Entry level road bike/tourer

[fredsnapper]

My pal suggested this: http://road.cc/content/review/116333-btwin-triban-500-se-road-bike
I'd go for the bottom of the range cause he has spare groupset stuff which is ultegra/105 level. Rack points are essential.

My budget is £400 max. so I'm very tempted...

Any input or alternative suggestions will be much appreciated.

 

[RebornBumbler]

I'd be tempted to go with your pal's recommendation - particularly if he has a groupset available.
I nearly bought the Triban myself recently - it's hard to beat for the price.

Otherwise look for something that might have more value in the frame and less in the gears department, that you like the look of - perhaps:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sportif-25-compact-2014-road-bike-ec053268

(I *think* I can see mudguard eyelets on that one!)

 

[vickster]

My pal suggested this: http://road.cc/content/review/116333-btwin-triban-500-se-road-bike
I'd go for the bottom of the range cause he has spare groupset stuff which is ultegra/105 level. Rack points are essential.

My budget is £400 max. so I'm very tempted...

Any input or alternative suggestions will be much appreciated.

Easy enough to go look at the tribans at Surrey Quays/Canada Water

 

[fredsnapper]

Vickster, that's exactly what I plan to do tomorrow

 

[fredsnapper]

I'd be tempted to go with your pal's recommendation - particularly if he has a groupset available.
I nearly bought the Triban myself recently - it's hard to beat for the price.

Otherwise look for something that might have more value in the frame and less in the gears department, that you like the look of - perhaps:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sportif-25-compact-2014-road-bike-ec053268

(I *think* I can see mudguard eyelets on that one!)

That's definitely a strong contender. I prefer the look but it seems more of a dedicated road bike, the Triban more of an all rounder.

 

[fredsnapper]

So, the Fuji won't work because my friend's spare chain set is a 10 and that has a 7 (the Triban has 8).

Disappointing at the Decathlon store in Surrey Quays. They only had 57 frames. I need a 53/55. Also the service didn't exactly come with a smile. They said they're not getting more in until July.

 

[vickster]

Tribans come up small, was the 57 definithttp://www.cyclechat.net/threads/entry-level-road-bike-tourer.157900/#post-3123655ely too big?

I am not sure if you are replacing the full groupset why it makes much difference how many gears the bike has now, you only want the frame etc no?

Defy? http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant...-goods?zenid=fadbf155d57960f0aed6bcd514c8534f

Merlin but a triple (but so is the Triban looking at the pics) http://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-prima-special-57921.html

Felt? But DK about the rack mounts

Have you considered second hand (taking all the usual precautions when buying). The frame is the most important bit ultimately

@biggs682 probably has something reto

 

[RebornBumbler]

So, the Fuji won't work because my friend's spare chain set is a 10 and that has a 7 (the Triban has 8).

I understood that a groupset was available - obviously you'd need a 10-speed cassette (*perhaps* a new rear wheel to accommodate it) along with a 10-speed chain and shifters.

Is it only a crankset that's available then ?

If so, I'd forget the upgrade and just get the best complete bike you can for your budget - then look into getting the missing 105 parts (possibly second-hand) over time.

 

[Profpointy]

My pal suggested this: http://road.cc/content/review/116333-btwin-triban-500-se-road-bike
I'd go for the bottom of the range cause he has spare groupset stuff which is ultegra/105 level. Rack points are essential.

My budget is £400 max. so I'm very tempted...

Any input or alternative suggestions will be much appreciated.

That looks seriously good bike for the money.

 

[Big Nick]

Saw a guy on one speeding past another guy on a Cervelo on the Etape de Yorkshire yesterday so they can do the business in the right hands!

 

[fredsnapper]

That looks seriously good bike for the money.

That seems to be the general consensus

 

[fredsnapper]

Tribans come up small, was the 57 definithttp://www.cyclechat.net/threads/entry-level-road-bike-tourer.157900/#post-3123655ely too big?

I am not sure if you are replacing the full groupset why it makes much difference how many gears the bike has now, you only want the frame etc no?

Defy? http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant...-goods?zenid=fadbf155d57960f0aed6bcd514c8534f

Merlin but a triple (but so is the Triban looking at the pics) http://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-prima-special-57921.html

Felt? But DK about the rack mounts

Have you considered second hand (taking all the usual precautions when buying). The frame is the most important bit ultimately

@biggs682 probably has something reto

TBH I'm stretching my budget with the Triban.

Would def go second hand if something good turned up but I don't have many contacts /friends into bikes. Just the one whose already helping me out with parts.

As for size, I'm 5'5" so 57 felt like a stretch.

 

[fredsnapper]

TL;DR Lots of stretching.

 

[fredsnapper]

I understood that a groupset was available - obviously you'd need a 10-speed cassette (*perhaps* a new rear wheel to accommodate it) along with a 10-speed chain and shifters.

Is it only a crankset that's available then ?

If so, I'd forget the upgrade and just get the best complete bike you can for your budget - then look into getting the missing 105 parts (possibly second-hand) over time.

So this is where my technical knowledge gets shaky but I'm pretty sure it's a group set. Def not just crankset. It's top notch gear and mine in return for a few beers so don't reckon I'll be turning it down.

 

[vickster]

At 5'5 you're presumably wanting a 51cm in most

So the shifters, cassette, cranks at a minimum?