UKC

Following on from my recent post http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=559815&v=1#x7455136 I've decided to go down the new bike path. The reviews for Tribans seem hard to argue with as is the enthusiasm of owners. However, I have seen some possibly higher spec alternatives (within budget due to discounts) one of which I think has just sold out, this was the Moser Bikes Speed Sora 2013 available at Wiggle.

The Battaglin S11 is still available at about £50 more than the Triban 5A. Info for both here:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-black-id_8239801.html
http://www.wiggle.com/battaglin-s11-sora-2013/

Which bike is better and why?

Thanks.

In reply to ksjs: nothing really between them. Depends whether you want a compact or a triple and which geometry is best for you.

Use the fit calculator on competitive cyclist to get your approx fit for geometry.

In reply to ksjs:

The Battaglin

1) It has a compact chainset and you'll wish for one after a few weeks of having a triple.
2) It looks cooler
3) evryman and his dog has a triban
4) It is a better bike imo(although I can't be bothered explaining why!)

In reply to Bimbler: Ta - why is compact better than triple?

In reply to Bimbler: PS: this doesn't sound quite as objective as I was hoping for

In reply to ksjs:

I've used both -- You get just as good a range of useable gearing with a compact double as you do with a triple, and a lot less faffing about getting the right ratio particularly on an undulating route. A 3 x 9 triple will only have about 16 or 17 non duplicated gear ratios - about the same as a 2 x 10 compact.