Discount applied to basket, sizes M and L available.
2015: "There are plenty of bikes costing under £500 at Halfords, and pick of the bunch is this Carrera Zelos.
Zipping along the tarmac, careering around corners... the Carrera Zelos Road Bike 2015 is perfect for swift and speedy road cycling, or keeping your fitness up during those winter months with a turbo trainer. With 14 speed Shimano gears making mincemeat out of any climbs, and its light alloy frame making it incredibly responsive, the Zelos is one for both newcomers to road cycling or for those looking to trade up to something with a little more substance.
Brake Type Dual Pivot Calliper Brakes
Forks FULL HI-TEN STEEL - 1.1/8 Steerer
Frame Material Alloy
Gender Unisex
Number of Gears 14
Pedals Included Yes
Suspension Rigid
Wheel Size 700c
Bottom Bracket Square Taper- Sealed
Cassette/Freewheel Shimano 7-speed, 14/28T
Chain KMC Z-51
Chainset PROWHEEL, A1-221C - 50/34T - 170mm
Front Brake Tektro R312 Dual pivot
Front Hub Alloy
Front Mech Shimano Tourney
Gear Shifters Shimano Tourney, 14 speed
Grips Black Cork Tape
Handlebars Alloy
Headset SEMI-INTEGRATED STEEL BLACK
Pedals VP -399T ROAD TYPE
Quick Release Front Wheel Yes
Quick Release Rear Wheel Yes
Rear Brake Tektro R312 Dual pivot
Rear Hub Alloy
Rear Mech Shimano Tourney
Rims DOUBLE WALL ALLOY BLACK
Saddle Carrera Components Performance Road saddle
Seatpost Carrera Components seatpost, 27.2
Stem Carrera Components stem, 31.8, 7 degree
Type Road Bikes
Tyre Size 700X23C
Tyres KENDA K191
- Muig1972
Top comments
ebble to MAdam98
10 Jul 163#15
The brakes will be perfectly OK. They are not long drop, which can be a bit spongy and vague, but medium drop which are very good if not quite as sharp as the short reach ones fitted to expensive, close clearance frames and forks.
I wouldn't call 7 speed outdated. It is just a less expensive and perfectly adequate system for those who do not need the very latest expensive equipment. I still use 1997 a Shimano RSX100 7 speed changer on one of my road bikes and it is quite slick and effective.
As for the gearing it will be about right for most fit riders. Traditional road bike gearing is OK for ultra-fit young experienced racers but if is too high for everyone else. That is why less expensive bikes like this are often fitted with lower gearing which is much more usable by most leisure cyclists.
Latest comments (22)
ismaildeals123
16 Jul 16#22
are you goin to expire this
Biker25
12 Jul 16#20
I have owned a Zelos for about 2 years now and there's nothing wrong with it for commuting. It's a little heavy for a road bike and the gear selection is limited but on the plus side the ride is comfortable and absorbs the pot holes quite nicely. However, the DBR Sprint bike on sale in Argos at £150 is far better specc'd with the 16 gears and STI gear train. In value for money terms, the DBR (it's really a re-branded Raleigh) is the best on the market right now even when compared to the discounted TDF (which uses 14 gears and the basic Tourney deraillier - superficially pleasing though). But the best entry level road bikes are found at Decathlon with the B'Twin series.
You seem a bit more knowledgeable than me in this field, so I was wondering if you could advise how this 18.5" DBR Sprint would compare to a B'Twin Triban 3? I bought a Triban (54cm) a couple of years ago and have been very happy with it, but am quite interested in getting one of these DBR Sprints as a backup. Size-wise I think 18.5" would equate to ~47cm. Argos also have it in 22" (apparently the 21" title is incorrect) which would equate to ~56cm, so I guess that would be more comparable to my Triban, but I was wondering if it would perform similarly?
Thanks very much.
Muig1972
10 Jul 161#2
Just a heads-up that the Carrera TDF Road Bike (Better-specced than this one, with carbon fork) was displayed at £249 in the window of my local Halford's, Berryden Aberdeen, even though it's £359 online. Dunno if it was a mistake or not.
Muig1972 to Muig1972
12 Jul 16#19
The Carrera TDF is now down to £249 online, so it's now the same price as this one but with some improvements- carbon fork, aero rims, and (IMHO) better looks.
Have you descended on a 50-14? You spin out very early. Hence your point about gearing is not true. If it had a large smallest gear then I could understand but its biggest gear ratio is small. Beginners will hit this speed easily on many descents (if they don't brake). Only thing that would make this more useable to leisure cyclists would be closer ratios which, as I'm sure you will agree, makes nigh on no difference to a leisure rider.
I have tried these brakes on 4 bikes and on each they are terrible In terms of modulation and power. Stock pads are bad too but that is a given. The, as you say, medium drop callipers that are provided are there because the frame cannot fit normal short drop brakes and this means you cannot upgrade to a full, say, 105 groupset.
7 speed is very old fashioned now. Your point about not needing the latest most expensive groupset is valid, however none of the shimano road groupset are 7 speed. It works but is very outdated especially when even 105 is 11 speed! The jumps between gears will be quite large on a 7 speed (which is why they have a 14t to minimise such large gaps)
Zek
10 Jul 16#9
I'm thinking of going for the vanquish, only thing is I'm 6"1 and very overweight could it take my weight? I've also never tried a road bike, always had mountain bikes with large seats. Looking for a bike £500 or under or maybe a bit over if good. The reviews on the vanquish seem OK they just say its a bit heavy, basic welding and a firm ride
jamgin to Zek
10 Jul 162#11
You may be overweight now but you'll soon burn off the pounds. Especially if you get the bug. Would reckon you'd have to be more obese than overweight to damage this sort of bike.
Good luck on your cycling adventure.
louthepoo to Zek
11 Jul 16#17
There's a weight limit on every bike, if you're concerned check it first
kayos
10 Jul 16#16
Gone for the plunge for my first road bike hope it does the trick I like my hybrid carrera so hopefully this will be just as good
MAdam98
10 Jul 16#3
Tiny biggest gear. Going to be pretty slow downhill on a 50-14.
Decentish deal though.
Brakes are poor and I think they are long drop too. 7 speed is very much outdated and the shifters aren't ideal.
Wouldn't pay much for this.
ebble to MAdam98
10 Jul 163#15
The brakes will be perfectly OK. They are not long drop, which can be a bit spongy and vague, but medium drop which are very good if not quite as sharp as the short reach ones fitted to expensive, close clearance frames and forks.
I wouldn't call 7 speed outdated. It is just a less expensive and perfectly adequate system for those who do not need the very latest expensive equipment. I still use 1997 a Shimano RSX100 7 speed changer on one of my road bikes and it is quite slick and effective.
As for the gearing it will be about right for most fit riders. Traditional road bike gearing is OK for ultra-fit young experienced racers but if is too high for everyone else. That is why less expensive bikes like this are often fitted with lower gearing which is much more usable by most leisure cyclists.
deany76
10 Jul 16#14
do you change gear on the right hand handle grip? much better IMHO.
SpamJavelin
10 Jul 16#13
That's a bit horrible, even for the price. Wrong time of year to buy a new bike.
rev6
10 Jul 161#12
A good idea would be to change the 23mm tyres to >= 25mm.
husna2000
10 Jul 16#10
Too expensive
SFconvert
10 Jul 161#8
Well worth going for the vanquish over this. The gearing is too low and those awful thumbshifters will annoy you once you get the road cycling bug. If you aren't that into road cycling you are better off with a hybrid in my opinion.
CyzeDoesMatter
10 Jul 161#7
also today only the Carrera brand bikes are an EXTRA 20% off
mattrixdesign2
10 Jul 16#6
Good spec for the price, compromises on the fork (steel) and I am not keen on long drop brakes (spongy).
Good starter Road bike.
missingman
10 Jul 161#5
I've got one of these, though it cost me £250.00
Perfectly happy with it, perhaps because I don't know any better.
stephenashforth
10 Jul 161#4
Agreed, the Vanquish is a much better bike and worth the extra £64 over the Zelos.
chamberbm
10 Jul 162#1
Good started bike for anyone :smiley: I've plumped for the Vanquish though, £64 more, but has a carbon fork and better gears/shifters, plus it's no doubt lighter (although 2kg's or so won't make much difference with me on it :smiley: :P
Also the ladies Zelos will only be £160 after the discount :smiley: Wonderful :smiley:
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Opening post
2015: "There are plenty of bikes costing under £500 at Halfords, and pick of the bunch is this Carrera Zelos.
Zipping along the tarmac, careering around corners... the Carrera Zelos Road Bike 2015 is perfect for swift and speedy road cycling, or keeping your fitness up during those winter months with a turbo trainer. With 14 speed Shimano gears making mincemeat out of any climbs, and its light alloy frame making it incredibly responsive, the Zelos is one for both newcomers to road cycling or for those looking to trade up to something with a little more substance.
Brake Type Dual Pivot Calliper Brakes
Forks FULL HI-TEN STEEL - 1.1/8 Steerer
Frame Material Alloy
Gender Unisex
Number of Gears 14
Pedals Included Yes
Suspension Rigid
Wheel Size 700c
Bottom Bracket Square Taper- Sealed
Cassette/Freewheel Shimano 7-speed, 14/28T
Chain KMC Z-51
Chainset PROWHEEL, A1-221C - 50/34T - 170mm
Front Brake Tektro R312 Dual pivot
Front Hub Alloy
Front Mech Shimano Tourney
Gear Shifters Shimano Tourney, 14 speed
Grips Black Cork Tape
Handlebars Alloy
Headset SEMI-INTEGRATED STEEL BLACK
Pedals VP -399T ROAD TYPE
Quick Release Front Wheel Yes
Quick Release Rear Wheel Yes
Rear Brake Tektro R312 Dual pivot
Rear Hub Alloy
Rear Mech Shimano Tourney
Rims DOUBLE WALL ALLOY BLACK
Saddle Carrera Components Performance Road saddle
Seatpost Carrera Components seatpost, 27.2
Stem Carrera Components stem, 31.8, 7 degree
Type Road Bikes
Tyre Size 700X23C
Tyres KENDA K191
- Muig1972
Top comments
I wouldn't call 7 speed outdated. It is just a less expensive and perfectly adequate system for those who do not need the very latest expensive equipment. I still use 1997 a Shimano RSX100 7 speed changer on one of my road bikes and it is quite slick and effective.
As for the gearing it will be about right for most fit riders. Traditional road bike gearing is OK for ultra-fit young experienced racers but if is too high for everyone else. That is why less expensive bikes like this are often fitted with lower gearing which is much more usable by most leisure cyclists.
Latest comments (22)
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3176876.htm?CMPID=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156|cid:189949525|agid:18091976845|tid:pla-98863646245|crid:77627774005|nw:g|rnd:17013331579354834583|dvc:c|adp:1o1&gclid=CjwKEAjwqpK8BRD7ua-U0orrgkESJADlN3YBLjAUJP4pqHdJ2Bb9DnWcppxsqhLs5Bys7EhVfR3cVBoCDJ_w_wcB
Thanks very much.
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-tdf-mens-ltd-road-bike
I have tried these brakes on 4 bikes and on each they are terrible In terms of modulation and power. Stock pads are bad too but that is a given. The, as you say, medium drop callipers that are provided are there because the frame cannot fit normal short drop brakes and this means you cannot upgrade to a full, say, 105 groupset.
7 speed is very old fashioned now. Your point about not needing the latest most expensive groupset is valid, however none of the shimano road groupset are 7 speed. It works but is very outdated especially when even 105 is 11 speed! The jumps between gears will be quite large on a 7 speed (which is why they have a 14t to minimise such large gaps)
Good luck on your cycling adventure.
Decentish deal though.
Brakes are poor and I think they are long drop too. 7 speed is very much outdated and the shifters aren't ideal.
Wouldn't pay much for this.
I wouldn't call 7 speed outdated. It is just a less expensive and perfectly adequate system for those who do not need the very latest expensive equipment. I still use 1997 a Shimano RSX100 7 speed changer on one of my road bikes and it is quite slick and effective.
As for the gearing it will be about right for most fit riders. Traditional road bike gearing is OK for ultra-fit young experienced racers but if is too high for everyone else. That is why less expensive bikes like this are often fitted with lower gearing which is much more usable by most leisure cyclists.
Good starter Road bike.
Perfectly happy with it, perhaps because I don't know any better.
Also the ladies Zelos will only be £160 after the discount :smiley: Wonderful :smiley: