if your going to keep the bike for the next 12 or 18mths then investing upto £100 in a set of carbon forks is a good move in my eyes. then add in another £300 for decent wheels and tyres and bobs your uncle, smoother riding on a bike you enjoy without much need of changing it in the near future.
Carbon forks, what's the benefit ?
- Thread starter Doyleyburger
- Start date
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cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
I fitted some of these to my bike, certainly good for the price .
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...bladed-spoke-clincher-wheels-pair/shimwhfr203
As for tyres it depends on what you want to go for, scwable ultremos are regarded as very good but they are not as tough as say gators.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-ul...m_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5360418785
IMHO if your getting a bike in another 12-18 months anyway carbon forks are not your top priority anyway.
Iv got the 501 wheelset on my Carrera Virtuoso and id recommend them as a good step up from the stock Carrera ones (probably the same as your TdF), iv also changed my forks to some Chinese carbon ones (not to everyones liking) and the sheer weight difference to the old forks was amazing in comparison so also recommend you do that at some point!
Tyres iv had on were Conti GP 4 seasons which were good but quite expensive and now trying some Vittoria Rubinos which are cheaper and seem just as good! Hope you enjoy your riding!
Tyres iv had on were Conti GP 4 seasons which were good but quite expensive and now trying some Vittoria Rubinos which are cheaper and seem just as good! Hope you enjoy your riding!
mcshroom
Bionic Subsonic
- Location
- Egremont, Cumbria
If you don't cut the fork down (or cut it with a bit of extra above the stem) then there is more chance that it would be transferrable to a new bike if you needed to.
Spoked Wheels
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bournemouth
Careful with very cheap carbon forks, you don't want to put your safety at risk because of a few quids, do you?
When selecting forks for comfort then forks with greater rake are better. They seem to absorb road buzz better.
When selecting forks for comfort then forks with greater rake are better. They seem to absorb road buzz better.
Bealz998
Active Member
- Location
- Norwich,Norfolk
Iv got the 501 wheelset on my Carrera Virtuoso and id recommend them as a good step up from the stock Carrera ones (probably the same as your TdF), iv also changed my forks to some Chinese carbon ones (not to everyones liking) and the sheer weight difference to the old forks was amazing in comparison so also recommend you do that at some point!
Tyres iv had on were Conti GP 4 seasons which were good but quite expensive and now trying some Vittoria Rubinos which are cheaper and seem just as good! Hope you enjoy your riding!
What's the difference between my standard tdf wheels and the 501s ? Or what wheels are they as standard?
vickster
Legendary Member
Review of your bike here with some info on the wheels
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-carrera-tdf-ltd-road-bike-11-44902
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-carrera-tdf-ltd-road-bike-11-44902
Rob3rt
Man or Moose!
- Location
- Manchester
Is there a reason why you can't/don't want to just ride the bike as it is?
OP
OP
Doyleyburger
Veteran
- Location
- NCE West Wales
Ha ha you love a bit of a debate don't ya !
The reason is that due to me possibly keeping this bike for what id imagine would be the next 2 years or so, it would give me time to add some components to it, so it would make it a better/more comfortable road bike (considering it is a budget bike).
And before you say it...... If I had the capital to afford a more equipped bike at the time, I wild have done so
OP
OP
Doyleyburger
Veteran
- Location
- NCE West Wales
And I'm just asking the question for now anyway 
Dusty Bin
Guest
Standard wheels will not be branded and almost certainly not available to buy separately. They will be pretty low-spec hubs like Joytech/J-Tech or similar, laced to a pair of fairly low-spec rims. 36h build means they are not going to be light.
Even at 1900gr for the pair, 501 wheels are probably going to be a big improvement on stock and will transform the feel of the bike. The more you spend, you lighter you get...
Bealz998
Active Member
- Location
- Norwich,Norfolk
Are shimano 501 a decent wheel?
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Dusty Bin
Guest
I have no direct experience of them, but I don't imagine they will be problematic. 1900g is respectable for a £70 wheelset. Like I said, you spend more and you can get lighter and (in principle) higher quality. Wheels need to be light, stiff and reliable - your budget will define how light, how stiff and how reliable....
U
User6179
Guest
They will do the job as long as you are not to heavy, not a wheel for heavyweights like myself.
