Bh Cristal vs. Orbea Diva

Please help me decide! I have test-ridden the Cristal and it was love at first pedal. The fit was angelic and the bike felt as if it was an extension of me. But the Diva has the looks I can't ignore. The shop didn't have the Diva in my size to test ride so I am waiting for one to come in. Meanwhile the Cristal is waiting at the other store calling my name. I don't want to jump too fast and buy the Cristal without giving the Diva a proper test ride. Has anyone had the pleasure or riding both and comparing them? Please let me know your thoughts. Thank so much!!

RoadRider

RoadRider,

I have not ridden the BH but am blessed with an Orbea Diva which I absolutely love. What a sweet ride! When will you be able to test ride a Diva? My suggestion be patient and ride both before making your final decision.

If at all possible ride them both..on the same day. But I've been impressed with what I've seen and read about the BH bikes Remember FIT is everything.

I own a Diva and a BH Speedrom (2010). Both are Ultegra SL, except that I put a Dura Ace crank on the Diva. The Speedrom listed for less than 1/2 of what the Diva lists for. The Speedrom is a "mens" bike with a compact geometry. The interesting thing is that despite the fact that it looks different than the Diva because the seat tube is much shorter and top tube is much more sloped, the geometry of the frame is almost identical. I love climbing on the Diva, but I've got to say that the BH has slightly more solid, predictable handling in descents. That could be the different wheelsets...who can say for sure? I am so impressed with my Speedrom (although the latest model is spec'ed down a bit in the frame and fork) that I would have to say the upgrade to the Cristal would have to be amazing. They're both good companies and great bikes. I think you would have a much easier time finding a good price on the Diva rather than the BH Cristal however.
FYI there are some smoking deals on 2008-2010 Divas on the Orbea website.