit after a ride, will this subsist after a while or should I look into a different seat?

Thirdly, why do I love this thing so much already?

Also, any cleaning and maintenance tips would be appreciated! Ty all =)

 

[AndyRM]

I'd change the tyres for something more puncture proof. Continental Gatorskins are my preference. Schwalbe Marathon's are also rated in these parts, but I am not a fan.

In terms of the saddle, what kind of clothes are you wearing? A decent set of padded shorts will help, and you'll find that you, um... toughen up a bit after a while.

Cleaning is easy. A few rags, a toothbrush for the hard to reach bits, can of GT85 and some soapy water should be all you need. There's plenty videos on maintenance around the place. Main areas to watch out for are where metal touches metal - ie the drive train. Keep it well oiled and clean to prolong the life of the components.

Nice looking bike by the way. Get some better pictures!

 

[vickster]

Make sure you lock it up very well, there are tips on the web on how to lock a bike so as to make it as difficult as possible for a thieving low life

Enjoy.

 

[inkd]

Thought the T7 came with Wellgo clipless pedals, did you change them for flats? +1 on the gatorskins.

 

[Xipro]

Thought the T7 came with Wellgo clipless pedals, did you change them for flats? +1 on the gatorskins.

Yeah, I changed them to flats as I needed something simple until I get the hang of it =)

Thank for the advice, I'll pick up the new tyres soon =D

 

[Duckehhh]

There's no need to change the tyres straight away. Dont waste the money. I changed my T3 tyres when they were starting to get worn.