Neil888

Hi - am a newcomer to the forum and wanted to ask some advice if possible as need to decide on a new bike. I am deciding between a Cannondale CAAD 10 105 and a Btwin Triban 540 - my main purpose will be doing rides on the weekend around 50km maybe upto 100km (am based in Hong Kong) but also will need to take it on a 1 week tour so wanted to see which would be best. The Triban has rack mounts so would be better suited for the tour but as my main function will be local rides I was wondering if I could get away with the Cannondale and an attachable rack (like a Tubus fly) - the tour is going to be in summer and staying in hostels rather than camping so I won't have much stuff with me and I am around 70kg so hoping the Cannondale could handle this but wanted to ask advice before I get it. The Triban seems to offer great value for money but I would prefer a lighter and quicker bike if possible. Any other suggestions on bikes are very welcome but should point out that the choices where I'm based aren't as wide as elsewhere.
Thanks very much for any advice you guys can give!

Stratocaster

The CAAD 10 is a nice bike - not sure if you can add a rack, though.
I know nothing about Triban. Sorry I can't be of more help.

migrantwing

CAAD ALL the way!

The B'Twin Triban's are a great bike for the money, but the CAAD will blow it out of the water a thousand fold, not only for ride quality, but looks, weight and just about everything else. I would love a CAAD 10, even more than a CAAD 12.

zymphad

I would get the B'Twin Triban 540 105. Good components, excellent price. So much more versatile.

It has enough clearance to run 28mm tires and fenders. Has the racks you wanted. It also has a sloped relaxed geometry for comfortable touring rides. Looks you can put down the peddle too. Just me, based on what you want to do, this seems to be the obvious choice. I highly doubt this bike will hold you back.

"Designed and tested on Flanders." I would expect this bike to be a comfortable fun run.