Do I Buy It Or Not?

[ASammy1]

Look up that model and year on bikepedia. They should tell you what it's worth.

[MartianDestiny]

I'm guessing it's an 06 Mitis Dama from Orbea's website (paint scheme matches what they still have in stock, but not color)

According to bikepedia MSRP was $1900, so I think his asking price is reasonable especially given the claimed condition.

The key questions: Does it fit? Are you sure?
How bad is the toe overlap on it? (I ask because me and Orbeas don't get along for this reason) If there is an overlap issue is it something that bothers you? (all my road bikes have some toe overlap; it's a question of what you are willing to deal with).
Also does it have 700c or 650b wheels? or do you care?

If it fits and you like the way it rides then it's certainly a nice bike.

[lph]

I'm a beginner roadie, and bought a used bike. I was told that Shimano 105 was a good value component set, and I think those wheels are pretty decent for a starter bike. But you want the frame to fit you most of all.

[Cataboo]

it's kind of expensive for a 105 level used bike with mostly an aluminum frame - but an entire carbon fiber rear triangle does count for something... I've only had carbon fiber seats stays, and those do help a lot. Orbeas tends to be a bit more expensive... And it is a good wheelset.

If it fits well, maybe see if you can talk him down a little bit.

[ErinRD]

MartianDestiny - Thanks for the info. I'm very new to road biking so I'm not even sure what toe overlap is and if it would bother me. Also.. not sure about 700c or 650b wheels and what that means.. so not sure if I should care or not?? Can you explain that a bit, I'm curious to know what that all means.

I'm planning on going to see the bike and give it a test-ride to see if it fits me well.

[MartianDestiny]

Sure Erin!

650b and 700c are two different wheel sizes for road bikes.

700c is the standard size.
650b is sometimes used on smaller bikes to make them more proportional (solves some of the issues with toe overlap and frame geometry). They are smaller in radius (hub to rim). Some smaller folks love them, some prefer the standard size (numerous reasons on both sides).

Try this thread for an idea of the benefits of each type: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ght=wheel+size

Toe overlap refers to your toes overlapping the front tire when your foot is in the front of the pedal stroke (typically 3 o'clock) such that if you turn your tire you are in danger of rubbing your foot with it.

If you are aware of the possibility then generally you can avoid it (you don't turn road bike wheels that much very often anyway). But it can cause low speed turning issues if you aren't careful, or a nasty crash if you happen to turn your wheel into your foot at a decent speed.

Some people learn to live with varying degrees of this and never have a problem (me), others choose to pick bikes very carefully to avoid it entirely.

[Biciclista]

Erin, if you have little feet, you don't have to worry about Toe overlap on most bikes. Larger footed people, er, like me, DO.