Triban 500 winter hack/commuter advice

[sanddancer]

Due to not wanting to use my defy 1 in cack weather last winter I am considering buying a triban 500.
I did consider a cyclocross but want to keep cost down to a max of about £300.

Not sure if the different shifters would be a good idea. I have a mtb but tbh lost interest now I'm back to road bikes.
Wondering whether to hang on for a triban 520 in the autumn sales or if there is another recommendation out there?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Racing roadkill]

The 520 is an exceptionally good bit of kit, if you get one of those at a sale price, you'll be laughing.

 

[sanddancer]

The 520 is an exceptionally good bit of kit, if you get one of those at a sale price, you'll be laughing.

Yeah I don't hold much hope of a price drop since the 520 is so new.
Trouble is at £450 although not expensive I would probably end up being ocd with that one too lol.
At least with the £300 I'll probably think, sod it and get some winter runs in. Assuming the 500 is a decent enough ride.

Yes I know, I'm quite sad lol

 

[sanddancer]

Unfortunately my employer has stopped the ctw scheme otherwise I would definitely get a 520 with mud guards and 28 tyres

 

[Racing roadkill]

Unfortunately my employer has stopped the ctw scheme otherwise I would definitely get a 520 with mud guards and 28 tyres

That's a shame, if you could find a 500 SE (it's the 500 with a couple of upgrades) it's well worth another couple of quid.

 

[sanddancer]

That's a shame, if you could find a 500 SE (it's the 500 with a couple of upgrades) it's well worth another couple of quid.

Haha sorry we're getting crossed wires here.
I should of said in original post it is the 500se. The 500 was reduced to £320 and was better spec than the SE with sora gears/brakes rather than microshift but out of stock now replaced with 520. But tbh I've read nothing much than praise for the microshift se's.
The 520 can take wider tyres and proper mud guards which appeals but I think "sod it" for the money I will take a run to decathlon on Monday and try one then get some clip on guards

 

[Racing roadkill]

Haha sorry we're getting crossed wires here.
I should of said in original post it is the 500se. The 500 was reduced to £320 and was better spec than the SE with sora gears/brakes rather than microshift but out of stock now replaced with 520. But tbh I've read nothing much than praise for the microshift se's.
The 520 can take wider tyres and proper mud guards which appeals but I think "sod it" for the money I will take a run to decathlon on Monday and try one then get some clip on guards

The micro shift is every bit as good as the Sora, unless you like big hills. The SE won road.cc's budget bike category for a good reason

 

[sanddancer]

The micro shift is every bit as good as the Sora, unless you like big hills. The SE won road.cc's budget bike category for a good reason

Ooops better stop looking.
Found this now


http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-performance-pr7-road-bike-2016-85148.html

Still going to decathlon for a look though

 

[sanddancer]

Settled on this in the end. See if I can get a 30 miler in tomorrow.
Seat looks comfy

 

[sanddancer]

Lol that was a bike a lad in work gave me for the grandson.
Gave it a clean, touched up all the paint chips, some back brake blocks I had as they were missing, set the brakes, pumped up the tyres, fitted the stabilizers, jobs a good Un,

Anyway I digress.
Went to decathlon today after a failed attempt to pay for a 57cm one online last night.
The lad was very helpful at decathlon and said a 54 suited me better.
Told him I had a medium defy and he said that was in between the 54 and 57 triban sizes.
I felt fine on both so I followed his advice and went for the 54

 

[Crandoggler]

Good bike. Enjoyed mine.

Was going to suggest a merlin setup with Claris group set.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Lol that was a bike a lad in work gave me for the grandson.
Gave it a clean, touched up all the paint chips, some back brake blocks I had as they were missing, set the brakes, pumped up the tyres, fitted the stabilizers, jobs a good Un,

Anyway I digress.
Went to decathlon today after a failed attempt to pay for a 57cm one online last night.
The lad was very helpful at decathlon and said a 54 suited me better.
Told him I had a medium defy and he said that was in between the 54 and 57 triban sizes.
I felt fine on both so I followed his advice and went for the 54

View attachment 101230

He got it spot on

 

[sanddancer]

Good bike. Enjoyed mine.

Was going to suggest a merlin setup with Claris group set.

Thanks, I did see the merlin, see post 8
But decathlon have a shop 25 miles away so easier for returns and triban reviews are good.
Besides it came with a bell a front light and two rear lights hahaha.
Bought the bottle and cage and just need to sort some mud guards now.

Tis

smaller than my giant.

 

[sanddancer]

He got it spot on

Gerry I think his name was,

Eastern European lad at the Warrington store. He was the same height as me and said he had a 54.

nice helpful Chap.
II'm impressed with the bike for the money
No excuse not to go out in the winter now

 

[Racing roadkill]

Gerry I think his name was,

Eastern European lad at the Warrington store. He was the same height as me and said he had a 54.

nice helpful Chap.
II'm impressed with the bike for the money
No excuse not to go out in the winter now

Enjoy