Geoff326

I've seen so many people on this forum drool over the new design of the orca but honestly I don't think it looks good at all. I extremely dislike the one stripe of color that connects from the top tube and down the down tube. In my opinion the older design looks way better. I was just wondering if anyone agreed with me because it seems as if everyone really likes the new design.




old design







new design

botto 

i don't really care for either.

ovoleg

I like the latter

Chucklehead

i don't like either, but at least the new model doesn't look like it was created in someone's garage. i've always thought that thing was hideous. the thing about the new one that makes me sick is the where the fork crown meets the head tube.

Patriot

I think what's important here is that you to distinguish what part of the "design" you are referring to. According to everything OP said, you are making mention of the paint job, and not the frame redesign. The paint job is very simplistic, I'll admit, but there is much worse on the market if you ask me. Personally, I like the K.I.S.S. paintjob design, as it's not so "in your face". It is subtle, but fast in its presence.

Now, referring to the engineering of the frame. I think the new design is far superior, and much more refined. It really looks like they put some good thought into the artistic flow of the lines as well. And, from what I've read from initial reviews by some of the mags, the new Orca is an all around better performer than the old one. But, that's just the initial impressions.

Honestly, if I was given the chance to own one at a great price, I wouldn't toss it out the window, that's for sure. Besides, the Diva model in Fuschia, is really quite pretty.

botto 

looks pink to me.

jfblodi

+1

voltman

If you don't like them, don't buy them.

woodcycl

I saw a few in person at the Hilly Hundred in IN about a month ago ... I like them much more in person. Very good looking frame design as well as paint schemes. The newer model is started to really grow on me -- very sleek with good lines. Initially, it reminded me a little of the S-works frames from Specialized.

woodcycl

Patriot -- the Diva model in Fuschia is AWESOME!! Me like!

ImprezaDrvr

I like the new one. But opinions are, as we all know, like bungholes.

rufvelo

I prefer the older Orbea's - very appealing shape to me as opposed to the newer Specalized copies they look like.

ALso don't like the new fork just as much as I don't like the wavy Onda fork and seat stays on newer Pinarellos/Operas.

chris17

OP, your not alone. I prefer the looks of the older much better.

VanceMac

It's definitely not my favorite, but kudos to Orbea for taking a bold design direction. I think the shades they picked for the 2007 colors, though, are a just a bit off.

Serendipper 

The new design is an improvement to me, with the exception of the melted candle fork design. The bladed fork was a better choice. The paint scheme is a definite improvement over the tie dye-Key West-stoned artist look of the past.

It's all better than the NASCAR bikes shown at Interbike. Those things are deplorable.

JeniCincinnati

My BF and I didn't see a lot of Orbea's there and we were certainly looking as he rides a lime green 06 Orca! Maybe you saw us? Since the Hilly, he's added lime green wheels from Velocity for uber blingness. I'll have to get a picture!

jeni

BTW, after he came home from Interbike, he said he would sell his and get the 07 if they had come in Green. Guess that means he likes this year's model better.

Hipcycler

I'll see your Orca and raise you a

jwc3

Having worked closely with industrial designers of consumer products for the last 10 years, I've developed an eye for good design. While all design is subjective, one must evaluate a design within its context, both within the company's and within the industry's.

From a company perspective, Orbea needed to differentiate the Orca, their top model, from their other bikes. In the past, Orbea bikes looked too similar, and it was difficult for a consumer to easily see what they were getting when they spent the extra money for an Orca. Also, the designers want the top-of-the-line bike to be an object of desire. On the other hand, the designers couldn't design something that was so different from their other bikes that it would not be recognized as an Orbea. Too radical of a change would alienate their existing customers. (BMW had this problem when Chris Bangle changed their design.) The new Orca is successful on both counts -- it's clearly recognized as their top model, but it fits into their design history.

From an industry perspective, Orbea wants a bike that stands out in the crowd and is instantly recognized as an Orbea. Too many bikes look alike. That's why bike companies add little design elements here and there, like the extra material on the rear edge of the Specialized seat post, or the unique design of the top tube/seat tube junction on the BMC. They claim that there is an functional reason for these new elements, and perhaps there is, but these elements also help to identify and distinguish one brand from another. Again, the car industry is a great example. Car brands work for years to develop the "DNA" of their brands to make them recognizable. Look at the new Land Rover vehicles. They all have a family "look" but each are also unique. This does not happen by accident.

The new Orca design says many things about the purpose of the bike -- it projects speed, technical sophistication, purposeful design, and premium quality. It's a success from many perspectives. I predict that the new Orca will point the way forward for future Orbea bikes, and it will also stimulate Orbea's competitors to make more unique designs in the near future as they attempt to compete.

I'll take my Orca in orange, please.

Geoff326

personally I don't like the physical edges of the frame, it just looks ugly to me. the colors they chose aren't appealing to me either. it's a good point that they're probably trying to stand out in the crowd and that's great that they're trying something new but I honestly dislike their new design but that's fine as long as many others do enjoy it. If so, they'll have achieved their goal.


also, that pinarello is way sexier than the orca

caligurl

i don't like pink road bikes... and i'd buy THAT! orca makes the SEXIESTS bikes! *drool* anyone want to buy a used ruby pro**********?

caligurl

oh.... i hadn't seen THAT before either.... dang.... i REALLY need someone to buy a used ruby pro! PLEASE!

msheron

I guess I am in the minority somewhat. I like Orbea's very much. Something about that frame catches me. I may change my mind after riding one however!

domestique

The new design looks like it would be hard on the knees if you get too clost to the top tube.

munkyv22

The new Orca is HAWT!

botto 

the same can be said for any bike. do't forget that valverde's bad knee in the '05 TdF started when he banged his knee on his pinarello TT bike during the TTT.

useless piece of trivia - der Jan's Giants had TTs that were a few mm narrower than the standard TTs, because he was worried he might bang his knees on them.