Carrera Bikes

[fixedfixer]

I’m on the look out for a hack bike and wonder if the Carrera’s are just BSO’s or an ok hack. Don’t want a heavy beast but really mind entry level basic kit. Anyone got experience of these?

 

[Easytigers]

Will be interesting to hear people's feedback as there seems to be quite a lot around at the moment on the second-hand market at quite cheap prices...but maybe that says something about their quality???

 

[fixedfixer]

Halfords did the Apollo range that was defo a bit BSO. Think the Carrera was a lot better but await collective wisdom.

 

[Levo-Lon]

i was in halfords Saturday, and had a quick look at the Carera bikes.
my sister asked my abvice due to theft of BiL bike from town this week.
so needs a cheap bike for work.
the stolen bike cost them £900 with a 300 excess!! on the insurance.
so the logic is go cheap as the bike gets left in town all day .

they seem ok ,yes they will be in the 14kg area mtb but for a nip to bike i think they appear ok.
Shimano gears ,shifters and some even have disc brakes at a low price point.

go and view would be my abvice.

 

[fixedfixer]

I was looking second hand. There are a few TdF models that appear to have had very little use with asking price of £150 ish

 

[Illaveago]

I have an old Carrera which I rescued and find it to be a pretty good bike . It came with Shimano gears as standard and it feels lighter than a Scott I was given.

 

[vickster]

Components are pretty low end on the roadbikes, frames are quite heavy too. I’d look for a used Defy maybe or a Decathlon triban

Usual rules apply when buying used to check not stolen. Original owner should be able to provide a receipt imo

 

[AndyRM]

The TdF is a decent enough bike for that price. Nothing fancy but does the job. Can also vouch for the Subway if you go for a hybrid.

 

[Drago]

Carerra does have the odd blip in the range, but in general are no nonsense, workmanlike steeds. The highlights of the range were always the Subway and the mid-level MTB, the Kraken. Value is reasonable, particularly if you hang on until one of the numerous Bank Holiday sales, where bargains abound, occasionally as low as half price.

 

[Saluki]

Chap has a Carerra MTB and it’s his workhorse bike. Goes everywhere, does everything and he thinks that it’s wonderful. He has some very nice bikes too so not one of the uninformed. I had a carerra roadie, at one point. Nothing wrong wit it at all. Nice ride, reliable as the day was long.

 

[wisdom]

Youngest son has a carerra mtb.ally frame hydraulic discs but it was a cheap buy new.
Now here is the difference.
Due to the constant abuse a 20 yr old can throw at a bike.And it's used everyday as a commuter as well the drivetrain is truly shot.Front triple is more than well worn rear casette the same.
It's really uneconimical to replace the components so he has now bought a new GT hybrid which has much better components and is a lot better made.
So in reality it' served him well and doesn't owe him anything as it was only £180.00 new and has given him around 6 yrs of pleasure.All in all its been great but in reality can' be upgraded.

 

[Maenchi]

years ago when I was looking for a cheap second hand bike all I kept finding was Carrera's ..........did'nt like them much..............I kept looking until I found and old Kona........

 

[Cycleops]

Why limit yourself to the Carerra range? They're a budget bike with budget components. As @Maenchi says above there are loads of used better quality bikes on places like Gumtree, take your pick.

 

[NorthernDave]

Depends what you want. Mrs ND has a Carrera Subway hybrid and loves it.
To be fair I can see why as it's genuinely difficult to fault at the money.

If buying new don't pay retail though as there is always an offer on the horizon.

 

[fixedfixer]

Thanks folks. It’s a road bike I’m after. I’ll keep a look out for something suitable. Good information provided by all.