Need help on bike size!!!

[mountainpics]

Congratulations! I think the 53 is best because you can adjust the seat easier than the top tube. As you say, there is something to the geometry of the Diva that just makes it fit better having been on the Orca for nearly 2 years. Good thing you have that hot orange Orca to keep up with the Diva - watch out!
About the color-I originally ordered the blue(in fact I'm wearing the blue Terry jersey my friend gave me to match my new "blue" bike) and the shop said it takes 10 days to get it in. Two weeks later they called and said to pick the purple or green, shortage of blue at the time.

Thanks - they apparently have one blue left in a 53, but I'll know for sure tomorrow. If not, she's fine with the white, so either way, she'll be happy.

[aicabsolut]

Bah yourself.
Yes, of course ANY frame can become a total loss in 'the right crash'. And yes, everything depends on the circumstances of a crash. But the fact is that carbon frames are the least repairable after significant crashes that damage the frame, aluminum second least repairable. Steel is the most often successfully repairable after significant crash damage.

Tell that to Calfee.

[aicabsolut]

I think she felt too upright on the Trek because the head tube was 15.5 cm (compared to 14 on the Diva) AND the stem on the Trek had a significant rise. You're right about a smaller top tube giving a more upright ride, but 5mm shorter won't make much difference, although the shorter head tube and no or negative rise stem will make a big difference, so I think I'll be ok.

1.5 cm difference in head tube height plus different stem adjustment sounds right to me, even with .5cm difference in TT length. Congrats (to your girlfriend) on her new ride!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Tell that to Calfee.

Thanks, but I have higher priority tasks in my life at the moment.

[aicabsolut]

Thanks, but I have higher priority tasks in my life at the moment.

Like checking your facts?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Like checking your facts?

OK quit busting my chops.

You should check your own facts.

[tulip]

Ladies...this is supposed to be fun. Chill out!

It's okay to disagree. Jeez.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yeah, like really.

[mountainpics]

So, I went through with it and bought my girlfriend the ORbea Diva frame and helped her build it Wednesday night. She jsut compeleted her first Ironman in 13:51, and I thought it would be a great way to congratulate her...it's gorgeous and fits her really well after all the hair-pulling and math-doing to decide if it was the right choice...Here are the specs:
2008 Orbea Diva Frame - 53cm - light blue
2008 Campagnolo Record Skeleton Brakes
2008 Campagnolo Chorus Carbon Compact Cranks
2008 Campagnolo Chorus F. Derailleur
2008 Campagnolo Chorus R. Derailleur
2008 Campagnolo Chorus Shifters/Brake Levers
2008 Campagnolo Chorus Chain
Orbea/Zeus Carbon Post
Ritchey Pro stem
Kestrel EMS Pro Carbon Bars
Specialized Jett White Saddle
2008 Campagnolo Vento Wheelset
Michelin Pro 3 Race Tires
Dura Ace Pedals

[KnottedYet]

Oh, my, that is so sleek!