Just bought a cheapie

[Hip Priest]

Nice one! I started on a Carrera Virtuoso (basically a TDF in blue) and it did me fine for a couple of years.

 

[cyberknight]

Th

Nice one! I started on a Carrera Virtuoso (basically a TDF in blue) and it did me fine for a couple of years.

at was my road bike for many years till i bought a baordman .

 

[cyberknight]

Just ride it, I ride a Viking Torino same sort of class, done 20,000 miles since July 2012 (last year only about 3,000) 2013 9,000+ miles, 2014 6,000+ miles. Mind you the only original thing left is the frame/forks, headset (needs changing now though) and mudguards. Its gone from a 7 sp triple to 8,9 and finally a 10sp triple, but many miles were on 7,8 and 9sp 14,000 or so, so don't be put off.

Im running 8 speed double on mine, perfect for commuting and cheap as chips to replace .

 

[Montydog]

nice one!...bargin

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Im running 8 speed double on mine, perfect for commuting and cheap as chips to replace .

Mine has to do everything, 10sp chains are cheap enough Ultegra ones can be picked up for £13, Tiagra cassettes cheap enough, though I run an Ultegra 12-23 personal preference for the gearing I like, the point I was trying to get across is just because they are lower end doesn't mean they are no good.

 

[iggibizzle]

I ride a tdf daily during the week. To be honest, it's not much different to my defy 1.

 

[Stevec047]

It's funny as the other day I took my rear wheel in to be trued and noticed that the previols owner had actually replaced the original cassette for a Sram not sure what it actually is but it was quite a nice surprise to see. Just a shame the rear wheel is to far gone to be trued 100% so having to start saving the pennies for a new rim.

 

[itchybeard]

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/cycle-and-camp-in-brittany-and-normandy.181454/#post-3734523

This here was my bike, but got stolen.
This cost me £40 of a guy who part time ran a cycle hire shop.
I went everywhere on this, it was perfect for me.

 

[Widge]

That Carrera looks better specced than some I've seen - so I reckon its a go'er! £70 is a bargain if so.

I started out with the legendary Triban 3 Red which was a magnificent investment for less than 300 squids (but sadly no-longer available in its original form) It had the great advantage (for me) of a usable triple ring gearing set-up and some decent componentry......but for what you've spent you've done alright IMO. Enjoy.

 

[hondated]

Great thread as it to me illustrates the essence of cycling that you don't need to spend wads of money to become a member of the cycling fraternity. Its amazing how many long distant bike riders do so on low cost bikes.

 

[biggs682]

Great thread as it to me illustrates the essence of cycling that you don't need to spend wads of money to become a member of the cycling fraternity. Its amazing how many long distant bike riders do so on low cost bikes.

@hondated you are so true , its just a shame more people dont realise this especially when starting out

 

[wheresthetorch]

I bought my TdF in 2006, and it's still going strong.

 

[bonsaibilly]

Nice though if I recall you wanted a 56 and that careers looks a size smaller..? Bb

 

[MiK1138]

V popular bikes, guy in works got 1, guy i ride with just upgraded from 1. and at 70 notes its a great bargain

 

[Stevec047]

Mine has just been treated to a nice new set of shiny spd pedals which I can't wait to try out. First time ever using clipless pedals so will be an intresting ride.

Small changes that can be taken from one bike to another is the plan no major upgrades just save the money for a new bike in a few years time.