A beginner cyclist

[Mark Woods]

Greetings all,

Just signed up on this forum after looking at Road bikes at which my father offered me to have a go of his before I buy one which is a Scott Speedster and I would still like to go ahead with buying a bike, but just two questions. Firstly, I'm looking at buying the Carrera Virtuoso as I was going to budget myself at around the £250 mark for a first bike, as I don't have any previous bike to compare to and after cycling and getting fitter top then upgrade at some point in the future.

Secondly, the pain from the first cycle is obviously going to be there in the morning so I was wondering if it's best to rest and let it heal or whether it's better to just get back on the bike and try to get your body used to it?

The bike I have been looking at is http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-virtuoso-road-bike-2015

However, I am, also up for buying second hand, but for the pricing of it, and looking at similiar second hand on the market I got the impression that it won't be much more buy I may be wrong hence coming to ask advice here before hand

I'll appreciate any advice and feedback greatly!

Thanks, Mark

 

[Berk on a Bike]

I can't comment on the Carrera from any personal experience. I would say whatever bike you consider, ride it first and see how it feels. In fact, ride a few if you can. I've never bought second hand purely because I don't know enough about bikes to spot a dud.

When you've taken the plunge, pay attention to setting it up for yourself correctly. The aches and twinges you feel after your first rides will be made worse if your bike fits you badly. Check saddle height and position, bar height and position, and don't be afraid to tweak the setup based on what your body tells you (sore knees and/or aching back are giveaways).

All things being equal, if you ache like b*ggery, rest for a day or two. You'll be using muscles to a degree you perhaps haven't before so, again, listen to your body. The last thing you want is for rides to become chores. Ride regularly at a pace and frequency you enjoy.

Good luck.

 

[User42542]

Welcome to the board

Never had a Carrera, but for that price range I would recommend looking at the Triban range in Decathlon. A couple of guys I ride with have the 300 & 500 and they rave about them. A lot of bike for the money!

Either way, enjoy the ride!

 

[Racing roadkill]

Welcome to the board

Never had a Carrera, but for that price range I would recommend looking at the Triban range in Decathlon. A couple of guys I ride with have the 300 & 500 and they rave about them. A lot of bike for the money!

Either way, enjoy the ride!

I'll add a +1 here. If you can stretch the budget, the 500 SE from Decathlon, is about as good a beginners road bike as I've seen for many years.

 

[MikeW-71]

Nothing wrong with the Virtuoso, it's a decent solid bike for the cash. The Triban at Decathlon is direct competition for it.

It'll hurt at first, but you'll find it soon gets a lot better, stick with it.

 

[vickster]

As others, £330 will get you a Triban from Decathlon, lighter bike, carbon fork, better gearing

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-black-id_8306187.html

Another £20 (less quidco) will get you a better groupset again and better wheels from Merlin (availability depending on what size you are)

http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-performance-pr7-road-bike-73113.html

 

[Mark Woods]

Thanks guys, had a look at the SE and I think I will go ahead and get that!

 

[sidevalve]

Had the virtuoso and ok for the price - quite light too. I fitted a smaller front sprocket to mine to give a lower gear range [it's hilly up here in county Durham] but otherwise it was fine.

 

[Torvi]

i have carrera from last year, do not buy them unless you want to also learn the mechanics of the bike, im using it for a year and it's really terrible bike, do yourself a favor, buy something better.

Pros of carrera:
cheap to buy
cheap to maintain

Cons:
very heavy
terribly equipped
needs a lot of maintenance after some time
poor groupset

 

[arch684]

I have had a carrera for 4 years. tiagra 9 sp shiffters and 105 rear mech with shimano r500 wheels.Never had a problem with it

 

[Drago]

One of my hacks is a Carrera that's been ridden hard, commuted on, and generally abused for being one of my less sexy bikes and its been good as gold. It ain't going to give anyone a raging boner of desire, but its never failed to get me where I'm going with quiet efficiency.

 

[ayceejay]

Your second point is a rather negative take on the possible downside of an enjoyable pastime, I suggest yo plan to ride a short distance for your first few rides rather than throw yourself at it and expect to suffer as a result.

 

[Mark Woods]

Thanks for the information - ayceejay, it's enjoyable with the pain but I know it's due to not riding for a long time and then my muscles getting used to the seat. I just wanted some advice as to whether it's better to rest until painless and then ride and build up or keep at it until it goes!

Thank you guys