Does it matter that it is a 2005?

[Aggie_Ama]

DH and I started looking for my new bike this weekend. One shop I really like (bought my Fuji there) has a 2005 Orbea Dama Race on sale in my size. It was built up last fall and is now $750 off the MSRP. The Orbeas are ridiculously hard to find here in Texas and I REALLY want one. But two years old? We really can't afford the 2007 model, getting a 2006 on sale would be the only option. Anyone know anything about the 2005 Dama?

My other choices so far (I *think* I am test riding this weekend or next) are the Cannondale Synapse, a 2006 Trek Madone or a Cannondale R1000 Feminine. The Synapse and Madone are carbon. The Synapse is 105, The Dama is Ultegra and the Madone I believe is Ultegra.

[mimitabby]

It's probably a great bike, and it's on sale because it's older. I wouldnt hesitate unless there was something specific you liked about the newer model that you can't live without.
Do a google search on the bike name model and year and the word "review"

[Mimosa]

There shouldn't be any problem. The only thing I could think off is that it's a 9 speed instead of a 10 speed, but other then that there shouldn't be much difference.

[Surlygirl]

I have an Orbea Dama and I LOVE it. Go for it. Mine is purple which they no longer offer. Have you seen the new pink one for 2007 in Bicycling Magazine. Drool.

[CyclChyk]

My thoughts on the older Orbea --> just as nice of a bike for a heck of alot better price..... and these days I tend to like older models asthetically moreso than the newer ones.....

I say jump on it.

[Bad JuJu]

I'd think that as long as you're happy with the components and the size and the look--go get it! I got my Bianchi Veloce in the deal of the century because it was a year old and last year's model had a triple up front, while this year's has a compact double. The triple made it even more appealing to me, but that didn't matter to the LBS.

[TrekJeni]

I just asked the BF what he thought. He's the mananger and owner's son of my LBS. They carry Orbea (he rides an 06 Orca) and he says $750 off is a great deal. Not much has changed in the last few years on this bike. GET IT!

We need pictures of the new baby when you get her home! :D :D :D

Jeni

[Mimosa]

The specs of the bike are still online at the Orbea USA 2005 website

http://www.orbea-usa.com/2005site/fly.aspx?menuid=4&layout=viewproduct&taxid=232

[7rider]

They carry Orbea (he rides an 06 Orca) and he says $750 off is a great deal. Not much has changed in the last few years on this bike.

That's the important thing....are the '05's radically different geometry vs. the '06 or '07's? Have they changed the ride characteristics significantly? Sounds like not. Have you been able to ride the '05? If you like the ride, like the bike, and like the deal, there's nothing wrong with buying NOS ("new old stock"). It's a great way to get a deal on a great bike.

[Aggie_Ama]

I haven't test rode the bike yet. The shop does offer an "extended" test ride but you have to put $200 non-refunable deposit that can only be used towards a new bike. I hope to go this weekend and briefly test ride the Madone, Synapse and the Dama. If it comes down to the Synapse or Dama I will pay the $200 and get the all day test ride. Then I can check the Dama out on the hills around the shop. :D

I *really* love Orbeas, but I have to ride it first. One thing I am nervous about is the double. I have a triple and I worry I will miss mine. That being said, I rarely use the smallest chain ring. The Synapse and Madone have a triple. The Madone isn't at the shop I would prefer to deal with.

Surly- I super jealous of your bike!! I remember our LBS had one purple in a large frame and I would just drool. Purple is my favorite color and that bike is stunning, you lucky girl!

[spokewench]

Almost always buy old new stock. I bought my specialized mountain bike a year old model - got $1,000 off the original price - It's one of the nicest bikes I've ever owned. I also bought my TCR Giant Frame a year old; Got a deal on that too. I love deals especially if it is on the bike I want anyway!

[7rider]

I haven't test rode the bike yet. The shop does offer an "extended" test ride but you have to put $200 non-refunable deposit that can only be used towards a new bike. I hope to go this weekend and briefly test ride the Madone, Synapse and the Dama. If it comes down to the Synapse or Dama I will pay the $200 and get the all day test ride. Then I can check the Dama out on the hills around the shop. :D

I *really* love Orbeas, but I have to ride it first. One thing I am nervous about is the double. I have a triple and I worry I will miss mine. That being said, I rarely use the smallest chain ring. The Synapse and Madone have a triple. The Madone isn't at the shop I would prefer to deal with.

Surly- I super jealous of your bike!! I remember our LBS had one purple in a large frame and I would just drool. Purple is my favorite color and that bike is stunning, you lucky girl!

I saw that purple one and was like "Ooooo... I wonder if she'd be getting that one?? Cool." Purple is also my favorite color!

If you really decide on the Orbea, would the shop no (or low) cost swap out the double with a comparable compact crankset? That might help you not lose the low end. There has been lots of discussion on this forum re: compact vs. triple. I went from a triple to compact on my bike and love it. No regrets or troubles on the hills. Minor issues with shifting to the big ring...but it's all been "user error."

[GLC1968]

I just ordered (and took delivery of...) a 2005 bike (unused). It's the exact one I wanted because it was the only year they made it in titanium. The only 'drawback' that I could think of was that 1) It's already 'old' should I decide to sell it and 2) it's a 9-speed where the newer models are 10. Personally, I'm thrilled with it and I couldn't care less about 1 less cassette ring!

I do know people that need to have the newest stuff...so buying an previous year's model would eat at them. MOST people are not this way though, so if you aren't (and everything else is what you want), then I'd go for it! :)

[SouthernBelle]

I've noticed in looking at 2007 models online, that some makers have downgraded components in order to hold the line on prices. Don't know if this is true with that line. but you may get higher grade components with a past year stock.

[Dianyla]

If it fits, pounce on it! I got my 2005 Orbea Dama Race in Feb '06 on a similar discount. OK, ok, maybe I have a teeny bit of Diva envy, but the price was right! :D

[Surlygirl]

I haven't test rode the bike yet. The shop does
Surly- I super jealous of your bike!! I remember our LBS had one purple in a large frame and I would just drool. Purple is my favorite color and that bike is stunning, you lucky girl!

Thanks Aggie, it is one gorgeous bike and its one of the few bikes I have ever ridden that fit me. (I'm vertically challenged at only 5'). The guys at Gear Works put a triple on mine and upgraded it to a 10 speed. You might want to see it they would do that for you, otherwise you can always swap out later. I have yet to see another purple one. :D

[Triskeliongirl]

I just ordered (and took delivery of...) a 2005 bike (unused). It's the exact one I wanted because it was the only year they made it in titanium. The only 'drawback' that I could think of was that 1) It's already 'old' should I decide to sell it and 2) it's a 9-speed where the newer models are 10. Personally, I'm thrilled with it and I couldn't care less about 1 less cassette ring!

I do know people that need to have the newest stuff...so buying an previous year's model would eat at them. MOST people are not this way though, so if you aren't (and everything else is what you want), then I'd go for it! :)

Oh wow, I didn't realize you got the titanium one like mine. That is a terrific deal!!! I thought they were gone. Isis was only made in titanium for one year, and most of them sold out in about 6 months time. I thought you bought the 2006 scandium which I don't think is nearly as nice. My only advice to you is to be careful with the paint when washing, as I noticed mine (typical of ti) doesn't hold paint well. How is the fit? How do you like the ride? Maybe you can start a new thread on it.

p.s. An advantage of 9 spd is you can use moutain stuff in the rear if needed. Replacement parts are also cheaper than with 10. I don't miss the one ring at all on mine

[Aggie_Ama]

Regina- Unfortunately it would be the blue bike. I love the purple and the pink looked really good in person (last year when I saw one). The blue is pretty too. Heck, all Orbeas are pretty to me. Even the orange sherbert colored one and I don't like orange!

I am going to inquire about a compact double swap. My DH still thinks the Synapse might be a better bike. If the rain doesn't come this weekend I plan to go test ride! :p

I have the car mentality that one should sit on the lot that long. I needed to reason that a 2005 bike is still a good bike. :D

[Triskeliongirl]

I have the car mentality that one should sit on the lot that long. I needed to reason that a 2005 bike is still a good bike. :D

When it comes to bikes, new is not necesarially better than New Old Stock. In some cases, as in the terry isis example above, new was better but too expensive to continue producing. I have seen that in trek madonnes too, where older models actually had better fraemes and components, but in trying to increase profit margins cut back in the newer models. If you can find a new old stock bike that fits you and is what you are looking for, you can often save big bucks, and/or get a whole lot more bike for the money if you are on a strict budget. Let us know what you end up with.