Specialized Tarmac SL4 Vs Orbea Orca Bronze

[SteCenturion]

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?

I didn't notice that.

Good call.

Can I change my mind pls ??

Orbea - yes & as I said up thread it is a less common sight on the roads so vive la difference'

It's prettier too.

 

[SteCenturion]

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

There is that of course vickster.

I sometimes liken bikes to cars, in that I see the Spesh, well all Specialized except the Venge as a bit grey, a bit VW Golf, yeah they might be well built & do everything competently but they are a bit MOR & every Bu66er$ got one.

 

[vickster]

Every time I go out on the Pearson, I get a positive comment from a stranger. Recently, it was chained to a lamp post while @jefmcg and I were having a cake break, and some passers by were very complimentary, being fellow Pearsonites...can't imagine that happening with a specialized

I like an unusual car too, albeit one that does what I want. I have a bright green Fabia VRS estate, fast, unusual and practical for bike carrying

 

[SteCenturion]

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

That's pretty bad @HLaB

Purely out of interest (I have no allegiance to either brand) is this something that seemed to be an isolated case affecting just your mate or are you aware of other frame failures?

What model year was your mates Tarmac if you know, it might help people make more informed decisions another time.

 

[HLaB]

That's pretty bad @HLaB

Purely out of interest (I have no allegiance to either brand) is this something that seemed to be an isolated case affecting just your mate or are you aware of other frame failures?

What model year was your mates Tarmac if you know, it might help people make more informed decisions another time.

I hope its an isolated case but I've never investigated. It was this years model I think (He bought it just before Christmas but got an injury so never used it untill late spring)

 

[SteCenturion]

I hope its an isolated case but I've never investigated. It was this years model I think (He bought it just before Christmas but got an injury so never used it untill late spring)

Cheers.

Might do a little google over weekend & see if anything comes up.

 

[GreedyHC]

Thanks everyone !
I'll test both out and see which fits better. Specs shouldn't be a choice maker, I'll follow my guts on this one. (although the orbea looks pretty darn good IMO).
Someone told me that Sensa sells great value bikes, that true ?

 

[GreedyHC]

After looking into the Sensa range, found this offer : http://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-trentino-sl-custom-road-bike-59015.html
1350£ for a superlight bike (frame is Alu) with full Ultegra 6800 compact groupset (wheels too)
Seems to me like the best offer possible in my budget range and I really like the overall design of this beast ! Thurther thoughts or maybe some of you know of this brand ( ie : not reliable, poor quality frame,...)

 

[User269]

After looking into the Sensa range, found this offer : http://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-trentino-sl-custom-road-bike-59015.html
1350£ for a superlight bike (frame is Alu) with full Ultegra 6800 compact groupset (wheels too)
Seems to me like the best offer possible in my budget range and I really like the overall design of this beast ! Thurther thoughts or maybe some of you know of this brand ( ie : not reliable, poor quality frame,...)

So....................you still think it's like ordering a pizza?

 

[GreedyHC]

So....................you still think it's like ordering a pizza?

I don't follow..................how do my queries relate to calling up some random delivery service?
I never implied anything even remotely close to what you imply