TribanMan's 'Triban General' Thread

Next the list going to view tomorrow - looks in good nick

www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/btwin-triban-540-size-l-black-grey-excellent-condition-and-less-than-a-year-old/1350623163

I guess I shouldn't be surprised! 

Totally different bike to what was indicated or asked about! 

Having reviewed posts, if you're implying I've done an impulse purchase on a random bike irrelevant to what's previously been discussed, I must contest! Having reviewed posts (I'm that sad, yes, sorry..🤓) based on advice recieved Ive come to the conclusion the one I've gone for is an obvious (and v good if I may say so!) choice, no!?

Maybe one of the things I neglected to mention in all my waffle was that when I had initially thought of looking to buy a cycle a few weeks ago, the first one I had googled and read about and looked for online (new, assuming it was still part of/in stock as the current range) was what turned out to be <last year's B'Twin Triban 520 - so have just gone a step up from that is all.



Indeed I believe I experienced the very same thing going from the lower end new bikes tested (inc RC500 on Sora) and the cranky Kona I was riding on Saturday when I took the 540 for a test last night! Shifting smooth as a baby's bottom!



I was looking at the RC500 (£530/£500flat bar) as the higher end (for my budget) new bike as an option new (cautious of the downsides of the disc brakes and reported difficulty of tire changes stopping me from having snapped one up in an instant) so turned out following this advice to a t!




The seller didn't have the receipt and couldn't find the email (may change in coming days) but he has sent me a PDF screenshot (and phone cam pic) of his Decathlon order/purchase on his Decathlon account inc. account number, name and order number - I rang Decathlon to see if this'd do as proof of purchase and the guy at Surrey Quays seemed to think it'd be fine, so hopefully all good for warranty (and knowing it's not a stolen bike).



Like the 2018 540 ey 😉




The bike is M, advert was initially posted as L (hence URL but updated ad when I enquired and seller realised his error), felt v comfy as already mentioned, am sure it'll do me well and really appreciated your input on this! I bought a tape measure also, turns out I'm about 5 10 (just under even) lol, so reckon the M is a great shout considering you're experience. V happy.

Dropped it off to the London Cycle Repair Shop this eve at Waterloo, wouldn't mind everything being broken down and cleaned to be like new, but chap said bike is in good working order from initial check, all their levels of service will do what needs to be done (the higher ones and then some), just that the chain and rear casette are past the smid point of their lives so could optionally replace if feeling flush or leave for now): www.londonbicycle.com/bike-repairs/bicycle-servicing-pricelist

Reckon it's probably done a few thousand miles tops, previous owney cycled in 8.4miles from Norbury to London Bridge and back between late July 2018 - Jan 2019 (only when dry also, apparently) and some longer rides (on the ad it had pics of the bike at Cambridge train station) so as how smooth and exhilarating (like an aerial motorbike) it felt riding (inc. through town through the ruh hour traffic!) through town seems like it has been well kept (and a good buy if I may say so myself even if 400squid is a fair whack).

Thanks for everyone's input so far, maybe I'll post an update here and there to stay involved and pay my respects now I have earned (paid for) my TribanMan nametag!😀

Will likely wait til next months pay check to kit out with mudguards, panniers and all the rest (need to look into locks too). (Apologeies for long and cheeky post)

Lol I see what u mean re: stating looking at bikes a) b) and c) and then going for d), just hadn't thought of second hand when I initially posted and assumed I wanted a factory fresh ride (and indeed you're right re: putting emphasis on cheaper in light of concerns about bike theft and as first proper bike so didn't think I'd be too bothered about componentry) so point taken/chuckle granted ☺

Apologies if post seemed cheeky, just felt I'd taken (v helpful) advice seriously and had to defend my laying down of 400quid!

Thanks for the write ups, do like the road.cc reviews for how in depth they are.

Cheers bandit, emojis coming in loud and clear. Didn't take me too long ey, thought I'd be a lot longer umming and ah'ing arranging test rides of all the different new models and sizes available in the shop over the next few weekends when I could manage! But ye knew I had to snap this one up as soon as I rode it (with the saddle height increased 😆).

For anyone that cares reckon I know what rack mudguards etc. I'll be kitting it out with next month and will post some links to show. Will likely take it back to the shop I just got it from to get them fitted as a) being a snowflake millenial hopeless at DIY handy stuff and afraid of breaking something/doing it wrong and b) no space in my flat for a makeshift work shop. Reading a bit about maintenance here and there so hopefully should become at least vaguely versed in looking after her* as time goes on ready for next spring's rides.**

Was also considering asking them to flip the stem which was previously suggested as an option on here while they're fitting anything I bring to them, as reckon I'd like it turned upat her than down for a more upright position at this point, will enquire how much they'll charge for the time when I go in next.

*I said something to the effect of 'she rides like a beaut' when reporting on first initial test ride, I get that it's 2019 so should consider using gender neutral pronouns for her, but nevermind 😆). I noticed something actually, when going fast(er) or in a head wind the bike seems to wistle, something around the fork or headset or maybe the brake cables under the top tube it seems to come from. From this for some reason the name of the painting (the only association I have with coming from the 1997 US-Brit crossover comedy smash hit 'Bean') 'Whistler's Mother,' which I think is what I'll crown her 😆.

**Been looking at Google maps and cycling distances to various seaside towns and other places, got a set that I want to build up to/get through next Spring/Summer, will post thoughts (rambles) on that in another post soon. Appreciate Google maps likely nt going to be the best/most refined source for good/safe/attractive routes so any advice on these be much appreciated!

Another thing I noticed riding it home tonight is that by default the brake I automatically go for first is the front (right hand) side (despite being a lefty, but maybe this is so left hamd stays in control where theyve both been on the tops before having to use the break/gear down).

I remember from basic cycle safety in school/scouts/whatever you're always meant to do rear brake first then front (to prevent yourself doing an endo). I'm pretty sure it's rear brake by default on the Brompton (will double check this on the ride home tomorrow) so not sure why this is (sans retaining lefty on the top as above). Could be carried over from the riding on the cranky Kona couple of weekends ago which only had the front brake working properly (bad I know..but was safe enough for the ride..). Either way need to make sure I knock the habit on the head before it becomes a bad one I suppose.

Got some cheap lube called TF2 which the shop man recommended and said wold do the job and what he uses, doesn't require degreasing and just wipe down and re-application now and then. Spent ages watching vids and reading debates in comments about chain care/cleaning lubing etc. over the weekend and past week and seems like a contentious issue and matter of great debate! Until the shop man managed to sell me it's bottle of £3.50 lube I was going to go for regular WD-40 as a low key option which I understand would make some wince! (Now I've opened that can of worms happy to elaborate what I'd read and why I thought it'd be OK though if anyone's interested (appreciate you might not be lol)). Interested in hearing what your guys chain care routine is if anything more than regular lubing.

If you stuck through all this ramble to get this far can only say ty for your time!

In Europe brakes are the wrong way round. BTwin bikes come with European fitting mostly. Some stores turn them round and others don't.

Millennial: You are not an old dog. You can learn new tricks! Otherwise, what are you going to do when us old ones die out?

Lube: Search on the forum. I currently use 'Smoove'.

Interesting, read first half this morning full of good info thanks for the link.


Interesting had no idea but yes just read about that in the article.


Lol I was only (half) joking, I reckon I should be ok..


Seen that name checked elsewhere as a favourite, will definitely search the forum to read up on more debate!