Orbea Opal

Price Paid:  $845.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Clarksburg to Poolesville

Bike Setup:
Sram Force with FSA K force crankset. FSA K wing carbon handlebar FSA Carbon Stem Zeus Cat III Carbon Seatpost. Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels

Summary:
2009 Orbea Opal 57cm

Strengths:
Descending, sprinting

Weaknesses:
None

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Frank's Cyclery, Ral

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Blue Ridge Parkway

Summary:
I have the 2008 yr model. I've been riding this bike for around a year now, and absolutely love it. I debated spending $3k+ on a bicycle, but I don't regret it a bit. It is a beautiful bike (even guys at work that give me a hard time about cycling clothes and know nothing about biking think it is a sweet bike!), and rides so well. The all carbon frame absorbs the bumps well. It accelerates quickly, and handles very well. My main riding partner has an older Orbea, and loves his too. I would certainly recommend Orbea to anyone looking for a nice road bike.

Similar Products Used:
For about 4 years I rode an old Raleigh Grand Prix road bike from the mid 80's on which I had updated the components, and that has been the extent of my road bike experience.

Price Paid:  $2400.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
All Dura Ace, even Dura Ace wheelset.

Summary:
I picked up a new(2006) frameset off Craigslist last fall for $850. Then proceeded to build it up all Shimano DuraAce. Half the components were sourced from my LBS the other half were mailorder or Craigslist. My total cash outlay was about $2400.

Strengths:
Stiff yet quite comfortable IMO. Great handling bike, inspires confidence to dive into corners. Very light 16.5 without any tricked out parts. Climbs beautifully, quiet no creaking or other noises just foward motion. Looks great when sun illuminates the carbon.

Weaknesses:
I'm an old school old timer so for me while I think it's a great looking bike, I still prefer the look of my skinny steel Independant Fabrication.It simply looks to my old eyes what a race bike is supposed to look like.

Similar Products Used:
I tested a Specialized Tarmac w/ Ultegra a while back that felt similar. My Independant Fabrication with Campy Chorus is 2.5 pounds heavier but somewhat more comfortable. Plus I prefer its classic look.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at LBS with team discou

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Lookout Mtn

Bike Setup:
Rival groupo, FSA carbon bars and cranks and Reynolds MV32C UL carbon wheels.

Summary:
Review is actually for 2009 opal
I was torn between the orca and the opal. The orca has an amazing road feel but I felt that it was lacking that certain snap. The opal isn't as smooth but its super solid, it excels when putting a lot of power through the bike or taking a hard corner. It doesn't have any of the latest greatest technology, the opal is a traditional, no thrills sort of race bike

Strengths:
solid and predictable
lifetime warranty
most importantly it's VERY fast

Weaknesses:
tried and true technology, nothing cutting edge, but like ovalized chain rings and four spoke wheels today’s cutting edge features might be tomorrow’s dated relics

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo R3sl & RS, Cannondale super-six, Felt F3sl, Specialized Tarmac SL2 & pro and Allez expert and Orbea Orca

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Price Paid:  $3899.00 at I. Martins

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Any ride

Bike Setup:
Full Campy Record, Itm Bars, Ritchy WCS stem, Maciv Kryisium SSL wheels

Summary:
Got a great deal on a 2006 frame with fullCampy Record amd Mavic wheels.This bike rocks . I was afraid of what I'd heard about the stiff ride but compated to my old Trek 5200 it is like riding a couch. Responsive ,quick, and stiff up the hills.

Strengths:
Everthing

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200, Lemond