Orbea Diva

With all of the fantastic reviews available on the Orbea Orca I was pretty anxious to test out the women's version known as the "Diva". Since the road is not my first choice of riding terrain, I've always given new road bikes a little less attention than new mountain bikes.

The Diva was different, from the time I saw it emerge from the box my feet were ready to pedal. I not only wanted to test it's speed, agility and comfort but I wanted an outfit to match! What I mean to say is that the bike is beautiful, a work of art. I had seen and ridden the Orca and admired its crisp lines and graceful shaping but this one was made for me!

To be specific Orbea is very conscious of every rider that gets on their bikes. Unlike many companies, Orbea designs each frame and fork size to have the same amazing ride as the next. For women, the Orbea Diva and Dama series is not just designed with a shorter top tube but an entirely women's specific set of geometry. To go beyond that, Orbea has even chosen a different carbon for the Diva than for the Orca that is optimal for a woman's weight and power. And outfitting the frame with the just as sleek Campagnolo equipment ensures a solid, comfortable grip on the shifters and brakes even for smaller hands.

At this point I feel it is important to add that although most women will benefit from a women's specific bicycle, that is not always the case. We are all uniquely proportioned and it is necessary to get a professional bicycle fitting to determine your personal needs. But don't worry, you can leave that to us, we provide a full professional fitting with all our road bikes.

But what about the ride? I had definitely been impressed with Orbea's Aqua Dama, the aluminum and carbon frame for women that also uses the "nerve" technology known to Orbea, could the Diva be that special?

In just a few quick pedal strokes I knew it was. My first ride was just around the neighborhood, that was all I needed to know that this was the best ride I had ever been on. The acceleration was phenomenal! It handled like a sports car with the smoothness of a Cadillac. I was ruined. For the first time I have ridden a road bike that I don't want to get off of. This bike will fly, but more importantly it is the most comfortable, stable, and confidence inspiring ride of a lifetime, and it can be had everyday.

And like Matt and his BMC, check back for updates as my very own Orbea Diva is soon to be on its way. Who knows, my mountain bike might just stay a little cleaner this year.