Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2013 16:37:34 GMT
1) Forks: The T3 has a fused aluminium and carbon fibre fork, whereas the T3a has a curved steel fork.
Carbon fibre forks absorb some of the road noise / bumps better then straight steel forks and are also lighter, however they are more expensive and more likely to snap without any indication amongst becoming a hazard after a crash due to weakness which may not become apparent.
The T3a however has a curved steel fork, which also helps to reduce road noise / bumps as the curve allows flexion and the steel itself absorbs vibrations. I haven't been able to find a comparison of a carbon fibre fork to a CURVED steel fork anywhere however it is known to be heavier then carbon fibre and more likely to bend then snap being extremely durable. It is also cheaper.
2) Drivetrain: The T3 is equipped with the proven Shimano STI 2300 drivetrain, whereas the T3a comes with the cheaper Microshift.
The Shimano 2300 has a metal lever indicating quality and durability, shifting is caused by pushing the break leaver inwards to shift up and pressing a button located at the inner top of the shifter to shift down. A few users have had issues with front derailleur / mech however this can be corrected through tuning. The leaver also boasts a display which indicates to the user their selected gear. The gear shifter also looks very nice due to its metal material. It is not possible to shift down whilst in the drops with the 2300.
The T3a instead opted for a Microshift drivetrain which appears to also work very well, however many users have discredited it due to its brand not being as well known and the complete plastic interface of its leavers, the gear shifter no longer has a display and has been described as clunky by users which can be a positive or a negative. The shifter now uses a paddle for shifting making it more intuitive for new users and allowing the rider to have complete control over their shifting whilst in the drops which was not previously possible with the Shimano 2300. Aesthetically the Microshift shifters do no look as good due there full plastic design and out of place red coloured hood.
3) Additional: The T3 at 57cm weighs 10.5kg whereas the T3a weighs approximately 11kg. The seats on both bikes are also different with the T3a sporting a more attractive grey, black and red seat whereas the T3 has a plain black seat. The frame on the T3a appears to be identical however its paintjob in my opinion is more attractive. The tires on the T3a also appear to be more resistant to wear. Both bikes come with lifetime warranty.
4) Conclusion: Both bikes appear to be excellent value for money however the drivetrain and fork on the T3 appear to have a greater novelty factor due to there brand (Shimano) and material (Carbon Fibre) and greater value leading to a greater resale value in the future. However the T3a does what the T3 does and perhaps better but at the expense of novelty and value in price of part cost considering both bikes cost exactly the same.
Carbon fibre forks absorb some of the road noise / bumps better then straight steel forks and are also lighter, however they are more expensive and more likely to snap without any indication amongst becoming a hazard after a crash due to weakness which may not become apparent.
The T3a however has a curved steel fork, which also helps to reduce road noise / bumps as the curve allows flexion and the steel itself absorbs vibrations. I haven't been able to find a comparison of a carbon fibre fork to a CURVED steel fork anywhere however it is known to be heavier then carbon fibre and more likely to bend then snap being extremely durable. It is also cheaper.
2) Drivetrain: The T3 is equipped with the proven Shimano STI 2300 drivetrain, whereas the T3a comes with the cheaper Microshift.
The Shimano 2300 has a metal lever indicating quality and durability, shifting is caused by pushing the break leaver inwards to shift up and pressing a button located at the inner top of the shifter to shift down. A few users have had issues with front derailleur / mech however this can be corrected through tuning. The leaver also boasts a display which indicates to the user their selected gear. The gear shifter also looks very nice due to its metal material. It is not possible to shift down whilst in the drops with the 2300.
The T3a instead opted for a Microshift drivetrain which appears to also work very well, however many users have discredited it due to its brand not being as well known and the complete plastic interface of its leavers, the gear shifter no longer has a display and has been described as clunky by users which can be a positive or a negative. The shifter now uses a paddle for shifting making it more intuitive for new users and allowing the rider to have complete control over their shifting whilst in the drops which was not previously possible with the Shimano 2300. Aesthetically the Microshift shifters do no look as good due there full plastic design and out of place red coloured hood.
3) Additional: The T3 at 57cm weighs 10.5kg whereas the T3a weighs approximately 11kg. The seats on both bikes are also different with the T3a sporting a more attractive grey, black and red seat whereas the T3 has a plain black seat. The frame on the T3a appears to be identical however its paintjob in my opinion is more attractive. The tires on the T3a also appear to be more resistant to wear. Both bikes come with lifetime warranty.
4) Conclusion: Both bikes appear to be excellent value for money however the drivetrain and fork on the T3 appear to have a greater novelty factor due to there brand (Shimano) and material (Carbon Fibre) and greater value leading to a greater resale value in the future. However the T3a does what the T3 does and perhaps better but at the expense of novelty and value in price of part cost considering both bikes cost exactly the same.