HELP with Orbea Orca Aero Frame Size
 

Hello everyone,

I'm about to purchase an Orbea Orca Aero M30 Team-D and I'm stuck between two frame sizes. I was wondering if anyone who has ridden/owns this model could tell me what their frame size/height/inseam is and how they feel about it.

Orbea's rider-height suggestions for this bike are:

167-172 cm (65.7"-67.7") - Frame size = 51

173-179 cm (68.1"-70.5"0 - Frame size = 53

My height (173 cm/5'7'') puts me right in the middle of the 51 and 53, although my inseam (775cm/30.5 in) suggest a smaller frame/longer stem combination might be ideal. I know height/inseam are not enough, and a proper bike fitting would be the best, but obviously thats not possible given the pandemic situation. I can share any other body measurements if necessary.

Any suggestions?

It seems to me that the most important measurement is the effective length of the top tube. If the bike turns out to be a bit too big it will never be completely comfortable. On the other hand, if a bit on the small side. a longer stem with the usual front to back adjustment of a saddle can produce a very good fit. Consequently I would go with the smaller size. As a rough guide, we are the same heigth and and the top tube on my bike is 54 cm but 52 or 53 cm would be a better fit for me.

Hey berner, thanks for the advice!

Yeah, my LBS gave me a similar suggestion with regards to the benefits of erring on the smaller size. Interestingly, the Orca Aero frame's Effective Top Tube length is about one frame size larger than you would expect:

SIZE / ETT
51 / 534 mm

53 / 547 mm

So maybe the 51 is the better fit? The 51 comes with a standard 100 mm stem, and the 53 with a 110 mm, so I was thinking on ordering the 51 with a 110 stem.

The small size seems the better fit. I currently have a 90 mm stem on my bike but during summer when I ride many more miles than during winter, I go to a 100 mm stem.