Rode an Orbea Diva w/ Campy Record Today

[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!

[Starfish]

Michaela: Nope, I was on a pink one. I am interested to try a Ruby, too. Having a Specialized right now, with the zertz, I couldn't help but wonder if they really do help. I know what you mean about the Orbeas, though...to me they are just SOooo beautiful compared to what else is out there.

Also, I did a 7 day tour through Eastern WA a few years ago (and I used to live over there). I LOVE riding out on those country roads! Have you talked to BikerHen yet? She is over that way.

Julibird: Thanks. Yes, it was just a guesstimate for this ride. I did not set out to actually test any bikes that day...it was kind of a lark. I think the frame size was pretty close, because of a fit I had done at my shop recently, but I agree that if I was actually getting serious about putting the Diva on a short list, another test would be in order, with more customizing.

The thing I have not figured out yet is: The hoods feel a bit too far away, and the drops feel a bit close or high. Do others feel this way often? Wondering what fixes this...angle of bars, etc?

[Beane]

The thing I have not figured out yet is: The hoods feel a bit too far away, and the drops feel a bit close or high. Do others feel this way often? Wondering what fixes this...angle of bars, etc?

One thing that might make a difference is the type of bars. Some have nice short reach, but also very shallow drop. It sounds like you'd prefer a deeper drop. The Modolo venus bars (which i keep thinking about getting but haven't yet) seem to have a short reach to the hoods (and short reach from drops to levers) but a deeper drop. Don't quote me on this though, since I've never seen them in person. I think Kathi on this forum has them (do a search?) . You might also find that rotating the bars toward you would move the drops farther away, but I dunno.

BTW, there is a sweet looking diva on ebay right now...