Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike

[beatlejuice]

These are going for £380 at Halfords. I am interested in buying one I want to use it primarily for pleasure and to improve my fitness. Is there something better, considering I don't want to buy a bike without actually seeing first.

 

[Peter Armstrong]

link?

 

[DCLane]

link?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810601_langId_-1_categoryId_165710 & Google for other sizes

As a bike a number of us rate them, me included. I'm convinced it's better than my current Raleigh Airlite 100 winter bike.

OTOH someone will be along shortly to suggest Decathlon's Triban 3.

 

[GBC]

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810601_langId_-1_categoryId_165710 & Google for other sizes

As a bike a number of us rate them, me included. I'm convinced it's better than my current Raleigh Airlite 100 winter bike.

OTOH someone will be along shortly to suggest Decathlon's Triban 3.

+1 for that. The sole complaint I have is the krap Kenda tyres they come with.

 

[Get In The Van]

Guy at work has one, got it through the C2W scheme, says its bombproof, he really likes it, change the pedals and tyres though

 

[beatlejuice]

Just had a look at one. It seems to fit. However they had a Carrera TDF http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810691_langId_-1_categoryId_165710 for £329. That's some saving and it appears to be a better spec plus it hasn't got those dreadful white wall tyres.

 

[biggs682]

must be clearance time at Halfords then , must admit i have an older frameset hanging in garage not sure of its future yet will have to see

 

[Get In The Van]

Just had a look at one. It seems to fit. However they had a Carrera TDF http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810691_langId_-1_categoryId_165710 for £329. That's some saving and it appears to be a better spec plus it hasn't got those dreadful white wall tyres.

The TDF shows up as 499 for me, if you're going to spend that kinda cash in Halfords the Vanquish seems a better bike than either the TDF or Virtuoso, however if you aren't restricted to halfords, at 500 notes a Specialized Allez, Giant defy 5, and others are now in your view and also the universally loved by CC, the Triban 3 and 5 from Decathlon

 

[beatlejuice]

The TDF was there last one in the shop. Only problem with them seems to the smaller front chain sprocket, its got 38 teeth. With a 12 - 26 rear cassette I would need a 34 tooth (smaller if poss) to get up the hills.

 

[defy-one]

+1 on change the tyres. Cheap Kendas. My neighbour has suffered 3 visits by the p fairy and we do they same routes,often together

 

[beatlejuice]

Decathlon Triban 3 has good reviews. I might take trip to Reading to have a look at one. While the Carrera is good value I don't like the way Halfords do their price promotions.

 

[beatlejuice]

This afternoon I found it is possible to get Triban 3 in a Citroen C1! I had to go to Reading to get it. I am glad I did since the 54cm version that i planned to buy was too small and cramped. I am looking forward to get out on it. I swooped the seat over from my Sirrus. I haven't ridden drops for years it should be interesting.

 

[Cycleops]

Let us know how you get on.

 

[Markymark13]

Popped into decathlon tonight to get some winter bib longs. Had a look at the triban 3 and they have a triple on them now. Could have sworn they had a double when I looked a few months ago. Recent change?

 

[Accy cyclist]

I have a Carrera Virtuoso bought in 1999, it's done around 10,000 miles and done without replacing anything too serious. Ok, it's a bit knackered now but it's served me well and worth the £275 i paid for it!