I've been lusting after an Orbea Avant MD 30 since reading all of the great reviews when it came out last year. Versatile, comfortable, carbon with eyelets for a rack, disc brakes as an option , looks great, etc. Would really love to see one close up and test drive it. Unfortunately, no one seems to be selling them unless you're willing to commit on line. The closest ,yet still far away dealerships show every bike but Orbea on their websites and I doubt that they stock any. So, I've a few questions.

Why does Orbea have such a small presence in the US, at least in the Northeast? Do they just ask too much from the local stores? Are they as good as the reviews say? Has anyone bought an Avant that could share some comments?

I'm just spending a cold winter day daydreaming (a high of 18 degrees today) and I can't see how I'd ever get a bike without an LBS in my corner. Still, I'm just wondering what's up with them.

Thanks