Triban 3 Road Bike £150 @ Decathlon

This is an absolute bargain for a small rider looking for a first road bike. I bought one a year ago when they had the smaller ones on sale for £199 and it's the best thing I've ever bought for that amount of cash. I commute to work daily on it (24km round trip), use it for weekend rides of up to 100km with a cycling club and it's performed brilliantly.

To clear some stuff up: the wheels are 650c, not 650b. Replacement inners are common and cheap, tyres less so (but you still have choice). I'm still running to stock wheels and tyres on mine. Have had 2 punctures over 4000km which isn't bad. Going to upgrade the wheels soon as I'm getting more serious about cycling. The smaller wheels suit me fine tbh.

I'm ~5'4" if anyone's wondering if it's suitable for them. In the 11 months I've had it, it's had one service including a new chain, cassette and cables. I bought some better brake pads soon after I bought the bike and they've been fine. I've also put new bar tape on, and a new saddle. So my upgrades have been relatively cheap and minimal. If you know how to adjust derailleurs you'll live a happy life with the groupset. It's actually a mixed 2300/Sora, and I've not had any major problems with it.

In summary: If you're a short rider looking for a road bike, buy this. I love mine to pieces. If you still need convincing, read this, which I wrote about how my bike changed my life: https://medium.com/@plasticniki/my-bike-changed-my-life-c08ac26766ff#.hgls1cppj

How would one of these be as a 'pub bike'? I've got a road bike already, but want something for riding a couple of miles at a time to shops or pub - and this is cheaper than a decent hybrid...

​Loved your story. Shame more people don't realise the physical and well b … ​Loved your story. Shame more people don't realise the physical and well being benefits of cycling.Read lessRead more

Yes exercise is essential. In fact sod the weather I'm going to have a cycle in to town now. Fortunately for everyone's eyes I won't be wearing Lycra. A fat bald middle aged man in Lycra, well you'd rather be chopping onions and rubbing them in your eyes than see me in Lycra. Hopefully one small mercy is if I cycle enough and eat properly I might not be fat anymore
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Looks decent, good for the kids

I've had a dispatch notification in the last few minutes for a size 54cm. Ordered Saturday about 12pm.

Thank you very much OP!

The drivetrain (2300) is low end in my opinion. Starting top to bottom in the shimano hierarchy I would put them in this order....
Road Bike Components:
Dura-Ace
Ultegra
105
Tiagra
Sora
Claris/2400
2300
2200
But still OK for light use.

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I have one. It is the older model (i dont know how much has changed) its a great bike, especially with the carbon forks.

Excellent deal if you can find the size that fits.

You won't get a better bike at this price, sure it's not highly spec'd but it's only £150!

I bought one of these a couple of years ago as a first road bike. It was terrific at twice the price! Lots of fun to ride and it's solid and reliable despite what one poster said. These bikes have near legendary status among anyone who has ever ridden one and got great reviews when they were £299.99 "In the value-for-money stakes alone, it is by far the most impressive machine we have ever tested."
Road CC Triban 3 review
This is a real bike at a BSO price. If they've got your size and you are looking for a starter road bike it might just be the best bargain you'll ever get.
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alright i had to remeasure lol, and my height is 5ft51/2 inner leg … alright i had to remeasure lol, and my height is 5ft51/2 inner leg 28inch....do you think 51 cm will fit me ? as per the website 51 seems ok....also no 54 in stock so i haven't got a choice tbhRead lessRead more

Yes should be fine. It will be more of a racing posture than a casual. I'm 5ft11" and my daily (loose term these days) bike is a 57cm and my race bike is a 54cm. A smaller bike will provide maximum power but at the expense of comfort. It may hurt your back and wrists more until you get used to it.

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I was about to buy this but my wife just gave me a ear full

Amazing deal.

does 3 cm really matter that much on frame size ? its not like we`re pro`s or anything .
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Could be. You could get a quote for that size of box from wales to the uk … Could be. You could get a quote for that size of box from wales to the uk online?Read lessRead more

Isn't Wales in the UK any more? Can't keep up with all these countries wanting to leave things! ;-)

I've had a dispatch notification in the last few minutes for a size 57cm. Ordered Saturday 11am.
Thank you very much OP!

Great! Glad this has helped people

No, this bike is no longer being manufactured. These will be old stock … No, this bike is no longer being manufactured. These will be old stock which has turned up (at a warehouse in Turkey apparently!). You won't find them in the Decathlon shops at all and when they are gone they are gone...unless some more turn up unexpectedly but that's looking pretty unlikley. This is a bananas price for a proper road bike but decathlon still have some very decent and well-reviewed road bike models at low prices like the Btwin 500SE (£299) which are still in stores and available in most sizes. Triban 500SE £299Read lessRead more

I have that 500SE. first road bike, after a cheap Apollo.

Ever since I've had it, I've sold my Honda CBR, and dedicated myself to it. 5 days a week to and from college. And then on Saturdays put a few miles in just because it's fun.

Honestly, those who don't have a road bike, get one! So many benefits.
(edited)

I collected the 51 size yesterday. I'm 5'7" and was a bit surprised at … I collected the 51 size yesterday. I'm 5'7" and was a bit surprised at how small the bike looked tbh. Anyway after I got it home I was able to tinker with the seat height a little. I tried adjusting the handlebar height but either wasn't doing it right or it couldn't be done - online manual seems to suggest they're set at the max height when you collect. Luckily I needed to change the angle of the handlebar so after doing this it felt a lot better.Just a little warning for anyone taller than me.Read lessRead more

The wheel size won't help with the appearance of it looking small. How does it feel riding it?
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These frame sizes come with 650 rims, no thanks!

Yeah not ideal.

But surely for £150 it's ok?

I'd change the wheels and good to go.

great value. more than adequate for a first bike or a commuter

This is a cracking deal, yes it's not the highest specs but for someone who rides mtb and wants to give road bikes a go, then it's ideal. The 650 wheels are only on the smaller frames too

how much does the 54cm size bike weigh ?

It's give or take 9-10 KG
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Had this bike a few years ago, amazing quality for the money.

plasticniki

This is an absolute bargain for a small rider looking for a first road … This is an absolute bargain for a small rider looking for a first road bike. I bought one a year ago when they had the smaller ones on sale for £199 and it's the best thing I've ever bought for that amount of cash. I commute to work daily on it (24km round trip), use it for weekend rides of up to 100km with a cycling club and it's performed brilliantly. To clear some stuff up: the wheels are 650c, not 650b. Replacement inners are common and cheap, tyres less so (but you still have choice). I'm still running to stock wheels and tyres on mine. Have had 2 punctures over 4000km which isn't bad. Going to upgrade the wheels soon as I'm getting more serious about cycling. The smaller wheels suit me fine tbh. I'm ~5'4" if anyone's wondering if it's suitable for them. In the 11 months I've had it, it's had one service including a new chain, cassette and cables. I bought some better brake pads soon after I bought the bike and they've been fine. I've also put new bar tape on, and a new saddle. So my upgrades have been relatively cheap and minimal. If you know how to adjust derailleurs you'll live a happy life with the groupset. It's actually a mixed 2300/Sora, and I've not had any major problems with it. In summary: If you're a short rider looking for a road bike, buy this. I love mine to pieces. If you still need convincing, read this, which I wrote about how my bike changed my life: https://medium.com/@plasticniki/my-bike-changed-my-life-c08ac26766ff#.hgls1cppjRead lessRead more

​Loved your story. Shame more people don't realise the physical and well being benefits of cycling.

Yeah not ideal.But surely for £150 it's ok?I'd change the wheels and good … Yeah not ideal.But surely for £150 it's ok?I'd change the wheels and good to go.Read lessRead more

If the bike is of the smaller sizes with the smaller wheels then it is not possible to fit bigger wheels, firstly they won't fit in the frame and even if they did the brakes wouldn't line up with the rims!

I'd be very surprised if anyone manages to get one in any other size than 51.

They have not been making any of these for a couple of years now so it will only be old stock they have left.

Could someone please enlighten me on the jargon. I'm 5'9" in height, … Could someone please enlighten me on the jargon. I'm 5'9" in height, inside leg 30". Which size would I go for?Read lessRead more

54cm

Might be worth getting 51cm delivered to store and try it for this … Might be worth getting 51cm delivered to store and try it for this money.54cm is probably right but there is always a bit of leeway. Maybe the jump to 51cm with 650 wheels is a bit much but worth a go I think.Read lessRead more

Also not sure how the 51 frame size looks - but maybe also adding a larger stem could possible help fit to your size?

so in all fairness is this bike the steal thats its made out to be , or … so in all fairness is this bike the steal thats its made out to be , or just another over priced bike that should only be priced at £150 ,I`ll assume that there are cyclist who know their stuff , so is it a worthwhile buy ?Read lessRead more

Sure. It's a good deal.

rev6

Sure. It's a good deal.

bought this bike at £299 3 years ago, female 169cm 54 frame - use shorter stem and couple spacers for fit - well worth the ££ for starting out on road cycling - triple chain set still useful on hilly Yorkshire terrain even now have upgrade to full carbon bike - happy days on btwin triban red - absolute bargain at this price.
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mnorridge

these bike don't last very long either, from my experience.

I am using this in my fifth year. Daily commute 12 miles. I did 6000 miles on everything stock except for two sets of brake pads . That's a testimony. I changed the cassette crank set and new chain for yet another 6000

It's a "proper" road bike, in the sense that it has proper road shifters … It's a "proper" road bike, in the sense that it has proper road shifters (ie not those rubbish butterfly shifters on the stems), a proper cassette (cheap BSOs will have a 7 speed freewheel which means your top gear is quite low). It's also not too heavy and has a decent carbon fork which absorbs more of the road buzz.Read lessRead more

thanks for all your replies its reinstated some faith in this site that these days is full of not so helpful and unfriendly people shall we say , you all know who you are ...........

The size guide won't open for me. What size of person would the 51 fit? … The size guide won't open for me. What size of person would the 51 fit? thanks.Read lessRead more

5ft-5ft4 for casual riding (seat around stock picture) upto 5ft7 if you want a more racing setup (look at first customer picture)

GAVINLEWISHUKD

5ft-5ft4 for casual riding (seat around stock picture) upto 5ft7 if you … 5ft-5ft4 for casual riding (seat around stock picture) upto 5ft7 if you want a more racing setup (look at first customer picture)Read lessRead more

no way 5ft 7 regardless of setup, wheels too small and basically you are negating any advantage of having a road bike by having hybrid size wheels

To put sizing into perspective.Mark Cavendish 5ft8- 49cm bike.Sir Bradley … To put sizing into perspective.Mark Cavendish 5ft8- 49cm bike.Sir Bradley Wiggins 6ft3- 56cm bike.While I'm not sure it would be fun riding Cavs bike for long! Read lessRead more

Could imagine that toe overlap on an average 49cm

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Is the 51cm frame ok for someone who is 5ft 6? Thanks

no way 5ft 7 regardless of setup, wheels too small and basically you are … no way 5ft 7 regardless of setup, wheels too small and basically you are negating any advantage of having a road bike by having hybrid size wheelsRead lessRead more

Can't agree I had the 51cm and I'm 5' 7" (29 " inside leg) it was a terrific ride and got me into road cycling. I was very happy with it until I wanted to upgrade. Sold it to a friend who iss till riding it. These bikes go for more than this second hand on ebay!

Took the plunge and bought this, I'm 5ft6in (on a good day) with a 29/30 … Took the plunge and bought this, I'm 5ft6in (on a good day) with a 29/30 inside leg - my commute is around 2 miles per day and I'm using a rubbish bike that was given to me after my MTB was nicked (whilst locked up) from our garage - it's getting delivered as we have no Decathlon stores over her so the question I ask is, is it difficult to assemble? I'm ok with stuff like this but not an expertRead lessRead more

It's easy to assemble, just put on pedals and handlebars. There's a video on the decathlon website that shows how to do it
Decathlon bike assembly video

Does it have a carbon fork?

It's easy to assemble, just put on pedals and handlebars. There's a video … It's easy to assemble, just put on pedals and handlebars. There's a video on the decathlon website that shows how to do it Decathlon bike assembly videoRead lessRead more

Thats great - thanks for the response, I'm looking forward to it arriving now!