Orbea Carpe vs Giant Rapid
 

Hi folks,

My old Raleigh passed out last week and I'm looking for a new bike. I'm a NYC commuter riding about 4 miles to work (and back) everyday.
After checking out some local dealers the only one that really stood out was the Giant Rapid: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...d.2/9015/48858

However searching online I found a beauty that has been in my wishlist for a long time: the Orbea Carpe (http://www.orbea.com/us-en/bicis/modelos/carpe_h30). Unfortunately I haven't found a local dealer selling the Carpe H30, but I can get it through a web store.

Provided that you're sure about your size, would you guys buy a bike online, without trying it at a shop?
Does anybody know a trustworthy dealer selling the Orbea Carpe?
Any alternatives matching the $949 Carpe?

Thanks in advance!

10 speed and 9 speed hybrids
 

how about:

http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...+FT3&Type=bike

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...century_xi.htm

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ess/fx/7_5_fx#

http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes...-quick-3-20965


Unfortunately the specialized sirrus in this price range has an 8 speed drive train. Forget it.

The Orbea is a nice looking bike, just not a fan of red rims(I have them now). And great value, compared to the other that are about 100 more with no disc brakes.

I would look at the Giant Seek line-up. I have a 2009 Seek 2 and really like it. They will have disc brakes which I have really grown fond of.

buying online?
 

Ummm, nice Raleigh, however I do like disc brakes...

Guys, what about buying online without actual testing? have you done it? would you do it?

I get the disc brake thing. The Trek 7.5FX also comes with hydraulic disc brakes but this knocks up the price a bit. The low end acera components on the orbea are very cheap (2 levels below deore/tiagra). The lack of front derailleur and double/triple crank is also cheap and limiting. Also, most of the other bikes have 9 speed R44X road shifters which allow for easy and cheap DT upgrades.


Bikesdirect has a very good reputation and you can always have your LBS do a tune up/fit.

I think its sad that orbea has shifted to mtb drive trains on their fitness line. I have a 5 year old diem with a 10 speed road drive train that is just awesome.

If you have confidence in you ability to select a size based upon the stated geo specs (and you better hope there wasn't a keying error on that table!) and either the tools/skills to do your own work or the money to pay the LBS, then knock yourself out. I haven't done it, but am considering it.

That being said, I don't think any one has pointed out the Kona Dew Deluxe yet.

There are SO MANY different specs listed in a bike size. Personally, I can't tell if a bike is going to fit me or not. If you buy the wrong size online, you will eat shipping costs returning it for a different size (make sure you can return the bike). I prefer to test ride prospective bikes before buying.

Measure your current bike (assuming it's comfortable) then compare that to the geometry of the bike you want to purchase. Use this Surly blog post as your guidance. Any minor adjustments can be done later by swapping the stem and making adjustments to the saddle position.

That should take care of the size. Now, whether you're going to actually like the ride is highly subjective. You may want different grips, saddle or pedals (the three "interface points" where your body touches the bike) or fatter tires. So factor in another $100 in the purchase price for eventual tweaks you might need.

It's not that difficult. Read the Surly blog post I linked to above. If you have a bike that fits you then you can use it for reference.

Take a look at the Brodie Express series.

I had never seen those before. And it looks like they have some dealers in my area. Thanks!

A few years back, I would not have bought online. Now that I at least know enough to get the right size, I would (in fact, I did; bought a bare frameset and built it up myself).

Wish I had splurged on a Diem Drop when they were still being built, though.

Yeah...that was a fine multi-purpose bike. You can commute, ride a century with a headwind, and race cross...

I talked to the Rep recently about sizes, I was going to buy the H10...

Call them up and talk to them...

Thank you guys for your comments, especially AdamDZ! Nice those brodies, but what I like from their geometry (round top bar) looks even better when matched to the height of the rear triangle, just like the Orbea.
I'm pretty confident I'm an M size, so as soon as I arrange the details I'll order online (fingers crossed).
Now seriously, as someone pointed out buying without testing should be a problem, a few tweaks on the steam and saddle should be enough. Do you agree?

Unless your body is unusually shaped, i.e. particularly long/short torso or limbs you should be able to pick the right size by doing the measuring as described in that Surly post. Then yeah, you can change the stem for shorter or longer, or different angle, move the seat forward or backwards a bit, etc. Some minute changes like this are usually to be expected anyway.

Also pay attention to how aggressive the geometry is, for most people a good starting position is when the grips are at the same height as the saddle. The lower the grips, the more aggressive the position that allows for more powerful pedal strokes and better aerodynamics. However, not everyone feels comfortable bending over that low, or even needs it.

If you've been riding for a while and are sure of your size and that of the your bike, I'd be okay with buying online without test riding first. I know for example I like a effective top tube of around 54cm.

That Orbea is a beauty. Almost too nice to commute on!