Full carbon road bike for 400 quid. What could go wrong?

Full carbon road bike for 400 quid. What could go wrong?

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yellowjack

17,078 posts

166 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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The link... http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3... ...now shows a price of £799.99

So, a damned good bargain for anyone who bought at £399, or even £499. I had a conversation with the wife at Reading Festival, bemoaning her previous reluctance to part with £400 for one (her credit card, after all rolleyes ) whereupon she now denies all knowledge of any discussion about the bike. So now, because she blithely vetoed a purchase at £400, she'll have to stomach a much bigger hit when replacement time arrives, because the Ventura no longer feels like a bargain at £800, and I'll more than likely end up paying the premium for a 'known brand'.

Fugazi

564 posts

121 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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There was one on Ebay for £450 over the weekend, might be worth the punt if you're still looking.

I just ordered some 105 calipers and Koolstop pads for mine after trying to use the brakes to slow down while hoofing it down some hills proved futile, almost resorted to putting my feet down at one point.

richardxjr

7,561 posts

210 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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The Clarks pads and holders I mentioned earlier transformed mine for £14. And they match wink




Soir

2,269 posts

239 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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Damn was too late on this, back up to £800!

richardxjr

7,561 posts

210 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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Do keep an eye on Ebay, I reckon a few 55s will be on there shortly as they are LARGE. I'd say between Giant M/L and L. Remember, Argos only sells the larger 2 of the 4 available frame sizes.

I'm 5'11 and 32" inside leg trouser size. Have the saddle back (although it is a layback post) and have swapped stem from 110 to 100mm. Fits a treat now though, but I can't see how many under 5'10 will fit properly.



TwistingMyMelon

6,385 posts

205 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
quotequote all
richardxjr said:
Do keep an eye on Ebay, I reckon a few 55s will be on there shortly as they are LARGE. I'd say between Giant M/L and L. Remember, Argos only sells the larger 2 of the 4 available frame sizes.

I'm 5'11 and 32" inside leg trouser size. Have the saddle back (although it is a layback post) and have swapped stem from 110 to 100mm. Fits a treat now though, but I can't see how many under 5'10 will fit properly.
Thats what put me off, I'm 5"7 and have a Wilier Medium @ 54cm (small for a 54) and it was too big, with a shorter stem it is still a stretch, but I like that. I can see people of my height struggling with much more . Shorter stems and such help to an extent but there is only so much you can change/compromise on a bike thats too big for you.

I've been running those Clarke Pads over the Winter and they last well.

lukeyman

1,009 posts

135 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
quotequote all
richardxjr said:
Do keep an eye on Ebay, I reckon a few 55s will be on there shortly as they are LARGE. I'd say between Giant M/L and L. Remember, Argos only sells the larger 2 of the 4 available frame sizes.

I'm 5'11 and 32" inside leg trouser size. Have the saddle back (although it is a layback post) and have swapped stem from 110 to 100mm. Fits a treat now though, but I can't see how many under 5'10 will fit properly.
I hope not. I've got someone picking up my Zelos tonight!

SpunkyGlory

2,322 posts

165 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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Not that I would ever try and sell mine on here but for info I don't have space to store mine so will be having to get rid. It's never been ridden but doesn't come with the packaging as I built it up. Only want back the £400 I paid for it.

lukeyman

1,009 posts

135 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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There's not much in it. Thought I'd measure up and get in the kitchen shot too!




richardxjr

7,561 posts

210 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
quotequote all
SpunkyGlory said:
Not that I would ever try and sell mine on here but for info I don't have space to store mine so will be having to get rid. It's never been ridden but doesn't come with the packaging as I built it up. Only want back the £400 I paid for it.
55 or 58?

lukeyman, what size is the Carrera you're measuring up with


hornetrider

63,161 posts

205 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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SpunkyGlory said:
Not that I would ever try and sell mine on here but for info I don't have space to store mine so will be having to get rid. It's never been ridden but doesn't come with the packaging as I built it up. Only want back the £400 I paid for it.
I'm in if it's a 55! Where are you?

SpunkyGlory

2,322 posts

165 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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58 and the bike is in Derby but could be collected from Essex in a couple of weeks.

lukeyman

1,009 posts

135 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
quotequote all
richardxjr said:
55 or 58?

lukeyman, what size is the Carrera you're measuring up with
Its a 54. The spirit level shows the top tube is slightly lower on the Ventura. Tape measure shows the seat tube to be the same height to the clamp. The top tube is slightly longer - feels more stretched anyway because the stem is 115mm compared to the 90 I was running before.

GALLARDOGUY

8,160 posts

219 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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SpunkyGlory said:
58 and the bike is in Derby but could be collected from Essex in a couple of weeks.
I'm 6' with 33" inside leg. Will a 58 be too big? I'm in Essex.

hornetrider

63,161 posts

205 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
quotequote all
SpunkyGlory said:
58 and the bike is in Derby but could be collected from Essex in a couple of weeks.
Ok I'm out smile

SpunkyGlory

2,322 posts

165 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
quotequote all
GALLARDOGUY said:
I'm 6' with 33" inside leg. Will a 58 be too big? I'm in Essex.
I'm 6'2 with a 32" leg, I'd say it would be okay but you're welcome to have a sit on and see how it feels.
PM if you'd like to.

CEmm

22 posts

122 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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Theres a 22 inch for sale on ebay for £450 buy it now, London area (not mine)

Am I allowed to post a link?

yellowjack

17,078 posts

166 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
quotequote all
CEmm said:
Theres a 22 inch for sale on ebay for £450 buy it now, London area (not mine)

Am I allowed to post a link?
If you've no interest in the listing, I can't see why not. Many other threads in GG and the lounge are chockers with ebay links, mostly to gawp at and mock mercilessly, but they are links all the same. No reason why you should not post a link "for the good and benefit" of the assembled members of this little corner of PH.

CEmm

22 posts

122 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
quotequote all
yellowjack said:
If you've no interest in the listing, I can't see why not. Many other threads in GG and the lounge are chockers with ebay links, mostly to gawp at and mock mercilessly, but they are links all the same. No reason why you should not post a link "for the good and benefit" of the assembled members of this little corner of PH.
Very true!

London - 22 inch - £449 buy it now
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ventura-Cp50-Pro-Carbon-...


Neath - 22 inch - £500 starting bid with a turbo trainer
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VENTURA-CP50-BRAND-NEW-F...

Portsmouth - 23 inch - £450 starting bid
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/road-racer-/141386697775...

hornetrider

63,161 posts

205 months

Wednesday 27th August 2014
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That Neath one is up the road from my in laws... already spotted