Carerra Virtuoso - £249 wasted or not?

[johnnyh]

OK, I know it is Halfords and all that, but I just looked at this bike.

It has necessary points for me to fit my rack at the back, and I am presuming would be a step into the world of the road bike (away from the hardtail mtb with slicks I have been using up to know).

I have looked at ebay and the like for a while, but that golden bargain has yet to show, and I am a bit suspicious of some ads given the amount of bikes that get pinched.

So, would I be chucking money away, or at 250 will it get me going nicely, not embarress me too much to other cyclists, and would it do with panniers for 40 mile a day work calls?

(I would also use it for a 350 mile over 3 day ride in July - am guessing it would handle this).

Cheers chaps and chapesses

 

[ianrauk]

Carrera bikes are well made, so why should you worry what other cyclists think? If you like the bike and it suits you then go ahead and buy it. When it's service time for the bike take to your LBS, they will be grateful for the business and do a better job then Halfords.

 

[chris667]

They're the spiritual successor to the old "racers". Not quality, no pretensions, and they do the job. I've had a couple of Carreras and liked them. But they have machine built wheels, and cheap components generally. Not a problem if you're on your own time, but not good if you have to get a wheel rebuilt and you need to get to work.
Over the distances you're talking about, a secondhand touring bike would be much better.
Lots of secondhand Dawes Galaxies, Claud Butlers etc for around £250. Put a wanted ad in the classifieds.

 

[johnnyh]

Carrera bikes are well made, so why should you worry what other cyclists think? quote]

'cause I don't want to be shunned by you lot

 

[chris667]

In that case, we expect you always wear lycra, which you never take off even if you go to the pub.
Seriously, secondhand beats new at this price point.

 

[johnnyh]

hehehe chris, the missus ribs me enough about the cycle shorts, let alone wearing them into the pub

I have been looking second hand, and a mint Dawes Galaxy for £5.32 would be a winner, but I have yet to uncover said and I am a little dubious of some of the ads I have seen (certainly I wouldnt want to buy without seeing, and I dont want to spend hours hunting or driving around to look) - IF, and it is a large IF, I really get into road cycling I would be looking at spending semi-sensible money a year down the line anyhow, something I dont have a problem with (after all this 250 is only 4 tanks of petrol).

So more a case of will this serve me a year - sometimes with rack and pannier and "comfy" tyres, allow for a few long runs including my July trip and then serve as a back up if I progress.... all for a very cheap price. (I accept it will not have longetivity of parts or become a classic).

 

[Matt]

What size frame would you need Johnnyh?

 

[johnnyh]

well, seems I am looking somewhere towards 54cm... being 5'8" and 30" inside leg.

 

[PpPete]

Half decent Galaxy on Ebay will likely be £150 - £200. Won't be mint, but half the fun is "improving" or "customising" anyway.

I had a look at the Virtuoso in Halfrauds the other day (while waiting for other half in clothes shop next door). I was not impressed.... tatty welding, rag tag assortment of bargain basement componentry, obviously selected to get down to a price point.
For that sort of money in Halfrauds - the Subway 2 looked much the better bike.

 

[johnnyh]

Half decent Galaxy on Ebay will likely be £150 - £200. Won't be mint, but half the fun is "improving" or "customising" anyway.

I know what you mean chap, but with my work footy coaching, running my business, 2 kids and the missus... etc etc... I really just want to use the time I am allowed actually getting riding and see how I go.

 

[another_dave_b]

Half decent Galaxy on Ebay will likely be £150 - £200. Won't be mint, but half the fun is "improving" or "customising" anyway.

I've been doing some window shopping on Ebay, and I'm yet to see these fabulously cheap Galaxies.

 

[johnnyh]

me too another dave, been hunting round since the turn of the year.

And hence now of a mind to buy the lesser steed and get out riding - what's better I guess, the one you can pick up and ride tomorrow or the one you can ride when you finally find it and fix it up?

 

[gbb]

Dont be too put off by budget roadbikes johnny, while i have no experience of the carrera bikes, i'm sure it will serve you well.
A comparison (one i've made before plenty of times, so forgive me if you've all read it before)...my first new road bike was a Raleigh Chimera.
£250, sora equipped, nothing special wheels, not excessively heavy, not light either.
Ive had it 5 or 6 years, was still using it as my winter bike until last year, its done maybe 5000 miles, and is still working perfectly and is fully original apart from a new chain 18 months ago. The only other thing was the hubs needed servicing maybe 2 or 3 times (bearings, which i strip, lube and adjust myself anyway)
Now its not as pleasureable to ride and own as more expensive bikes, but i still like it, although its going up for sale in the spring.

If anyones got a problem with it johnny, thats their probem. I remember licking along at a fair rate 2 or 3 summers ago. A guy on a Cannondale came up beside me...we exchanged a few words and i saw him looking at the bike (we all do that, dont we). I found myself making excuses for the quality....'dont worry about that' he said...'you're doing ok'
Nice words...it was appreciated.

 

[Mortiroloboy]

'cause I don't want to be shunned by you lot

We wouldn't shun anyone because of the bike they ride I believe that Carrera frames are actually made by Merida, who have a good reputation.

The only issue is likely to be the setting up of the bike by the spotty faced Halfords Oik, you may be lucky though, and get a good mechanic!

Essentially the bike is sound, and will certainly last and be upgradeable IMHO.

 

[johnnyh]

hate to say it, but the usual 2 chaps in the local Halfords are helpful, seem genuinely interested in their work and have always answered questions with good info.

maybe they escaped from, or are heading for, a good lbs?

...and lets be honest, I am also aware I am not buying a ferrari, so I am realistic enough to not be expecting to take on Hoy