First Year Over (nearly)

[The Jogger]

I don't know if anybody remembers my post on my too small Sirrus, last year. I have decided come May when I have paid (cycle2work) for it, I'll either give it to the wife or ebay it.
I think I'll go for a road bike and quite fancy the look of this,
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_272633_langId_-1_categoryId_165710
are the components as good as the 2008 sirrus though, as components names mean nout to me.
Roy

 

[Keith Oates]

I've no experience with the Carrera but the Shimano Tiagra/Sora mix is usually a reliable gear set and should be OK for commuting. Perhaps some one else will come along who actually has one of the bikes and give you a more accurate opinion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wigsie]

This does appear to be a better component mix than the base model 08 sirrus. Are you limited to Halfords? if so check out the Boardman range. The only experience I have with Halfords is my sons Carrera MTB (the less said about their set up of this the better) and it may be worthwhile finding a LBS withe a bikefit service so you get the right size.

For around the £500 mark there are loads of road bike options from the likes of Trek, Specialized, BeOne, Focus, Bianchi, Scott, Giant (the list goes on, i am sure others can throw a few more in the mix) and all of those listed are likely to have a better frame than the Carrera, which in many peoples view is more important than selecting a bike on the level of components (which can be changed bit by bit if you really want), although Tiagra/Sora level components are pretty reliable and usually standard for this price range these days).

If you are restricted to halfords go to a LBS first have a chat with them and get measured for a bike so you can walk into halfords knowing more than 90% of the staff that will likely serve you (obviously just my opinion). Sizing and a decent personalised set up is half the battle so if it must be Halfords take the bike straight to a decent LBS and pay £20-£40 and get them to check it over and if need be to set it up properly for your needs.