Specialized Tarmac SL4 Vs Orbea Orca Bronze

[GreedyHC]

Good evening people,

I'm on summer break at the moment (+2 months of FREE time ) and I'm looking for a new road bike.
My budget limit is 1600£ but I think that would be overdoing it !
So far, 2 bikes stuck out :
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tarmac-sl4-2014-road-bike-ec053059#answers
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/orbea-o...nents-bikewear/fcp-product/56696?listing=true

Both seem very good for their price, especially the Orbea.
I'd love to get some good advice from you guys on those two bikes and of course if you have other recommendations don't hesitate !

I'm thinking I will ride 50 miles several times a week during this period and I hope I can get going soon because my fixed gear really puts a strain on my body after 30miles-ish .
Newbie here so feel free to haze

 

[SteCenturion]

Hi & from the Peoples Republic of Mancunia

Both bikes are very nice & I am sure either one will do you proud.

If I were choosing for myself I would probably go with the Spesh Tarmac even though I prefer the looks of the Orbea & the fact it is lesser spotted on the roads.

The Spesh is probably the better bike although maybe not massively so, there will be others along shortly to cast a beady eye & a vote on their fave, usually I say go with the one that makes you & you will ride it more often.

Test ride both if you can, it's the only way of knowing for sure.

 

[wintergreen]

I would go the opposite.
The Specialized is a lot of money for a bike with a 9 speed Sora groupset. The Orbea has a better groupset (Tiagra/105) and doesn't have Specialized written all over it
On paper the Orbea looks a better bike to me. Have you ridden either of them yet?

 

[vickster]

There are so many good bikes in that price range, you really need to go and ride some. I'd look at cannondales too. You'll get better bang for your buck if you look at 2013 discounted bikes.

The specialized is meant to have a superb frame, but it is under specced compared to others in the same price range. However if it is the one and fits like a gloves, you can always upgrade parts later. The frame is the bit you can't change

Happy shopping and enjoy the summer

 

[jowwy]

If your looking for the best package then maybe the orbea fits the bill

If your looking for the best frame bar none, then the tarmac sl4 ticks every box and for 1600 you could get the sport model - which is 105 spec same as the orbea...........but a far, far better bike


For what i can see on the specs and price the orbea is a 1500 bike with a predominantly tiagra groupset with only the rear derrauiler being 105

Were as the tarmac sl4 is a 1600 bike with full 105 set-up bar the fsa crankset

No brainer in my eyes

 

[HLaB]

I've went right off Tarmac's since seeing the aftermath of chainstay failures on my mates 400mile old SL4

 

[vickster]

And the 83 other ones you see when riding around mamil country in Surrey

 

[User269]

IMNSHO (in my not so humble opinion), the main priorities in choosing a bike are that it's a proper fit, and is comfortable for your chosen purpose. One of the ways of determining this, is to test ride and/or check the geometry of the frame, handlebar width, & stem length. I would recommend reading up on frame geometries and their different characteristics, and work out what sort of ride you're after. Components are a secondary consideration to this, so don't get carried away with the 'which one's got the best kit' obsession. Even with your budget, some cycle shops will do a free bike fitting if you buy a frame or bike from them.
In an age where £5000 bikes are not uncommon, don't think that £1600 is 'low rent'; you should expect a comfortable, sublime ride, and the bike should be a joy!
Although I've bought bikes online in the past, I've only done so because I know my exact measurements and preferred frame geometry. If you don't know these things, go to a good bike shop and get some expert help and advice, and ideally try some out.................although round here it's unusual to find a bike shop that's got anything much in stock, especially in my size, and they seem to think you'll commit to buying a new bike unseen or fitted; would you buy a used car for £2000 without at least having a look at it first?

 

[Cyclist33]

There are so many good bikes in that price range, you really need to go and ride some. I'd look at cannondales too. You'll get better bang for your buck if you look at 2013 discounted bikes.

The specialized is meant to have a superb frame, but it is under specced compared to others in the same price range. However if it is the one and fits like a gloves, you can always upgrade parts later. The frame is the bit you can't change

Happy shopping and enjoy the summer

Well, actually, you can, because if you like the parts you can always strip a frame, sell it and buy one you want.

A frame is just another part, ultimately, in strict terms.

 

[Cyclist33]

If your looking for the best package then maybe the orbea fits the bill

If your looking for the best frame bar none, then the tarmac sl4 ticks every box and for 1600 you could get the sport model - which is 105 spec same as the orbea...........but a far, far better bike


For what i can see on the specs and price the orbea is a 1500 bike with a predominantly tiagra groupset with only the rear derrauiler being 105

Were as the tarmac sl4 is a 1600 bike with full 105 set-up bar the fsa crankset

No brainer in my eyes

Funnily enough that's the exact same phrase I'd use for getting the orbea, the reason being is every other bike's a spesh these days.

From what *I* can see on the specs, the Tarmac linked to has Sora, not 105. What spec are you looking at?

The orbea is 1200 quid and the tarmac 1400. Even if the frame is ultra brilliant, how is it that much better than the orbea's? There isn't really so much variation in carbon at that sort of price point. Specialized have a mahoosive marketing budget, though, I'm sure of that.

 

[vickster]

The linked Tarmac is £1150, but 2013

I am guessing jowwy means this one, actually £1400

http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Specialized/Tarmac-SL4-Sport-Road-Bike-2014/2L7A?wmp=

At least it's not black, still leaves me cold though!

 

[jowwy]

Funnily enough that's the exact same phrase I'd use for getting the orbea, the reason being is every other bike's a spesh these days.

From what *I* can see on the specs, the Tarmac linked to has Sora, not 105. What spec are you looking at?

The orbea is 1200 quid and the tarmac 1400. Even if the frame is ultra brilliant, how is it that much better than the orbea's? There isn't really so much variation in carbon at that sort of price point. Specialized have a mahoosive marketing budget, though, I'm sure of that.

The SL4 carbon frame is the best frame available bar none - its being used by the top pros in every race across europe.

Also i did state if was the SPORT model that has 105 at 1600. The orbea is a 1500 bike on sale at 1200 and only has tiagra.

Yoo will not get a better frame with a lifetime warranty than the SL4. Its purely that simple , components will wear out and then youf left witb the frame. I for one know which frame i would prefer to be left with and thats the SL4

 

[jowwy]

The linked Tarmac is £1150, but 2013

I am guessing jowwy means this one, actually £1400

http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Specialized/Tarmac-SL4-Sport-Road-Bike-2014/2L7A?wmp=

At least it's not black, still leaves me cold though!

Thats the one vickster - it really is an outstanding bike and even at 1600 its worth far more than that - believe me

 

[vickster]

Is that because the frame is that good or specialized have a larger sponsorship budget? I am pretty cynical when it comes to marketing, given I am in a linked field!

 

[vickster]

Thats the one vickster - it really is an outstanding bike and even at 1600 its worth far more than that - believe me

But it's so dull. Why is it actually so good, given I am female and don't give two hoots about the material, engineering, stiffness (in this context anyhow)