is the new t3 worth it

I'd say if it had a carbon fork it would have been, the lack of shimano gears is less of an issue as you can replace them over time.

But the fork they've replaced the carbon one with just looks horrible. I actually like the colour scheme, but that fork!

What the difference they've done with the T3 white. They've replaced it to give it a more comfortable ride as it give more flexion than to carbon but carbon is much more lighter, giving a benefit in riding momentum. Regarding the fact about the Microshift that run par, with Shimano, yes, some people will see it as a down grade but when it comes to replacing parts, they are cheaper to replace and when it comes to the upgrade, it'll still work with Shimano due to the mechanics inside. Put it something like sram and it wont run as smooth.
All they've done is made the t3 a cheaper value bike in the range to allow for a close in the gap in the road market.

Last year:
T3 - 300
T5 - 500
FC3 - 1000

This Year:
T3 - 300
T5 - 430
t7 - 600
FC3 - 850
FC5 - 1000

Yes very, because you'll be travelling longer distances, you'll want the better quality in mechanism smoothness. Aswell as that carbon fork, lightening the weight of the bike. those kind of distances you'll want to get as much comfort and ease out of your bike. I'd even suggest going to clipless pedals. you'll find the ride easier and wont cramp up your quads as much. ALl you gotta do is when you approach traffic lights and you can tell they are changing, unclip when your approaching, so if you do happen to have a little moment, you've got time to unclip. my favourite trick is stationary balance. that way, im in 1 spot on my bike, not clipped out and ready to push off once lights go green.

but back to the bike. If you have got some downhills or uphills and your on the drops, you'll be able to shift from down there where on the old T3 and T5, you had to keep coming back ontothe huds to change gear.

the bikes been designed more simpler and beta spec.

But thats my opinion, i work round these bikes and thats what I'd recommend for you and so would any other mecca member. They might push you towards the T7 for better comfort on the rear but if your tight on budget, hold your ground and demand the T5

I would like to its just dependant on funds and availability at the time of buying as I need it very soon. Pay day tomorrow though!!

Out of interest what's the difference between the white t5 and the new black t5 apart from £70?

PS I know it's been mentioned before but could someone also please give a brief list of the differences between the red t3 and the t5 again?

okay.

T3 red to T5 black. = black has sora groupset and softer saddle. The shifters are now sprinter/secondary shifters behind the brake level. rather than the thumbshifters on the t3 red.

T5 to T5a - T5 has the carbon seat stay and a much stronger frame structure giving it, its lighter and stronger structure benefit. groupsets are the same except, same as t3 red. thumbshifters (sora 3400) to sprinter shifters (sora 3500).

Isn't it usual practice to increase the spec on a newer model? Whether that be bikes, cars, cameras, you name it. Triban don't seem to be playing the game at all.