Carrera Crossfire 2

AdilDobbs

Hi guys. I'm thinking of getting hold of a Carrera Crossfire 2 and have read some mixed reviews about this bike. I'm looking for something with a bit of comfort (hence the suspension), but also something that has decent gearing so I can get a move on when I want to. Can anyone recommend this or suggest a better alternative?

prawny

You don't really need the suspension on the road it just robs you of speed weighs more and needs maintenance. If the roads by you are really bad or are taking it off road get a mountain bike or cross bike.

If they aren't too bad just get a roadie and join the SCR fun.

Oh and just a warning I bought my road bike from halfords, had to as it was cycle to work, I need my front shifter replacing (tiagra) and I've been waiting for nearly 3 weeks now apparently there's none in stock anywhere :evil: hmm I could buy some online easy enough.

AdilDobbs

Thanks for the info. Some of the roads are pretty badly maintained and I often get to work with numb arms so I do really need some suspension to help with this. Don't really want to go for a mountain bike though as I find the gearing just isn't high enough for my needs.

alfablue

The numb arms may well be due to the bike fit or setup, not lack of suspension. If you ride in a relaxed style with a slight bend to the elbows then this is your suspension - of course the size of the bike, the reach to the bars, and the height of the seat and bars has to be correct.

I would never choose to ride suspension on the road (and I have the option), heavy, sluggish and inefficient. It is also quite likely that the suspension on the crossfire will be poor and either too plush and bouncy or unresponsive to the smaller stuff.

If you are looking at Halfords then I believe the Carrera Gryphon (or maybe Subway) is a much better bet. The problem may be, however, that your own and Halfords knowledge of bike fit may not be sufficient to get a properly sized bike (I have seen many people being sold bikes that are clearly too big); a good local bike shop will make sure you get one that fits.

Suspension on road bikes has never really taken off, if it were that good there would be loads of bikes made with it; truth is, it isn't necessary, it is heavy, works poorly, and the added costs reduce the quality of the rest of the bike at a given price point.

Kieran_Burns

I've got a Gryphon as my road bike - just stick 28c tyres on it and you'll have a smoother ride. It can take 32c but muguards are an issue then

Or just go for a CX bike and be proud I did but I have some off road sections which made a road bike unsuitable.

AdilDobbs

I've had a look at the Gryphon, will pop to the shop for a hands-on. Thanks guys.