Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

forum
road.cc bike forum

Which Carrera for a first road bike?

by gcoulter
Thu, Jun 18, 2015 09:32
3

Hi

I've read various reviews and posts on this forum and have decided to choose a Carrera as my first road bike.
However Halfords have two which are essentially for the same price (though the price has just changed on their website, nothing new there), and I'm looking for some advice as to which one to choose.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-karkinos-limite...
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-zelos-road-bike...

The main difference seems to be with the chainset, is one better than the other or is there no difference?

I'm aware that buying from Halfords will split opinion but from a first timers point of view I get help building the bike and a free 6 week service.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

G Coulter

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

Add new comment

3 comments

Avatar
gcoulter | 9 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for the comments to date.
I was actually looking at the Decathlon website as well, the Triban 500 seems to get excellent reviews, currently £280.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-road-bike-black-id_8331913.html
They all seem to be good, and would happily pay a bit more if I thought I wouldn't have to upgrade pedals or tyres almost immediately.

Avatar
vonhelmet | 9 years ago
0 likes

The Virtuoso has better gears than either of those bikes and still only costs £300. The Vanquish has a carbon fork and costs £350.

If you've got a Decathlon near you, then you should look there as well, as they have some great value bikes around your price range.

Avatar
PhillBrown | 9 years ago
0 likes

I own a Carrera Zelos that I have had for nearly two years now... Although it's the prettier black and yellow version from last year! It was my first road bike and I did 1000+ miles in the first few months of owning it - and loved it! I was riding with a triathlon club and could happily keep up with guys on their £x000's worth of bikes.

The groupset has held up really well to winter commuting, really wet weather riding and fun summer blasting too... Maintenance has been minimal but it still rides like the day I first climbed on...

I would imagine that I've put close to 3000 miles on it now as its only used for commuting and the occasional evening spin... They are great, robust frames that take a good beating, but I can't help realise how inferior it is to a "real" road bike when I climb on it after a few rides on a full carbon bike.

The two bikes that you have listed are actually the same bike, just different colour. The frame geometry, wheels, groupset - all the same. It will be your preference to which you like the look of most...

I think if I was buying one today, it would be:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-tanneri-limited...
or
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-crixus-limited-...
Being a Cyclocross bike gives you extra clearance for larger (more comfortable) tyres and mudguards for the winter whilst also being able to accept raod tyres on the rims. It also means that if you feel the need to blast it along a gravel forest track and get away with it... you can. This bike also comes with a much better groupset for less money too! (they same money on the brakes as these are cantilever rather than calliper)

If you are happy to buy a new Carrera, then do. Ignore the obvious comments to follow; "Buy a second hand better bike..." or "Stay clear of halfords..." Although both are very valid advice...

Latest Comments