Carrera Virtuoso v TDF

DevilfishJnr

I know this might be frowned upon here but thinking about buying one of these two bikes from Halfords

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... ogId=10151

or

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... zone=PDPz1

Can anyone with biking knowlege tell me what the main differences are and if one of them is a particularly better bike, as I am a complete noob when it comes to road biking. I am just looking for a bike that will help me get in to biking with a view to upgrading in a few years. Also is there anything that could be changed on these bikes for a relaitely low cost that would make a decent improvement?

Also I am 5'8 and weight 140lbs if that makes any difference

Thanks in advance

MarksMintness

Hi mate, I had a similar first bike query and ended up getting a Trek 1.1 which I'm very happy with.
I think both those bikes are very similar tbh, but both get pretty good reviews.

I would say that the gearing of those 2 bikes is hardly beginner 'friendly', as they both have 52-39 tooth chain sets, I think you may struggle on some hills tbh. I have a 50-34 tooth and manage ok, so just bear that in mind. You might be fine but I just thought it might be a factor.

You may want to consider as another alternative the Btwin Triban 3 from Decathlon which gets very good reviews, has a triple chainset so very hill friendly and has carbon forks on the front. I was very close to getting one before the Trek came up second hand.

I can certainly vouch for Shimano 2300 groupset - I have it and find it does the job fine!

Finally, best of luck and enjoy the new bike whatever it is!

Cheers, Mark

esd

I have a virtuoso 2009 - probably has 25 000 miles on it now.

pros: cheaper than established brand entry models

cons:cheap wheels, tyres, bottom bracket

I still have the original levers, brakes, front derailleur, frame and fork and thats about it........everything else has worn out quickly and been replaced.

If you are going to do any significant mileage suggest save your pennies for a bit longer...you will end up forking out more in the long run.

Road buzz on one of these bikes is significant...so look for smooth roads!

DevilfishJnr

Thanks Mark, The Triban does seem to have a better spec for the price of the two Halford bikes. I am planning on doing around 2-3 hours of biking at the weekend so nothing to significant.

ESD I am a very impatient person haha and want to start asap. I have been looking around the past few weeks for a 2nd hand bike but living in Aberdeen in Scotland, there arn't many that are available. If I was to buy one of these bikes, would you reccommend buying new/better tyres for them before and keep the original ones for spares? And if so how much are you looking at for a set of decent tyres.

Sorry if these questions are basic and noobish

esd

go with what comes with the bike and see how they wear and feel.

I run conti ultra sports (23s) on front -£12 wiggle

and conti gators on the back (23s) £21 wiggle

keep em pumped up to avoid punctures

have fun

i have in a sort of masochistic way!

ESD

juankerr

I was in Halfords earlier this week and there were two of these next to each other so I engaged myself in a spot the difference competition. The virtuoso had a slightly blingier stem and one of them (the TDF??? can't remember) had rack mounts on the frame. Otherwise they looked to have the virtually the same kit so if you do get one either get the cheapest or the one you think is prettiest. Or get a BTWin or something 2nd hand.

arabianjules

i got a TDF second hand a few months back, as i wanted a second bike for the summer, training and got my first long ride coming up next month, London to Brighton, and did`nt want to do it on my MTB.
paid £280 for a TDF that had done barely 15/20 miles, and had an Italia seat fitted to it as well as twin bottle cages and new bar tape.
so look for someting on the used market, you`ll get more for your money, or what you wanted like me, for a saving.