Orbea Lobular

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at EBAY

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
Ultegra 10spd., Mavic Elite

Summary:
I'm relatively new to road biking, and this was my second road bike replacing my '03 Allez Elite and my review is mostly based on that comparison.

I was instantly 1-2 mph faster on this bike, maybe because it's 4 lbs lighter, has a better wheelset, is stiffer, or all of the above. I normally train with my girlfriend and suddenly I kept having the problem that I'd keep dropping her, haha. This bike really got me hooked anyways, all of the sudden I could go out for 3 hour solo rides on an empty stomach and still enjoy every minute of it.

I feel the word that would best describe the bike is that everything about it feels "tight". Cruising along on flats feels smooth and fast. Hill climbing is fast, and perhaps the best part is standing on the pedals and accelerating up a hill, it's incredible!

Obviously I love the performance, but I can't not mention the fact that it has the best paint job I've ever seen on a bike!

Strengths:
Stiff, smooth, sexy

Weaknesses:
Overshadowed by full carbon fiber bikes.

Similar Products Used:
2003 Specialized Allez Elite