roofrack

Hello,
I live in N London, 41, got old mountain bike last year, fitted new BB and child seat, rode to work one day a week, then bought really old Carrera Virtuoso of eBay for £67, ride three days a week. Barely ride my motorbikes anymore, think I'm pretty hooked. Spend most days on eBay building imaginary bike in head. Anyone recognise that?
D

East Hill

Yes...how old is the Virtuoso? I have read a lot of good things about it, although never seen one in the flesh (it's apparently a UK specific bike).

Photos?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

roofrack

I don't really know how old it it - possibly 2000/1. Also I'm not 100% sure what it's made of. I'm told they are hand built alloy frames but it has a Cro-Moly sticker on the frame so maybe a steel alloy. I haven't any photos to hand but I'll see if I can get one up later. They seem to be hand built in Italy and imported solely by Halfords (who also do automotive spares and therefore don't have a great reputation). However the reviews on the web seem to have a lot of people who think you get a lot of bike for your money. The Virtuoso was £400 a few years ago and is £250 now - for which we probably have the Chinese to thank. Somebody said the older ones were better specced - but somehow I reckon the newer, cheaper ones are probably lighter and quicker still. I'll take some photos. Thanks for saying hello.

D

East Hill

If the Virtuoso has a sticker indicating it's cro-moly, then it is indeed a steel bike. I would not doubt that the newer ones are lighter (because aluminium would be lighter than steel), but I would also not doubt that the components were probably better several years ago!

Yes, photos would be nice when you have a chance .

East Hill

edvalds

London ... I live in USA, south of Seattle. I do enjoy looking at all the latest "kits" and bicycles in some of your local magazine publications. I've purchase both road and mountian bike magazine from the local book stores. My favorite is "What Mountain Bike" ... costs $10.99 in USA. Ouch ... wish we had some in depth equipment reviews like you see over there. The magazines have enclose local riding maps ause and if you suscribe they through in some clipless pedals and other free stuff. Consider yourself fortunate to be able to subscribe to these magazines!

I have a Jamis Road Bike. For the dirt, I have a Jamis Dakar XCR and Jamis Dragon HT.

My wife has Jamis Dakota HT and a Bianchi Road Bike

I started riding a few years ago and my wife started a year later (I purchased the Dakota for Christmas ... hint ... hint). She bunny hops the logs now and we've done some 50 mile road trips.

I've never seen a Jamis advertised in your local magazines but I see you have Orange, Genesis, Carver, Whyte, Focus, Cube, Dawes, Maverick, Merida, MuddyFox, Orbea and other brands I've never heard of in USA.

edvalds

I live in USA, south of Seattle. I do enjoy looking at all the latest "kits" and bicycles in some of your local magazine publications. I've purchase both road and mountian bike magazine from the local book stores. My favorite is "What Mountain Bike" ... costs $10.99 in USA. Ouch ... wish we had some in depth equipment reviews like you see over there. The magazines have enclose local riding maps ause and if you suscribe they through in some clipless pedals and other free stuff. Since you live in London, consider yourself fortunate to be able to subscribe to these magazines!

I have a Jamis Road Bike. For the dirt, I have a Jamis Dakar XCR and Jamis Dragon HT.

My wife has Jamis Dakota HT and a Bianchi Road Bike

I started riding a few years ago and my wife started a year later (I purchased the Dakota for Christmas ... hint ... hint). She bunny hops the logs now and we've done some 50 mile road trips.

I've never seen a Jamis advertised in your local magazines but I see you have Orange, Genesis, Carver, Whyte, Focus, Cube, Dawes, Maverick, Merida, MuddyFox, Orbea and other brands I've never heard of in USA.