First road bike

ian.roberts200

Hello everyone. I am in the process of buying my first ever 'road bike'. I intend to use it for fitness only - no competitions. I have been offered a 2 year old Carrera Vanquish for œ250 which seems to be in good condition with average amount of use. My question is, is this particular bike a decent model for me to buy? I am aware of the correct frame size issue and it seems to be fine for me as regards size. Thanks in advance.

2191flint

Hi Ian, and welcome to this forum, you'll get loads of advice on here, we are all pretty friendly. Now...The Carrera bike, Halfords own brand, as a starting point, especialy at that price, then it's pretty good value, the frames are fair, perhaps let down by bottom end components? but that said, you can always upgrade bits, but beware...This cycling lark is SERIOUSLY addictive, and, before you know it you too will be hankering after something better, it WILL happen, you're doomed, were all doomed, aye all doomed LOL!!

A turkey is just for Christmas, not for life.


Me and my bike- http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/flintosaur9/

ian.roberts200

Thanks. Have to admit, ideally I would like a Bianchi but as its my first bike I intend to stick to my budget for now. Are there any other models that you could recommend at that price bracket please?

Unknown

You might be able to find a 2nd hand spesh Allez for around that price

Worth having a look around the small ads

Mleh Mleh Mleh

ian.roberts200

Thanks Steve. Have heard of Specialized, probably much better than Carrera? Would definitely prefer one to the Halfords bike.

Unknown

I wouldn't like to suggest that Halfords bikes ain't very good. but i know if i were buying a bike at that sort of price, i would 'try' to find something made by Specialized, Giant or Trek.

There are plenty of nice bikes for sale about, at the price point you want to pay.
As soon as i can get round to it, i'll be shifting this Giant. So have a good look and don't buy the first thing that comes along as it may not be the bargain it appears

Mleh Mleh Mleh

ian.roberts200

Steve. Out of interest. How would you rate Bianchi? Friend of mine has one and it is really nice

Unknown

yep add bianchi to the list. nice bikes, very nice bikes

Mleh Mleh Mleh

ian.roberts200

Problem is finding a good bike made by any of the manufacturers mentioned, within my price range! Any that I find seem to sell for well above my upper limit, which was why I was considering the Carrera. Oh well, keep on looking I guess. Cheers for the help, its much appreciated.

2191flint

Don't be put off about the Carrera, providing the frame has been cared for and the drivetrain cleaned and lubed,there is nothing inherantly wrong with them, there is a lot of what can best be described as bike snobbery, i.e. if you ain't riding a top end frame with Campag components you ain't jack , well that's total bo**ocks, because we all started out on a basic bike, then got bitten by the road bug and improved the bike we started with.

So I would say, have a look about, see what there is, come next month a lot of people will be using the buzz of the TdF to try and sell bikes, so either wait a bit or go for the Carrera, but do get a bike and get out and ride it, that Carbon framed dream machine will be yours eventually.

A turkey is just for Christmas, not for life.


Me and my bike- http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/flintosaur9/

Bianchi Boy

Yes. Bianchi bikes are very good. Have you considered joining your local cycling club? You'll make many new friends, and contacts who may be able to sort you out with a bike.

IMO On the buget you have I would go for a used bike of better quality, rather than new.

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Celeste is best

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