Newbie...opinions please :)

[velomaniac]

Nice functional bike you've got there.

With bikes a motto of mine is 'its not what you ride but how you ride it' and that Carerra would not be out of place at any retro ride, we're generally a friendly tolerant bunch. I've ridden everything from full sus and long travel hardtails to gas pipe BSO specials around for example Glentress MTB Trail Centre and enjoyed every one of them

 

[Rawcas]

Cheers again for the comments.

As mentioned, budget isn't an issue for new/used parts but I am reasonably proud that it has lasted as well as it is, hence wanting to make sure that any further additions are in keeping...I'm not a badge snob but seeing as it has lasted so well I figured treating the frame a to a few choice parts for the future might work.

 

[mikee]

looks a fine mount , prolly got more miles on it than mot bikes
i agree that it deserves a tidy up some nice period xt stuff would be a start
and some rigids , a little bit of wheenieing and it would be too nice
to commute on and then be turned into a garage queen
hence ruined

sorry got carried away there

 

[michael franks]

I'm pretty new to Retrobike too but I think it'll turn out really good if you don't overdo it. Do it bit by bit and keep riding it so you can decide what you want to do next. And it looks good already!

 

[WD Pro]

Not that it looks to need it but if you decide to repaint I have the correct frame tubing decals ;-)

WD

 

[Rawcas]

May well be interested in the decals. Not looking to respray as overall is in good nick, just needs cleaning and some touch up work here and there.

The model is Technoshock and the carrera decal on the main tube has a metalised/brushed finish...how much for a set just out of interest?

 

[We_are_Stevo]

I think that it's a nice looking bike - all I'd change aesthetically would be the saddle for something less 'clunky' and, as already suggested, a rigid fork (though on a stiff alloy frame maybe a later model Judy fork would be better...).

Component-wise some later LX would look and perform well, and could be sourced very reasonably on here compared to eBay (though you could 'do different' and go for Dia-Compe or Suntour?)...

I quite like Carreras anyway, and this is a pretty example.

 

[WD Pro]

Not that it looks to need it but if you decide to repaint I have the correct frame tubing decals ;-)

WD

May well be interested in the decals. Not looking to respray as overall is in good nick, just needs cleaning and some touch up work here and there.

The model is Technoshock and the carrera decal on the main tube has a metalised/brushed finish...how much for a set just out of interest?

It's just the Tange frame tubing decals I have £3 each

WD

 

[CheapSkateSimon]

Hi Rawcas & All,

Seeing your post and years of ribbing from friends/colleagues over my 'old' Carrera Flex Quest prompted me to register on the site and send these pics. I bought her new from Halfords in Hull, in 1994 I think. Since then she's been used regularly for 8-12 mile road/track commuting in all weathers + leisure rides. Apart from consumables & accessories, the only new parts are the Chainset (I seem to recall the original had fixed/riveted rings), Front Derailleur & Pedals. I guess the Flex name comes from the stem, not that it absorbs that much these days. The poor thing doesn't get washed very often but I do try to maintain her properly when required.

Rawcas, interesting to note that the colour scheme is reversed to yours, so perhaps it's a different year's model? I've also looked at the Cycle to Work scheme, but keep thinking why bother? Also the new 25% 'fair market value' guidance from HMRC is making it distinctly less attractive.

Anyway, hope this was of some minor interest and happy biking.

Cheers,
Simon

 

[Rawcas]

What a site to behold

Think mine has to be the same year then, 1994....it was a while ago now so I'll have to quiz my mate as to when he actually picked it up...mine had Scott forks originally, direct from Halfords. Would be interested to see where our two bikes sat in the range but something tells me we will never know Your top tube decals are also pretty similar to the Technocshock ones on my frame...however, these have now been removed in the spring clean as they were too damaged to keep

Since my post I have given my "Technoshock" a good clean and put the summer slicks on...not retro but a set of Avid U-Brakes has also been added for improved stopping power... but the original canti's have been stored just in case.

Will keep riding mine now for as long as I can...looks as though they were pretty well built judging by the condition of your bike as well...have some other choice parts to add in the coming months before it goes back into winter mode...an you're right, why mess around with the Bike2Work schemes when retro (all-be-it an unfashionable brand) does the trick