Loving my new bike!

[Vincealot]

Hello all.

I got myself a new bike on Monday and I am enjoying my commute so much more!

I bought a Carrera Vanquish 2007-2009 model.Its got an all black gloss paint job. Its 2nd hand and has only been rode 3 times by the previous owner. Unfortunatly the person I bought it off had been involved in a motor cylce accident (hit by a car) and couldnt ride bikes again. It had been sat in his shed for the past 2 years doing nothing and he'd replaced the tyres becasue the orignials had become brittle.

Heres the spec

• Shimano Tiagra 18 speed gearing with STI controls
• Ultralight 7005 alluminium compact double butted frame
• Tektro R730 dual pivot brakes
• Truvativ Touro compact chainset
• Powerspline bottom bracket
• DBR 2 double wall rims
• Schwalbe Stelvio tyres
• Lightweight carbon fibre forks

I dont know much about bikes but I'm sure most of you know how good or bad those componants are.

I have been riding a steel framed (£150) heavy commuter/hybrid bike. It was an upgrade from a cheap mountin bike which I used for a couple of months. All I can say is wow! My average speed has grone from around 14mph to 17-18. Getting to 20mph+ requires less effort, hills are so much easier to tackle, I'm not getting as out of breath and the whole ride in general just feels so smooth.

I paid £290 for the bike on ebay and think I got myself a good deal. I've had 2 small problems with it. Although I lubed the chain (using finish line wet lube) it snapped on my way home last night and something on the way to work has created a small slit in the rear tyre. I relpaced the chain with a SRAM PC-951 9 Speed Bike Chain. Not sure if I should change the tyre asap. Problem is the tyres are black with 2 white stripes and cant seem to find a replacement online.

I changed my shift from 9am-5pm to 5am-1pm in the hope the weather is once again beautiful so I can enjoy a nice bike ride this afternoon.

I do apologise if I've wasted 2 minutes of anyones life with this post but I just needed to tell the world about my new love!

 

[Spinney]

I do apologise if I've wasted 2 minutes of anyones life with this post but I just needed to tell the world about my new love!

Good news is never a waste!
May you continue to enjoy...

 

[Chrisc]

Sounds great! Always nice to share so meone's pleasure in finding something they love doing as much as you do. Not from experience but from my own reading I'd say you got a bargain with a nice component set that would cost a lot more than that to buy new. Enjoy the new bike!

 

[jonny jeez]

Not sure if I should change the tyre asap. Problem is the tyres are black with 2 white stripes and cant seem to find a replacement online.

You've done well there and the snapped chain would tend to show that the sellers story was true (2 years of sitting in one position without lubrication is enought to make most things snap!! ... ooer)

I would swap that tyre out if I were you, a slit sounds like it will very soon turn into an early morning blow out (not sure I'd like to be fixing that at 5.00am)

I'm sure white walls/reflectives are pretty easlily available, but if you cant find them, pop into a local bike shop

 

[Sluicehoops]

Hi vincealot,
Glad to hear your happy with your bike.
Does your vanquish have the necessary fixings on the frame so a pannier rack can be attached?

i'm thinking about getting a not-too expensive second hand road bike to use for commuting. After seeing your post, I reckon a vanquish might be just the thing.
I'm searching ebay...

Thanks.

 

[bauldbairn]

Sounds like you've got yourself a bargain there.

With the weather improving - your cycling will only get more enjoyable.

 

[swee'pea99]

Well done and carry on enjoying it! You can of course replace those tyres with any the right size....they don't have to have fancy stripes.

 

[Vincealot]

Hi vincealot,
Glad to hear your happy with your bike.
Does your vanquish have the necessary fixings on the frame so a pannier rack can be attached?

i'm thinking about getting a not-too expensive second hand road bike to use for commuting. After seeing your post, I reckon a vanquish might be just the thing.
I'm searching ebay...

Thanks.

Sorry I didnt reply sooner Sluicehoops. It has an extra hole either side of the rear wheel. Looks like something can be bolted to it. You'll have to excuse my lack of technical terms. Maybe the holes are for a mudguard or pannier, I'm not sure. Theres one identical to mine (except for the tyres) going for £325 buy it now price on ebay. The description says its brand new.

Still loving the bike. I've even started to take routes to work that cover more mileage. I havent once thought... bah gotta ride to work. Although people have complimented my new wheels it seems people now enjoy making jokes about my bib tights and padded shorts

Had to take the front wheel into my LBS the other day. Two potholes buckeld my front wheel a little. LBS put it straight again.

I'd wanted a road biek for a while and this one has increased my love for them. Now I'm looking at the smart looking Bianchi's in my LBS. Think I'm gonna have to convince my employer to join the CTW scheme.

 

[Sluicehoops]

Thanks for the info Vincealot, yes those holes are for fixing a rack.

Sounds like you've really got the bug if you're checking out the Bianchis as well. Go on, you know you need one!

Cheers.

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Vincealot, just to let you know that Bianchis in black go much faster than the mint green ones! Good luck.

 

[redjedi]

Vincealot, just to let you know that Bianchis in black go much faster than the mint green ones! Good luck.

That's Celeste and I disagree, I'll give you a race any time
Glad you're enjoying the new bike, and don't let people's jealousy of how good you look in lycra put you off.
You could find out their routes home and go the same way. You're bound to catch and pass them whilst their stuck in traffic. Don't forget to smile and wave as you pass them

 

[cyberknight]

They are nice looking bikes i am considering one if work do cycle to work again.
As some chris c said carrera`s are good value for money and i have a hybrid and a 2nd hand race bike and apart from normal wear i can say i have not had any major issues.

Changing the tyres is a must for a commute , the basic ones are just not good enough for all the muck on the roads, i will not say whats the best plenty of choice but i changed to conti gator skins and went form 4 p*****es in 1 week to my normal none.