The way forward for the forum

My thoughts (I've not voted as yet).

Things I like about this forum (my opinion only):
It's independent, pure user driven, we know Decathlon / B'Twin take notice, and we can speak our mind.

We have no commitment to rate or recommend B'Twin / Decathlon products or parts over an other brand.

I like the fact that it's a bit niche, that is, we concentrate on single brand road bikes. As such there is a level of expertise which translates to very helpful, concise advice for other users.

We know the models, we know what to suggest for upgrades (what fits and what doesn't)

All are welcome however. If someone buys a B'Twin hybrid then they are welcomed with open arms.

We don't scoff if someone has a Triban as a second, other or winter bike, indeed if someone buys another brand we welcome their purchase, which we may have helped in the decision process.


Could / Should things change?:
I understand the original comment during Radchenister s trip was would there be a consideration to change the forum name as the Triban name would be dropped eventually. (maybe a bit of SEO advantages for the B'Twin brand as a whole, world-wide)

If there was a name change it would have to be up one level to the brand name (B'Twin) which then would maybe then indicate the forum covered more than just road bikes. You could imagine the complexity if the mountain bike range (more than just a few owners / members) was covered in more depth, with the range of specifications and differences in those bikes.
1. The forum becomes massive
2. Half the forum becomes irrelevant for each set of users
3. It becomes diluted, and becomes more of a 'general cycling' forum

An affiliation?:
Not sure if this is even on the cards, (Decathlon / B'Twin) taking over. The forum as it stands at the moment is a great marketing tool for the B'Twin brand and has undoubtedly helped sell more bikes. People land here when searching for a road bike,

I fully understand why B'Twin would be thinking how, down the line the name Triban would disappear. After stocks dry up and owners of a few years upgrade and leave the Triban behind. (eventually)

I don't think the majority of users here will be in any be swayed in their opinions, in the knowledge that Decathlon or B'Twin are supporting the forum in some way.

A forum name change:
From a future marketing angle, here is the scenario in 12-18 months. Someone want's to buy a great value for money road bike, they search the web, they find the Triban owners club and decide these bikes are just the thing, then they try to find a 'Triban' on the Decathlon website. It's nowhere to be seen!

It's a difficult one to because we know that Decathlon get the web hits from this forum using 'B'Twin' and discussing future models within various threads. Yet I can understand B'Twin are conscious of the fact that they need brand awareness.

Rocinante changed the name to drop the 3 when the other models came out, they were however still called Triban (3a 5 and 7).

In conclusion:
I like the forum as it is, Rocinante and the others who help, should be (and regularly are) congratulated on what it has become, it's probably one of the the friendliest forum there is, and I like that.

With the 'Triban' name issue aside, my view is to keep it independent, completely run by the users, for the users.

Cycling is all about keeping moving and freedom IMO, so my view is simple, take on the B'TWIN banner but stay independent, acting as 'critical friends' (to use a well-known phrase).

Simple name and graphics to suit, continue to welcome new members, get a bigger tribe, have more pals to chat and ride with.

The bikes can be named anything 'they' like (within reason ).

We get on with riding our bikes, we have the odd get together, either formal (working with B'TWIN / Decathlon) or informal under our own steam - no big angst or soul searching need be involved, all would be subject to ironing out details on each particular occasion.

Focus on real world riding, bike culture and style generally, maintain an interest in racing as fans and / or participants but it's not necessary / compulsory for everyone, as riding bikes can just be for fun or transportation etc.

Occasionally meet up for cycling related social events / rides ... for example, a contingency at the Tour de France (UK base camp) in the summer is one opportunity waiting to be organised, we all carry on doing easy going group rides - sometimes we might ride harder with people we know well enough, at some point perhaps even have a timed Sportive as well (choose your distance to suit, go at whatever pace is comfortable).

KISS principle should always be applied IMO !

Perhaps there's no need to get too complicated and over analise the relationship with the companies; we should just keep spreading the love, operating as a shining example of a friendly internet cycling club but tweaked just slightly so we're ready to keep moving forwards, which is what I believe we are already ready for in reality.

My view will be slightly different due to commercial decisions made by Decathlon in no longer delivering to Ireland .. thus i have no opportunity to replace my current Triban3 with any of the new Btwin bikes coming into the market.
Plenty of other bike places deliver here eg Chainreaction,Merlin Cycles etc ...
So my preference will be to keep things as they are based on the original idea of why the forum was created.
No problem with the name change to Btwin owners club or something like that ..will help encourage new members with their new bikes ... i can just sit back and drool over the new bikes knowing i won't be able to get one

Stay independent but take on the B'TWIN name to move with the times.  Hopefully the appeal of the forum will spread to those purchasing the new models.

I echo the thoughts in keeping the forum the same. A name change from Triban to B'twin is minor IMO.

I would like to see B'twin/Decathlon get involved more and offer something for members, given our praise and commitment to the brand. I've always liked the idea of a Triban/B'twin Instagram where we can share our pics or a cycle event once a year.

Could Decathlon have a guest poster from their head office?? Who will answer any questions or supply feedback on delivery times of the new bikes as a recent example. I know TribanArny has been useful in the past as he is an employee of Decathlon but perhaps someone in retail operations or customer services etc.

My thoughts exactly. I have been pleasantly surprised at how this forum has blossomed in the its first year. My expectation was that it would wither away as first time road bikers became more savvy and sophisticated and moved on to more exotic stuff. One of its virtues is that that it is not just restricted to bike issues. The solving of my I T problem is an example. However the "dilution" is a concern. I have no problem with MTBs but have no real interest either. For me its fine the way it is but change is inevitable. It is a dilemma. Ultimately it must decline if restricted to Triban owners but equally it could lose its unique character if opened up to a wider membership.