Diabolus

I have learned lots of information since joining this website and I now have the chance to purchase my first road bike. I am going to pick up an 07 to save money. I am 6'4" and weigh about 230lbs.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

The first one is an Orbea Onix TDF with the following components (approx $1800)

FRAME: Onix T700 Carbon
FORK: Zeus AC Carbon
BAR: ITM Lite Luxe
STEM: ITM Lite Luxe
SHIFTERS: Shimano Ultegra
CRANKSET: FSA SL-K Compact
FRONT DER: Shimano Ultegra
REAR DER: Shimano Ultegra
BRAKES: Shimano Ultegra
CHAIN: Shimano 105
CASSETTE: Shimano 105
WHEELS: Mavic Ksyrium Equippe
TIRES: Vittoria Rubino Pro
SADDLE: Selle Italia SLK SE
SEATPOST: Kalloy Carbon


The second one is a Trek Madone SL 5.2 (Approx 2200, if they can find my size):

FRAME: OCLV 110 Carbon
FORK: Bontrager Race X Lite
WHEELS: Bontrager Race Lite
TIRES: Bontrager Race X Lite
SHIFTERS: Shimano Ultegra
FRONT DER: Shimano Ultegra
REAR DER: Shimano Dura-Ace
CRANK: Shimano Ultegra
CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra
SADDLE: Bontrager Race Lite
SEAT POST: Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Race Lite VR
STEM: Bontrager Race Lite
HEADSET: Cane Creek S-3
BRAKESET: Shimano Ultegra

Youngin

Sorry, but whatever fits better. Both are nice bikes, but I'd be more likely to go with the Orbea.

Diabolus

That's the number one piece of advice I have received from both friends and responses in the posts. It's really hard for me to tell the difference on any of these bikes, and I feel that its something I will learn in the future only after purchasing the bike.

datlas 

+1 on the fit advice. I would rather ride a mediocre bike that fits well than a state-of-the-art one that fits poorly.

RazorWind

So ask the shop to help you.

Diabolus

I have been to several shops and the advice has been really bad. They have all told me to sit on the bike, then stand over the bar - then they all say that looks good.

Really hard to get any help, but maybe I am not going to the right stores.

Youngin

Can you give an approximation on where you live or a store close to you? I'd be happy to try to help.

ericcox

If it fits, I would go with the Orbea as that's what I have, though both are very, very nice bikes. That is a really good price on the Orbea, is it last year's model?

SushiJoe

My first road bike, like many, was a Trek.
That being said, go with Orbea-- you'll never look back!

Treefox

Whichever is red.

After that,

Whichever fits best.

But I kinda feel those aren't necessarily comparable bikes - the Trek listed is a fair bit more expensive and this is reflected in the kit.

They're both, I think, somewhat under-wheeled. (viz. they ought to come with better wheels than they do - but this seems to be increasingly the case these days - or maybe I'm just paying attention more than I used to) Both those wheelsets would be considered training wheels on bikes of that calibre.

carbonjockey

forget fit- its all about the orbea! you can mold your body to fit the bike (just kidding this is bad advice)

Skewer

You could use an online fit calculator, such as the one at competitivecyclist.com, to be armed with more information regarding fit.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

Pharmr

orbea

Savagewolf

If they both were sold from the same shop, I would go for the Trek Madone. If they are not from the same shop, then I would find out which shop is more helpful and go with that one. As others have said....fit, above all else, is the most important thing for purchasing your bike.

Don't get suckered into buying a bike slightly too big or too small that seems like a smoking deal.

Campag4life

Look.

thefatguy

Where can you get it for $1800 (the TDF)?

Retail is $2449...

kylen721

I would go with the madone if it were me. Also as far as sizing goes having someone stand over is a good starting point so dont discredit the shops because of that. Now if you purchased it and they just said have a nice day without giving you a proper fit then thats when I would worry.

Diabolus

Thanks again for the quick replies. This is a 2007 model and I feel that its a great deal. I live in the Los Angeles area and I confirmed with the bike shop that they will fit me to the bike. I offered a deposit for the Orbea and he said no, he must make sure I fit to it before anything. This was great news and makes me feel really good about the sale.

I made a promise to myself to not jump on all the hype of a new 08 bike and save some cash for shoes, pedals, and clothing. I am by no means a rich person, but I was taught at a young age to make purchases that are not on a whim and always buy quality that will last. I have tested out a lot of brands including: Trek, Scattante, Fuji, Specialized, and KHS. It has taken me months to come to this decision, and I still feel that my lack of experience could set me up for regret later on when I learn the bike, but its a risk I am willing to take.

When I take a test ride, is there anything in particular I should be paying attention to?

botto 

orbea is basque for trek, so don't let the origin of the brand sway your decision.

Double D

If you really like them both the same and if both bikes fit equally I'd go with the Trek because I'd prefer the Ultegra crank to the FSA and for the warranty.

I don't have any experience with Orbea's warranty dept. but Trek has been top-notch with me on several occasions.

unbelievably

Mr.Botto,
You make good cookies.

Approx01

Orbea

conurejade

+1

Just recently had a similar dilemma and I ended up with the Orbea Onix (actually I got the women's fit Onix Dama). I test rode the Madone in several sizes and WSD, and also the Onix and the Onix Dama in different sizes - the fit of the Onix Dama was definitely the deciding factor for me.

Of course I had my LBS change out the Ultegra for Campy.

rollin

As has been stated fit is obviously the key. If you don't have faith in the lbs then try one of the on line fitting calculators to get the right ball park. Competitive Cyclist has a good one.

If this is your first road bike then it is difficult to know what "fit" even means. I found that when I bought a road bike after a 20 hiatus it took a while to get comfortable. I wasn't as flexible as when I was 18 (go figure). So my advice would be fit and the lbs that gives you the comfort that they will help you adjust the fit. Not taking a deposit is a good sign.

I started witha Trek as I thought it had the best value for money. I bought "last year's model" for the price saving. I rode away after a "fitting" on a 54 cm frame. I now know I need a 52 cm. I was convinvced that the 54 was right when I left the shop. By the way the store didn't have a 52 in stock and so I didn't evne try one, so more fool me. I had a 6-10 mile test ride but I'm not sure I would have been able to tell the difference.

One thing I wasn't thinking about when I bought the bike was resale. But when I decided to sell the Trek I got a lot of interest because even non-cyclists knew it was the bike that Lance rode. I think I would have got a lot less selling a Orbea, BMC etc. as the market (here) would be limited for these lesser known brands.

Hope it all works out.

JMT114

This might be a silly question but I did not see it mentioned above.

Have you ridden either bike yet? You mention standing over the bikes, but you do not mention riding them. No matter what bike you choose, make sure you ride them first, preferably more than once.