Roadie question

[Cyrax.NET]

I'm actually in the same situation.

I'm down to Decathalon later in the week and assuming the right size bike still available, I'm not sure to go for the Triban 3 or the Viking San Remo. The Triban was 299, Viking 399.
There is not enough details of the Triban 3 online to make a full comparison to the San Remo but it seems just as good.
The only main difference I can see is the Triban has Shimano 2300 whereas the San Remo has a Sora. Both have carbon forks but the Triban is about 1/2 kg lighter. The San Remo looks brilliant I must say.

Annnnnyways is it worth me shelling an extra 100 on the Viking? Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Sittingduck]

I'd take B:TWIN over Viking all day long

 

[Cyrax.NET]

SD, any reason why you stay clear of Viking?
Most online review/discussions about B Twin stuff is positive but hardly found anything about Vikings.

I'm leaning towards the B Twin, as it's lighter and cheaper. With the 100 quid left I was thinking of upgrading to clipless pedals(SPDs?). Not quite sure if it's silly to go clipless on a 300 quid bike?

This will be my first road bike[currently ride Spesh Globe Vienna hybrid] and I'm new to road bikes.

 

[Sittingduck]

SD, any reason why you stay clear of Viking?
Most online review/discussions about B Twin stuff is positive but hardly found anything about Vikings.

I'm leaning towards the B Twin, as it's lighter and cheaper. With the 100 quid left I was thinking of upgrading to clipless pedals(SPDs?). Not quite sure if it's silly to go clipless on a 300 quid bike?

Not so much dissing Viking, as much as bigging-up Decathlon! I think the bit on bold says it all really and I have inspected them up close in the store. Look like unbelievable value to me.

RE: clipless, I don't think it's silly at all. I switched to SPD pedals shortly after getting my 200 quid hybrid and it was the best thing I ever did.

 

[MisterStan]

IIRC Claud Butler was swallowed up by a large faceless international company, along with the likes of Raleigh some years ago, and subsequently quality suffered badly.
I think they've come back a fair bit now but are generally known for touring bikes rather than out and out road bikes IMO

They were bought by Falcon cycles some time ago, i have a 2011 Levante - she's my first bike for many years, so i don't have anything to compare to, but i love her dearly!

 

[roadrash]

you could pay as much or as little as you like the decision to go clipless is yours alone ,theres nothing silly about it

 

[Fubar]

I'm actually in the same situation.

I'm down to Decathalon later in the week and assuming the right size bike still available, I'm not sure to go for the Triban 3 or the Viking San Remo. The Triban was 299, Viking 399.
There is not enough details of the Triban 3 online to make a full comparison to the San Remo but it seems just as good.
The only main difference I can see is the Triban has Shimano 2300 whereas the San Remo has a Sora. Both have carbon forks but the Triban is about 1/2 kg lighter. The San Remo looks brilliant I must say.

Annnnnyways is it worth me shelling an extra 100 on the Viking? Thoughts?

Thanks

Hi, no idea about the Viking but I have the Triban 3 and loving it so far! I was looking for an entry level road bike and was willing to spend up to £500 - £299 for the BTwin gave me a bit extra to spend on pedals, clothes, etc. I changed the pedals to SPD as that is what I got used to, personal preference I think - they take more getting used to than anyone tells you but I wouldn't go back now. Both myself and Monkspeed have posted pics of our Triban 3's in the Photo Gallery. I've not been disappointed by Decathlon, and if you sign up for their free card (also acts as your warranty) they will email you a voucher to spend on more stuff! Regards, Mark

 

[Edwards80]

I'm leaning towards the B Twin, as it's lighter and cheaper. With the 100 quid left I was thinking of upgrading to clipless pedals(SPDs?). Not quite sure if it's silly to go clipless on a 300 quid bike?

I just did exactly that on the Triban 3 - I got Shimano M520's for £20 - not silly at all Liking the bike even more now

 

[Dave Martin]

Still looking but I think it will eventually be either a new Triban 3 or a second hand Carerra.

 

[Dave Martin]

TBH to Viking, your BB probably just needs nipping up, it'd very unusual IMO for it to need replacing after only 200miles.

Thanks for the advise you were right and you saved me some cash. Tightened it up myself and it took all the play out of it. I've been out and done 20 miles this evening and all is still ok so I'm well pleased.

 

[Cyrax.NET]

I actually decided to go down to Decathlon while I had afternoon off today. I ended up going for the Triban 3 just purely because there was only 1 odd size Viking left and I couldn't justify the extra 100.

Mark what are your dimensions and what frame size did you go for? I couldn't find any sizing guides for the B Twins before hand.
From most sizing guides, I should be 57/58sih and what I was going to chose. However the 57 didn't quite feel right but then again I've never had a road bike. Assistant had to keep raising the seat to the point it was well above the handlebar height! The assistant suggested I try the 60cm frame and that did feel better so with the seat properly adjusted this is the one I took home.

I'm 5 ft 9 and 31" inside leg. I worked out my ape index to be, arm span(183cm) - height(174cm) = +9cm I know, large difference!
I've not had a proper ride and will go out tomorrow but is it likely I've chosen the wrong size? No guides I've seen say I should be a 60

Guys, great to see some views on entry level bikes. Cheers

 

[Sittingduck]

60cm sounds quite big for a 5'9er... I am the same height with munchin-esque legs and my road bikes are 56, 56 and 58. Larger the frame, the more upright the position though, which isn't a bad thing when you're first getting in to it. As long as the top tube isn't too long (you will get pain in the back/shoulders from over-stretching to the handlebars). If this is the case, you can replace the stem for a shorter one (very easy to do) and / or slide the saddle as far forward as it can go. Having said all that, bike frames are not universal and vary greatly. Definitely best to go with the one that 'feels' right. Enjoy it!!

 

[Cyrax.NET]

I agree I would think any 5'9er should be around that size but then again I understand every bike manufacture and sizing guide is different.
When I stand over the top tube, just infront of the seat, I have hardly any clearence but it feels comfortable enough that I can land on my feet without damaging 'my boys' in an emergency dismount.

I'll give it a go tonight on the road and see how it feels and adjust accordingly. SD, how should your arms and back be positioned as your riding? i.e. should your back be arched, straight, etc and should arms be locked straight to reach the handlebars?

I'll get some pictures up after I've tested the bike properly and provide any feedback for those thinking of going for Triban 3.

 

[Sittingduck]

Everybody has a different idea of what is right or comfortable. I would just give it a go and see how it feels. if you are new to a bike with drop handlebars, it will very likely feel like a very bent over position (to begin with).

My day-to-day road bike doesn't have a great deal of clearance between nutsack and top tube but I can stand astride it, without crushing the crown jewels. I specifically went for a large frame because I wanted a longer headtube and more upright position, for comfort reasons. I switched the 120mm stem for a 90 mm one and the seatpost with setback, I swapped for one with none. It's arguably the most comfortable bike I have ridden, with this configuration.

Good way to tell if the stem is the correct length, is to look down at the front wheel while you are positioned with hands on the brake hoods. The top of the bars should obscure the front hub, more or less. Looking at the bike from the side, my h/bars are slightly lower than the saddle but not by that much. Road bikes setup for a more racey approach will have a much greater drop from saddle to bars!

 

[Cyrax.NET]

So I went out for a ride some point last week on the 60cm and within 20minutes or so realised I'd bought the wrong size!
The 60 was to large as I would of thought but I got carried away and didn't know what to look for when I was in Decathalon. Good way to tell if the bike is to large or the fitting incorrect, is your arms are locked reaching out for the handle bars. There should be slightl bend to absorb the shocks.

Anyways after looking at a few sizing guides again and taking your advice SD, I went back and got the 57. It instantly felt better.
I went out yesterday and cycled with a few friends and did near enough 40 miles.

For anyone considering the Triban 3, it is an excellent bike for the price. Although I'm new to road bikes, it feels tight, the frame absorbs knocks in the road well and I was suprised how comfortable the toe clips were. The breaks are not the best in the world so you'll find your self breaking alot sooner but I guess you could upgrade these.
All in all, I'd recommend it, espeically when climbing those hills. Makes a world of a difference.

I wanted to find out from anyone who already has the bike, if they have any advice on the chain rubbing against the front derailleur? I noticed it on the 60cm and put it down to poor adjustment so I asked the technician to double check the 57 and although better, I find it still rubs. I understand when you cross the chain, you'll get rubbing but I was in middle cog at the front and near enough middle at the back and still some slight rubbing. Really off putting and worried I'm damaging the bike. In fact there was very few combinations that did not cause rubbing of some sort! Is it an adjuement issue or just a fact of the cheaper 2300 groupset?