Orbea Aqua Dama Owners Anywhere?

[ladyt]

Hi Gals! I am so excited to be here! The world of cycling can be so intimidating to newbies - but after spinning religiously I feel a very strong desire to just get on the road and start racking up the miles! I got up the courage to go to my LBS and they were wonderful. My original price cap was 800$...but I looked and looked at other models and makes and I ultimately fell head over heals for this beautiful Orbea Aqua Dama. It had a 2200 tag marked down to 1999 then they said they could sell it for 1600. I put it on layaway but can switch it to a different model if i change my mind. Im trying to justify spending this much when I havent ridden on the road in
12 years! I am eager to get out there. Please tell me if you think this is a good bike, price, etc. and how long I will be able to ride this bike ...my first goal is a century in September, then more and more after that!

[sgraham]

I just bought the Orbea Diva and man is she sweet...U should not have any problems at all riding the Orbea...You might go to the Orbea web site and see what it costs brand new and then make your judgement...I personally don't think you will be sorry...

[fidlfreek]

You should send a pm to Miranda. She just special ordered an Orbea dama after months of deliberation. She'd be a great resource!

[oxysback]

I have a 2008 Aqua Dama. I love it!

[Miranda]

Been off in laddy la land a bit from cyberspace... but I'm the Miranda Orbea chick.

If the geo works for you... I think you would love it. The bike you ask about is the one I test rode at a shop. I had to drive 5hrs round trip to get to an Orbea dealer. Trek is very popular near me. But, their geo in road bikes in my size was not the best for me. My current road ride is too big for me I have learned. Thus, getting new vs retro-fitting... how it all started. Plus, I knew at some point I wanted a carbon frame.

My new ride will be the Onix Dama TDF. It's a step down from their top of the line Diva. The Diva is a bit stiffer and lighter than the Onix. I'm not a die hard racer girl, so the Onix should suit me just fine. The shop just called end of last week... she is finally built. Hoping to travel this week some time for pick up. I'll post more when she is home.

The alum Aqua was all I could find to test ride... but even with that, she felt very comfy. I almost just whipped out my CC right then and loaded her up to come home. She's since sold... or I would have considered it as a back-up bike to the carbon.

Btw, the geo is the same for the alums and carbon in ladies models... only the Orca (top of line mens model in carbon) has a diff geo than the rest of the mens... the mens version is very close to the ladies.... but slightly longer TT and shorter HT compared to wsd Orbea.

Not sure if you have ever had a professional fitting or not, but...

That is how I knew the Orbea would work for me. I spent a lot of time geeking out brands based upon this. It's tough finding a smaller frame sized bike w/slacker STA. The Orbea for me just fit the bill... literally. Mine is size 49cm, btw. I'm 5' 4 1/2" longer torso, shorter legs (Orbeas tend to have slightly longer TT in comparison to other same size wsd models).

Orbea is very well respected in Spain as a builder, FWIW. Good Luck!

[Julibird]

What components does this bike have? 1600 is probably a good price and she may have better components at that price then any new 2009 bikes would have at that price.

Like Miranda, I have a 49 framed Orbea (two of them, actually) and have shortish leg and longish torso. I had difficulty fitting to Trek and Specicalized and that is how I landed with Orbea to start with. It all came down to emotions in the end, of course.

I have the 08 Diva and have ridden several hilly centuries with it and was comfortable and happy. Body was not beaten up at all.

This year I purchased a 03 aluminum Altec Orbea for racing. She has carbon forks and carbon rear triangle but I can't say as I can feel any significant difference between the all carbon and the aluminum/carbon in terms of comfort or road vibration. I like the lightness of my aluminum - and she weighs less than the Diva.

Having two bikes of similar geometry and of different materials confirms for me that fit is everything - and falling a little bit in love with your bike for emotional reasons is important!

Enjoy your ride!