Advice needed on bike purchase

big_drive

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_810653_langId_-1_categoryId_212377


Saw this bike in halfords, just wondering what are the thoughts on it? Any good?

Thinking of getting a bike just for a bit of exercise. Would like to maybe cycle a round trip of 20-30 miles at weekend. During the week a few shorter spins.

Would this bike do ok for my needs?

I haven't sat on a bike with about 15 years (31 now)

Any advice welcome

Tonyandthewhale

It's meh. It's not a BSO (bicycle shaped object aka a piece of shit) but you could probably get more for your money. If I was shopping in halfords with you budget I'd be more tempted by the carrera gryphon, subway or even the carrera tdf (this last one is a racing bike, also for 374e IIRC). Why do you feel you need a suspension fork?

If you think you might get hooked and start doing longer rides I recommend a road bike over a hybrid. If you feel you're going to be making use of the suspension fork and using it mostly off-road I'd suggest a mountain bike.

Icyseanfitz

you should decide what you will be using the bike on as tony said, if your just doing roads go for a road bike and if you intend to do mtb trails get a mtb and stick some slick tyres on for the road, dont like hybrids myself

big_drive

Thanks lads for replies. To be honest I hardly know what a suspension fork is. My understanding of bikes isn't much more than I know they have 2 wheels and a saddle! Haha!

The bike will be used on the road only really

If ye think a road bike would be better what are the thoughts on this one-

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_272625_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

aster99

I've been looking at that one recently too, would be interested to hear thoughts on it

Tonyandthewhale

Carrera virtuoso is a well regarded entry level bike. It's specced with a similar groupset to what you'd normally find on a 5 or 6 hundred euro bike. The frame is also pretty well regarded for the price, not super light but comfortable enough. The wheels are a little cheaper than you might get from a more high-profile brand bike like giant or trek but the sacrifice seems to be on making them heavier rather than less sturdy so this is a good thing and they'll still be easier rolling than the wheels of that hybrid you linked earlier. All round it seems like a good bike for the price, not spectacular but a sensible choice I'd say. Having said that, I haven't ridden one so can't say for sure, but I haven't heard anything bad about them.

One thing to watch out for when buying from halfords though is to watch out for dodgy workmanship on assembly, make sure all the nuts and bolts are properly tightened and the quick-releases on the wheels closed properly before you ride, whatever you buy.

Captain Havoc

Get both types of bike FTW.

Amirani

Been considering the Carrera Virtuoso. Do you think I'd be better putting an extra few quids in and getting a Specialized Sirrus or Trek 7.1fx?

big_drive

Tonyandthewhale wrote: »

Carrera virtuoso is a well regarded entry level bike. It's specced with a similar groupset to what you'd normally find on a 5 or 6 hundred euro bike. The frame is also pretty well regarded for the price, not super light but comfortable enough. The wheels are a little cheaper than you might get from a more high-profile brand bike like giant or trek but the sacrifice seems to be on making them heavier rather than less sturdy so this is a good thing and they'll still be easier rolling than the wheels of that hybrid you linked earlier. All round it seems like a good bike for the price, not spectacular but a sensible choice I'd say. Having said that, I haven't ridden one so can't say for sure, but I haven't heard anything bad about them.

One thing to watch out for when buying from halfords though is to watch out for dodgy workmanship on assembly, make sure all the nuts and bolts are properly tightened and the quick-releases on the wheels closed properly before you ride, whatever you buy.

Thanks for reply.

As I said earlier my knowledge is limited. You mention quick realese wheels. Are they easy to put on and off

Also any thoughts on getting the bike home? This is something that could cause a problem. I have a '01 Audi a4, boot is big enough. With wheels off would it fit?

big_drive

Is there much difference between the careera virtuoso and the TDF?