Carrera Virtuoso - Road bike. Opinions please

[cramman]

Just looking to get my first road bike for trips to work and back, 10 miles each way iah.
I've seen this on, looks ok, has some decent reveiws etc, just wondering what people think or know about these bikes.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Any advice or alternatives appreciated, I know it's not the best, but I have no idea if the stuff on it, Shimano ST220, etc are any good.
If it's going to fall apart I'd rather pay a little more.

Cheers,

Cramman

[trickywoo]

I'm not being a snob or owt but halfrauds own brand bikes aren't up to much.

What you want is something like this (although they have sold out of all but small).

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Giant_SCR_1_Road...

I've had halfrauds bikes at that price before and have found wheels buckle and you get other quality niggles that take time and money to fix.

[cramman]

Fair enough, I gather they are not the greatest bikes in the world, but, the one in the link you posted is twice the price.

If I was spending over 600 notes, I'd have a whole new load of options.

[spitfire4v8]

ive bought one of these today!
I was heartened by the favourable review in this months cycling pus magazine where it whoops a group test : cheapest bike on test and declared the winner.

I have to admit to initial badge snobbery, I went out with the intention of buying a giant defy4 which local bike shop je james retail for 440 pounds but sadly they had sold out, and when they checked with giant they said they werent making them any more, major downer.

However, I then went across to halfords at crystal peaks near sheffield, the salesman was excellent. I had a ride on the bike and for 320 pounds I don't know how you would ever beat it. It certainly knocks spots off the ride of my ageing 700 pound ribble ive just flogged on ebay because i didnt enjoy riding it!

More wonga doesn't always mean a better ride, and sometimes it pays to be not such a badge snob. I'll let you know how get on with it long term.