Richard Sweet
This was on roadbikereview.com
A Decision Has Been Made - Thanks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First off, thanks to everyone for all of your help, insights and advice.
I couldn't believe all of the great suggestions - I only wish I could
have taken every suggestion out for a test spin.
In the end - after many rides and deliberations - I went with the Orbea
Onix.
Details...
Frame: Onix (silver)
Group: Centaur
Cranks: SK-K Mega Exo Compact
Stem: FSA OS 115
Bar: FSA K Wing
Wheels: American Classic Sprint 350
Saddle: Aspide Arrowhead
We had a cold snap here in SW VA when I first took delivery. Then, I
headed into the even colder Midwest for the Holidays. But, now that I've
had the chance to put in a few hundred miles on it, I can give some
first impressions.
Ride: Comfortable/smooth and responsive/stiff. I know this sounds like
marketing speak, so here are some disclaimers. The responsiveness and
sitffness really took me by surprise at first. I suppose, looking at the
bottom bracket area, it shouldn't have. Yet, coming from aluminum and
aluminum-carbon hybrids, I really did notice the smoothness of the ride.
Contrary to what I've seen some people say, I still feel every pothole
(duh). But, the buzz is deadened without impacting my ability to "feel"
the road. And, I think this prevents it from feeling "twitchy." This is
subjective, sure. But, there are spots on my regular rides where you get
speed bumps at the side of the road, leaving maybe a few inches of clear
road before a drop off. I feel more cofident in shooting for these now -
epecially on descents. I know this isn't conclusive, but it's something
and I hope to have more insights as time goes by.
Looks / Construction: If you like the looks of a carbon monocoque (and I
do) and you're not into airbrushing or fades (I'm not), then it's really
a great option. The beefy headtube and BB area may be a little
off-putting to fans of lugged frames, but I like them. Plus, the paint
job is great. I replaced the stock cinelli cork tape with red/black
Stella Azzurra Eleganza to play off the red FSA logos - combined with
carbon components (seatpost, bar, cranks) it's a pretty set-up.
Anyway, thanks again for all your help. I really appreciate the time and
in the end I think it resulted in the right decision for me.
Peter
Dave German wrote:
Obra Land,
I am interested in the new Orbea Onix full carbon frameset and am
looking
for feedback on this and/or the Orca frameset. I have found some
reviews of
the Orca and all have been positive, but none on the Onix. Reviewers
seem
to agree that it is a very stiff frame at the BB and does retain
somewhat of
a lively feel, as opposed to a lifeless feel noticed with some carbon
frames. The Onix is advertised as a less expensive version of the Orca,
with more rounded tubes producing a different ride quality, but their
web
site does not go into how the ride differs. I have rode mainly on steel
frames and want to move into a lighter and stiffer ride but don't want
to
get beat up by aluminum, so looking at carbon.
So please share your feelings, Thanks!
Dave