Carrera Virtuosso - opinions?

Gaklennox
Gaklennox Posts: 8
edited May 2011 in Road buying advice
Hey guys, looking to pick this up as my first road bike, seems to be that best i can get in the price range but I would love some of your opinions. Max budget of £400 for a beginners road bike, would be used for commute (8 miles) and weekend riding.

Comments

  • dmont
    dmont Posts: 74
    I was in you situation about 2 months ago, read reviews posted questions etc etc.
    In the end I got the Virtuoso. It was a very good choice, the bike is lovely and easy to ride, plus in that price range there really isn't anything better... It's a perfect beginner bike and will last years..
    Lots of people in here recommend that bike, BikeRadar also hold it in high regard..

    I say go for it !
    Riding - Voodoo Bantu
  • tremayne
    tremayne Posts: 378
    Some dealers still have 2010 Raleigh airlite 100. Now down to about £330. Very nice in blue and yellow with good kit for money. If could get in your size , would prob rate higher than virtuoso but not much in it. Check it out though. I know there are some still about.
  • Gaklennox
    Gaklennox Posts: 8
    Thanks dimont, just what I wanted to hear :D
  • jimmythecuckoo
    jimmythecuckoo Posts: 4,719
    tremayne wrote:
    Some dealers still have 2010 Raleigh airlite 100. Now down to about £330.

    Which dealers? !!!
    http://fendrieneu.home.blog
    My blog and pod...
    Beers of Belgium Cycling Club UK
  • deswahriff
    deswahriff Posts: 310
    ..go for it....my son picked one up before Christmas for a charity ride we're doing...you won't get Tiagra shifters on anything else in that price range, very well specc'ed bike (carbon forks, Sora, decent budget Shimano wheels ) and ideal for a first timer - only drawback is the frame is probably not worth upgrading, ....oh and blag as much discount as you can off them!, you might need it for a proper set-up!!
  • BR 1979
    BR 1979 Posts: 296
    deswahriff wrote:
    ..go for it....my son picked one up before Christmas for a charity ride we're doing...you won't get Tiagra shifters on anything else in that price range, very well specc'ed bike (carbon forks, Sora, decent budget Shimano wheels ) and ideal for a first timer - only drawback is the frame is probably not worth upgrading, ....oh and blag as much discount as you can off them!, you might need it for a proper set-up!!
    You're talking about the Vanquish, reading your description.

    But, yes, when I was buying ~18mths ago, I could find nothing better for £500. Great bike, will be my Winter bike for many years to come, I hope.
  • deswahriff
    deswahriff Posts: 310
    ...sorry, yes!! the Vanquish indeed......Gaklennox, I suggest you up your budget...my son got his for £450 plus a bunch of freebies ( it was the shop floor model),.... it's a much better specc'ed bike than the Virtuoso for not much more dosh.....

    ...I'll probably buy it off him when he's done, for my winter hack!!
  • Gaklennox
    Gaklennox Posts: 8
    ooo, it does look tempting, i'll see what I can do to up my price range, does look like a nice ride
  • Garryboy
    Garryboy Posts: 344
    Got my Virtuoso for Christmas, no I'm not 13 but 40!

    Loved it, changed tyres as stock ones were useless - puncture on every outing - changed to gatorskins

    It's not had much love since I got my Boardman Team Carbon though, but it will be my winter and turbo trainer bike

    Go for it!
  • Gaklennox
    Gaklennox Posts: 8
    Garryboy wrote:
    Got my Virtuoso for Christmas, no I'm not 13 but 40!

    Loved it, changed tyres as stock ones were useless - puncture on every outing - changed to gatorskins

    It's not had much love since I got my Boardman Team Carbon though, but it will be my winter and turbo trainer bike

    Go for it!
    Thanks for the advide, i'll keep that in mind :) ive found a slot to visit halfords at the weekend, getting excited now :D
  • Garryboy
    Garryboy Posts: 344
    Oh, I also changed the stock saddle to a Charge Spoon, takes a while to get used to but comfy when it and you are 'broken in'

    Also the pedals have toe straps, changed those to clipless shimano A530 flat on one side cilps on the other means you can ease into the magical wold of clipless. Although you will still fall off!
  • cyberknight
    cyberknight Posts: 1,238
    Got a virtuosso and for the money its great and is currently my weekend bike till i get a boardman ..


    Great bike and its got room for a rack + mudguards .

    Run mine with gaotrskins, spds, and will be putting the crud mudgaurds + rack on it when i sell the TDF which i use as the commuter atm.
    FCN 3/5/9

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