Description Ridley's entry level full carbon Orion is a ProTour-level racing frame, with super stiff bottom bracket and chain stays, and a box-shaped down tube for additional torsional strength.
Summary: Bike is actually 2008 model - pull down didn'y have this option.
A carbon bargain: A very nice frame. Alignment is spot on. Head tube is not too short and not too long, only needs a couple of 1 cm spacers. Suggested sizing on Ridley's website is spot on for me. Smooth ride that helps diminish vibrations one often gets on the chip sealed roads that are common where I live. It seems "stiff" enough to me (I can generate about 20 watts/kg power in a sprint, and despite this high number, I really don't seem to have any problems with frames (this one or others) being flexible - I think this is an overblown issue). Finish (white) is attractive.
One thing, however - this bike, at least in a small size, has lightening quick handling and steering response. If you tend to have a lot of upper body movement while you ride, or are not a competent bike handler, you may want a more stable bike.
Weaknesses: Quick steering may not be for everyone. There are lighter carbon frames as well, but you'll spend thousands more to shave off a few ounces.
Similar Products Used: Trek, Serottas, Waterfords, Litespeeds, lots of other bikes over the years.
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Bike Setup: Full Ultegra with Fulcrum 5 wheels, Crank Bros pedals, Selle Italia Flite saddle and Ritchey cockpit.
Summary: I'll start by saying this is only my second road bike and my first carbon bike so I might not be the best person to write a review. I rode a few Tarmacs and Roubaixs around from the shop I use to work at but never really got a great feel for what these bikes are like in comparison. My first bike was a 2007 Specialized Allez Elite and I must say that the Ridley is a huge step above that bike, which it should be since it costs about three times as much. The Orion is just a great bike. From the first ride I could feel a huge difference in the bike. It feels so much stiffer and yet is more comfortable for long rides even on rough pavement, of which there is a lot in Idaho. It is so much faster when I really step on the pedals too. Climbing is amazing. The power is just instant and when I get up out of the saddle the effect is even more dramatic. The bike lurches forward with every pedal stroke. Everytime I get on the Orion I'm amazed at how nice it is to ride. On the scale it is a little heavier than I expected it to be at this price range but I think this is mainly due to the bottom end Ritchey cockpit that came on the bike which will be the first parts I upgrade. It's my first high end road bike but I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking at a bike in his price range. The components are great too especially the Fulcrum wheels which are a little heavier than the Mavic Ksyrium Equipes I put on my old bike but seem to roll faster and feel stiffer. My only complaint with them is the cheesy skewers that come with them. They are heavy and look and feel like the same ones that come on $400 mountain bikes. All in all it's a great bike. I can't wait to put many more miles on it since it is such a joy to ride.
Strengths: Climbs like a mountain goat. Stiff but still comfortable for long rides.
Weaknesses: A little heavier than I was hoping for but I don't really feel it when I'm riding.
Similar Products Used: 2007 Specialized Allez Elite, Roubaix Expert, and Tarmac Comp
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Bike Setup: full dura-ace 9-speed with specialized armadillo 25s
Summary: i used to look at bikes all day long online, and i owned 3 of them. once i got this Orion i stopped looking at others, this is that amazing. great handling, extremely comfortable, stiff, light, and with the perfect fit for me. if you are considering a cervelo r3, this is very similar for much less. it really jumps off the road.
Strengths: terrific handling, stability in sprints, comfortable but stiff, light, great fit and looks
Weaknesses: just the color on mine, a custom team color
Bike Setup: Full Ultegra Group. Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels, Ritchey HB, Stem, Seatpost, Crank Brothers Road Pedals, SI Flite Saddle. Michelin Lithion Tires, Sigma Dual wireless computer
Summary: After many test rides and re-rides of the majority of the competitive bikes in this segment and even the next price category up, this bike was the hands down winner for me. It did everything right for me, from fit to ride and handling. My bike was upgraded by the shop to have a full Ultegra group and Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels. These changes addressed any weaknesses of the standard packaged bike. (FSA Gossamer Cranks, 4ZA Brakes, FR 7's) I could knock off some weight by replacing the Ritchey entry level stem, bars and seatpost but I don't see a need to do it, yet.
Strengths: A very fast bike that inspires confidence. Stiff without being harsh. Great handling - stable and responsive. Ultimately, the best combination for anyone but a hardcore racer. And...you won't be one of the Trek, Cannondale, Specialized flock.
Weaknesses: Weight is a little heavier than bikes like the Scott CR1 and Cannodale System 6 or Six 13. Fork is not as sexy as the Damocoles or Excaliber.
Similar Products Used: Scott CR1 Pro and Team, Lemond Buenos Aires (carbon), Trek Madone, Seven Axiom Steel, Calfee Tetra Pro, Specialized Tarmac and Robaix.
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