panda
Domestique
Posts: 395
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Post by panda on Jun 20, 2013 10:03:56 GMT
We should of course not mix flawed components with conclusions on the overall bike. It's clear the red t3 was great but doesn't mean that it's not had any components that have caused problems or could be better. Wonder if someone like Cycling Active could do a back to back? Good point made. If I remember rightly, Cycling Active/Weekly said that after the original T3 review that they bought one and were planning to run a long-term 12 month test. So, I expect that one may be in the offering. The only reason that they may not, is that the bike won't be a current model. I own the T3 and have made a few upgrades (report on its way), but I would also like to defend the T3A. We all know that the major difference is the carbon fork, but it is still good value. I have recently bought a 45cm White T3A for my 10 year old daughter who was desperate for a road bike. I sought advice on here from Triban 5 Arny and others (including the Sheffield store) and they recommended the T3A for a young rider due to the shifters. The micro-shifters are a little easier to understand for a young rider, they are easier to reach and if they break them, they are cheaper to fix. I realise that most people don't think much of the micro-shifters, but then again the standard Shimano shifters on the T3 are not setting the world alight either. When you look at the T3A in a 45cm for kids, there is very little to compare it against. It is pretty much the same spec as the 2013 Moda Major (micro-shifters), but Β£200 cheaper
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Post by Radchenister on Jun 20, 2013 10:06:33 GMT
Good point, may look at one for my lad.
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panda
Domestique
Posts: 395
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Post by panda on Jun 20, 2013 10:11:36 GMT
Hi I was just wondering if anybody else has had problems with their Triban 3a I have had 2 (and riden each one only once!) in a week the first one the front derailler mount snapped causing the derailler to jam in the chainset throwing me off the bike and then the second one the rear gear shifter broke. When I took them back to the store the guys seemed a bit sheepish and offered me another replacement or refund. One guy in the workshop was really helpful and has advised that the computer system shows that there are 176 of the Triban 3 (red) 57cm due into the main warehouse tomorrow (18th June) ready for shipping out to stores. He is trying to get one of these reserved (he has said that stores can no longer place or reserve these for customers they will be on a first come first served basis in the store) for me due to all the problems which will be a great result as in his words the Triban 3 is far superior to the new Triban 3a and they aren't expecting to see anymore of the Triban 3's after this. If you are in the market for a 57cm Triban 3 then it might be worth contacting your local store to see if they have any coming in because they are expected to go like hot cakes. Good luck I am sure that the front derailleur fault was set-up. The same happened when I first got my Red T3, chain got jammed, pedals stopped dead, but I didn't fall off as I didnβt have cleats on at the time!
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panda
Domestique
Posts: 395
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Post by panda on Jun 20, 2013 10:21:37 GMT
Good point, may look at one for my lad. Hi Rad, You won't regret it. My daughter loves it and when you compare it to any other kids bike, it is unbelievable value. I was particularly impressed as the seat on the 45cm looks compact for a child, it has 650c wheels and the handle bars are also smaller, so they are perfect for kids. Well done Decathlon, as I am sure it would be cheaper to stick standard handle bars on all sizes. I don't think that she would really notice the difference of a carbon fork. If Decathlon marketed this size and the 48cm as specific youth fit, they would make a killing in the market. I did look at the Triban 3 Junior, but this was quite small, didn't have 'grown up gears' and wouldn't last too long before she would outgrow it.
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Post by Radchenister on Jun 20, 2013 10:53:20 GMT
My thoughts exactly on the kiddy bike at Decathlon - we've also looked at the Modus but it's just over the justifiable level for a starter bike. It's nice but the first time it gets scraped (as it will with a kiddy pilot) you can imagine the resale value evaporating and wondering why you weren't more practical about it. My lad likes MTB, we have good dad n lad time locally and outings to FOD, my daughter even comes on short trundles now and as she's going to get more proficient, we'll soon be needing new bikes for the whole family. I am a bit reluctant to go both MTB and Road for everyone, we'll see how the enthusiasm pans out .
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panda
Domestique
Posts: 395
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Post by panda on Jun 20, 2013 11:47:51 GMT
I agree with you here. My 10 year old daughter asked for a road bike a year ago. She has a nice Trek mountain bike already, so we set her some targets to come out on some 10 mile rides and then we would think about it. As soon as the weather got (marginally) better, she was chomping at the bit and did the rides. So, I had no choice but to keep my word and the T3A arrived.
I have to say, she is equally impressed with the cycling jersey we bought her, as she loves the idea of being able to carry snacks like the pro-riders!
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