Rode an Orbea Diva w/ Campy Record Today

[Starfish]

I've been talking a long time about test riding some bikes, but I haven't done it until now. My current bike is the only road bike I've ever had, so I have a lot of info in my head from reading, but little experience with actual road bikes (except mine).

Anyhow, I really enjoyed my experience today with Chris at Redmond Cycle. Very pleasant and informative, and nothing of the kind of cr@p I've heard from some guys in some other shops in the Seattle metro area.

The bike was as light as feather. This was my first use of Campy (Record compact), and I can't say the hoods are going to be for me. The braking was fabulous (although reach to levers was still a bit long for me), and the front DR shifted like a dream. Other than that, it sure would take some getting used to, for me. I found the rear shifting to be a little finicky compared to what I'm used to (a triple 105/XTR mix that I find very forgiving and easy). This was a compact with a 34 small CR and a 12-26 on the back.

I was expecting the full carbon frame to feel a little smoother than it did. It felt great, mind you. I just expected it to feel smoother than my bike (aluminum with carbon fork and seatstays, with the Specialized zertz inserts...as well as bar phat gel). I'm thinking maybe with the shorter chainstays and 23's instead of 25's, that might be why.

The thing climbed great, and accelerated on the flats amazingly. When I stood up, it just shot off in a hurry.

I need to learn how to test bikes, I think. I was disappointed that I couldn't find a quiet winding road to test...between trying to get the hang of the Campy stuff, and dodging cars on the road, and pedestrians and dogs and stuff on the trail, it was hard to feel like I got a taste of the real handling.

I also felt like I would have liked to get down a little lower.

And, sometimes, in the hoods, I felt almost too stretched out. But, in the drops, sprinting hard, I actually let my butt hang a bit off the back of the saddle...really wanting to get back. So, that seems a little contradictory. Too long in the hoods, too short in the drops? Actually, my bike now feels that way a little.

OK...end of ramblings.

[maillotpois]

Sounds like a lovely bike! I have a friend who has that bike and really loves it. It's good that you're going to take the time to ride several bikes before deciding.

[Starfish]

Yeah, definitely going to ride a bunch of bikes. At this point, with my bad attitude, it is not the time to buy a bike at all.

Actually, riding that bike yesterday, as fabulous as it was, really made me realize that I might be riding a bike that is just fine for me right now. I might just splurge on some new shifters, new wheels, maybe a new stem, and even some cranks. Just really upgrade this bike and use it for awhile.

But...I am definitely going to ride some other bikes. It is fun and interesting, and I can see I really need some practice at comparing attributes.

[Jo-n-NY]

Why don't you try a Specialized Ruby? I had a Dolce with Carbon fork and zertz inserts and thought it was great, but wished it was a bit more forgiving on roads that weren't at their best. I noticed a huge difference in the ride on the Ruby which is all carbon and also has the Zertz inserts in the fork, seat post and I believe seat stays.

~ JoAnn

[Starfish]

JoNY, definitely will try a Ruby. As well as a Roubaix, Tarmac, Madone and others.

What I find on my bike, and this was true on the Diva, too, was that in the hoods I feel a smidge too streched out, but in the drops not low or stretched out enough.

I'm kinda wondering if one of the more aggressive women's bikes, shorter but lower, might help...like the new Scott for women. Someone here on TE got one not too long ago.

[Julibird]

What I find on my bike, and this was true on the Diva, too, was that in the hoods I feel a smidge too streched out, but in the drops not low or stretched out enough.

Did they measure you (reach, shoulders, legs, etc) and adjust the bike before you set out or was it a guesstimate?

If the stem or bars were changed, would that effect your decision?

IIWY - I would ask the shop to fit the bike to you before testing it - when you start narrowing down your serious choices. I think a Diva deserves that kind of consideration!

[Michaela]

Hey, I think I was out riding the Ruby Pro at the same time/day you were in Redmond on the Diva (green?) and wondered how you liked it. I have ridden them both now and found the Specialized a little cushier ride, but whether that was due to the zert inserts or what, I'm not sure. I test rode the Diva on a day it was really windy, so both I and the bike were getting blown around quite a bit. The Diva climbs great and I thought better than the Ruby Pro, but I have some slight doubts about the Diva's comfort on long hauls. That said, I'll test ride the Diva once more to be sure and probably order one (B&W) since it has been my dream bike since the day I saw the Orca at Elliott Bay Bikes, where I bought my ti Davidson. I plan on using the ti bike for distance hauling in Eastern Washington where the roads are a little rougher. Was glad to see your post and a few replies. Hope that helps!