Road Cycling - ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿Orbea Aspin ????????

im looking into getting a new bike and the local LBS in Norman is a very big orbea dealer and can get me a 2004 Orbae aspin for a little more than 700.00 . Before i was looking at a very cheap Windsor Dover but was skeptical due to the fact that is a internet order bike only. Ive ridden the orbea and love it but the price difference is nearly double. I am curious if i should buy the windsor Dover. or the Orbea Aspin. Here are both.
The orbea Aspin(double)
http://www.raddiscount.de/images/shop/P03341_BILD1GROSS.jpg
but only in blue or silver.

and the windsor. Dover
http://www.windsorbicycles.com/dover_big.jpg

Specs.
Aspin.
Description
Frame Material: aluminum, carbon seat stays
Frame Angles: 73.2 head, 73.2 seat
Sizes: 48cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 60cm
Colors: Blue/Silver
Fork: Zeus AC
Rear Shock: Not applicable
Brake Levers: Campagnolo Xenon Ergo
Handlebar: ITM
Stem: ITM
Headset: 1 1/8" integrated
Front Der: Campagnolo Xenon, bottom-pull/clamp-on
Crankset: Campagnolo Xenon, 39/53 teeth
Rear Der: Campagnolo Xenon
Pedals: Not included
Tires: 700 x 23c Michelin Dynamic
More [+]

Dover
frame:KINESIS DOUBLE BUTTED ALUMINUM
fork:DURA-FORTE CHROME-MOLY
crank:CYCLONE 52/42/30T
pedals: alloy w/ toe clips.
Front and Rear Der: Sora
shifter:sora
rim:ALEX DA22 DBL WALL 36
tire:MICHELIN DYNAMIC 700x23
hub: alloy qr
brakeset:sora
alloy headset and dropbar
velo seat.

I am aware the better bike is the orbea but im looking at 700 or 350. I am going to use this bike to commute 2 miles daily(weather permiting) and group ride two days a week and ride for recreation on my own. I am only 18 and this will be my first real road bike. I will not be competitive anytime soon. Just getting started. Just let me know what your advice would be. It would be greatlely appreciated. Thank you. ( Btw i currently ride a very old schwinn worldsport so either will be an improvement.)

I say go for the Orbea. The bike looks like it's a really good deal (carbon fork, seatstays) Xenon group instead of Sora. Not to mention the paint job :)

I don't think these two bikes are really comparible. They are of a completely different class. It is not surprising that the price difference is great. The Dover has a tripple ring set and a long arm on the rear derailer to accomodate bigger gears on the cassette. What kind of bike have you been riding? What type riding do you plan on doing? Is the terrain hilly where you ride?

i plan on ridding in a club on tuesday and thursday 50 miles. i will not be ridding competitively for a while. to busy with school. i have been ridding a schwinn worldsport touring bike. It is very old and 54 cm which is very not my size. .. basically im looking for a good first real road bike that will last me for about 5 years until i upgrade. i guess thats all.

oh and i live in norman oklahoma. it is not incredibly hilly. just windy.

I'd say spend the extra and get the Aspin. In my opinion, it's far ahead of the Dover in quality and componentry.

Hey, i'm only 18 too, and i got me an orbea volata 2004. If you want quality, and a bike that you can depend on go the orbea, if you are not sure about the sport and just want to try it, go the other one. just remember pedals are going to cost you extra as well so the price is even more. Its good value as far as bike's go as they are closing out all 2004 models due to the new models coming out in the next week, and the 2005 the cheapest bike is 1250. besides, doesnt the paintjob on them just say buy buy buy!

Hey, i'm only 18 too, and i got me an orbea volata 2004. If you want quality, and a bike that you can depend on go the orbea, if you are not sure about the sport and just want to try it, go the other one. just remember pedals are going to cost you extra as well so the price is even more. Its good value as far as bike's go as they are closing out all 2004 models due to the new models coming out in the next week, and the 2005 the cheapest bike is 1250. besides, doesnt the paintjob on them just say buy buy buy!


My wife picks up her Orbea Volata on Saturday. What gruppo does yours have? Hers will have Veloce.

Also, Jamtasic, I'd buy the Orbea. I'd never heard of the other bike.

Well it really is a tough choice. If you have doubts about actually sticking with cycling then the Windsor is probably the better choice but if you are going to do any real amount of riding then for sure get the Orbea and in the long run it will cost less because you wont get the urge to upgrade after one week. With the comment that you are going to be doing weekly group rides it sounds like you are going to do it for rear...get the Orbea.

I have an Orbea Aspin ( a triple tho) and I love it.

Go for the Orbea.

johnny monkey - mine got mirage, a double, nothing on veloce though, but i got it for a good price! great bikes, hope your wife enjoys it!

Well it really is a tough choice. If you have doubts about actually sticking with cycling then the Windsor is probably the better choice but if you are going to do any real amount of riding then for sure get the Orbea and in the long run it will cost less because you wont get the urge to upgrade after one week. With the comment that you are going to be doing weekly group rides it sounds like you are going to do it for rear...get the Orbea.

not true
i had a trek 2200 which i bought in july
i wanted to upgrade after 1 week :P

melloboy