Btwin Triban 100 (2017) - Review

With a frame made using 661 aluminium alloy, the Btwin Triban 1 is not only a good-looking bicycle, it is lightweight and sturdy too. The comfort-oriented geometry of the frame features a higher steering socket and a shorter, sloping top tube, that allows for a more upright riding position than the classic road bicycle. With the perfect reach enabling a comfortable, unstrained ride. A big plus for commutes, long and short, without excessive strain on one's back. Available in three sizes – Small, medium and large. Additionally, the frame provides for mounts for mudguards and a pannier rack – making it a versatile touring bicycle. The straight hi-ten steel fork provides additional comfort and precision, additionally the 1-1/8” headtube provides immense strength and rigidity to the steering set-up. The design of the fork is such that it absorbs most of the vibrations from bumpy roads efficiently, transferring minimal shake to the handlebars. This bicycle weighs a mere 11.3kgs when weighed without the pedals.

The Btwin Triban 1 is a seven-speed road bike, with a single chainring designed for efficiency and comfort. The 13x34 cassette is inspired by mountain bikes and enables you to easily manage their effort. A commendable feature is the difference in the jump between the sixth and seventh gear – A larger jump which gives the rider a greater range of usage. The drivetrain on this bicycle comprises of a Shimano Tourney 7-Speed rear derailleur, and the shifting is controlled by a Shimano A5 indexed shifter on the handlebar. The placing of the shifter on the handlebar slightly unconventional, especially if you are used to thumb shifters and grip shifters. It may take a while to get oriented to using an index shifter. That being said, the shifting was on-point and incredibly efficient.

‘Simplicity and aesthetically pleasing’ – this is what comes to mind when I think of words to describe the design of the Btwin Triban 1. Available in a simple grey with black branding and details, this bicycle looks sleek and has a classy air to it. The glossy paint job is a nice touch. The bicycle has been developed and designed in Flanders, Belgium.

The Btwin Triban 1 comes equipped with Promax V-Brake callipers, and Tektro brake levers. The callipers have provisions that allow the rider to install mudguards, which is essential to keep in line with the bicycle's fame to be a versatile road tourer. The braking was efficient and reliable. When tested for performance with abrupt braking, it did not disappoint – with the power that was just right to bring the cycle to a full stop and not throw the rider over the handlebars. This bicycle comes equipped with a Btwin Sport handlebar that is 42mm wide. The design of the handlebar and the drops ensures an all-round comfortable riding experience. The compact handlebar stem and length ensure efficient control of the cycle, when on the saddle. The reach to the drops is completely non-aggressive adding to the comfort, giving the rider more options when on the saddle for a longer period of time.

The Triban 1 comes equipped with Btwin Sport 7 X 32 hybrid tires. This is the first for road bikes from the company – keeping in line with the fact that the bicycle is meant to be a versatile road tourer. The tread has small studs for increased performance while the sides of the tires have larger studs to enhance the grip while on bends on loose grounds or gravel. When tested on a fairly beaten up, “off-road” like, path the grip and efficiency of the tires did not disappoint. The stock saddle on the Triban 1 is the new Btwin Sport 1 saddle. When tested, the saddle was comfortable for a short distance and then felt slightly on the harder side. This maybe a slight downer when considering making long distance rides, especially for a tourer. That said, this can’t be seen as a major thumbs-down, as there is nothing that a good pair of cycling shorts can’t fix!