First road bike
Hey guys, I am considering on buying my first road bike. I really want a carbon (monocoque) framed bike with Ultegra, but with finances tight am prepared to have 105s minimum, with the option of upgrading rims and tires.
The bike I am considering is a CF Orbea Onix T105, and looking to upgrade the Shimano R500 rims to either Fulcrum 5's or Mavic Ksyriums and some quality Kevlar tires. Is that a good choice of rim to go for?. I went into 'The complete cycle' in Port Noarlunga and spoke to Peter about it. Said I could get this bike for $1999, plus the added upgrades. Is this a good price? Any room for haggling?
I am a sportive type rider with the occasional sprint thrown in for good measure, and I wanted to get a bike I can hold onto for a number of years and upgrade some components over time. Carbon framed is non negotiable in my eyes. Don't ask me why, I just want it.
Has anyone dealt with The Complete Cycle before and can vouch for their service abilities?
What about the Orbea brand, I have seen these bikes every now and again, do they have a good reputation amongst the riding elite, or is it considered 'average'? I just want to get an idea of what I should be expecting. I hear the Euskatel cycling team are being sponsored by Orbea, and that the Orbea carbon frames have a lifetime warranty. But that is the limit of my knowledge about the brand.
Any help or constructive advice would be appreciated.
Link to bike specs. http://www.evolutioncycles.com.au/cycle?page=shop.product_details&a...
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Frank on
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Hey mate!
I had two orbeas, one onix and one orca. They are not my favorite and found them very very twitchy on downhill runs but many others have never experienced that!
Getting carbon(plastic) is not the be all and end all, there are very many alloy bikes with carbon steer etc! Good alloy over bad carbon anyday, not that I am saying orbea is bad carbon, just keep that in mind.
A mate is currently dissecting many carbon frames, I will not put names to them but even top end carbon has been very badly laid, let's just say that.
The site sponsor "Trak cycles on parade at Norwood" have a Willier(carbon) with ultegra for $2500! Good deal or if you know what you are looking at, it's also possible to get a good bargain 2nd hand on bicycle express, just know your size!
Leave money for bike fit, that is money very well spend and go to a reputable fitter!
I suggest not get to too caught up on name brand or running at first but get a bike that fits and be shown good technique, way more important IMHO.
Have fun and hope it all works out.
Oh, I almost forgot, Gemma a member on here has a focus full carbon with Durace for $3300! It's in the market section! Size is large from memory but that be a bargain and will definitely last!
Cheers
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Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on -
Thanks Frank. I was told by Peter just from him looking at me that I am a 51cm size.
I love the look of tce wilier bike from trak cycles. it looks amazing. That bike was at tce top of my list prior to checking out.the orbea. again I am not a racer and don't think I could ever.be one. but I do like to attempt personal challenges so I know having a good well made bike with quality and durable components is very important.
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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on -
My only dealing with The Complete Cycle was a couple of years ago when looking for my first roadie. I wanted a test ride and Peter put me on an Orbea and said "Off you go. we close at 4" I spent at least an hour up and down the Esplanade before taking the bike back, the best test ride I've had, I ended up not buying the bike, it didn't feel right to me for some reason which I still can't define. I can't recommend him high enough from my dealings with him, at the same time AC member Vujos bought a high spec Orbea and raved about the bike and the service.
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Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on
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Thanks pat. he did offer me to take one for a spin. I didn't have time but will take him up on it when the time comes.
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Permalink Reply by RD6 on -
Peter is excellent, he has been in the game for years and his his knowledge on Orbea roadbikes is second to none, one of the very few dealers that stock Orbea
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The few dealers that stock orbea?
They are everywhere! Good reputation and warranty, just I didn't have a good experience does not mean they are no good though!
They are all made in Thailand like most theses days, finishing touches like paint and decals done in spain!
Take some for a ride, you may well love them!
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That's a lot, mega bikes has 3 outlets alone cranking them out! Try Time, colnago, focus, cinelli or dacordi dealers to name a few!
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Permalink Reply by Gary Mills on -
Made in Taiwan and China
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Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on
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I found that out too rob by the way he was talking about the brand and the company. very knowledgeable about orbea.
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Permalink Reply by Roger ... on -
If money is tight I would not do any bling upgrades. There is nothing wrong with the standard Mavic wheels and the tyres, well they are a cost of riding just like chains ... just wear the set that comes with the bike out and by then you will know what you want and hopefully by then, will have recovered financially. Sometimes the stock seat isn't too comfortable so you might like to change that (or use you current one) after a few rides if the saddle hurts you.
It can be a major expense early on if you get the gearing decision wrong. The compact 50 - 34 crank in the spec you posted is a must have down South and try and get a 28 or 32 size cassette for riding long hills. If your hill climbing isn't to good and you suspect you would desire a triple ring crankset that decision has to be made now.
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