Hi all another newbie

[ady b]

Hi all I'm ady from south wales not been cycling long started with a hybrid now got me a road bike, its only a budget carrara but im aiming to upgrade all to shimano 105 eventually, here she is

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Ady,

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Ady!

 

[Lanzecki]

Welcome Ady, The £ of the bikes does not make the rider!

What is that model? It looks really nice.

 

[ady b]

Hi thanks it a carrera zelos

 

[Lanzecki]

Just looked at halfords.ie. That explains why I've never seen one.

That model doesn't seem to be available.

 

[sidevalve]

Hi there ! Never make excuses for your bike, if someone else doesn't like it that's their problem. Better to be a rider on a gas pipe special than a poser on a race bred dream.
Get out there and have fun.

 

[ady b]

This is true and I think the zelos was a ltd bike but unsure

 

[cyberknight]

Welcome to CC !

Welcome Ady, The £ of the bikes does not make the rider!

What is that model? It looks really nice.

+1
I ride a virtuoso for commuting /winter rides and its a great bike , bomb proof wheels and frame , my other road bike weighs over 2 kg less and imho although it feels nicer to ride its not really that much quicker than the carrera, in fact last week i was slower !
If your thinking of upgrading it might be cheaper to sell the carrera and buy a upgraded bike as the cost of individual parts + fitting could be more than what you would pay for for a new bike of the spec you would like.
Especially as your wheels are not liable to take 10 speed cassette so you would need new wheels, rear mech, shifters,cables, brakes,chain,bar tape etc ...

Personally i would keep the carrera as is till you decide whether you really like road bikes then if you want a better bike look out for one in the sales sept/oct time when the next years models come out and the current crop gets reduced to clear.

 

[Lanzecki]

Welcome to CC !

+1

Personally i would keep the carrera as is till you decide whether you really like road bikes then if you want a better bike look out for one in the sales sept/oct time when the next years models come out and the current crop gets reduced to clear.

+1

I do like a un-modified bike. Change the tyres, brake blocks and saddle (if uncomfortable) but leave the rest. It won't make you any faster, it's just a money sink and you won't realise the full value when you go to sell it. There is nothing MORE wrong with your bike then a £1k bike when first bought.

And if I might be as bold to suggest scrap the pedals and get some clipless ones and matching shoes. If you want advice on which are good, just ask. But step back you'll get 10 differing answers

 

[Kins]

Arh the joys of Welsh riding. Enjoy and welcome!

 

[ady b]

Tell me about it lol iv opened another thread about my pedals so awaiting the help

 

[ady b]

And how hard is it to retape my handle bar as the white is stinking already

 

[Kins]

Youtube is your friend. Loads of "How to" videos on there that show you exactly what to do, and helpful hints and tips.

 

[Guyincognito76]

I have a budget bike too, a Dawes Giro 300. It's a little heavy, but it's my belly that is hindering my climbs more than the bike