B'Twin Triban 3: A Budget Commuter's Review

When considering a new road bike, especially for the rigours of daily commuting, balancing cost with performance is paramount. The B'Twin Triban 3, a French brand exclusively retailed by Decathlon in the UK, emerged as a compelling option for many, including the author of this review, back in early 2013. The decision to purchase was swayed by several key factors: a friend's positive experience, numerous favourable online reviews, the practical inclusion of a triple chainring, and what was perceived as exceptional value for money. For those facing challenging commutes, particularly those involving steep inclines and significant cargo, the triple chainring is not just a feature but a necessity. The author's daily route included a hill with gradients up to a demanding 32%, often carrying around 10kg in panniers, making the triple chainring a non-negotiable requirement. Relying on reviews was also crucial, as the author readily admits a lack of expertise in discerning a true bargain from a potential liability at first glance.

The Triban 3 itself boasts an aluminium frame complemented by carbon forks, a common and effective combination for balancing weight and vibration dampening. It comes equipped with Shimano Sora shifters, which are a solid entry-level groupset known for their reliability. The brakes and wheels are B'Twin's own-brand components. Aesthetically, the bike is described as rather pretty, a subjective but important consideration for many cyclists. Crucially for its intended use as a commuter, the Triban 3 is ready to accept a rear rack, and the author promptly fitted RaceBlade mudguards, reinforcing its utilitarian purpose. Upon arrival, the bike was delivered fully assembled, albeit boxed, requiring only minor adjustments like setting the handlebars and saddle to the correct position, and replacing the rather basic 'bear-trap' pedals it came with. Initial rides revealed the need for further micro-adjustments to achieve the perfect riding position.

The experience of riding the Triban 3 was a significant departure from the author's previous hybrid bike. The transition to a more aggressive road bike riding position, particularly when standing up out of the saddle on climbs, initially proved challenging. The Triban is a more finely balanced and less forgiving machine than a hybrid, demanding a period of adaptation. This adjustment period extended to the braking system. Steep descents led to aching forearms and carpal tunnels, a testament to the different muscle engagement required. However, with time and consistent use, the author's body adapted, and the discomfort subsided.

Performance and Initial Impressions

Day-to-day, the author's satisfaction with the Triban 3 grew. Its lightweight nature and responsive handling were immediate positives. The bike felt nimble and eager, making the commute more enjoyable. However, not all components were without their flaws. The original B'Twin tyres, while functional, were found to be lacking in grip. More concerningly, after only a few months of use, hairline cracks began to appear in their sidewalls, a problem the author suspected was common with these particular tyres.

The Wheel Bearing Saga

The most significant and persistent issue began to manifest after approximately a thousand miles of use. A peculiar noise, described as a mix between a pop and a clunk, started to plague the rear wheel. Initially, the author suspected the bottom bracket or pedals. As a temporary measure, the author transferred a well-used set of Shimano SPD pedals from their old hybrid, planning to upgrade anyway. However, the noise persisted even after fitting new pedals and, crucially, began to worsen. A more worrying symptom emerged: the pedals would slowly turn on their own when the bike was being walked, hinting at a problem with the drivetrain or, more likely, the rear hub. While a worn chain could cause some resistance, the author was surprised by the potential for such rapid wear.

The deterioration culminated in the rear wheel no longer spinning freely when lifted off the ground. This was a clear indication that the wheel's bearings had failed. Lacking the specialised cone spanners typically required for hub maintenance, the author resorted to using adjustable spanners. Despite the unconventional tools, the author managed to disassemble the hub, clean the bearings, cups, and cones, and reassemble it. While this brought about a significant improvement, with the wheel spinning much more freely, it still didn't feel quite as smooth as expected.

Unfortunately, the respite was short-lived. Within a week or two, the noise returned. This time, the author opted to replace the bearings entirely and meticulously regreased the hub components during reassembly. While this procedure provided a temporary fix, the underlying issue seemed to resurface, and the wheel began to act up again.

Frustrated by the recurring problem, the author contacted Decathlon. The customer service was commendable, and Decathlon promptly sent out a brand new B'Twin-branded rear wheel as a replacement. After fitting the new wheel, the author covered another 750 miles before the same noise began to emerge, and the wheel's free-spinning capability diminished once more. This experience led the author to question whether the weight of the panniers was overloading the hubs, a concern quickly dismissed by recalling the years of trouble-free service the same weight had caused on the old hybrid bike.

Upgrading and Long-Term Reliability

The persistent issues with the B'Twin wheels prompted a decisive upgrade. The author replaced the original wheels with a pair of Mavic Aksium wheels, a reputable choice for reliability and performance. Crucially, the Mavic wheels have now covered over 1000 miles without any degradation in their true running or free-spinning capabilities. Concurrently, the worn B'Twin tyres were replaced with Bontrager HardCase Race Lites, chosen for their puncture-resistant qualities, a decision the author was very happy with.

Reflecting on the B'Twin wheels, the author strongly believes they are poorly manufactured. The suspected culprit is a missing lock-nut, which allows one of the cones to gradually work itself loose. This loosening compromises the bearing pre-load, leading to premature wear and the characteristic noise. While acknowledging the possibility of a faulty batch, the author finds it highly improbable to have received two sets of wheels with the same manufacturing defect. A quick perusal of B'Twin owner forums confirmed this suspicion, with many other users reporting similar wheel problems, often attributing it to the same missing lock-nut.

Drivetrain Wear and Future Maintenance

More recently, another component began to show signs of wear: the chain started slipping. Closer inspection revealed that the middle chainring was significantly worn. This wear indicated that the chain had stretched to the point where it was actively damaging the chainring. Considering the bike had covered just over 3,000 miles, this level of wear was deemed excessive by the author, especially when compared to the longer chain life experienced on the previous hybrid bike.

The consequence of this wear is the necessity to replace the middle chainring and the chain. The author also plans to replace the cassette simultaneously and address the brake cables, which were showing signs of rust. The author accepts that the cables are exposed to the elements, as the bike is ridden daily in various weather conditions, but the drivetrain wear remains a point of annoyance.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Despite the issues encountered, the author maintains a generally positive view of the B'Twin Triban 3, recommending it as an excellent bike that "punches well above its weight." The initial value proposition and the bike's core performance characteristics are still highly regarded. However, the author strongly advises potential buyers and current owners to consider upgrading the wheels as soon as possible to avoid the bearing issues. Furthermore, replacing the chain ideally every 1,500 miles is recommended to prevent premature wear on the chainrings and maintain drivetrain efficiency.

Technical Update

The original Triban 3 was equipped with 50/39/30 tooth chainrings on a 170mm crank. In a move to replace the single worn chainring, the author decided to upgrade the entire crankset to a Shimano Sora 175mm unit, retaining the same gear ratios. The cassette was also replaced with a Shimano 12-15 tooth configuration, and a new Shimano 8-speed chain was fitted. This comprehensive drivetrain refresh aims to address the wear issues and improve overall performance and longevity.

Comparison Table: Triban 3 vs. Alternatives (Hypothetical)

Note: This table is illustrative and based on typical componentry at different price points. Actual specifications may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the B'Twin Triban 3 still available?
A1: The Triban 3 was a model from around 2013. Decathlon has since released newer versions of the Triban range, such as the Triban RC120, RC500, and RC520, which offer updated specifications and designs.

Q2: What were the main problems with the Triban 3?
A2: The most commonly reported issues, as experienced by the author, were with the B'Twin branded wheels (specifically bearing wear and a potential missing lock-nut) and premature wear of the tyres and drivetrain components (chainrings, chain) under heavy use.

Q3: Is the Triban 3 suitable for beginners?
A3: Yes, the Triban 3 was generally considered a good entry-level road bike due to its value for money and comfortable, albeit slightly more aggressive, riding position. However, be prepared for potential upgrades, particularly the wheels.

Q4: What upgrades are recommended for a Triban 3?
A4: The most critical upgrade is the wheels. Replacing the B'Twin wheels with a more reliable set like Mavic Aksium or Shimano WH-R501 would significantly improve durability. Upgrading tyres to a puncture-resistant model is also advisable. Regularly maintaining and replacing the chain is also recommended.

Q5: How does the Triban 3 compare to modern budget road bikes?
A5: Modern budget road bikes from brands like Triban (Decathlon), Carrera, and Merida often feature improved componentry as standard, particularly in terms of wheel durability and drivetrain longevity. While the Triban 3 offered excellent value at its time, current offerings might provide a more reliable out-of-the-box experience for commuters.