At last, today Sunday I could take my new Orbea Opal on its maiden voyage after a rainy Friday and Saturday.
I did 75 miles, moderatelly hilly. Of which 50 was with a group.
For better reference I must say all I rode before was steel (Bianchi Vigorelli '03, Reynolds 631). This is my first carbon road bike ever.
Performance:
This bike is fast, accelerates at the touch of the pedal so to speak, agile going uphill, I even chased uphill for 1/2 a mile (6%) a guy who blew passed me and the bike just went to his wheel the moment I stood up on it. Down hill is a rocket, it just wants to go faster, had to put the brakes though 'cause I got a bit scared not really sure what really was further down the hill. Better safe tha sorry. On a pace line, flat road, once the bike gains momemtum, the bike just keeps on going, we hammered for few miles at 25-28mph, felt even quick & responsive to bridge any little gaps every once in a while. Steering is scalpel
sharp, where you aim it goes.
Comfort: I don't have any other real experience with carbon to compare, but I have ridden very briefly on a pkg. lot a friend's Orca. The Orca felt very forgiving and plush on that brief ride, in circles, inside that pkg. lot.
The Opal is stiff as a board, some here said it before, and it's accurate, that I think, explains the efficiency and performance of the Opal. Road feedback is very good. Smooth roads are just that, silky smooth; rough roads and potholes get somewhat muffled by the carbon frame, stiff w/o being harsh. I finished today's ride w/o feeling tired or beat up, per se.
Conclusion: the Orbea Opal is more about performance than just pure comfort but w/o being harsh. I don't see any problem using this bike for long rides, which for me are 100 plus rides. I'm quite impressed with this bike, and it's a head turner.
Corsaire
Corsaire said:
I picked up my Opal (size 51) yesterday, can't say much yet since I only rode it for 15' on the hilly streets behind the LBS. On those 15' the bike felt fast, agile going up the hills and most of all: smooth. The steering was quick and responsive. I've ridden my friend's Orca briefly also, and all I can say the Opal felt a bit stiffer but not enough to call it harsh. The road feedback is excellent and "muffled". Keep in mind also my previous ride was Reynolds steel.
I'll report later when I take it on its maiden voyage, on a rather long ride this weekend.
My current Opal set up is: Ksyrium SL 3s, carbon handle bar, and Vittoria Diamante Pros tires. Al seat post
FYI: the geometry of the Opal is the same as the Orca's.
I'm 5'8, 30inch inseam, rather short torso and arms. 157 lbs.
Looks wise: what a piece of art ! I need a drool bib to not stain it.
Corsaire