Frame: Orbea Orca
Fork: Zeus SL
STI/Ergo: Campagnolo Record
Brakes: Campagnolo Record
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Record
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Record
Chain: Campagnolo Record
Cassette: Campagnolo Record
Post: Zeus Carbon
Crank: Campagnolo Record Carbon 53-39 or 50-34
Bottom Bracket: Campagnolo Record
Wheels: Mavic Ksyrium SL
Tires: Michelin Pro2 Race
Bar: ITM Visia
Stem: ITM Visia
Saddle: Selle Italia Signo Trans Am
Strengths: quick, stiff frame, great looking, good climber and descender.
Weaknesses: none noted yet.
Bottom Line:
Well I just got this bike yesterday, put it together and took it for a short test ride. Then I went out today on a balmy February Sunday with my normal group ride. We put in 30 miles at a hot pace. Wow, I felt energized on this fine machine! I usually ride strong in my group but don't always make it first to the top of the hills on our courses, but not today! This Orca was all that it was billed up to be, quick, stiff and full of energy. I took off on my final sprint and my strong partner could not outpace me. My Orca just wouldn't be beat. I immediately pulled ahead, not to be caught. The Orca was quick and responsive all day when you stepped on the pedals. Climbing and descending were also a pleasure. I had heard a few other comments about this bike may not be best is you are a "heavy weight" but I'm 202lbs and I felt not flex that was not wanted. I will check back later after putting more miles on the bike but so far, I'm impressed!
Beautifully designed bike that performs as well as it looks. I've had this bike ripping down mountain passes at 45 mph and it rode like it was on a rail. There was absolutely no shimmy or shaking and the bike provided a great feel for the road. This bike does want to go fast and is extremely responsive so it may nit be for the inexperienced rider.
I was amazed at the power transfer and the bikes ability to easily climb. It also has very tight steering and is incredibly responsive.
Strengths: Looks, weight, handling, responsiveness, comfort, and, quite frankly, exclusivity. The bike will do whatever you want or need it to do, and it does it with a certain amount of panache that is just so hard to find.
Weaknesses: I can only afford 1...
Bottom Line:
Had the chance to purchase a 2008 frame NIB. Built it up with SRAM Force and Mavic Ksyrium SL wheelse.
I previously rode a 2010 Cannondale Super6, and I can say with supreme confidence that this bike is so much more superior than anything I have ridden. It is fast, in every aspect. Those reviewers who said it isn't a climber, well, I guess that means you don't have good legs. As far as being twitchy, well, learn how to handle your bike.
The ride is superb, well mannered, and is as good for the local crit as it is for a 6 hour century. The handling is razor sharp and fast, and confidence inspiring on descents. It holds it line very well. I will agree with the reviewers that said that this bike isn't for an inexperienced rider. If you are new to riding, then there will be a learning curve, as this bike is eager to move. It is drop dead gorgeous, even for being a 3 year old frame. When I showed up to the local shop ride last night, a small crown immediately assembled to ogle and ask questions.
The bike is torsionally as stiff as anything I will ever need, yet compliant enough to not kill me if I spend more than 2 hours on it. It is extremely responsive and a joy to ride. The stiffness of the frame is noticeable on climbs, where it seems like all that is needed is to sit back, relax, and just spin away until you reach the top.
I have had the chance to demo the Tarmac SL3, Scott Addict R1, a Lynskey helix with Campy SR11, a Giant TCR advance, and even a Serotta Ottrot, and I firmly belive that is a bike that has them all beat.
Strengths: Very light, doesn't flex when sprinting or climbing
Weaknesses: Orbea doesn't have online warranty registration yet.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this frame off of ebay for $460. It was a 2006 new - old stock frame. Overall a beautiful frame and very light. A lot of attention to detail. Built up nicely and right out of the garage i was in love with the ride. I put Continental GP4000 S tires on (330 tpi) and coupled with carbon frame the ride is extremely smooth. Sprinting or climbing, the frame seems solid and doesn't flex noticeably.I've only put about 100 miles on so far but I believe I have a keeper. I wouldn't think of paying what one of these would cost new now but for the frame and build costs my total investment is $1600, all new parts. If you can snag one of these leftover frames off of ebay at a good price it's definitely worth it if you can build up yourself like I did.
Strengths: Light, responsive and shoots up hills. Have had the bike about 5 weeks and am climbing 17% hills and have completed a Century. Also have reduced time for a local run from 49 mins to 40mins.
Weaknesses: None so far. The gearing, even though it combines SRAM and Shimano, works fine.
Bottom Line:
Purchased end of year 2010 Orca after testing Trek, Cannondale, Specialised, Giant and Serrotta (decided to avoid Serrotta at all costs).
The Orca just felt better than any of the other bike in the standard configuration BUT I am 61yo and Florida based and not used to hills. Decided to customize with a SRAM XX 12-36 cassette which produces a lower Sheldon Brown Gain Ratio (1.8) (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/) than a triple crankset and is lighter. Also added Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels.
Sports Garage were wonderful to deal with and understood my needs.
Well, I got a call this morning from my LBS regarding something is in customs for me.
I thought I canceled the bike when I decided to go with my 695SR.
Well, from what I hear Read More »
Hello all Orbea fans. I have recently gotten into the Orbea craze and decide to purchase one. My question is, should I get an older 06 nice shape Orca or a basically new 09 Opal? Read More »
OK lets get this one going. I doubt there will be any major changes to the frame if any at all. I am hoping there will be some cool new color combos and have been waiting patiently Read More »
I need a crash replacement frame for my Orbea Diva. Should I get 2011 Orbea Orca Dama Silver (new crash replacement price) or "like new" BH Cristal at about 1/2 price of the Orbea Read More »
I need your help & advice fairly quickly since I need to make a decision between 2 bikes.
1st bike is the Focus Izalco Pro 1.0 with complete dura ace groupset for $4250aud
2n Read More »
