wasting my money??

[rsvdaz]

I got a spesh rockhopper on the ride to work scheme - I have entered the dartmoor classic a 100km road ride..I have changed the tyres to slicks and currently having fun training for the event..currently up to 32miles (Dartmoor classic isnt till the end of june)..so much in fact..i'm looking at other events to enter after the classic.

funds are somewhat depleted..but would i be wasting my time and money getting a cheap road bike (im thinking of the Carrera Virtuoso: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_272625_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#dtab )

the reason i got the mtb was because of adaptability...using it on the ride such as now..tow paths with family and kids and a bit of off roading with mates....lol@ mates i'm nearly 41!!

would i notice any improvement with this road bike over my current set up?

 

[MadoneRider1991]

you will feel a huge difference over the mtb, im also doing the dartmoor classic 100km and would never think about doing it on a mtb your a braver man than me lol

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

would i notice any improvement with this road bike over my current set up?

Yes.

It's not necessary but you would notice. I notice a difference beween my Virtuoso and my tourer (700x35) so you would definitely notice a difference between that and an MTB, even one with high-pressure slicks.

If funds are tight though, something similar 2nd hand, and a service at your LBS, might be the best, give you a bit extra for any "toys" to go with it.

 

[Jerry Atrik]

Im also training for the Dartmoor and have got up to 30 miles but have the same dilema . I have got a carrera TDF and a Dawes Kalahari hybrid but am finding the hybrid much easier to get along with than the lighter road bike . I keep taking the road bike out but seem to revert back to the hybrid and its doing my head in .

 

[MadoneRider1991]

Im also training for the Dartmoor and have got up to 30 miles but have the same dilema . I have got a carrera TDF and a Dawes Kalahari hybrid but am finding the hybrid much easier to get along with than the lighter road bike . I keep taking the road bike out but seem to revert back to the hybrid and its doing my head in .

is it your road bikes position??

 

[Jerry Atrik]

I took the road bike to my LBS and they set it up for me and it is in fact very comfortable for a very level entry bike . I hav'nt rid a bike in 30 years up till a few weeks ago so maybe thats it and i do find those extra few gears really make a difference .

 

[MadoneRider1991]

I took the road bike to my LBS and they set it up for me and it is in fact very comfortable for a very level entry bike . I hav'nt rid a bike in 30 years up till a few weeks ago so maybe thats it and i do find those extra few gears really make a difference .

yh probly, it took me about a month on non stop riding to get used to my road bike

 

[lantern rouge]

I've just sold an '08 Carrera Virtuoso (got £190 for it) and can thoroughly recommend this bike, it was a great ride and caused me no trouble at all over 1200 miles. The only things I had to do apart from regular cleaning and lubing was adjustments due to cable stretch and a couple of loose spokes on the rear wheel. Infact I'd say that the DBR rims are probably the bikes' weakest point, but perfectly usable.

I'd definately have another one - despite the H*******s connection
- but not yet, as as I've just blown the money on some Fulcrum Racing 5's and Pro Race 3's for my Onix!

 

[Jerry Atrik]

Maybe i should stick with it then , but those extra gears are a bonus going up on the moors . I keep going up and down one hill on the course near to me and get much further up without stopping on the hybrid . Dont think im ever gonna get over the top without stopping ,LOL , dont know how all you guys out there manage it .

 

[rsvdaz]

cheers for the advice everyone...just need to work on 'er in door..despite it being from halfrauds..i would feel more comfy getting a new one..knowing there is some comeback if something goes wrong..is ther any ohter bike i should be looking at in this price range...I suppose £500 at the very very max..or is the carrera the best for your bucks?

 

[MadoneRider1991]

cheers for the advice everyone...just need to work on 'er in door..despite it being from halfrauds..i would feel more comfy getting a new one..knowing there is some comeback if something goes wrong..is ther any ohter bike i should be looking at in this price range...I suppose £500 at the very very max..or is the carrera the best for your bucks?

look at orbea bikes

mine was 475 and its never gone wrong!!!

 

[lantern rouge]

RsvDaz,

BigEvo from this Forum recently got a lovely Bianchi Via Nirone C2C from a LBS for approx £650. Whilst he was searching he was shown a £500 ish Giant which had Shimano 2200/2300 equipment......Same as the Virtuoso I've just sold....You pays yer money etc...

 

[lantern rouge]

look at orbea bikes

mine was 475 and its never gone wrong!!!

huge thumbs up for Orbea!!

 

[Bruce]

Whilst on the look out for a winter training bike last december, I happened across an Orbea Aqua T23, great bike I bought it as a packeage for £585 came with shoes and SPD-L pedals, which are useful spares.

And what with the weatehr of late the training bike has had loads of use and has proved itself a good one.

So another +1 for the Orbea

 

[MadoneRider1991]

go orbea!!