fatCyclist
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Grays, Thurrock
Hi everyone,
I thought I'd combine my welcome post with this one as it might prove useful to other newbies. Quick intro about me: I'm a mid-thirties 18stone unfit writer. I last rode a bike in anger when I was at college. When my mountain bike got stolen, I learned to drive and didn't look back.
I'm now working from home and not running my car, and in order to reduce my massive gut and to get out of the house to stop myself from getting cabin fever, I thought cycling would be the ideal sport. Especially as I find walking/running incredibly dull. So, I trawled these forums for the last week and came away with an overbearing suggestion of buying a Triban 3.
Of course, the problem came when I actually tried to buy one. There are none, at least not in my size and in my store. However, the friendly people at Decathlon sorted me out. I went down there today and learned that the Triban 3 is discontinued. The 3a is a downgrade, but also cheaper. I didn't want an inferior bike, but the new 5a is perfect.
Sure, it's £99 dearer than the old Triban 3, but it's IMHO a better-looking bike, and has a great spec for the money. The chap at Decathlon let me ride a 5a (54 size) and also a 7 (57 size). It turns out that a 57 suits me better and he ordered me a 5a in a 57 which should be in next week.
I looked at a smaller 3 and the new 3a and have to say I prefer the 5a look. It's dark graphite with a matte finish and to my newbie experience just feels/looks more 'pro' with regards an entry level bike.
So, from next week I'll be joining the ranks of cyclists and hoping to shed some flab. I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for all the posts with other threads that have helped me make my choice, and I hope my brief experience of Decathlon and the new range will maybe help someone with their decision.
Lastly, are there good cycle groups for newbies in Essex? (Thurrock area). Is there a central database for this kind of thing, and/or routes/rides?
Thanks
I thought I'd combine my welcome post with this one as it might prove useful to other newbies. Quick intro about me: I'm a mid-thirties 18stone unfit writer. I last rode a bike in anger when I was at college. When my mountain bike got stolen, I learned to drive and didn't look back.
I'm now working from home and not running my car, and in order to reduce my massive gut and to get out of the house to stop myself from getting cabin fever, I thought cycling would be the ideal sport. Especially as I find walking/running incredibly dull. So, I trawled these forums for the last week and came away with an overbearing suggestion of buying a Triban 3.
Of course, the problem came when I actually tried to buy one. There are none, at least not in my size and in my store. However, the friendly people at Decathlon sorted me out. I went down there today and learned that the Triban 3 is discontinued. The 3a is a downgrade, but also cheaper. I didn't want an inferior bike, but the new 5a is perfect.
Sure, it's £99 dearer than the old Triban 3, but it's IMHO a better-looking bike, and has a great spec for the money. The chap at Decathlon let me ride a 5a (54 size) and also a 7 (57 size). It turns out that a 57 suits me better and he ordered me a 5a in a 57 which should be in next week.
I looked at a smaller 3 and the new 3a and have to say I prefer the 5a look. It's dark graphite with a matte finish and to my newbie experience just feels/looks more 'pro' with regards an entry level bike.
So, from next week I'll be joining the ranks of cyclists and hoping to shed some flab. I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for all the posts with other threads that have helped me make my choice, and I hope my brief experience of Decathlon and the new range will maybe help someone with their decision.
Lastly, are there good cycle groups for newbies in Essex? (Thurrock area). Is there a central database for this kind of thing, and/or routes/rides?
Thanks
. I'm glad you've found useful advice on the forum.
