thechemist

So my wife really wants to join me cycling and i couldnt be more thrilled. We are looking to spend 1200 $ but she REALLY loves orbea(as do I). We have a LBS that sells orbea but base model seems to be around 14-1500. Anyone had experience talking a LBS into swapping for cheaper parts etc to get it around 1200? I am sure I could look on ebay but hesitant without seeing it in person. Craigslist is loaded every AM in search

bsyptak

Buy the Orbea. Skimp/save elsewhere. It's only an extra $200.

conurejade

Unless your wife is an experienced cyclist and knows exactly what she needs in the way of fit, you'll probably be better off going the LBS route. Obviously have her try different sizes, and also both the regular and the women's fit versions. Even though you two love the Orbeas, you may want to keep in mind that their road bikes, from the aluminum Aquas to the top-of-the-line Orcas and Divas, all have pretty much the same geometry - it doesn't seem to be as much of a 'comfort' geometry as some prefer.

Talk to your LBS and see what they are willing to do price and parts wise. When I got my Onix Dama, I wanted Campy so my LBS swapped everything out with no problems. As a matter of fact, we are still fine-tuning the stem and handlebar fit; I had to even have them trade out the original handlebars since my little girly hands couldn't reach the brakes from the drops! Some LBSs will trade out and others won't - you won't know until you ask.

The Orbeas are great (and great looking) bikes - I absolutely love mine. But with that being said, make sure the fit and geometry are appropriate or it won't matter how good the bike looks or how much you like Orbeas.

Good Luck!

LanceFanBoy

You never want to end up with that "I wish I got the other one" feeling, plus the LBS relationship is key to future service and hookups. Spend the extra $200 it'll pay off in the end and it'll be one sexy purchase.

Retro Grouch 

So what's your bike?

Give the lady what she wants.

conurejade

+1

If the bike fits, wear it..... er buy it....er ride it.

Fat Boy

Dude,

Your wife wants to ride with you. Buy her any-freakin'-thing she wants.

ILUVUK

pretty much. I'm doing a mere 40 miles tomorrow with friends...tried to get the wife to come along...that was a quick "not a chance".

thechemist

Thanks guys, I think we will go out and get the orbea afterall! Certainly want her to stay in the sport. I ride a steel bianchi(2000) with new campy veloce components.

mitchel

Nothing says "I love you" more than a bike. Buy her a $3500 Orbea Onix. Then, she might actually keep up with you.

late

Have her test ride several bikes. Make sure the road isn't too smooth so she gets an idea of what the ride is really like. Get her the one she loves to ride, not the one
she loves to look at.

Retro Grouch 

Good choice! That's a pretty nice bike you've got. Don't cheap out on hers or you'll never hear the end of it.

Retro Grouch 

There's a difference?

catherine96821

Get her to be invested in the choice.

Bontrager

If you can't afford $200 more for the bike then you should be looking at much cheaper bikes. All of the ancillary gear you'll need after you buy the bike will easily double that amount.

Nachoman

Good point. Currently working on similar issue with my son.

thechemist

Excellent point. I have the other accessories factored in and the difference is a little more than $200 but I figured the argument is about the same. Appreciate the advice all!! May just end up with the orbea

catherine96821

My husband opted for a cheaper wife.

Seriously, I face this issue with my teenagers. being the kid of an informed *research everything* parent sometimes does not give them the space to discover the skill for themselves. It is a tough one and I don't have the answers. The best I have come up with is to show them how I evaluate the decision by modeling it when making a purchase and then step back when they choose a purchase for themselves. I'd give myself a C, lol.

BTW, asking others opinions and then "floating your own stick", is something valuable I think they pick up on eventually.

bbattle

+1 I once washed my bicycle without also washing hers; I never thought I'd hear the end of that. So, I built her a mixte and painted it the color of her choice.