Trek Madone 5.1 vs. Orbea Diva?

[tracik]

Okay, so I've been checking out both of these bikes for a few months and have finally had the chance to test ride both. I think I secretly hoped for the Diva to fit better (b/c it's such a hot bike!!!) but I believe the Trek is just a better fit for me. Having said that, I am going to return to Proteus in College Park, MD to have Jill take a look at the fit of the 49 cm Diva to rule it in or out.

I'm just curious if anyone out there has ridden both and what your thoughts are to the pros/cons of each bike? I owned a Trek WSD before they made any carbons (it was a 2200 from the first year they made WSD). It fit like a glove, and I haven't been able to replicate that "one with the bike" feel with my Aegis.

I'd love to hear opinions (good or bad) on either bike!

Thanks,
Traci

[grey]

I've tried the Madone and really liked it. Going to my LBS on Wednesday and can ride the Diva... will let you know my thought. Isn't bike shopping fun?

[tulip]

Jill will tell you up front about fit. She's a fit fanatic. If Jill can't get the Orbea to fit you, she'll tell you.

Tell her Juliellen with the red Luna says hello from Richmond!

Like you, I'd hope for the Orbea to work out. I just prefer them to Treks, although I must say I've never actually ridden a Trek...I have a Jamis and a Luna and a Bike Friday, and I have no need for a Trek (a Vanilla, on the other hand, I could use!). But I have a friend who has both an Orbea and a Trek and really likes both of them.

[tracik]

I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts, Grey. By the way...great avatar!!!

Tulip, I saw Jill yesterday and she really does seem to know her stuff. I think I'm leaning toward the Orbea after hearing her opinion. Trouble is, I have an Ironman next weekend and while I know it's a bad idea to switch so close, I just am not happy on my old bike (which Jill deemed a "terrible fit") so I'm awfully tempted to switch it up now! Gotta act tomorrow if it's going to happen!!! I'll tell her you said hi if I get back there!

[tulip]

The great thing about Jill (of many great things) is that she only sells bikes that she really believes in, and she knows her stuff. That right there is a good reason to consider the Orbea. That and the fit.

Either way, sounds like you can't go wrong. Let us know!

[Julibird]

Tracik -

Have you considered the Onix Dama? It's much cheaper, it's carbon, and it's stiffer and racier. Build it up with the best wheels/gruppo that you can and it's still cheaper, I'd bet. I'd check it out. The Diva is more of a comfort/performance bike, and climbs like a dream.

As you know, I love my Diva. I have ridden more miles than ever and have none of the aches and injuries that I used to think were just part of getting older (that I used to have when riding my old bike). The 49 fits me perfectly and I have a 100 stem. Long arms, short legs here.

Julie

[Aggie_Ama]

I haven't ridden either bike but I love that the Orbea is a designed by a woman. She is on the bike design team and some kind of scientist. I read an article on her in Bicycling. I believe she is a chemist responsible for the carbon, don't remember.

[tulip]

If I didn't already have my Luna (designed and built by a woman), I'd definitely have to try the Orbea line of bikes. I love that they are Spanish, for one. And they are so graceful and sexy (the bikes, the bikes! Okay, so are the Spanish)

[ilima]

I actually like the looks of the Onix more than the Diva, although they're both certainly purty. Considering the price difference and the fact that they're all carbon, I'm surprised more folks don't go for the Opal (unisex only) or Onix over the Diva and Orca.