Bike Advice / Opinions - Cervelo / Orbea?

harkmeadow

Hi, Looking to get a new bike to replace my Giant TCR Adv 2. Have a budget of around 4k-4.5k. Looking for something comfy to ride sportives, not intending to race, but will do some decent club runs and long rides Doing the Etape in Summer so defiantly with a compact.

Have been looking around and have a couple of ideas. Would appreciate peoples views on the bikes and any recomendations for decent wheels. For groupset, bit undecided, currently have Ultegra , but quite fancy trying SRAM, probably Force, but would look at Red, or components of ie shifters.

So bikes, have looked at at few and ones that I like look of currently are Orbea Orca and Cervelo RS. Really like the RS, have seen the Orca, but not recently as not in stock at one of my LBS.

So the RS I have a stock price of £3649 from LBS for Ultegra 6700 Compact, 3T Pro bars, 3T Pro Stem and Arione Saddle and Mavic R-Sys wheelset. Obviously can change individual components.

Only problem here is that they are quoting end of April before they have the new 2010 version in, which i prefer as its the white with red decals, rather than the shocking grey versions out last year (seriously how that got past the marketing team).

Any other bikes for this type of riding people suggest. I'd really like something a bit different from the Trek / Specialised brand, something a bit sexier!

Thanks for any help

Lagavulin

Hmm... Orca. 8)

harkmeadow

Because..... ?!

Lagavulin

They look sublime, never read or heard a bad word said against them, lifetime warranty and supposedly stiffer and more compliant that my Izoard.

I now regret not taking up the option of a Orca frame+fork before Christmas for under a grand. If it'd be in white I'd of capitulated at the time.

rjh299

Orca's a stunning looking bike. Was close to getting one but the fit wasn't right for me. You could get the Orca with Red within your budget but force would leave you some change for other upgrades.
Waiting for new bike til April aswell it looks like... irritating as hell! Ordered 29th Jan.

Anonymous

Also consider a Litespeed Siena or Cannondale Synapse Hi Mod...

Both perfect for your needs (as is the Cervelo RS)

All designed for sportive riding.

kingrollo

Cervelo - and if your spending that sort of cash, waiting a few weeks shouldn't be an issue IMO

harkmeadow

Thanks for all the responses. Hmmm. to add to the confusion...Look 585 Optimum is now being taken stock off. Do like the look of the Look so to speak. Guess I really need to get out and put a few of these through their paces.

Am slightly concerned that the geo of the Ocra might be a bit too sporting?

I've ridden a Litespeed, not the Siena mind, but didnt really excite me. Know it would be hard wearing but was really after carbon frame. Which I'll probably regret the first time i wipe out!

bobtbuilder

I have an Orca, and it's as stunning to ride as it is to look at!

I still can;t believe how it leaps away with my acceleration. Awesome. 8)

Velonutter

Harkmeadow wrote:

Thanks for all the responses. Hmmm. to add to the confusion...Look 585 Optimum is now being taken stock off. Do like the look of the Look so to speak. Guess I really need to get out and put a few of these through their paces.

Am slightly concerned that the geo of the Ocra might be a bit too sporting?

I've ridden a Litespeed, not the Siena mind, but didnt really excite me. Know it would be hard wearing but was really after carbon frame. Which I'll probably regret the first time i wipe out!

I have the LOOK 585 Origin 990 grams, 325g forks, stiff and with beautiful handling.

This is my 3rd LOOK now and I am very pleased, for the specs, click below: -

http://www.lookcycle.com/media/catalog/ ... -frame.pdf

ScottieP

Another vote for the Cervelo - I think they're great bikes. If you're not sure - watch the Cervelo "Beyond the Peloton" film at Bartape.net about Paris - Roubaix...

My choice would be an RS with SRAM Force (2010) - I don't mind which Cervelo colour scheme - colours and graphic design are a weakness at Cervelo. The bikes themselves are very good though.

Personally, I can't see what the fuss is about Orbeas, they just don't do it for me. But each to their own.

For a Sportive style bike also consider the Specialized S-Works Roubaix (as a frame only) - again with Force.

Or a Lynskey R230, which would be a great titanium option.

Of the three I would rate the Cervelo 1st, the Lynskey 2nd and the Specialized 3rd. As I said for me the Orbea is a miss.... but that's just my opinion - there are plenty of people who love them.

Wheelspinner

For a left field option which never seems to rate a mention on here, Fondriest do some cracking good bikes and framesets. This one may be a bit dear, but there are others...

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/tf2-33801

Wilier Cento Uno should just about fit in your budget, and they are just gorgeous...

Other than that, Time Edge and VXRS also very sexy.

Look are also a very fine choice.

Harry182

Cervelo RS FTW!

Then again I'm bound to say that as I'm Canadian, eh? (BTW did you see The Hockey? It's days later and I'm still feeling a warm glow.)

As Nap D pointed out, the RS seems an ideal sportive bike - a high-end quality frame but with a little more comfort and relaxed handling than your out and out race machine.

Also, I have Sram Force on my good bike and am very happy with it.

Having said all that - I think you're going to have to do some test riding. I wouldn't put that kind of money down without a having ridden the bike first and I wouldn't buy from somewhere that didn't provide test rides.

rolf_f

Slow-N-Old wrote:

I have the LOOK 585 Origin 990 grams, 325g forks, stiff and with beautiful handling.

This is my 3rd LOOK now and I am very pleased, for the specs, click below: -

http://www.lookcycle.com/media/catalog/ ... -frame.pdf

My Optimum is on order and due next month. Perhaps looks a little plain compared to some bikes but that doesn't bother me and the exclusivity appeals - as did the ride and handling. Mind you, there are too many recommendations for Look on here - don't want them to become common!

giant_man

My choice would be the Cervelo RS but I would have to ride both first.

harkmeadow

ScottieP wrote:

Another vote for the Cervelo - I think they're great bikes. If you're not sure - watch the Cervelo "Beyond the Peloton" film at Bartape.net about Paris - Roubaix...

My choice would be an RS with SRAM Force (2010) - I don't mind which Cervelo colour scheme - colours and graphic design are a weakness at Cervelo. The bikes themselves are very good though.

Personally, I can't see what the fuss is about Orbeas, they just don't do it for me. But each to their own.

For a Sportive style bike also consider the Specialized S-Works Roubaix (as a frame only) - again with Force.

Or a Lynskey R230, which would be a great titanium option.

Of the three I would rate the Cervelo 1st, the Lynskey 2nd and the Specialized 3rd. As I said for me the Orbea is a miss.... but that's just my opinion - there are plenty of people who love them.

Great films, cheers!

APIII

My lbs is a Cervelo dealer and have to say I thought the finish on the RS was poor.
As an alternative I'd suggest the new Time NXR. Lifetime warranty, slightly more relaxed geometry (or slightly less aggressive depending on your view ) than a full on race frame, and fantastic build quality.

Anonymous

APIII wrote:

My lbs is a Cervelo dealer and have to say I thought the finish on the RS was poor.
As an alternative I'd suggest the new Time NXR. Lifetime warranty, slightly more relaxed geometry (or slightly less aggressive depending on your view ) than a full on race frame, and fantastic build quality.

I don't think the finish is as good as it could be either, but I've seen that with a few 'top' brands.

The best mainstream paint I've seen is on Cannondales.

I loved my Look 555 which looked the same as the 585 optimum does. I think they look brill!

wicked

NapoleonD wrote:

APIII wrote:

My lbs is a Cervelo dealer and have to say I thought the finish on the RS was poor.
As an alternative I'd suggest the new Time NXR. Lifetime warranty, slightly more relaxed geometry (or slightly less aggressive depending on your view ) than a full on race frame, and fantastic build quality.

I don't think the finish is as good as it could be either, but I've seen that with a few 'top' brands.

The best mainstream paint I've seen is on Cannondales.

I loved my Look 555 which looked the same as the 585 optimum does. I think they look brill!

I have an Orca and its sublime, superb ride and build quality.
At the same time a chap I have ridden with has not one but three cervelos, a R3 a R3SL and a P3 and I WAS a big fan of these bikes, until I had a good look at them anyway. The finish is poor imho, I don't want to upset any cervelo owners on here but they were not a patch on my orbea. Frankly they looked cheap.
Cervelo seem to have created quite the image considering they a new company with no heritage, they seem to fashionable so to speak. They may well ride fantastic for all I know but there marketing department seem to be bang on!

wicked

double post

harkmeadow

Chaps, really appreciate the time and advice given.

You know i can feel that Look coming on with Shimano 7850 wheels....! And the guys at Epic have been superb in responding to email enquires.

Anonymous

wicked wrote:

NapoleonD wrote:

APIII wrote:

My lbs is a Cervelo dealer and have to say I thought the finish on the RS was poor.
As an alternative I'd suggest the new Time NXR. Lifetime warranty, slightly more relaxed geometry (or slightly less aggressive depending on your view ) than a full on race frame, and fantastic build quality.

I don't think the finish is as good as it could be either, but I've seen that with a few 'top' brands.

The best mainstream paint I've seen is on Cannondales.

I loved my Look 555 which looked the same as the 585 optimum does. I think they look brill!

I have an Orca and its sublime, superb ride and build quality.
At the same time a chap I have ridden with has not one but three cervelos, a R3 a R3SL and a P3 and I WAS a big fan of these bikes, until I had a good look at them anyway. The finish is poor imho, I don't want to upset any cervelo owners on here but they were not a patch on my orbea. Frankly they looked cheap.
Cervelo seem to have created quite the image considering they a new company with no heritage, they seem to fashionable so to speak. They may well ride fantastic for all I know but there marketing department seem to be bang on!

So you stopped being a fan based on the quality of the paint?!? You haven't ridden one then...

I thought I was shallow!

OP - You'll love your Look...

cal_stewart

just seen a cervelo for the first time today and i now know what the fuss is about. the paint colours are not the best. round on the 29th Apr when i can test the range.

wicked

NapoleonD wrote:

wicked wrote:

NapoleonD wrote:

APIII wrote:

My lbs is a Cervelo dealer and have to say I thought the finish on the RS was poor.
As an alternative I'd suggest the new Time NXR. Lifetime warranty, slightly more relaxed geometry (or slightly less aggressive depending on your view ) than a full on race frame, and fantastic build quality.

I don't think the finish is as good as it could be either, but I've seen that with a few 'top' brands.

The best mainstream paint I've seen is on Cannondales.

I loved my Look 555 which looked the same as the 585 optimum does. I think they look brill!

I have an Orca and its sublime, superb ride and build quality.
At the same time a chap I have ridden with has not one but three cervelos, a R3 a R3SL and a P3 and I WAS a big fan of these bikes, until I had a good look at them anyway. The finish is poor imho, I don't want to upset any cervelo owners on here but they were not a patch on my orbea. Frankly they looked cheap.
Cervelo seem to have created quite the image considering they a new company with no heritage, they seem to fashionable so to speak. They may well ride fantastic for all I know but there marketing department seem to be bang on!

So you stopped being a fan based on the quality of the paint?!? You haven't ridden one then...

I thought I was shallow!

OP - You'll love your Look...

NapD I said the finish was poor. That does not mean just paint. I am glad you like your cervelo but for me the finish overall is nowhere near good enough for the price.

But yes I am shallow! When paying a lot of money for a frame the finish including the paint had better be bloody superb! Any thing less is just not good enough. How shallow is that!

Anonymous

What do you mean by finish? FWIW most cervelos I've seen have perfect paint, including mine, although I've seen a couple with a little overspray...

sward29

How about something a little less mainstream like a Casati or Ciocc? They may not be that well known in the UK but are very highly regarded in Italy and the US amongst other places, and unlike many other brands, their frames are still made in Italy. Racescene in Barnsley are one of, if not the only dealers in the UK and you can have the frame made to measure for no extra charge. They also provide a bike fitting service in with the price and know enough about the qualities of the frames to be able to recommend componentry/wheels etc to give you the ride quality you're looking for.

I was in their shop today looking around and bikes from both brands look the mutts nutts.

gabriel959

I prefer the looks of the Orbea by a million but if you want it for sportives I would have thought the RS would fit the bill better. The Orca is used by pro-teams as an all-out racer and climbing machine.

If you are interested in a Sportive bike from Orbea the Onix fits the bill better.

Finish is much better in the Orbeas than in the Cervelos for what I have seen of them in shops.

rolf_f

Harkmeadow wrote:

Chaps, really appreciate the time and advice given.

You know i can feel that Look coming on with Shimano 7850 wheels....! And the guys at Epic have been superb in responding to email enquires.

Need to get down there and try one out - they have a few available for test riding and you get a proper run out too - I covered over 40 miles in my test rides.

bristolpete

I think Cervelo frames looking stunning in the flesh - especially the 2009 colours. That said, the 2010 black and silver finish looks good made up, but not 'inspiring'. I do think the high gloss finish of the S2 /S3 is lovely too.

Personally, if I get a Cervelo I would get it custom sprayed. I did a quick hour's urban photo-shoot for a local bike shop who have had their S2's done and to put it simply, they look the dogs...

Toonraid

Don't know why Cervelo's are so popular - they have had consistent problems within the range on various models, forks etc and in some cases total model recalls ... and this for a relative high end brand!

Personally I would go for something abit more durable.

bristolpete

Toonraid wrote:

Don't know why Cervelo's are so popular - they have had consistent problems within the range on various models, forks etc and in some cases total model recalls ... and this for a relative high end brand!

Personally I would go for something abit more durable.

is it not about the ride? Everyone I know who has bought one never regrets a Cervelo ride....