peterm1

I am all set to order the Onix with the Campy mix, FSA compact crank, and Rolf Apex wheels, when I noticed that for a few hundred more, I can get the Orca with Ultegra 10 instead of the Onix with Campy mix (and the same tires). I have never used Campy but I think I would prefer the shifters the way they are laid out on the bike and from speaking with others (although I don't "hate" the Shimano shifting system at all). I am a recreational rider and am 5 foot 10 and 173 pounds. I currently have a LeMond Buenos Aires which I am selling. Both the Onix and Orca are REALLY stretching my budget. When I saw that the Orca would be in the same price range with the Ultegra components, I started thinking - shouldn't I get the top of the line frame even if it means using Shimano? I mean, Ultegra should certainly be good enough for a non-racer like me, right (heck, either bike is way good enough for me). I also really like the like the look of the Orca more. I want to be able to ride this bike for many, many years, and don't want to have buyer's remorse thinking - "oh, I should have gone for the Orca."

From what I have read, both rides are comfortable, especially compared to the Opal.

What would you do?

Thanks,

Peter

56/12 and 22/28

Opal.

Lighter, stiffer, faster.

Not as comfy, though.

But in this case, Orca>Onix.

Take the Orca.

bbattle

I'd go for the Orca, too. The frames are the same geometry but the Orca's carbon gives you the stiffness where you need it but no harsh ride. The Orca's at my LBS are considerably more expensive than the Onix so it sounds like you'd get a great deal.

Crayon

You might want to talk to the dealer about cross grading the Orca to Campy Chorus. Orbea is unique in that they let you select which groupset you want.

I don't know how much difference in price there would be.

dragonflybikes

I actually have the Onix, and I had some of the simular thoughts, except that I didn't want Shimano. I boughtthe frame and built the bike up with Campy.

Stiffness: Since you mention that you are a recriational rider I doubt that you would ever notice any difference in the stiffness in the frame. I race some (Cat 4) and I don't notice any flex in my frame when I am sprinting and I have noticed it in other bikes. I know that there are some hard core people that I am sure will notice it but it doesn't sound like that is you.

Weight: The Orca frame is a lighter frame, but that is by less than 1/2 a pound (180 grams) which I believe the Campy components may be that much lighter than the Ultegra (but I am not sure about this one). Either way, being a recreational or even a person that races a little I doubt that you will notice the 180 grams.

Comfort: Orbea even mentions that the Onix is designed to be more comfortable than the Opal, and while the recreational riders I know what a bike that performes well they also want a bike that is going to be comfortable for the long haul.

Looks: Well that is personal to every person

Opinion: Excluding the looks factor, it seems like the Onix fits what you want/need better. The benifits that the Orca has over the Opal are not benifits that you will probably ever notice or miss, unless you become a hard core racer or a weight weinee. Either way you will notice a big improvement from the bike that you are upgrading from. Will you really regret getting their second to the top bike frame when their top bike frame is the same frame ridden in the Tour de France? (I consider the Opal and Orca both to be their top of the line bike frame with each having different purposes) Thus my opinion comes down to get the Onix unless you really don't like the looks of it enough to not want it because of that.

Either way, once you get it post a pic up in the thread for Orbea owners

seely

The Orca is recommended for riders up to 160lbs as I recall, the Onix is for riders 160lbs+. If you are a heavier rider, the Orca will likely feel noodly. Even some riders within the weight category we have let demo an Orca complain about it feeling noodly, and have wound up buying an Opal.

rrobins

Thats the first time I have heard that the Orca is only for riders up to 160lbs. I have n Orca 48cm and I weigh 180. feels fine to me. I wonder what it will feel like when I get down to 160! BTW I started riding the Orca when I was 190 and it still felt good.

ravenmore

Opal - stiffer/lighter frame.

briscoelab

Agreed, the Opal is stiffer, lighter, and cheaper than the Orca. Just because it's stiff doens't mean that it isn't comfortable! That being said, the Onix is likely the better choice for you as a rec rider. I'd choose it just for the Campy components.

Sirrobinofcoxly

I just got my Orca frame too, and I was deciding between the Opal and the orca. Basically it came down to we wanting a more comfortable frame. And it's pretty light too.

Go for the Orca...i did

dragonflybikes

While stiff doesn't necessarly mean less comfortable, Orbea's web site even touts that the Orca is more comfortable and the Onix is more comfortable. Also if you are going to tout that the Opal is lighter than the Orca then you truely are a weight weinee as it is only 20 grams lighter. At least you recognized that since he says he is a rec rider that his needs may be different than a racer. Many others think that everyone needs the most hardcore race bike regardless of how they ride.

NuBiker

I would go for the Orca from value point of view. Orca and Onix are very comparable, same geometry and sizes. The fibers on the Orca are set in a pattern that gives the frame more stiffness then the Onix. The Onix frame is stiff enough, but is more set up for long comfy rides were the Opal is set for fast short rides, The Orca is somewhere in between.
I have the Onix with full Ultegra and FSA Compact crank, I like it a lot I don't feel the need for a stiffer bike. But for the good price I will consider upgrading to an Orca.

ccrnnr9

Why not consider the Arin or even the lobular. I am no expert but I am also looking at the Orbea line and have considered almost everything (although I will probably stick within my college budget and go with the Mitis, Lobular, or Onix). The Arin is only 950 grams and according to their site, is super stiff. I have never ridden one so thats only an observation.
~Nick

mscycler

I ride the onix. I think it is stiff enough for me (180lbs or so). If I had to do it over again, I would have waited for the Opal...I bought my Onix, and a few months later the Opal came out.

Either way, I don't think you would/could go wrong with either one. It's just a matter of whether or not you want to shell out the extra clams.

If it was me, I would get the Orca...

mscycler

dragonflybikes

OK for all of you who talk about the value that the Orca is a better value in the deal that he is getting I am guessing that is not actually any more of great value than the normal every day retail pricing is. Here is some number crunching to back it up. Since I don't know the op's pricing that he is getting I will just use the Onix with Campy as my base point. All of the numbers are based on the list prices oon Orbea's web site.

The Onix with the Campy mix is the base point.
You can get the Onix with the Ultegra groupo for $650 less
The Orca with the Ultegra groupo is normally $450 more
The difference in the price between the Onix and the Orca frames is $900
The difference between the Onix Ultegra and the Orca Ultegra is $1100 with the Orca having better wheels otherwise the components are the same

Thus if you are willing to go with the Ultegra groupo (which I personally chose the Campy) to upgrade to the Orca is $1100 more or if you are only paying $300 more to go for the Orca ultegra over the Onix campy then it still is $950 more but in that case I bet the Onix ultegra is even less as well. Basically you are paying about $650 to have a Campy Chorus Centaur mix (where the Chorus is in the most important places the brifters and the rear derailur)

The end result is how much do you want Campy, and how much do you not like the paint job on the Onix. (By the way, I agree that this years paint job on the Onix is not pretty. The 2005 and before was much better looking and is what I have)

Hopefully you are not more confused now than you were before. Either way you will have a great ride.

peterm1

Thanks everyone. I wound up ordering the Onix with the Campy mix, Rolf Apex wheels, FSA compact crank in the black color with orange accents. The Orca was just too far beyond my budget. I am psyched!

Peter

dragonflybikes

You will be very happy with it, it is a great bike. Don't forget to post a pic of it in the Orbea owners thread.