Review: B'twin Triban 3

Bike: 
        Make: B'TWIN 
        Model: TRIBAN 3 

Supplier: DECATHLON

Cost: £299.99 (£249 when bought) 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆    (5 stars)
Recommended

Review of my B'twin Triban 3 which was bought as a commuter hack and a light training tool.

This bike is simply brilliant; I bought it from Decathlon sport in Stockport UK for £249.99 and have rode it for several years now.

Longest day - 86 miles

Common use - Year around 10 mile commute come rain or shine

Stock except - Brooks Flyer saddle - ortleib pannier on right handside

Also Used - 50+ x 40 Mile Peak District Route - Glossop - Snakes pass - Hope - Winnats Pass - Chapel en le Frith - Glossop 

It has out performed its price day in day out, my commute is an absolute pleasure and if the fitness is there you will find yourself passing many a more expensive bike. I mainly use it for commuting so it tends to be ignored maintenance wise (not the best idea) and since I have bought it I have only replaced the standard tyres and the rear wheel (which had both performed fantastically) other than that I have kept the bike standard and not replaced a thing as of yet.

The STI shifters work very well, having the gears available to you on the hoods allows you to start in an 'easy' gear at the lights and give it a 'sprint' start whilst stepping through your gears all whilst resting on the hoods.

The Chainset and cassette which it comes with have been absolutely fine for all the peak district routes (including Winnats Pass).

The carbon fork is an additional perk and I'm sure adds to the comfort of the ride.

The handlebar and stem offer me a rigid platform even when climbing out of the saddle.

conclusion

This is a fantastic bike and a true bargain; whether you're buying a commuter or your first sportive bike you should certainly consider the Triban 3. Just remember it may be one of the cheapest bikes in the class but it allows you to really immerse yourself in Road riding before taking a plunge later on, but the need for transition won't be forced upon you for several years; at which point you've got yourself a winter hack. great investment.