Carrera Virago Reviewed: Tech Specs

Mark Pawlak    Cycling     buying a road bike, Carrera Virago, carrera virago reviewed, Evolving Cyclist Project, road bikes, Road cycling blog

Getting the Carrera Virago reviewed over 7 months is building up a lot of information. Instead of just talking facts and figures, we’re looking into what it’s like to live with – not just ride on Sundays.

But, we’ve not yet gone into the details that all bike buyers crave: the tech specs.

As carbon bikes go, the Carrera Virago is unique as it’s pretty much the only fully carbon bike under £1000 with such a high spec. Key to this is the Shimano 105 components, which are not usually found till you’ve forked out £200 more.

I guess this is the bikes USP. But for a breakdown of exactly what you are getting for your money, here’s the full set up – with the most important things at the top of the list, not just lazily pasted in alphabetical order…

Model: (Halfords) Carrera Virago

Price: £999.99

Frame: UCM Full Monocoque carbon fibre

Forks: UCM Full Monocoque carbon fibre with tapered steerer

Rear Mech: Shimano RD-5700 105

Front Mech: Shimano RD-5700 105

Gear Shifters: Shimano ST-5700 105

Chainset: FSA Gossamer Compact BB30

Cassette: Shimano 10 speed 12-28T

Number of Gears: 20

Rims: Mavic CXP-22S rims

Hubs: Formula Alloy Hubs with QR

Headset: FSA tapered integrated headset

Brakes: Tektro R540 dual-pivot calliper brake

Approximate Weight (KG): 8.6kg

Nearly two months in and we’ve only had one issue with the bike, a snapped derailleur hanger. Having researched the possible causes, it seems most likely the derailleur got a kick, or took a knock whilst parked up bending it too close to the spokes.

Other than this it’s been faultless. Most surprising has been the saddle. I’m running the bike as part of the Evolving Cyclist Project where I move from heavyweight hybrid rider to road cyclist, and one look at the waffer-thin, white perch had me thinking of swapping in my trusty Brooks B-17. Well, after several rides of more than 3 hours, I can reassure you it’s very comfortable.

I also swapped the stem for a shorter one as I couldn’t get a good fit on the bike; getting fitted for a road bike is something serious riders always recommend.

Could be a smart move for Halfords as it also stocks Boardman bikes. The Carrera Virago has received top reviews from some respected sources, but the company is not always well regarded by riders. Turn this around and the wider Carrera range will start flying out the door faster than the Castrol and car seat covers.

More about the Carrera Virago and The Evolving Cyclist Project

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 232 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

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Related posts:

1. Touring Bike vs Road Bike: Riding a Carrera Virago to Paris
2. Buying a road bike and living with it
3. Hybrid to road bike: Riding a Carrera Virago

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