which bike to purchase??

General cycling advice ( NOT technical ! )
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newbootclimbco
Posts: 155
Joined: 3 Feb 2012, 8:18pm

which bike to purchase??

Post by newbootclimbco »

I'm looking for a new bike, Not an all out racer but more of a Fast hybrid, so before I spend the rest of my life looking what do you think of these .B Twin Triban 540 Tiagra Straight bars AT £499 with 27 gears. or the Specialised Sirrus Sport AT £675 18 gears. There are so many bikes out there I need some suggestions. the above mentioned are something akin to what i'm after. As usual grateful for any help. Cheers T.
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SimonCelsa
Posts: 1232
Joined: 6 Apr 2011, 10:19pm

Re: which bike to purchase??

Post by SimonCelsa »

If buying new then I'd say you'll have a job finding something better value than the Triban 540 Flat bar. I haven't got one myself but the specs and reviews are promising,

All the best Simon
nuddmann
Posts: 7
Joined: 22 May 2017, 9:56pm

Re: which bike to purchase??

Post by nuddmann »

SimonCelsa wrote:If buying new then I'd say you'll have a job finding something better value than the Triban 540 Flat bar. I haven't got one myself but the specs and reviews are promising,

All the best Simon

I've had a Triban 540 for over a year now and I absolutely love it. I bought the flat bar version as it fitted me better at the time because my back wasn't great.

I've been out with a group of mates several times and because it's essentially a road bike with flat bars it keeps up with their Gucci racers!

It's light, quick and comfortable and no I don't work for decathlon!

I would suggest putting bar ends on it if you're going to do any reasonable mileages as they do make it more comfy


I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels
nuddmann
Posts: 7
Joined: 22 May 2017, 9:56pm

Re: which bike to purchase??

Post by nuddmann »

Just re read your post. My bike has 20 gears, two front chain rings and a ten speed cassette. The one you're looking at sounds like it's got more hybrid type gears


I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels
djnotts
Posts: 3036
Joined: 26 May 2008, 12:51pm
Location: Nottingham

Re: which bike to purchase??

Post by djnotts »

Obviously depends on how fit and what terrain, but I'd always go for the triple front (i.e. 27 speed Triban). Extra weight minimal and you don't have to use the lowest gears - but nice to have them if you need them!
eileithyia
Posts: 8399
Joined: 31 Jan 2007, 6:46pm
Location: Horwich Which is Lancs :-)

Re: which bike to purchase??

Post by eileithyia »

Decathlon and Triban offer Value for money IMHO. Triple is great, I have one on my bike that lives in Mallorca (lucky bike), I find the triple is great for the long climbs..... I rarely use absolute bottom but the triple gives me a variety of choice on the 'block' as the gradients can vary ..

also coming in at the lower end of the budget means you have cash left over for other kit, and you have a decent bike while you can get used to your bike, how it handles etc., what modifications you may want to make and what you might want to include / exclude for your next bike.....

You WILL want that next bike....
I stand and rejoice everytime I see a woman ride by on a wheel the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood. HG Wells
newbootclimbco
Posts: 155
Joined: 3 Feb 2012, 8:18pm

Re: which bike to purchase??

Post by newbootclimbco »

Thanks for the comments. I shall be looking again tomorrow at the B Twin Triban 540, Tiagra flat bars. 50/34 and 11 to 28 on the gears cost£499.
All seems to have positive comments, except for the pedals and saddle, but that's nothing. If I get this bike I will post a review reply ASP. In the mean time i'm training for a return to Wimborne from Santander in September on my touring Ridgeback. cheers T.
nuddmann
Posts: 7
Joined: 22 May 2017, 9:56pm

which bike to purchase??

Post by nuddmann »

newbootclimbco wrote:Thanks for the comments. I shall be looking again tomorrow at the B Twin Triban 540, Tiagra flat bars. 50/34 and 11 to 28 on the gears cost£499.
All seems to have positive comments, except for the pedals and saddle, but that's nothing. If I get this bike I will post a review reply ASP. In the mean time i'm training for a return to Wimborne from Santander in September on my touring Ridgeback. cheers T.


I stuck a set of cheap shimano SPDs on mine

Must admit I've had no problem with the saddle, I bought a set of there top end bib shorts and they'll see you through rides of over three hours

If you can stretch to it, buy some better wheels. I got a set of Magic Aksium race wheels for £150 from decathlon when I bought the bike. They make a noticeable difference.

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels
Last edited by nuddmann on 29 May 2017, 10:48am, edited 2 times in total.
rmurphy195
Posts: 2199
Joined: 20 May 2011, 11:23am
Location: South Birmingham

Re: which bike to purchase??

Post by rmurphy195 »

nuddmann wrote:If you can stretch to it, buy some better wheels. I got a set of Magic Aksium race wheels for £150 from decathlon when I bought the bike. They make a noticeable difference.



These would be the AksiumCadabras then ....
Brompton, Condor Heritage, creaky joints and thinning white (formerly grey) hair
""You know you're getting old when it's easier to ride a bike than to get on and off it" - quote from observant jogger !
Samuel D
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Joined: 8 Mar 2015, 11:05pm
Location: Paris
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Re: which bike to purchase??

Post by Samuel D »

The “Magic” explains the “noticeable difference”, perhaps?
newbootclimbco
Posts: 155
Joined: 3 Feb 2012, 8:18pm

what bike to, buy update

Post by newbootclimbco »

Re my recent request on advice about what bike to buy, after much looking ,searching and sleepless nights I'm still non the wiser.What I want is a lightweight [10 kilo] aluminium frame, carbon forks, 24/27 speed triple, disc brakes about £750 ish. I recently tried a giant with compact 50/34 x 11/27 9 gears, it was light to ride but the I was struggling climbing some of my usually easy ish hills, so that gearing is not for me. Any ideas ,suggestions of what to get. I normally ride GT Nomad hybrid and my Ridgeback Voyager, but they are just not fast enough. i'm getting old ladies pass me, mind I am 66 myself.Help, cheers T.
softlips
Posts: 667
Joined: 12 Dec 2016, 8:51pm

Re: what bike to, buy update

Post by softlips »

I have a Planet X London Road with a SRAM Apex compact 50/34 chain set, discs etc. It's good for climbing and still quick enough on the flat for club rides.

Now I'm more experienced I'm planning on getting something else but will keep the London Road as my winter bike.
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