Orbea, Specialized, Trek, Bianchi, or Focus

dang,they all look good! good luck with the search!

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by mattteuz [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Like most who post on the forums, I am internally debating which bike to go with and would like some experienced opinions.

I've been road biking for a couple years now, but not terribly seriously. I just started really getting into exercising (biking and jogging) and decided it was time to upgrade from my Scattante (yes, I hear your chuckles). I do mostly 30-40 mile rides on a nice dedicated bike trail without too many hills (it was a railway). Working my way up to a century ride to tick one thing off my bucket list. I am 41 and have a buddy who is a serious rider. I'm not going to be racing and don't do the big group rides. Comfort and fun are my main goals.

With that said, I have narrowed my selection down to the following which are in the $3-4K range. All would be outfitted with Ultegra components, so consider that a non-issue.

Orbea Orca Bronze
Specialized Roubaix Expert Compact
Trek Madone 5.2 (with H3)
Bianchi Infinito
Focus Izalco Pro

Thoughts for or against any of these? I've ridden the Specialized, Trek, and Bianchi and like them all with the Specialized just slightly ahead by a nose hair. But to be honest, I don't think my senses are tuned enough to truly tell.

Thanks all!

I am going to be no use at all. I've been through similar thinking as you and totally bewildered by the choice without any sensible way to come to a conclusion on "what is best for me". I went into a bike shop in London a couple of days ago to look round and was unimpressed. All the bikes had carbon frames with different Groupos, and the prices seemed high compared to what I can get if I either (a) buy frame, Groupo, wheel's etc separately to my specification or (b) go totally custom with a custom made frame and choice of components.

Which is why I will now not be going through the thoughts that you are...I would advise you to look at what your money can buy if you were to choose the frame, Groupo and wheels separately. That way you get the components you want without having to compromise. To me, buying an off the shelf bike is always a compromise since no one bike with have everything you want.

FWIW, the only bike that did catch my eye was the Bianchi Infinito - I think it was £2800 with Ultegra components and seemed a reasonable amount of bike for the money. Have no idea how it rode though.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Dr Lodge [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

FWIW, the only bike that did catch my eye was the Bianchi Infinito - I think it was £2800 with Ultegra components and seemed a reasonable amount of bike for the money. Have no idea how it rode though.

IMO the best reason to choose a particular bike (I've been picking them this way for 25 years).

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by mattteuz [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Orbea Orca Bronze
Specialized Roubaix Expert Compact
Trek Madone 5.2 (with H3)
Bianchi Infinito
Focus Izalco Pro

Thoughts for or against any of these? I've ridden the Specialized, Trek, and Bianchi and like them all with the Specialized just slightly ahead by a nose hair. But to be honest, I don't think my senses are tuned enough to truly tell.

Thanks all!

All those bikes are very nice. I guess it comes down to a combination of what appeals to our visual senses, how a bike rides, or our particular notion of "brand" one way or another.

Your senses will be better than anyone on these forums for your own particular needs as the reason they might like a given bike will be adulterated based on their particular notion. Additionally each of these bikes may or not do something minutely better than the other, i.e. be stiffer, more comfortable, lighter, more crash proof, sexier, etc. but only you will be the judge of which those attributes works best w/you. I don't think you could make a bad choice among thqat lineup though.

Edit: Personally I would go with the Infinito in celeste and take up a part time job so I could go with the Athena upgrade...

I just bought me wife an Orbea, I have a trek but to be honest after trying out the Orbea I already know which one my next upgrade bike will be.....(Orbea) it is.

Good info so far. thanks all!