Carrera is a brand that’s exclusive to Halfords shops and is best known for its value. Carrera’s 2015 range has now been announced, we take a look at the fresh mountain, road and hybrid models below.
Mountain Bikes
For 2015 Carrera has switched its mountain bikes over to the ever popular 27.5" wheel size and at the same time has reworked geometry to optimise handling and performance with the larger wheels.
A name synonymous with the Carrera brand is the company’s long standing Fury model. Last year it won Best Cross-Country Hardtail in What Mountain Bike Magazine and so this new model has big shoes to fill. For 2015 the Fury retains its sensible £599.99 price tag but now packs a 7005 butted aluminium frame, a 120mm travel Suntour Raidon air sprung fork complete with a 15mm axle and lockout, hydraulic disc brakes from Avid and SRAM’s secure2x10 X5 drivetrain.
The Fury has switched to 27.5" hoops for 2015
Next up there’s the Kraken which packs Suntour’s XCR lockout suspension fork as well as Clarks hydraulic brakes and 27 speed Shimano gearing at £499.99.
The most affordable bike with disc brakes in the mountain range is the £329.99 Vengeance, once again it pairs an alloy frame to a Suntour suspension fork, this time there are 24 Shimano gears and reliable yet powerful mechanical disc brakes. It’s also available in a women specific version.
Road bikes
Three affordable road bikes will be on offer, the cheapest of which is the £299.99 Zelos with an alloy frame, 14-speed Shimano gears and Tektro dual pivot brakes. Next there’s the £379.99 Virtuoso, the next step up in performance from the Zelos. It uses a mixture of Shimano Claris and Tourney components to offer 16 gears.
The £429.99 Carrera Vanquish
The range topping Vanquish gets a carbon fibre aero blade fork, lightweight performance butted aluminium frame, deep section wheels plus a compact 16 speed drivetrain for just £429.99
Hybrid bikes
Carrera has continued with its popular hybrid range for 2015. All models use alloy frames and are available in men’s and women’s specific geometry. The most affordable hybrid is the Crossfire 1 which at £279.99 gets a comfortable Suntour suspension fork, alloy v-brakes and 21 speed Shimano gearing. The Crosspath uses a 70mm suspension fork and larger Kenda tyres to keep its rider comfortable.Additional plus points for this model are full mudguards, and an adjustable stem, making it ideal for touring or even commuting.
The Subway hybrid has also made the switch to 27.5" wheels
Finally, the company’s successful Subway hybrid has returned for 2015. Now updated with 27.5” wheels, the entry level Subway 1 starts at £299.99 and packs an alloy frame, 24 Shimano gears and Tektro mechanical disc brakes. It’s also available in a women specific version. Spend £50 more and you can upgrade to the Subway 2 which, along with transmission upgrades, features hydraulic disc brakes.
