To make things short and simple I went to the shop on Monday since I am looking to get a new TT bike. Talking to the guy that specializes in the TT bikes he eventually got me to narrow my interest to the 08 Cervelo P2C (I know it isn't out yet,but will be the Ultegra version most likely) and the 08 Orbea Ora Ultegra. I tried both bikes out and they were both comfortable and would both work. Once I settle on a bike, they will help fit me and get everything dialed in. My problem is that I am having a hard time between the two frames. They are both very nice frames and I would love to have either one. Are there any comments/advice that might help me to narrow it down? The reason I am going with the ultegra version rather than the DA is to spend the leftover money in my budget and get some nice rims. So let me know what you think.

This is the S*&T


http://www.trigearreview.com/images/art/Ordu_big_black.jpg

It looks like a stealth fighter

This is the S*&T


http://www.trigearreview.com/images/art/Ordu_big_black.jpg

Yeah the Ordu is very nice. Unfortunately my budget isn't that large. But I agree, it is once mean looking stealth fighter. Wonder what it's radar signature would be! ;)

Ok ok I am back down to earth now.....

Orbea...100%...I have never been a Cervelo fan but I am sure there are a LOT of people here that are.....not dissing them....just saying I am not a fan.

Both bike are extremely sexy. I know several people who ride and love the P2C and I also know a few people who love their Orbea's (I don't know anyone with an Ora though). I'm sure either one will be a great choice. There's a lot of Cervelo's in the field at Kona and I love my P2 SL. I know this may sound silly but if they both fit you well, pick the one that you think is the best looking. Seriously, it can't hurt if you like the look of what you ride.

Make sure to let us know what you decide...and post pics!!!

Both bikes are very nice but are also very different. The Cervelo has a very steep seat angle (80 degree) and the Orbea's is shallower at 76 degree. So other than fit and color, you need to consider which style of riding you'd like to do.

The Cervelo has a very steep seat angle (80 degree) ...
75-78, not 80. http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=P2C2008#G

Both bikes are very nice but are also very different. The Cervelo has a very steep seat angle (80 degree) and the Orbea's is shallower at 76 degree. So other than fit and color, you need to consider which style of riding you'd like to do.

Where did you get that information? According to Cervelo, the P2C allows for a range of seat angles but it does not get to 80. This is from their site re: the P2C...

"...we offer our TT/tri bikes with adjustable geometry, allowing for an effective seattube angle anywhere in the 74-79 degree range"

There's a lot of information on the bike's geometry here... http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=P2C2008#G

Where did you get that information? According to Cervelo, the P2C allows for a range of seat angles but it does not get to 80. This is from their site re: the P2C...

"...we offer our TT/tri bikes with adjustable geometry, allowing for an effective seattube angle anywhere in the 74-79 degree range"

There's a lot of information on the bike's geometry here... http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=P2C2008#G

Yes, the effective seat angle is 74-79 degree, but you can get 80 or steeper by moving the saddle forward and ride more on the nose. In the December issue of Inside Triathlon, Dan Empfield discusses how the design of the P3C and the Ordu are at opposite ends when it comes to riding steep vs. shallow. He says to consider function, rather than look or frame material when choosing a bike.

Yes, the effective seat angle is 74-79 degree, but you can get 80 or steeper by moving the saddle forward and ride more on the nose. In the December issue of Inside Triathlon, Dan Empfield discusses how the design of the P3C and the Ordu are at opposite ends when it comes to riding steep vs. shallow. He says to consider function, rather than look or frame material when choosing a bike.

Dude....so why did you straight up say, it has an 80 degree seat tuble angle. I bet I could get even steeper if I really tried. If you put your seat to the absolute front of the rails, and withthe seat post thing flipped forward, and you dont have your knees at about where your shifters are...your bike is way too big. Other then that, you are going into your handle bars.

Most frames are fast now. Cervelo had the market cornered for a while. Though other companies are getting bikes that are showing real promise in wind tunnel testing(I know its not the best way to prove what is faster by looking at product testing in wind tunnels, but its all we have). So its getting to be that if you find a few frames that you fit well on, why not buy the one that you really like. Honestly....say he is racing an IM, with a faster frame(between the Cervelo and Orbea), he might save a few minutes....so he stops for one less bathroom break, he made up the time. BUT, he is on a bike he really likes.

I've heard that Cervelo has more attractive price points if that is an issue...
Otherwise go for the bike that gets your rocks off...

I've heard that Cervelo has more attractive price points if that is an issue...
Otherwise go for the bike that gets your rocks off...


Because of the CDN dollar, it is going to be really cheap for Cervelos(relative to the old prices) for the 2008s.

i went throught the EXACT same dilemma a month or two ago..07 orbea ora vs 07 cervelo p2c...except i was going dura ace.

i opted for the cervelo. according to many people i spoke to, cervelo is STILL the industry standard in time trial/tt bikes...and everyone is still trying to catch up and/or just trying to straight up copy them. but the cervelo's still own them in the wind tunnel tests.

that made me lean towards the cervelo...

then the other difference was the more aggressive geometry the cervelo can achieve. i prefer a more aggressive as opposed to more relaxed like the orbea. i'm very flexible so the riding position feels perfectly comfortable even over long distances...so why not more aggressive? should allow for smaller footprint opposing the wind!

and that sealed the deal...cervelo by a mile! the thing that made me still want the orbea is that i think the orbea's look nicer...and orbea's have that exotic factor since it's from spain!!!

good luck!!!!

Dude....so why did you straight up say, it has an 80 degree seat tuble angle.

I don't realize I've upset so many with my '80 degree' remark. To me, the exact seat angle (79 vs. 80) is not so important because one can easily adjust +/- a few degrees. It is the geometry of the bike and because Cervelo and Orbea are at opposite ends of the spectrum, I recommend the OP to seriously consider it. Again, both bikes are great. The Cervelo is designed with a steeper seat angle and a much longer measurement from the bottom bracket to the front axle, allowing riders to be in a more aero/aggressive position. However, the aggressive position may be fast and trendy, it’s not for everyone. It’s a really balance between aero, comfort and power and should be a personal preference. Many pro triathletes prefer to ride slack and are doing quite well, including Chris McCormack and Craig Alexander, who came in first and second at the IM Hawaii, respectively.

I went through the same process and ended up with the 07 Ordu.

Honestly....say he is racing an IM, with a faster frame(between the Cervelo and Orbea), he might save a few minutes....so he stops for one less bathroom break, he made up the time. BUT, he is on a bike he really likes.

IM, stop, bathroom break... People stop?

Most frames are fast now. Cervelo had the market cornered for a while. Though other companies are getting bikes that are showing real promise in wind tunnel testing(I know its not the best way to prove what is faster by looking at product testing in wind tunnels, but its all we have). So its getting to be that if you find a few frames that you fit well on, why not buy the one that you really like. Honestly....say he is racing an IM, with a faster frame(between the Cervelo and Orbea), he might save a few minutes....so he stops for one less bathroom break, he made up the time. BUT, he is on a bike he really likes.


Actually frames are getting farther apart. Just taking the increase in frontal area, and assuming similar coefficient of drag(which again is in the favor of the Cervelo), the time difference is significant. The downtube on the Orbea is a full 1.3cm wider, as is the head tube. That may not seem like much, but it's similar to bringing your bars up about a full inch in frontal area.

The Orbea Ora was not designed in the wind tunnel. The new Ordu was however refined there.

Personally I wouldn't leave my bike for an Orbea, I would however, PAY for a P2c frameset.

Also, the Cervelo is cheaper.