Orbea Road Bikes

Sasha

Hi,

I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon fork
and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have experience
with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested in hearing
about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks nice (nice
paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very heavy duty and
ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more than a similar
equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?

Thanks,

Sasha- sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au

remove (nospam) to get my real e-mail address

Mark South

"Sasha" <sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au> wrote in message
news:40c584e1@news.alphalink.com.au...
>
> I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon fork
> and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have experience
> with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested in hearing
> about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks nice (nice
> paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very heavy duty and
> ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more than a similar
> equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?

It's worth asking your question in uk.rec.cycling, where there is (or used to
be, the helmet threads may have run them off) more than one person who owns an
Orbea.

Cycling Plus in the UK rated a couple of their models as being good value, but
that's all I know.
--
Mark South: World Citizen, Net Denizen

Dave Stallard

Sasha wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon fork
> and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have experience
> with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested in hearing
> about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks nice (nice
> paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very heavy duty and
> ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more than a similar
> equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?

FWIW, I have seen Orbea's Lobular frames (not this model, I guess),
favorably reviewed. They definitely are hot-looking bikes, if that
matters to you. I personally am not a big aluminum fan, but many others
are. They supply bikes for Team Euskatel. If you test ride it, and
like it, you might as well go for it (and get one with the orange paint
job!).

Dave

SMMB

"Sasha" <sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au> a écrit dans le message de :
news:40c584e1@news.alphalink.com.au...

> Anyone here have experience
> with this model, or Orbea bikes in general?

Not my personal experience, but Orbea Orca was selected (by panel of 10) as
bike of the year in Le Cycle, here. However, reviews in the same magazine
have been on both sides, rarely in the middle, for different models.
--
Bonne route,

Sandy
Paris FR

Alan

I have an Orbea custom steel frame with Columbus Zona tubing. I am happy
with the fit and the quality. The price was quite reasonable. So far so good
w about 10K miles on the frame. The welds on my frame are a bit thick but I
believe it to be cosmetic. The paint is ok probably similar in quality to
other production paint.

You should go for a custom frame as in the US it is only about $100 more to
go custom.

Alan
"Sasha" <sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au> wrote in message
news:40c584e1@news.alphalink.com.au...
> Hi,
>
> I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon fork
> and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have experience
> with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested in hearing
> about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks nice (nice
> paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very heavy duty and
> ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more than a similar
> equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sasha- sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au
>
> remove (nospam) to get my real e-mail address
>
>

flyingdutch

Sasha wrote:
> Hi,
> I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon
> fork and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have
> experience with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested
> in hearing about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks
> nice (nice paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very
> heavy duty and ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more
> than a similar equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?
> Thanks,
> Sasha- sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au
> remove (nospam) to get my real e-mail address



From what I have read (C+ too) and seen on cyclingnews.com their higher
end stuff is rated exceptionally well!

As with all mid/lower range stuff, some corners get cut but its usually
more cosmetic than anything. 'ugly' welds could well be the same as high-
end welds but not 'cleaned up'.

Are you in Melb?

If so, wander down to SHM bikes bourke st store (near cnr of Russell) as
they are closing soon and have 20-30% off with a few Orbeas there

PS lerv them paint jobs. airbrushing lives!!!



--

Mike Jacoubowsky

Sasha: What's Orbea's warranty like in OZ? The reason I ask is that, for a
number of interesting reasons, warranty claims are higher in down under than
anyplace else in the world, so manufacturers may tighten up on things. Why
are warranty claims higher, you may ask? I've been told it's because a
higher percentage of bikes sold get ridden really hard (which is a good
thing... a bike wants to be ridden, not sit in the garage!), and that many
of the roads aren't in the best shape. But not having been there, I'm going
on 3rd-party information. The higher warranty expenses are, however, real.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com


"Sasha" <sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au> wrote in message
news:40c584e1@news.alphalink.com.au...
> Hi,
>
> I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon fork
> and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have experience
> with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested in hearing
> about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks nice (nice
> paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very heavy duty and
> ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more than a similar
> equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sasha- sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au
>
> remove (nospam) to get my real e-mail address
>
>

Phil Sandhu

Hi

I bought an Orbea Mitis road bike with Campagnolo Centaur 10 speed, ITM bars
in Feb-04 and love the bike. The frame with carbon forks and rear has a
lifetime warranty. It is very comfortable, feels durable and is a great
ride. The frame is a blue/silver combo rather than flaming red or orange. I
would definitley go for an Orbea over a similarly equipped giant or trek,
but you may need to pay a few $$ more.

Phil


"Dave Stallard" <stallard@bbn.com> wrote in message
news:2im9iuFors5qU1@uni-berlin.de...
> Sasha wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon
fork
> > and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have
experience
> > with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested in hearing
> > about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks nice (nice
> > paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very heavy duty
and
> > ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more than a similar
> > equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?
>
> FWIW, I have seen Orbea's Lobular frames (not this model, I guess),
> favorably reviewed. They definitely are hot-looking bikes, if that
> matters to you. I personally am not a big aluminum fan, but many others
> are. They supply bikes for Team Euskatel. If you test ride it, and
> like it, you might as well go for it (and get one with the orange paint
> job!).
>
> Dave

remove the polite word to reply

it is Scientifically Proven that Aussie bikes get made into heavy duty
aluminum pretzels
by piss-drunk racers riding in the dark at 2 am sunday mornings,
proving to their mates how fast they can descend

Paul J

Sasha wrote:
> Hi,
> I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon
> fork and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have
> experience with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested
> in hearing about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks
> nice (nice paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very
> heavy duty and ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more
> than a similar equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?
> Thanks,
> Sasha- sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au
> remove (nospam) to get my real e-mail address



Sasha, I have a Mitis frame. This is their inhouse stuff. Hand painted,
all welds are smoothed over. Like all their frames it comes with
lifetime, unlimited km warranty. I was very impressed. I've put over
4700km on it in the last 5 months. Incredibly comfortable to ride for an
aluminium bike. In fact, the only way I can tell when I have a puncture
is if I hear it or all of a sudden my power output isn't making it to
the road. That's how comfortable it is.



--

Peter S

"Paul J" <usenet-forum@cyclingforums.com> wrote in message
news:q7uyc.94779$Nu2.67294@fe30.usenetserver.com...
> Sasha wrote:
> > Hi,
> > I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon
> > fork and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have
> > experience with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested
> > in hearing about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame
looks
> > nice (nice paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very
> > heavy duty and ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little
more
> > than a similar equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?
> > Thanks,
> > Sasha- sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au
> > remove (nospam) to get my real e-mail address

Sasha I just bought an Orbea Volata today. It's my first aluminium framed
bike. Came with Campag Veloce 9 speed gear and crank and Carbon fork. I took
it out this afternoon for a quick 5km in between rain (it's winter in perth
today!). My old bike,soon to be sold, is a steel framed Giant Kronos with
RSX. What a difference (as you'd expect)! I've looked at bikes for over two
months before buying the Orbea. It's confusing trying to get the best value
with all of the components that you want. After a while you realise thast
each manufacturer gives and takes. For example I imagine you've looked at
the Giant OCR1 which has 105 gears and crank but not 105 brakes - it also
has a pretty ordinary looking adjustable stem. I got tired of comparing this
groupset with that - this wheelset with that etc. etc. I finally decided on
the Orbea because for me it had a lighter frame, reasonable midrange Campag
groupset and carbon fork - plus it looks great which I think is important
too. After all when you see your bike wherever you park it in between rides,
it's great if it looks good and calls you want to get on and take it out on
the road.

Overall, after looking at Avanti, Giant, Specialised etc. I chose to buy
Orbea. I'll let you know after a few more hours in the saddle what I think
but right now I feel like i've made a really good decision. By the way I
didn't go out to look for Campag - like you I was originally looking at 105.
To me the main thing was bang-for-buck not which company made the equipment.

Biggest first impression on my very short test ride today was how fantastic
the brakes are. This bike STOPS when you want to stop.

Pete
skypete_at_bigpond_dot_com_dot_au

Sasha Nackovski

Hi Mike,

I am told it is the standard Orbea warranty- lifetime to the original
purchaser. I am not sure why warranty claims would be higher in OZ- it is my
experience (in Melbourne at least) that most owners of expensive late model
equipment generally ride streets nearing the city that are smooth and well
paved. However, I will say that most aussie riders are much better at
sprinting than endurance or hillclimbing, and it seems that the average
aussie road cyclist is larger and stronger physically than their European
counterparts. I could be completely wrong, but this may have something to do
with the bikes being ridden "really hard".

Thanks,

Sasha

"Mike Jacoubowsky" <mikej1@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:KAGxc.7624$eb6.4414@newssvr27.news.prodigy.com...
> Sasha: What's Orbea's warranty like in OZ? The reason I ask is that, for
a
> number of interesting reasons, warranty claims are higher in down under
than
> anyplace else in the world, so manufacturers may tighten up on things.
Why
> are warranty claims higher, you may ask? I've been told it's because a
> higher percentage of bikes sold get ridden really hard (which is a good
> thing... a bike wants to be ridden, not sit in the garage!), and that many
> of the roads aren't in the best shape. But not having been there, I'm
going
> on 3rd-party information. The higher warranty expenses are, however,
real.
>
> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
> www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>
>
> "Sasha" <sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au> wrote in message
> news:40c584e1@news.alphalink.com.au...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon
fork
> > and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have
experience
> > with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested in hearing
> > about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks nice (nice
> > paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very heavy duty
and
> > ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more than a similar
> > equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Sasha- sashan(nospam)@alphalink.com.au
> >
> > remove (nospam) to get my real e-mail address
> >
> >
>
>

Sasha Nackovski

Thanks to everyone that responded to my questions. Looks like an Orbea is
the way to go, although I am taking off to New Zealand for a couple of
weeks, so buying one will have to wait until I get back. I will report to
the group on the outcome if anyone is interested.

Thanks,

Sasha

"Dave Stallard" <stallard@bbn.com> wrote in message
news:2im9iuFors5qU1@uni-berlin.de...
> Sasha wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I am looking at purchasing an Orbea Vento roadbike here in Oz (Carbon
fork
> > and stays,105set, orbea wheels, ITM bars etc). Anyone here have
experience
> > with this model, or Orbea bikes in general? I am interested in hearing
> > about quality, durability, ride comfort etc. The frame looks nice (nice
> > paintjob, no decals, all painted), but the welds look very heavy duty
and
> > ugly in places. However, it will only cost a little more than a similar
> > equipped giant. Any opinions on these bikes?
>
> FWIW, I have seen Orbea's Lobular frames (not this model, I guess),
> favorably reviewed. They definitely are hot-looking bikes, if that
> matters to you. I personally am not a big aluminum fan, but many others
> are. They supply bikes for Team Euskatel. If you test ride it, and
> like it, you might as well go for it (and get one with the orange paint
> job!).
>
> Dave