Road Cycling - Orbea Frames...Recommendations?

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velo
09-14-02, 04:21 PM
I'm looking at three frames:

1ST (http://orbea-usa.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=420&Catalog=39)

2ND (http://orbea-usa.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=409&Catalog=39&sort=3rdcharacter)

3RD (http://orbea-usa.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=410&Catalog=39)


I'm a 135 pound rider. I ride all road events; road races, time trials, and criteriums. Focusing on road races, and criteriums, do you have any suggestions as to which frame might be the best for me?

I'm looking for a light machine. The two have carbon wishbones. Would these be too flexy for criterium racing? Or, with my weight, wouldn't it matter? I have an aluminum frame now that gives a pretty harsh ride, so maybe the carbon wishbones would be a good thing?

DON'T LOOK AT PRICING. I am only interested in the performance of each frame vs. another.

I'd like to hear any advice. Thanks!

RacerX
09-14-02, 05:01 PM
Looks like the xlr8r has the most "comfort" design with carbon and columbus tubes...it is the lightest of the 3.

I like the Force Carbon- mostly because of the Dedacciai tubes and pretty carbon stay. I think it looks the best of the 3.

You don't have to worry about flex or one being better for crits. The carbon stays will take the edge off but are still stiff. Anyway, at 135 lbs, it doesn't really matter.

I would go with the xlr8r. It is the lightest, most comfortable design (stays and dimpled tubes) and looks to be great for everything.
Do they all have the same geometry?
velo
09-14-02, 07:00 PM
Originally posted by RacerX
Do they all have the same geometry?


Thanks for your opinion. Yes, the aluminum road frames have the same geometry.

Walter
09-14-02, 07:42 PM
I didn't see any mention of geometry but I get the feeling all 3 bikes are pretty similar. I kinda like the Force but I'm not you. Any chances to ride one or 2?

A real stiff ride with tight geometry is the ticket for crits but might beat you up on long training rides. I've read that carbon stays take some of the sting out so The Force or the XL8ER(?) look to be the better choice, unless you can justify a second roadie perhaps with a steel frame for the long training days. :) Reality is wheels/tires affect perceived comfort as much or more than frame.

I saw your other post about integrated headsets. I don't have a frame with one but do not like the idea. If you score a bearing race are you out of a frame? In bicycles as in much else in life there's alot to be said for the KISS philosophy.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll be fine with any of them.