All guidance and views greatly appreciated - Orbea Vs Lapierre

solid 5

Hi All,

Long time lurker who has learned a lot from this forum - thank you. First post so be gentle !

I am moving on from decent hybrids to my first road bike. I have been out of action for quite a while due to illness and am determined to get back to a proper level of fitness. I used to cycle to work, just under 20KM. Did it 3 times a week. One way to begin with and then upped it to out/back at least twice a week before I became ill. Goal - Want to increase that in a big way, introduce weekend rides and get back into my running.

Have narrowed it down to these two, links to specs and pics below - any preferences / thoughts on these?

Also, am I going overboard for my first road bike. Will the sub 900 euro road bikes suffice for what I want to achieve?

The Lapierre is 249 euro more expensive, its list price is 1349 euro. I'll secure a discount on both but the Lapierre will still be more expensive.

Thanks in advance, any guidance or thought are greatly appreciated.

Orbea Aqua T105 CT http://www.orbea.com/en/bicis/modelos/aqua_t105/ficha_tecnica/

Lapierre Audacio 500 http://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/lapierre/road-bike/2010/audacio-500-2010/specifications#

ROK ON

Hi.

I have the Orbea frame that you link, but have an Ultegra as opposed to 105 groupset on it.

Havent been on it a whole lot. But it seems fine and comfortable. However, I get a better ride from my other bike which is carbon fibre.

Orbea have a good warranty system ( my frame was cracked while out cycling - and the frame was replaced without any issue from Orbea).

The Orbea has a compact groupset (50 outer ring and 34 tooth inner ring) versus a triple on the Lapierre. IMHO, the triple is a smoother shifter than a compact, and I have both on different bikes. However depending on your choice of rear casetts, you can get very similar gearing range on a compact versus a triple - either way they will both be fine for giving you the type of gearing you need on an steep climbs.

It doesnt mention the weight of the Orbea, but mine with Ultegra is 9kg, so the one you have linked is likely to be slightly heavier. The Lapierre is lighter.

FFinally, you should be able o get the Orbea for a bit better than €1100.

short circuit

I have an Orbea as well ... though the Onix.

Important thing first ... look at it ... Orbea's are gorgeous and very well proportioned. Obviously my view is biased.

Also, surprisingly, when buying, they offered the best value for money compared to anything else in the brick and mortar shop. You can do better online of course.

Though you linked to a spec. there, you can custom build your Orbea to some extent - colour (from a few choices), standard/compact/triple groupset, 2 or 3 levels of groupset and wheels if you want. Only thing is you might have to wait for a few weeks to get it into the shop.

Only recently have I started a couple of Orbeas on the roads ... Lapierre is relatively common

Lastly, I believe both of them pass the euro criteria ... so you are safe.

One thing to bear in mind ... the Orbea is a more agressive geometry than the Lapierre ... for the same equivalent top tube length .. the Orbea's headtube is more than 1 cm lower ... nothing which can't be resolved with spacers ... but if you are not decently flexible and unwilling to work on it, go with the Lapierre.

solid 5

Thank you both, they are really comprehensive responses and are greatly appreciated. I was considering going with all Ultegra on the Orbea and considering the orange / black or request a red & white paint job. Not sure of thenprice implications as I have not raised it with my LBS.

The Lapierre comes in at 8.9kg (approx) and the Orbea 9.22Kg. Going to have to think hard about it, torn between them both. Think the orbea represents better value and the lifetime warranty on the frame speaks volumes for their confidence in their product. Love the look of the lapierre. Both feel very comfortable.

Do you think they are both too much bike for what I want to achieve and should I adjust my budget downwards circuit 700/800? Although I have yet to haggle at all on those above, not that I expect to close that kind of gap.

Golfanatic

you should have a look at planet x, i dont have one but ive heard great things about them. they are much better value. you can get a carbon frame ultegra groupset for 1300

Golfanatic

http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/NEW____SL_Pro_Carbon_Ultegra_6700_-_LIMITED_STOCK.html here

corkandproud

Who stocks Orbea in Ireland?

ROK ON

corkandproud wrote: »

Who stocks Orbea in Ireland?

Stagg Cycles in Lucan, and I cant recommend them enough.
They were very good in helping me get my replacement from Orbea, even if it took longer than expected.

As I could only collect the bike in the evening after the shop was closed, I collected it at Jimmy Staggs house after work. Also I noticed that the groupset and chain they put back on the bike was far cleaner than when I dropped the bike in.
The shop is chaotic small and very busy, they spend a lot of time talking to customes (which can be infuriating while you are in a queue. However they are friendly, reasonably good value for a LBS and helpful. It is an old style store with good attitude toward customers IMHO.

solid 5

Thank you for the Planet X suggestions. Have been looking at them thanks to this sites many fans of that bike. As it is my first road bike I am nervous about purchasing online. I'd prefer to work with my LBS to get the fit and feel right. As well as going back in for the maintenance / tightening after a few weeks.

Will be heading back in to look at both in person one more time. Try to make a call on it then.

ciarsciars

Hi solid 5,
did you make a decision re the Orbea Aqua T105 CT? I am looking at similar options myself at the moment.

thanks

el tel

I saw an ad for a 2nd hand but virtually unused Orbea Onix full carbon bike with Shimano 105. They're looking £750 but it's 57cm, might suit if you are tall though. Not knowing too much about Orbeas I don't know if that's good value, maybe someone else can advise on that.

http://phoenixcycling.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=bikebitsforsale&action=display&thread=2433&page=1