Carrera Virtuoso v Specialized Allez 16?

[Bayerd]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking for my first road bike and have a budget of £350. Looking on the 'net I've narrowed my search down to either the Carrera Virtuoso or Specialized Allez 16. Both currently priced at £349.

From a riding prespective I currently cycle about 50 miles a week in a hilly region. I would also like to be able to do a couple of longer rides this year, C2C being one option (240ish hilly miles spread over 3 days). Once family life settles a bit more I would also like to be involved in a club or maybe do the odd sportive.

I currently ride an Appollo 10 hybrid (cheapo from Halfords), so I'm guessing that either will probably help me enjoy my riding more than I do now and help increase my average mph by a couple.

Thoughts?....

 

[cyberknight]

Much as i love my virtuosso i would say get the allez as it has a carbon fork and will give a bit more of a comfortable ride.
or consider...

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C438&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c018341

 

[rockyraccoon]

+1 here.

Definitely the Allez. I'd go for the triple chainring if you are planning to ride in a hilly area.

Have a look at [url="http://www.cyclechat.net/topic/73238-bike-recomendations/page__p__1482055__hl__carrera+virtuoso"]this thread[/url]. It has been talked before

 

[Norm]

As another alternative, Cycling Active this month has a very favourable review of the Claud Butler Criterium.

 

[Bayerd]

+1 here.

Definitely the Allez. I'd go for the triple chainring if you are planning to ride in a hilly area.

Have a look at this thread. It has been talked before

Thanks RR, I'll be taking a trip to Rusholme tomorrow then, to sample the curry bikes!

 

[Bayerd]

As another alternative, Cycling Active this month has a very favourable review of the Claud Butler Criterium.

Oh bluddy 'ell, this is why I can't choose, there's too much choice....

 

[e-rider]

you'll not get far doing C2C on a road bike unless you take numerous diversions to the point where you make your own route up!

50% of the signed route is 'off road' so a hybrid is necessary at the very least.

 

[mcshroom]

On road C2C routes are quite common, I have one planned for the spring that doesn't deviate from the signed route too much (although it does add a couple extra hills iirc )

Another option is the B'Twin Fitness 1, but I would probably go for the Allez if it was £350

 

[mcshroom]

There's also a Cross bike or Tourer option for that price range at EBC at the moment.

 

[PaulSecteur]

When ever I buy something, I always look at how I can sell it when Im done. Seems to me that given a buy in price of £350 for the Virtuoso or allez, the allez will be easier to sell on, and probably for more.

 

[Broadside]

Get the Allez, £349 is a great price for a quality piece of kit. Buy it before someone else does, I'm guessing it is a 2010 model it will not be around for long at that price.

 

[Bayerd]

Thanks for the replies, in the end I plumped for the Revolution Country Traveller from EBC. I went out yesterday for the first time on it, and can't believe the difference in response between this and my old bike. I rode a regular 12 mile route the quickest I've ever done even though I'm not as fit as I was early last year. My lower back is telling me that it needs to get used to the new riding position though....