BTwin Triban 3
Discussion
So, looking for my first bike since I was about 13 years old.. Love cycling in the gym and want to get out on the road.
Read some reviews on the Triban 3 but understand these were all reviews on the 2012 T3, with carbon forks etc.. The 2013 T3 (White version) has standard forks. Apparently no where can get hold of the older version now. Do carbon front forks make that much of a difference? Could I get the 2013 T3 and retrofit some carbon forks further down the line?
Budget isn't very much at the moment since I've just bought a new car, but this lovely weather makes me want to get out on two wheels, rather than four..
Read some reviews on the Triban 3 but understand these were all reviews on the 2012 T3, with carbon forks etc.. The 2013 T3 (White version) has standard forks. Apparently no where can get hold of the older version now. Do carbon front forks make that much of a difference? Could I get the 2013 T3 and retrofit some carbon forks further down the line?
Budget isn't very much at the moment since I've just bought a new car, but this lovely weather makes me want to get out on two wheels, rather than four..
Hi Jonny,
Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.
Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.
Sandy3535 said:
Hi Jonny,
Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.
Hi Sandy,Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.
Sorry - Forgot all about your email. Will check today and let you know.
Jonnny said:
Sandy3535 said:
Hi Jonny,
Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.
Hi Sandy,Sorry to go off topic but I've seen that you offer advice re MX5's. I've got a 2006 MX5 MK3 2.0 with 16" wheels, can you please advise - are the rear springs the same for any model MK3 , i.e. 1.8, 2.0, etc? One of my rear spings has gone and there a a couple of used sets on ebay, one set from a 2006 1.8 soft top and the other from a 2008 1.8 roadster coupe but I'm not sure if any are compatible. Also, are the springs different for 16" and 17" wheeled cars. Any advice is really appreciated.
Sorry - Forgot all about your email. Will check today and let you know.
They don't change for engine size as far as I can see.. There are a few options listed though.
Hi Jonny, many thanks for info. By the way, I've got a 2010 Giant Defy full carbon road bike, it's an excellent bike and I'd really recommend that you go for a full carbon frame. I've got 3 Giant bikes and they're all excellent and great value for money. Have a look at www.paulscycles.co.uk they usually have some good bargains. Cheers.
You're right, the new Triban 3 is terrible - I have been trying to get hold of a 2012 Triban 3 for my wife - to no avail. The new Triban 5 is a cracker though for £429 - see http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-blac...
It has 2013 Sora which means paddle shift not thumb shift. The only down sides to this bike are the wheels, brake calipers, saddle and tyres which are B'Twin.
If I were you, I would look at Merlin Cycles - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-b...
For £600 it is fantastic value.
It has 2013 Sora which means paddle shift not thumb shift. The only down sides to this bike are the wheels, brake calipers, saddle and tyres which are B'Twin.
If I were you, I would look at Merlin Cycles - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-b...
For £600 it is fantastic value.
andy753 said:
You're right, the new Triban 3 is terrible - I have been trying to get hold of a 2012 Triban 3 for my wife - to no avail. The new Triban 5 is a cracker though for £429 - see http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-blac...
It has 2013 Sora which means paddle shift not thumb shift. The only down sides to this bike are the wheels, brake calipers, saddle and tyres which are B'Twin.
If I were you, I would look at Merlin Cycles - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-b...
For £600 it is fantastic value.
The Glasgow store had some red Triban 3's a couple of days ago. Two 54cm and about 5 or 6 57cm. Apparently stores can post out anywhere in the UK for £14.99 if these sizes are ok.It has 2013 Sora which means paddle shift not thumb shift. The only down sides to this bike are the wheels, brake calipers, saddle and tyres which are B'Twin.
If I were you, I would look at Merlin Cycles - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-b...
For £600 it is fantastic value.
I needed a 60cm though so bought the new Triban 5. I have no experience of road bikes before this but so far it seems amazing value. The saddle is comfortable for me so far after about 40 miles of riding. The wheels are probably heavier than in pricier bikes but that leaves room for a future upgrade and there has to be some compromise at this price. The tyres seems fine so far although I have only ridden in dry weather and not for long enough to get any punctures as yet. The brakes feel poor when slowing down from higher speeds but I'm hoping that changing the pads at some point soon will improve them. It might just be that I'm used to the disc brakes of my MTB and stopping from lower speeds. Overall though it seems like a very good bike with plenty room for upgrades but nothing wrong with the standard equipment.
Jonnny said:
I bought a Carrera Virtuoso last night, pretty good fun! Brakes feel good, only been out for a 10 mile ride this morning but got up to 35mph and felt fine. The chain seems to be scraping on the front derailleur (If thats the correct name) so need to adjust that.
Plenty of guides online to adjusting the limit screws and cable tension. Nothing unusual in that - cables stretch a bit as they bed in.
Gizmoish said:
Jonnny said:
I bought a Carrera Virtuoso last night, pretty good fun! Brakes feel good, only been out for a 10 mile ride this morning but got up to 35mph and felt fine. The chain seems to be scraping on the front derailleur (If thats the correct name) so need to adjust that.
Plenty of guides online to adjusting the limit screws and cable tension. Nothing unusual in that - cables stretch a bit as they bed in.

Jonnny said:
Gizmoish said:
Jonnny said:
I bought a Carrera Virtuoso last night, pretty good fun! Brakes feel good, only been out for a 10 mile ride this morning but got up to 35mph and felt fine. The chain seems to be scraping on the front derailleur (If thats the correct name) so need to adjust that.
Plenty of guides online to adjusting the limit screws and cable tension. Nothing unusual in that - cables stretch a bit as they bed in.

I brought a red one from a mate. It's my first road bike and I find it really easy to ride but I don't have anything to compare it with. The gears and very quick and smooth. It's also survived two crashes amazingly well. The mate I brought it from says the components on the new model are not as good and the salesman in decathlon agreed. Even when I upgrade I will keep it for winter work.
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