Triban 3a or 5a?

[Saluki]

You're probably right but it would be nice to have the option.

I always take my phone. Just in case I get lost/break something that I cannot fix there and then/hurt myself/have an accident.

I can't afford a Garmin so use the mapmyride app on my phone.

 

[themosquitoking]

I bought a 5a a couple of months ago for use as a commuter, it's a fairly nice bike but i do have a few niggles with it. My other bike is a defy one and the stock saddle on the 5a is nowhere near as comfortable as the stock saddle on the defy. The sora gears on the t5 are definitely nowhere near as crisp as 105, i swaped the tyres on the t5 immediately after the first ride and after my first wet ride on it decided it needed new brake pads as the stock ones were just grinding the rims. Will probably put the wheels from my defy on it when i buy some new ones for that. Apart from that it's a nice bike, the gear ratios make hills nice and easy and there's plenty of room for lights and it takes mudguards well and is nice and sturdy for getting around on city roads.

 

[Steve Donovan]

I got some Shimano PD-m520 when I knew I was getting a bike (I know they're for an MTB but them the ones I wanted). I've not put them on yet because I was still deciding on the shoes. funny enough that was what I'm looking at now. I was thinking about some Shimano M088 just because I like the look and I didn't want road shoes.

These are exactly the pedals and shoes that I've got. Nice to be able to walk normally when not on the bike. I've got a white T3 though.
Are the wheels the same as on the T3 ? If so, you may want to upgrade them at some point.

 

[BarnieBarnes]

I ride the new 5 and its a great bike. light, comfy, and looks good! Was looking in Harry Halls the other day and you cannot buy a bike with full Sora for anywhere near the 430 odd I paid for mine.

 

[400bhp]

I bought a 5a a couple of months ago for use as a commuter, it's a fairly nice bike but i do have a few niggles with it. My other bike is a defy one and the stock saddle on the 5a is nowhere near as comfortable as the stock saddle on the defy. The sora gears on the t5 are definitely nowhere near as crisp as 105, i swaped the tyres on the t5 immediately after the first ride and after my first wet ride on it decided it needed new brake pads as the stock ones were just grinding the rims. Will probably put the wheels from my defy on it when i buy some new ones for that. Apart from that it's a nice bike, the gear ratios make hills nice and easy and there's plenty of room for lights and it takes mudguards well and is nice and sturdy for getting around on city roads.

Lower priced groupset in not-as -good as higher priced groupset shocker.

 

[uclown2002]

Thanks for all the tips guys. You probably couldn't tell from the photo but I do have some padded full lengths, I'm just not use to the saddle. I got a nice waterproof jacket today to match the bike and that fancy helmet I had my eye on, and a few other bits.

My iphone is perfect for the time being but I would like a Garmin 310XT (I run too) as soon as possible.

Thanks for all the help and motivation.

Did you ride today?

 

[Veganpower]

Did you ride today?

I'm trying to do that prove it running challenge on Strava so I went for a 12.7k run. I wanted to go for a ride but I've decided to wait for my shoes to arrive from wiggle. I went for the Shimano M088 in the end. I think I'm going to have to get a garmin asap, just waiting for a deal on the 310xt.

 

[Veganpower]

These are exactly the pedals and shoes that I've got. Nice to be able to walk normally when not on the bike. I've got a white T3 though.
Are the wheels the same as on the T3 ? If so, you may want to upgrade them at some point.

i don't know to be honest. Looking at the Decathlon website they could well be. Being new to Road bike I don't really understand everything, what's the issue with the wheels? I've read in a couple of places that I should swap the tyres as well. I've only been out once but they seemed fine to me. What am I missing?
Thanks

 

[choplee]

welcome to the world of road cycling ....value for money and if you don't get on you haven't shelled out a fortune to sell it and lose a fortune .enjoy it and when you get better you'll know what you want to upgrade ..... get a photo posted

 

[400bhp]

i don't know to be honest. Looking at the Decathlon website they could well be. Being new to Road bike I don't really understand everything, what's the issue with the wheels? I've read in a couple of places that I should swap the tyres as well. I've only been out once but they seemed fine to me. What am I missing?
Thanks

Nothing

Just ride your bike.

 

[steveindenmark]

At this time of the year you don't have to look like Mark Cavendish to ride a bike. But you do have to be warm and dry.

Just now a set of good over boots is a better investment than a bike computer in my opinion.

Steve

 

[themosquitoking]

Lower priced groupset in not-as -good as higher priced groupset shocker.

The difference is bigger than i imagined it would be is probably closer to what i meant.

 

[Onthedrops]

You're doing ok Veganpower.

It's very common to want all manner of goodies when you get the bike. Some are fortunate enough to be able to go out and go no expense spared. I, unfortunately have a family, mortgage amongst other expenses which means my cycling wants come down on the list.

Nice to haves are good. I would advise on the essentials first. Pedals, tyres, lights, clothing etc, to me are essentials. Stick with the phone for now, it'll do the job. However, if you have the wad, get yerself a Garmin!

 

[Cuchilo]

I'm trying to do that prove it running challenge on Strava so I went for a 12.7k run. I wanted to go for a ride but I've decided to wait for my shoes to arrive from wiggle. I went for the Shimano M088 in the end. I think I'm going to have to get a garmin asap, just waiting for a deal on the 310xt.

Prove it challenge is also a cycling challenge , although I guess you would have to do 600km of both

 

[Veganpower]

Prove it challenge is also a cycling challenge , although I guess you would have to do 600km of both

Just 100km for the running. That sounds easy but that 12.7km today was hard work. I'll struggle to to 600km on the bike but I'll do as much as I can. I'm at a bit of a loss for a safe-ish route. I could go up towards oxford but that road scares me or I could go down the A4, or keep going to Henley.