Btwin Triban 500 (2017) - Review

The Btwin Triban 5 is made using a 661 aluminium alloy frame that is lightweight, sturdy and versatile. The frame design and geometry has been modified on this year's bicycle with a sloping top-tube, a shorter frame geometry, and a head tube for integrated headset. The short frame geometry enables a relatively more upright, comfortable riding position than the standard position for most road bicycles. I felt that the design is as such, to facilitate a non-aggressive, comfort oriented ride. The fork on this bicycle is a hi-tensile steel and an aluminium headset with a 1-1/8” headtube that provides immense strength and rigidity to the steering set-up. This fork perfectly combines strength, low weight and precision.

The first that that caught my attention was that the Btwin Triban 5 has a triple chainset. This means smaller jumps, and the extra ring means more gearing combinations come into play. This bicycle comes equipped with a 24-speed Microshift drivetrain. The shifting was commendably smooth and precise, with immediate transition of the gears. The 24-speed gearing provides a great range of gear combinations, and hence adds to the versatility of this road bicycle.The first that that caught my attention was that the Btwin Triban 5 has a triple chainset. This means smaller jumps, and the extra ring means more gearing combinations come into play. This bicycle comes equipped with a 24-speed Microshift drivetrain. The shifting was commendably smooth and precise, with immediate transition of the gears. The 24-speed gearing provides a great range of gear combinations, and hence adds to the versatility of this road bicycle.

Developed and designed in Flanders, Belgium, the Btwin Triban 5 is not only a well-performing road bicycle, it also looks phenomenal. The neat design featuring clean lines and colour enhance the sleekness of this mean machine. To add to the eye-pleasing aesthetics, the bar tape on the handlebar and drops is colour co-ordinated with the colours on the frame. This is one good looking bicycle, that is sure to turn heads while out on the road.

The Btwin Triban 5 comes equipped with Btwin Sport dual-pivot brake callipers. I felt this was the only department where the performance was a little bit of a let-down. The stoppage power of these brakes wasn’t remarkable. It was powerful when the momentum gathered was not very much, however at higher speeds, braking was not as effective or powerful as one might hope for it to be. The soft, unpowered braking can put a lot of strain on one's hands, especially on descents. This bicycle comes equipped with a Btwin Sport handlebar. 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 tape on the handle bar and drops offer great grip and added comfort. Quite commendable.

The Triban 5 comes equipped with fast rolling, kenda tires which enabled a zippy yet smooth ride. Kenda is known for delivering performance. The stock saddle on the Triban 5 is the new Btwin Ergo fit 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 a major thumbs-down, as there is nothing that a good pair of cycling shorts can’t fix!