TT bikes :: Orbea Ordu m30 v Felt b14

[DaveQB]

Hi all,

Anyone have any thoughts on Orbea Ordu m30 ($2,800) v Felt b14 ($2,500)?

http://feltbicycles.com/International/2 ... s/b14.aspx

https://www.orbea.com/au-en/bicycles/ordu-m30/

The Felt has Ultegra compared to 105 for the Orbea but I know there's more to it than that and I don't know enough about bikes...

Thanks!

[Duck!]

I'd pick the Orbea. I've found Felt's frames leaving a bit to be desired at times. also, while neither are complete groupsets, the Orbea importantly keeps the shifters and derailleurs matched; although the Microshift shifters on the Felt are intended as Shimano-compatible, I find they just don't quite have the slickness of keeping it all in the family.

It's also worth noting whether you're looking at Triathlon or Time Trial. Although broadly similar, there are some technical differences between the two. TT bikes must comply to UCI regulations, particularly around aero tube profiling, saddle positioning and aero bar geometry, while Tri bikes do not. Most bikes you find in this category will be UCI-compliant for TT racing if that's your pursuit, but some are not, so research carefully!

[DaveQB]

Thanks for responding Duck!, I really value your opinion.

I'd pick the Orbea. I've found Felt's frames leaving a bit to be desired at times.

Do go on?

I found some reviews saying the Felt B frame is not as stiff as it could be when putting out an effort, but not noticeable once up to speed. I did also find someone saying that about the Orbea m30 too....

also, while neither are complete groupsets, the Orbea importantly keeps the shifters and derailleurs matched; although the Microshift shifters on the Felt are intended as Shimano-compatible, I find they just don't quite have the slickness of keeping it all in the family.

I have come across this a few times (that MicroSHIFT is lacking compared to Shimano and Sram). I was trying to find out who is behind MicroSHIFT. But a set of Dura Ace 11 speed bar end shifters can be had for $96, so easy to add later.

It's also worth noting whether you're looking at Triathlon or Time Trial. Although broadly similar, there are some technical differences between the two. TT bikes must comply to UCI regulations, particularly around aero tube profiling, saddle positioning and aero bar geometry, while Tri bikes do not. Most bikes you find in this category will be UCI-compliant for TT racing if that's your pursuit, but some are not, so research carefully!

I have been aware of that. Thanks for the tip though. These two bikes are UCI compliant, although you can flip the seat post and possibly make them not. I do want UCI compliant; in fact I don't want to save my hamstrings for the run and rather get a full leg workout plus I am curious about racing time trial if possible.

So to add to this, the shop with the Felt will have the 2015 Felt B14 in for about $1950. That's an Ultegra setup with the aero base bar the B12 has etc. The shop that has the Orbea is throwing in a bike fit as part of the price tag. So do you think the Orbea is ~$850 better value minus the cost of a bike fit, so about $650-$750 better value than the Felt B14?

One day I will find a bike topic you don't know about

[fletch62]

Which bike did you buy?

[DaveQB]

I ended up with the Felt B2 2013 runout model. $3,000 for Di2.
They only had it in my size.
VERY happy with it. Not to say I wouldn't have been happy with the Orbea, but for $200 more I went from 105 mechanical (Orbea) to Ultegra Di2 (B2).

Here's a quick and blurry photo of it:
https://goo.gl/photos/kXEy9Yu9tmsx9o4e7

[fletch62]

Nice. Im looking for a starter TT frame/bike and an unridden Ordu M30 has popped up for $1200.

[DaveQB]

Nice. Im looking for a starter TT frame/bike and an unridden Ordu M30 has popped up for $1200.

Nice price. I think that's a good move. What year model?
Note that you may need to go down a size compared to your road bike. I found out from buying the B12 in size 56 but luckily it had frame damage (transport) so I could return it. I could then go the B2 as it was only in 54. I had my bike fit done 2 weeks ago, and all dialled in well at that size. And I am probably a 56-58 in Road bikes.

Bike fit results on the B2:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJw-vOJDxKd/

[fletch62]

Not sure on the year, might be last years? Very similar to whats on the site now, just slightly different paint.
Yeh, sizing down to a medium, 54 top tube. I ride a 54s Colnago and 58cm Domane.

[DaveQB]

Wow. That's some size variance. interesting.

I read of one guy who is 6'6" riding a 54 Felt TT. Just a side note (you reminder me of him).

[fletch62]

54s Nago is 565mm tt, Trek Domane is 567mm in a 58cm. I'm 179cm but 87cm inseam.
I could ride a smaller frame but prefer the bigger frame to get the stack height.