In short demo rides, I didn't see a huge difference between all carbon frames and the aluminum w/ carbon stays and carbon forks. Im sure over a 100 mile ride there is a more noticable difference, but not one you could appreciate in a 15 minute test ride.
That is interesting because when I test rode the Mitis frame and the Onix frame, I noticed a huge difference in ride quality with carbon over Alu. It was just way smoother. Maybe because I weigh more (180#?) I notice a larger difference.
Had I not found a better sale on my Bianchi, I would have bought the Onix.
What color option did you get on your Mitis Frame? I love the green.
What color option did you get on your Mitis Frame? I love the green.
I bought the blue and grey. I couldn't quite do the Euro look with the green. I'm a bit too conservative for that. I even changed out the white handlebar tape for the more conservative black.
The carbon was better, just not "night and day" different. For me, carbon and ultegra 9 with mid level wheels was not as desirable as alu/carbon with DuraAce and the sweet Ksyriums.
Smarty pants!! the bold lettering is Lobular and that represents the aluminum/tubeset/frameset does not determine the bike model such as Vertex, Liege, Team Replica and so on. The main reason for my question is that none of the Orbea's come with a Columbus Carbon fork. All have some type of Zeus Carbon which is manufactured for Orbea.
Come on now you are just fishing so that you don't have to admit that you're wrong. Here you said:
dfvcad said:
Which Orbea do you have? the Mitis 2 or 3, or the Vertex?
I'll give you that the Vertex was made from a Lobular frame, but the Mitis is not.
It was pretty obvious to me that it was a custom job and your question was unnecessary. Hence my 'smarty pants' comment. 😄
I bought the blue and grey. I couldn't quite do the Euro look with the green. I'm a bit too conservative for that. I even changed out the white handlebar tape for the more conservative black.
The carbon was better, just not "night and day" different. For me, carbon and ultegra 9 with mid level wheels was not as desirable as alu/carbon with DuraAce and the sweet Ksyriums.
Everybody is different though.
The Cowboys color looked great but one of the shop's mechanics had that color and after a year, the color seemed to not age well. If you know what I mean; it looked dirtier than it was. Then again he put a load of miles on it. I hope you have better luck. I would definitely have changed out the white tape though, good idea. It would be impossible to keep that looking nice. Imagine it after having gotten black grease all over it from chain smear or something.
The main reason for my question is that none of the Orbea's come with a Columbus Carbon fork. All have some type of Zeus Carbon which is manufactured for Orbea.
I am not sure if this is entirely true. I have an Orbea catalog (2003.5) and it specifes the different forks available: Ziccs AC, Ziccs FCM, Time Avant, Columbus Muscle. I also own a 2002 Orbea that came with Columbus muscle forks and carve rear seat stays. In the catalog Ultrafoco Carbon frame also came with Carve seat stays. It is possible these options are only available when ordering frames, not complete bikes.
The Cowboys color looked great but one of the shop's mechanics had that color and after a year, the color seemed to not age well.
You had to mention the Cowboys...now I'll never look at my bike without thinking about the Dallas Cowboys! I'm a Chiefs fan and I probably would have chosen the Red, but the blue/grey was the only '04 that they had in stock. 🙂
You had to mention the Cowboys...now I'll never look at my bike without thinking about the Dallas Cowboys! I'm a Chiefs fan and I probably would have chosen the Red, but the blue/grey was the only '04 that they had in stock. 🙂
Sorry I didn't mean to ruin it for ya. Think of it as a Royals bike. It will help the pain. 😉
I am not sure if this is entirely true. I have an Orbea catalog (2003.5) and it specifes the different forks available: Ziccs AC, Ziccs FCM, Time Avant, Columbus Muscle. I also own a 2002 Orbea that came with Columbus muscle forks and carve rear seat stays. In the catalog Ultrafoco Carbon frame also came with Carve seat stays. It is possible these options are only available when ordering frames, not complete bikes.
Anything is possible when you believe, my brother! The reason I went with the Columbus fork is for the "true" Spanish feel. Afterall, the frame was made in Spain, might as well get the Spanish fork. Besides, the Columbus fork looked more aggressive.
I have an 05 lobular 50 (48cm) red with the FCM fork (a nice upgrade from my LBS) and all campy centaur (triple chain ring). I upgraded the rims to a set of campy protons with Michelin pro2 race tires. The bike weights 18.5 pounds and is awesome to ride. Of course my point of comparison is a very old Trek 1000 with 105 and 600 components that I have ridden forever. I have only been able to put 40 miles on it but I have picked up 2 or 3 more mph climbing the hills that I ride.
The others bikes that I considered and test rode were a lightspeed firenze, Cervelo soloist, Giant TCR, Trek 2300 , and Canondale 900.
The Orbea had the best fit for me and I was able to get all of the components that I wanted within my budget.
I ride an Orbea that is a Starship Carbon frame with Mitis 1-2 componentry. Bought it in 2004. Mostly Chorus and Centaur with the usual Orbea mix of other elements. Replaced the Wipperman chain with the Campagnolo -- the Wipperman didn't ever fit quite right.
The bike is a pleasure to ride in all respects and seems to be very well made. It's light and repsonsive, climbs easily, and feels very secure. And it looks terrific; as others have noted, the Orbea paint job is first-rate and the colors are cool.
i ride the ONIX orange Ultegra. Sweet bike. Bought the bike at Urban Bicycle Gallery in Houston. Fantastic before and after sales service. Look for Tom or John.
Orbea-USA also has a very good service. I have been communicating with them thru emails and you receive an answer in no time at all. Warranty if lifetime on teh frame and they can give you crash replacements too.
Dont go lower than the MITIS. I think they are now offering the ONIX in shimano 105.
Has anybody tried the ARIN aluminum? Aluminum 6000 series at 950gms frame size 54. How is the ride compared to the ONIX?
Understand this was the bike the Euskaltel-Euskadi team used in the TDF. Why would they choose it over the ORCA? im thinking of getting the ARIN CV color.
Has anybody tried the ARIN aluminum? Aluminum 6000 series at 950gms frame size 54. How is the ride compared to the ONIX?
Understand this was the bike the Euskaltel-Euskadi team used in the TDF. Why would they choose it over the ORCA? im thinking of getting the ARIN CV color.
When I was looking for me second bike, I looked at the Euskaltel team model but was told that the frame has a 165 lb weight limit (I weigh over 200 so that was out).
It's supposed to be a super fast, fast handling, killer team bike.
I ride the Lobular carbon frame (custom built) and love the way it rides. I could only imagine the team model!
Orbea told me alot of high technology goes with the ARIN being the lightest alu frame @ 950 gms on size 54. But the LBS recommended the ORCA for my kind of ride. So since i haven't heard any feedback of the ARIN on the forums, i finally ordered the ORCA. That should give me a different ride from the ONIX.
snyper0311 said:
When I was looking for me second bike, I looked at the Euskaltel team model but was told that the frame has a 165 lb weight limit (I weigh over 200 so that was out).
It's supposed to be a super fast, fast handling, killer team bike.
I ride the Lobular carbon frame (custom built) and love the way it rides. I could only imagine the team model!
My local Orbea dealer has two of the Mitis in stock on sale at $1800.00 right now. I am split between the Mitis and a Cervelo soloist team that is on sale for 1599.00 with Campy components. Has any of the Orbea guys here ridden the Cervelo as well to give feedback. The Orbea has the carbon rear stays whereas the Cervelo does not of course. I am pretty new so not sure how much of a difference that will work out to.
Scott
Orcanova said:
I just picked up an Orbea Orca two weeks ago on ebay. Two months old, full Dura-Ace, Rolf Prima Elan Aero lighweight wheelset, very sweet ride.
I still have to get a different stem and it is a little bit of a chatterbox as I don't have the gears dialed in perfectly yet...
but what a luxurious ride for a carbon frame. Stiff and smooth...
My local Orbea dealer has two of the Mitis in stock on sale at $1800.00 right now. I am split between the Mitis and a Cervelo soloist team that is on sale for 1599.00 with Campy components. Has any of the Orbea guys here ridden the Cervelo as well to give feedback. The Orbea has the carbon rear stays whereas the Cervelo does not of course. I am pretty new so not sure how much of a difference that will work out to.
Scott
I know nothing of either bike. Have you test ridden both and can you discern a difference in ride? I think the Soloist is supposed to have a stiff and snappy ride. The Soloist Carbon is all high modulus carbon fiber...the aluminum...well, aluminum rides can vary so much based on the construction...
yep i bought the '08 orbea replica, 10-sp, ultegra throughout nice bike to ride, alloy frame,carbon stays and fork, light and fast, the carbon fork isnt to stiff, lifetime warranty on frame for first owner :p
