Upgrades for a Triban 3?

[dimples]

I think time is coming that I might need to upgrade the brakes (or perhaps tighten the brake cables to accomodate wear). anyhow, I can see that the brakes are rather worn so to be on the safe side I'll establish early what sort of brakes might fit and work well on my triban3. can anyone suggest any?

the main thing i'm looking to upgrade are the brakes. Though I might need to do the wheels at one point. Ideally I'd like to get both from halfords as I can get the family & friends/trade discount.

brakes - don't care much, I want reliable and good stopping power. if its good enough I'd get rid of my rear brakes to make my bike look neater. in my whole life ive never replaced the brakes, so this would be a first.

tyres - low rolling resistance, decent traction, durable. (sounds like im asking for the holy grail of tyres here).

 

[Drago]

What's it got at present? Calipers or dual pivot?

 

[Jenkins]

Although the standard brakes are B'Twin own brand marked they are stamped "R530" on the inside of the arm so may be Tektro items. Have a look round for something like SRAM Apex or Rival sets or these on CRC at £43 for the pair. If you're just looking at changing the pads go for Koolstops.

Wheels - the easiest upgrade are the R500/R501s generally available at around £80.
Tyres - Continental Gatorskins or you may still be able to pick up some Michelin Lithion 2s (available in red if you have the original Triban)

 

[G3CWI]

I think time is coming that I might need to upgrade the brakes

The stock brake block were very poor on the Red T3. Suggest you replace them with green Swisstop blocks. It made a huge difference to mine.

I fitted better wheels and was pleased with the results. It's a good bike for the money.

 

[dimples]

I'm just after replacement pads, not the entire thing! They aren't fully worn down however, I do notice that with my hand on the brake its easier to push the wheels forwards then backwards. Perhaps something needs adjusting there? there is more wear towards the front of each pad then the rear.

What's it got at present? Calipers or dual pivot?

This

 

[subaqua]

What's it got at present? Calipers or dual pivot?

dual pivot are a type of caliper, as are single pivot . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_brake#The_caliper_brake_design saves me typing out oodles of words

and the brakes in the pic ^^^ are dualpivot.

 

[Fab Foodie]

There's a black thumb wheel where the cable joins the brake as can be seen in the picture. You can rotate this and this will adjust the brakes inwards to work more effectively. There should be some kind of locking mechanism to enure it doesn't rotate back .... From memory, can look later at my lads.

 

[Drago]

Thank you subaqua, the distinction was carefully and deliberately made in order potentially confuse someone who may, or may know, no much about bikes. If you're being really picky you.should also mention that in strict engineering parlance it's a pair of calipers, not just 'a caliper'.

 

[LarryDuff]

I will second the green swissstop brake blocks. Also RS501s and Rubinos made a difference.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

You want quality inserts that fit into your brake pad holders.

"there is more wear towards the front of each pad then the rear"
(That is good, but presumably, you don't brake very hard.)
The pads should be angled that way.

(You could keep fitting new inserts on the front and
rotating them to the back with new on the front to
keep the front tip top, and the back a little behind.)

Use your brake adjuster, the rubber edged wheel to
adjust the cable tension, there is no locking mechanism.
Do not adjust the cables, it will weaken them.

Do not remove the rear brake, that is illegal, for
fairly obvious reasons if your front brake falis.

rgds, sreten.

Upgrades : a bike is always upgradeable but is it worth the expense ?
When your tyres need replacing Lithion 2's would be great, they
may be a little better, but not worth buying for improvement,

 

[subaqua]

Thank you subaqua, the distinction was carefully and deliberately made in order potentially confuse someone who may, or may know, no much about bikes. If you're being really picky you.should also mention that in strict engineering parlance it's a pair of calipers, not just 'a caliper'.

not being picky but if you take offence then you need a big cup of HTFU

 

[cyberknight]

I will second the green swissstop brake blocks. Also RS501s and Rubinos made a difference.

+1 the bog standard wheels are pretty cheap and cheeful, i bought a pair new from decathlon for my virtuoso and put the old pair back on as they were lighter .
R501 can be had for less than £70 a set and are a solid set of wheels and a lot lighter than what is on the triban.
http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-r501-wheels-49086.html
Just change the brake pads , these come highly recommended and are dirt cheap .
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/clarks-55mm-caliper-brake-shoe/rp-prod55815

Tyres are apparently basic, plenty of choice out there and its down to preference.The Rubinos are a good choice so i cant add anything to that as any other suggestion would only be based on what i have ridden which is manily continental tyres and michelin pr0 race.

 

[Fab Foodie]

+1 the bog standard wheels are pretty cheap and cheeful, i bought a pair new from decathlon for my virtuoso and put the old pair back on as they were lighter .
R501 can be had for less than £70 a set and are a solid set of wheels and a lot lighter than what is on the triban.
http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-r501-wheels-49086.html
Just change the brake pads , these come highly recommended and are dirt cheap .
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/clarks-55mm-caliper-brake-shoe/rp-prod55815

Tyres are apparently basic, plenty of choice out there and its down to preference.The Rubinos are a good choice so i cant add anything to that as any other suggestion would only be based on what i have ridden which is manily continental tyres and michelin pr0 race.

Agreed.
The Shimano wheels at that proce are a bargain and would be a worthy upgrade for a Triban. Add lighter tyres than the stock rubber and you would transform the bike for little cost.