When Bike Companies Go Good
A Note from Fatty: The 2010 Fat Cyclist Apparel Pre-Order extravaganza is now over. Thanks to everyone who ordered something! If you missed the pre-order somehow, you’ll get another chance to order after everything comes in, all the pre-orders have been sent, and there’s been a reasonable amount of time for “settling” — exchanges, replacements, etc. — and Twin Six knows what their actual inventory is.
Win a Fat Cyclist Jersey: My good friend Bob Bringhurst is riding in the Washington MS150 in a couple weeks, and I’d like to help him raise money for it. So, if you’ll donate here – any amount at all — I’ll pick a winner at random and give him / her the 2010 Fat Cyclist jersey of your choice. This contest is for today only, so don’t put off donating. Click here to get started.
It was an incredibly bright spot in an incredibly difficult day. I came home from Susan’s funeral completely drained — cried out, tired out, and relieved I had survived talking at my own wife’s funeral.
And there was a box. From Shimano. A complete Dura-Ace Di2 group, and a personal, private note.
I simply couldn’t believe it. Ditching my family and friends, I ran up to my computer and dashed off an email, thanking him for this incredible gift, and for helping me get away from my thoughts for a while.
“Now I need to figure out a wheelset and frame to go with this,” I concluded.
Moments later, I got a brief reply back:
“So I guess the wheelset hasn’t arrived yet?”
And sure enough, the next day another box came: Dura-Ace Carbon Tubeless wheels.
And then an introductory email to Orbea, where I got an incredible deal on a 2010 Orbea Orca frame, which I of course ordered in Orange — not only is that the Euskaltel-Euskadi team color, but it goes very nicely with the orange and black Fat Cyclist jersey.
Which, by the way, I always arrange to be wearing when I ride this bike.
I completed the bike with a PRO Vibe bar, stem, and seatpost, as well as Speedplay pedals and a Selle Italia SLR saddle.
Take a look (click any of the pictures below for a larger version):
I love all my bikes. All of them. But this is a work of art.
Riding With Di2
I’ve heard a lot of people dismiss the Di2 components. After all, it’s not exactly difficult to shift without electronics, right?
But those people haven’t tried Di2. Now I have, and I am in love. And I’ve let Mark and Brad ride my bike, and they both fell in love (the on-road exchange with Brad didn’t last long; I had never noticed before, but Brad’s legs are so incredibly long that I was completely unable to turn the pedals when sitting. Seriously, I could barely reach the pedals at the 3 and 9 position.). It doesn’t take long to see why:
- Instant shifts, no matter where you’re riding: In the big ring on a climb and you want to drop to the small ring? The Di2 front derailleur does it instantly. I’m pretty sure I’m going to unlearn everything I’ve learned before about having to shift before the climb. With this group, instead of you having to adapt when you shift to when the bike will allow it, you shift when you need to, at the literal touch of a button. There’s a big difference.
- No-effort shifting: I injured my left wrist a couple years ago, and now by the time I’ve been riding for three or four hours, it’s painful enough for me to shift — with a traditional derailleur — to the big ring that I sometimes am not able to do it. With Di2, making this shift takes exactly the same amount of effort as clicking a mouse button.
- It’s smart: This isn’t just electronic shifting, it’s electronic shifting with a brain. As you work your way up or down the cassette, the front derailleur automatically trims. If your shifts aren’t perfect, work your way up and down the cassette and the derailleur figures out where it ought to be.
- No cable stretch: No cables mean no cable stretch.
- Stingy on the power: I assumed that I’d need to recharge the battery every couple of rides. Wrong. A battery charge is good for months. To me, that seems like dark magic, but I’m OK with dark magic in this instance.
- It sounds awesome: When you shift, it makes a little servo sound, like R2D2’s your copilot.
The only downside I’ve noticed, so far, is that I’ve become a shifting fool. I shift all the time, just for the fun of it…and because I like that cool sound.
Riding With the Orca
I know some people who detect even the slightest variations in components and frames. I am not one of those people. A bike has to be radically different for me to notice a change.
The 2010 Orca is radically different from any road bike I’ve ridden before, in one really great way: the front feels more stable and solid than anything I’ve ever ridden. I’ve never thought to myself before this, “Hmm, my bike’s front end feels flexy,” but — and I think this is because of the tapered headtube/fork — this bike feels incredibly stable and responsive.
And I’m pretty sure this isn’t just something in my head, either — Mark noticed the same thing.
In short, I’m in road bike heaven. Thanks, Shimano. Thanks, Orbea. Both of these companies deserve serious kudos, not just for making great bikes, but for the huge help they were in raising money to fight cancer — and for reaching out to me during the worst week of my life.
Comment by Brandy | 09.2.2009 | 9:54 am
that is one pimpin’ ride Fatty.
Comment by Christina | 09.2.2009 | 9:58 am
Amazing bike! Enjoy it. You soooo deserve it!!!
Comment by Maik | 09.2.2009 | 10:03 am
Very smooth-lookin’.
Comment by Bravo Delta | 09.2.2009 | 10:20 am
Daaaammmmmmmmmm! That is Sexy! I look forward to riding in the ‘10 Livestrong and seeing you on that…
Comment by SDM | 09.2.2009 | 10:21 am
Looks awesome. Seriously, do you feel like your life is one huge roller-coaster?
Yes. – FC
Comment by Redbird74 | 09.2.2009 | 10:22 am
Ride it like you stole it. You practically did. :) (jealous)
Comment by Fuzzy | 09.2.2009 | 10:24 am
Fatty, that is one seriously pretty bike!
I think I need to work some serious overtime so I can justify one for myself.
Fight Like Susan!
Luv ‘n Stuff
Fuzzy from the UK
Comment by Canadian Roadie | 09.2.2009 | 10:24 am
Amazing, props to Orbea and Shimano. I’m very jealous but no one deserves this more. Where do you press the buttons? With your thumbs? I also downplayed this new technology but your write-up has got me curious!
The buttons are placed where the traditional Dura-Ace levers go, on some dummy paddles. The upshot is that if you’re used to using Dura-Ace there’s no learning curve at all. Just press where you normally would, but easier. – FC
Comment by Robb Sutton (198) | 09.2.2009 | 10:25 am
Now that is a sexy bike. I have always loved the Orbea frames.
The BEST selling feature of the Di2 is that auto-trimming front derailleur. The rear shifting is crisp but the fact that you NEVER have the chain rubbing the cage of the front derailleur is incredible.
I also like the fact that you do not have to throw your levers like with a conventional cable driven shifting system.
The only downside of course…is the price…
Very cool of them to send you the kit over.
BTW…I was at the US Pro’s over the weekend and they mentioned you during the announcing. There was a lot of events surrounding the Lance Armstrong Foundation and you got a warm response from everyone there when your name was mentioned.
Thanks for about the US Pro announcement, Robb! And I agree that the auto-trim is what really makes it great. – FC
Comment by MOCougFan | 09.2.2009 | 10:28 am
That’s a beautiful ride. I’m jealous and happy for you.
Comment by Mikeonhisbike | 09.2.2009 | 10:35 am
I love that trim adjustment feature. I’m truly jealous. You might as well get rid of the other road bikes in your garage because they just won’t be the same. OK, keep one for rain riding.
Comment by AndyC | 09.2.2009 | 10:37 am
Good for You!! You deserve it after such a year. I think I’d cry if I got such a gift from such great companies. Ride On!
Fight Like Susan!
Andy
Comment by Doug | 09.2.2009 | 10:38 am
Seem to noticed you switched over to Speedplay. (Your Basque Orca and the Philly rental.) Thought you were riding Times on everything. Comments?
Good question! I ride Time ATACs on all my mountain bikes, and Speedplays on all my road bikes. I’ve actually never used any other pedal for road, I’m so happy with the Speedplays — never felt any need to try something different.
I’ve tried lots and lots and lots of different pedals for MTB, on the other hand, but keep coming back to Times and don’t plan to switch again unless something really revolutionary comes along. – FC
Comment by Jaime O. | 09.2.2009 | 10:40 am
Wow, I’ve never opened a cycling website and thought, omg, that bike is sexy…but the silver and black Orbea Orca changed that. What a beautiful machine. sighs happily.
Comment by Jeff L. | 09.2.2009 | 10:41 am
Does the bike give you a warning if the battery is going to die, like a frantic R2D2 when the trash compactor was closing on Luke and Han Solo? If it dies during the ride, are you stuck in whatever gear it dies in? And when it finally dies do you get the sad R2D2 sound?
Comment by Metric Jason | 09.2.2009 | 10:42 am
Funny, I seriously debated whether or not to get the pink or the orange jersey this time around and ultimately it came down to matching my own Fat Cyclist color schemed bike too.
Comment by kiwi | 09.2.2009 | 10:42 am
That’s one sweet ride fatty !
Ride it well!
Kiwi
Comment by 100poundsago | 09.2.2009 | 10:56 am
Droooooooool.
Mad silly props to Shimano.
Comment by JET | 09.2.2009 | 10:58 am
So beautiful. Can’t stop staring. I’ve always liked Shimano. I like them even more now. And I’m starting to get curious about Orbea.
Comment by KanyonKris | 09.2.2009 | 11:01 am
Sweet bike! Enjoy the ride.
Comment by Bryan (not that one) | 09.2.2009 | 11:03 am
Sexy is not nearly a good enough word to describe that bike…
Comment by buckythedonkey | 09.2.2009 | 11:04 am
I wonder if you’re findings will convert BSNYC who said:
“Electronic shifting will completely change the way you think about bicycles – assuming, of course, that you previously thought of them as being relatively inexpensive and easily serviceable.”
;-)
Comment by MattC | 09.2.2009 | 11:11 am
I got to ride an electronic Dura Ace bike on a trainer during the Tour of Calif…I almost didn’t, cuz I thought (mistakenly) why on earth would anybody need electronic shifting? WRONG!! I am a Campy guy…but daaannnnnnngggggg…the shifting was flat out amazing! I wouldn’t have believed it! Though I won’t be pony’ing up the dough (ever, most likely)…still like my Campy Record…(and the rear shifts in the same direction as my Shimano XTR rapid rise on the Mt bike…ie: thumb goes harder gear, finger goes eaier gear). Kudos on one of the sweetest bikes ever…I’m oozing with jealousy…but you deserve it. Might as well get rid of all your other road bikes..when are you ever going to ride them? Enjoy!!!
Comment by bikemike | 09.2.2009 | 11:13 am
been ridin’ Sram Red for a couple of years and the Di2 is freaking awesome…enjoy.
Comment by Bekki | 09.2.2009 | 11:16 am
I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more than you.
I found your blog only a few weeks before Susan died and have been riveted (and inspired) ever since. My mother and several of my closest friends have fought their own battles with breast cancer (thankfully, they’re all going strong) and your ability to find peace and grace in the midst of all of that has struck me to the core. In particular, I think of your description of being thankful that you could be there for Susan when she needed you. In a way, it’s become a meditation for me when I’m out on my own bike, a guide for reexamining my own perception of the indignities of day-to-day life, large and small. And I’ve wanted to thank you for that gift ever since I read it.
I’ll be wearing my pink FC jersey with pride (and joy) come November. Thanks! Now to find a bike to match… ;)
Comment by Bicycle Bill | 09.2.2009 | 11:20 am
Sounds interesting, but I’ll stick with my old-school Suntour friction bar-ends….it goes better with my 1977 Trek frameset, anyway.
What provision is there for shifting the electronic stuff if it ever craps out on you, for whatever reason — dead battery, water shorts it out, broken electronics?
If that happens, it’s a good thing I like single speeds. – FC
Comment by Susie | 09.2.2009 | 11:24 am
that’s just awesome, elden! you know, i really feel like there are right ways and wrong ways to do life, and you are definitely doing it right, both with your attitude, and your ability to share all of this, thus inspiring others to get it right. Bravo!
Comment by Brandon | 09.2.2009 | 11:27 am
Nice! Great looking bike and big kudos to Shimano and Orbea.
Comment by Jenni Laurita | 09.2.2009 | 11:28 am
You don’t deserve that bike. You deserve 10 of those bikes. So, why not try to impress that upon all these bike companies and then share?
Comment by Aaron | 09.2.2009 | 11:35 am
Drool…..
Comment by kungpow12 | 09.2.2009 | 11:38 am
Honestly, I’m a runner and even I want that bike.
Would I take it over 50 pairs of custom Nike LunarGlides? Debatable. But still, that’s a magnificent piece of engineering.
If you and I crossed paths, I might even break the runner-cyclist Cold War barrier and give a polite nod of approval…it’s that good-looking.
Paired with your FC jersey, you’ll have quite the ensemble going on.
Comment by flombe | 09.2.2009 | 11:40 am
That ride almost makes me want to become a bi-cyclist, MTB and Roadie. Missed the pre-sale = donation made.
Comment by Julie | 09.2.2009 | 11:47 am
Allez Fatty!
Comment by rado | 09.2.2009 | 11:50 am
Sportin serious bike wood….sweet ride. Time for a cold shower
Comment by UpNorth | 09.2.2009 | 11:53 am
I have an Orbea that I love (although not nearly as nice as yours). I chose my first ever FC jersey yesterday based on how well it would match with my bike (went with the white/pink option).
Congrats on the new ride!
Comment by Dan O | 09.2.2009 | 11:53 am
Awesome Ride! And I’m a steel is real person!
Hopefully you’ll be showing that off to us in Austin in October.
Fight like Susan!
Life is good
Comment by hoon | 09.2.2009 | 11:56 am
bling bling.
Comment by Sarah | 09.2.2009 | 12:04 pm
It is so nice to know, and such an inspiration to me, that there are still such decent, caring people in the world. Good for you, and good for them!!!
Now, I have a crazy, bike related question for you….
what do you know about MOOTS bicycles?
It’s my dream “some day” bicycle, and I would really be interested to know what you think about them, please!
Thanks and take good care, Fatty!
Comment by lol | 09.2.2009 | 12:04 pm
how much are you getting paid for promoting products?
One million dollars. – FC
Comment by nosferaustin | 09.2.2009 | 12:06 pm
So, if by chance you’re not going to ride at the Austin, Livestrong Challenge…can I borrow your bike?
Comment by AngieG | 09.2.2009 | 12:14 pm
That bike will go so well with your super quads!! Sexy Bike, Giang Quads. The peleton will be so intimidated.
Can’t wait to see the debut at Austin.
Congrats FC, there isn’t anyone I know that deserves a little pampering more than you! Soak it up. :-)
Comment by AngieG | 09.2.2009 | 12:15 pm
PS Bekki- Check out the Orbiea Diva. It is the sister to the Orca and comes in a sick pink paint scheme to go with your pink FC kit.
Comment by Marilyn | 09.2.2009 | 12:16 pm
That is the best therapy any doctor could have ordered for the shoes you have been walking in. Ride safe!!!! If they happen to send anymore of those your way feel free to send it my way!!!
Comment by Rantwick | 09.2.2009 | 12:20 pm
You are my Love / Hate blogger. I love you for all you’ve done and been through, and I envy you to the point of hatred (ok, not real hatred, but you get my drift) when I see the bikes you own.
Bikes like that and components that crazily advanced occupy a cycling never-never land that I don’t know I’ll ever get to. I am happy with the normal stuff I have and love cycling on it, but man oh man, I sometimes daydream of an existence that includes such insanely high end stuff. Obviously, you’re enjoyiing the hell out it, and thank god you are. I might lose my mind if you had nothing but complaints!
Comment by Chris B | 09.2.2009 | 12:22 pm
My jealously know no bounds at this point. I can’t think of anyone more deserving right now though. I wonder how long it’ll take for the trickle down to the “cheaper” groupos. A hobby servo costs maybe $10 at retail so it’s not the electronics and bits that make it expensive.
Allez Fatty
Comment by Cyclin' Missy | 09.2.2009 | 12:22 pm
That is a totally sweet bike! Shimano and Orbea have my applause.
And go Robert!
Comment by MattC | 09.2.2009 | 12:38 pm
And I guess you know you’ve made the “BIG TIME” when your 2010 clothing line comes out in 2009.
Comment by Brian Sherry | 09.2.2009 | 12:41 pm
Fatty-
That is one sexy sexy ride. Good things happen to good people. Enjoy the bleep out of that thang.
B-
Comment by Adam | 09.2.2009 | 12:53 pm
Big one-ups to Orbea and Shimano. Next time I’m in Orbea USA’s backyard, I’ll stop by and give them a high five or thirty if they’ll let me in the door.
Comment by Steve PMcG | 09.2.2009 | 1:04 pm
All I can say is WOW.
Wow at the look of the bike, wow at Orbea and Shimano.
Enjoy man it looks to be a dream ride, and maybe one day I will be able to build something that sweet. My reward for getting myself out of Obesity and overweight classification (BMI) will be a new bike. Maybe its time to think about a Orbea frame and start to build the bike I want.
Comment by Dave | 09.2.2009 | 1:04 pm
You should have named today’s entry “When Good Things Happen to Good People”. Enjoy the ride.
Comment by Metric Jason | 09.2.2009 | 1:07 pm
Chris B, I had the same thought. I’m sure Di2 early adopters are mainly paying for the cost of R&D right now and Shimano has a pretty good margin going if you only look at materials. Hopefully the trickle down to the mainstream will happen sooner rather than later because clearly this is the future.
Comment by centurion | 09.2.2009 | 1:29 pm
What did you name her?
I demoed Di2 on a trainer, I can’t imagiine wht it’s like on the road.
Enjoy the ride.
Comment by HomeMadeBiscuitEater | 09.2.2009 | 1:31 pm
Fatty, the humanity that two big companies like Shimano and Orbea have for you and the cancer fighting community, well, it just made me start my day with a big Fatty Smile! Just when you needed a lift, boom, new toys!
Susan is surely smiling down at you and the kids.
LiveStrong! Fight like Susan!!
Comment by Linda | 09.2.2009 | 1:37 pm
Holy Moly Guacamole, that is one sweet ride. No one deserves it more than you do. Enjoy!
Comment by Susan | 09.2.2009 | 1:40 pm
My ride has the same color scheme. Is it clear-coated carbon, or full-on black?
However, my ride does not have the nifty components.
So jealous.
Comment by Clydesteve | 09.2.2009 | 1:56 pm
Fatty, I am really happy for you.
But seriously, I am not an envious or jealous person. About anything. I am pleased to own a bike that has been upgraded to kind-of decent. And I happily admire other people’s much much nicer bikes without a shred of envy or jealousy.
Except this one. I AM jealous. This IS my dream bike. But the frame is too small for me.
So, if you bring it to Austin, I won’t steal it or vandalize it. Promise.
Comment by Powerful Pete | 09.2.2009 | 1:56 pm
Ok Fatty. Congratulations on getting the bike. And the Di2 group. And the CF wheelset.
That is wonderful. Now I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really envious.
In any event, enjoy it! And thanks for the micro-review!
:-)
Comment by Isela | 09.2.2009 | 1:56 pm
Awesome looking ride!
Comment by Mary Eileen | 09.2.2009 | 2:16 pm
I am so happy for you Fatty!! During the Orbea contest, I was SO hoping that somehow you would get a new bike (the winner would bequeath the giveaway to you, the companies would call or write you with the news…) for you to have something to feel excited or happy about (even momentarily) in the midst of sorrow. I cannot stress enough how much the news you’ve just shared really made my day. I am so happy for you, and I am pumped that Shimano and Orbea reached out to you!!
Comment by Yaniel | 09.2.2009 | 2:21 pm
classy! kudos to the nice people are shimano and orbea. stories like this make me want to give them my money more than any snazzy advertising or pro sponsorship.
Comment by VT_Rob | 09.2.2009 | 2:22 pm
Makes my bike look like the boat anchor it is. Still had a great ride on it at lunchtime.
Congrats. It’s a true thing of beauty.
Comment by Lee | 09.2.2009 | 2:23 pm
That bike is amazing as I remember back to when I first got into bike racing in the early eighties and my first real bike was a steel Orbea. It was the bottom end of road bikes at the time. I have followed your site since mid July and I hope you are able to sort through the emotional roller coaster that comes with what you and your family have been through.
PS – I too agree that Speedplay makes the best road petal.
Comment by geraldatwork | 09.2.2009 | 2:27 pm
Great looking bike that will go well with your jersey. It makes me feel good to hear that these big cold corporations can be generous and sensitive.
Comment by Joel P. | 09.2.2009 | 2:35 pm
OK, when are you going to pull the Oprah’s “favorite things” majic and tell us all to look under our seats for our own Orbea Orca’s to take home with us. Just enjoy the heck out of it for all of us.
Joel P.
PS. To all who called the Orbea “sexy” I agree. However,be careful, when I brought my new bike home 3 years ago I proclaimed it to be the “sexiest thing I ever saw, ever”. I am now divorced.
Comment by Philly | 09.2.2009 | 2:44 pm
I have the same frame, from 3 years ago, it makes me happy on every ride. A bike that that will carry you home when you need it to. Enjoy.
Comment by Salty Seattle | 09.2.2009 | 2:59 pm
I love you, for loving the Orca.
I hate you, for owning one.
If Shimano and Orbea have any of those in a ridiculously-small frame-size that they can’t sell, please give them my email address.
Comment by Salty Seattle | 09.2.2009 | 3:12 pm
All kidding aside, Congrats on the hot, new machine!
Comment by axel in texas | 09.2.2009 | 3:41 pm
your rear derailleur costs more than my road bike.
your front derailleur costs more than my mountain bike.
your shifters and cables cost more than my commuter bike.
I hope these things come down in price soon.
congrats on the nice ride!
Comment by Haven (used to be Kt) | 09.2.2009 | 3:52 pm
My next bike will be an Orbea.
That’s one nice ride. And those peoples at Shimano and Orbea! What awesome peoples!!!
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 09.2.2009 | 4:28 pm
Thanks for explaining the whole in thing in your usual entertaining and educational way…now I really get it! Which is kind of a problem, b/c now I really want it. Oh well.
Comment by K (late to the party) | 09.2.2009 | 4:29 pm
Awesome bike, you deserve it!
Just got my “win” t-shirt, which is also awesome! Even nicer than the picture, imo.
Fight like Susan!
Comment by RoxyRolls | 09.2.2009 | 5:00 pm
So, do you have a knife or a pistol shoved in you lycra shorts to protect that sticky-finger magnet? Because if I see it, (even if you’re riding it), my fingers may spontaneously get tacky. ;-)
Love what you’ve done and how you’ve done it.
Godspeed.
Comment by Claire | 09.2.2009 | 5:22 pm
Simply awesome, to a most deserving dude!
Comment by SuperCat | 09.2.2009 | 5:30 pm
Congrats on the new bike – took my very own Orbea home in May (Orbea Diva, Shimano Ultegra/Dura Ace mix)and noticed the difference as soon as i took her for a ride…
After saving and saving and saving I refer to her as my child… she is unbelievable!
Hope you have many happy rides, props to Shimano and Orbea… and get some pics of you ON the bike would ya???
Comment by not a cyclist......ok, maybe just a little | 09.2.2009 | 6:00 pm
I bought my first “big girl” road bike back in June – an Orbea Onyx Dama (couldn’t really afford it, let along the Diva in the pink and black that would have matched the Fatty for Girls color scheme, which just happen to be my favorite colors, but who needs to pay back student loans on time anyway?), which is their entry level carbon ride for women. It’s an awesome bike,and is a total pleasure to ride, even if I really shouldn’t have gone for such a pricey bike. But the best part is that everyone I know that is into bikes is jealous.
Your bike, however, is freaking cool and awesome at a level that most of us can only appreciate from afar, as few of us will ever have the opportunity to ride, let alone own, such an exquisite piece of art and engineering. We all adore you, and hate you just a little, and truly hope you have the time of your life on the Orbea. Now all you need is an orange and black helmet!
Comment by Kevin | 09.2.2009 | 6:47 pm
Well deserved. How do you like the Tubeless wheelset. Did you put on the Hutchinson Road Tubeless? Good job, you are outstanding in many ways!
Kevin
Comment by Josh Pearson | 09.2.2009 | 7:12 pm
Hey – we met the day before Leadville, I’m the guy who rode up and asked what Fat Cyclist was. I am sorry to hear about your crash at Leadville and extremely sorry to hear about your wife.
I have always been a shimano fan and seeing them give a gift like that only makes me more supportive.
Enjoy the bike and hang in there.
Josh
Comment by WheelDancer | 09.2.2009 | 8:18 pm
Awesome bike for an awesome dude!
Comment by Bruce Bebow | 09.2.2009 | 8:24 pm
Jealous.
Comment by Lori Scheel | 09.2.2009 | 8:41 pm
I LOVE it when good things happen to good people :)
Comment by BamaJim | 09.2.2009 | 8:54 pm
That *is* a sweet bike. If I were your friends, I wouldn’t have tested it – I’d be afraid I’d wouldn’t be happy with my bike anymore. Enjoy!
Comment by Stephanie | 09.2.2009 | 9:16 pm
Absolutely beautiful bike!
You just reinforced the choice I made last year when I bought my Orbea Onix. Orbea is a great company!
Fight like Susan!
Comment by Born 4Lycra | 09.2.2009 | 9:26 pm
Welcome to Orbea you have come over from the darkside. Only bike frame I have ridden and or will ride. I am a campag fan but could be tempted across to the electronic shimano after your write up. Choosing the Euskadi/Fat Cyclist Colour Scheme is icing on the cake. Your lawns are in good condition too.
Comment by lyndap | 09.2.2009 | 9:50 pm
Not only are there angels in heaven, but angels here on earth.
Comment by Griffin | 09.2.2009 | 10:16 pm
There is no denying it, that is one crazy sexy bike.
Pingback by Daily Blog and News Roundup for September 2nd « Texbiker.net | 09.2.2009 | 10:27 pm
[...] Fat Cyclist » When Bike Companies Go Good by fatty And I’ve let Mark and Brad ride my bike, and they both fell in love (the on-road exchange with Brad didn’t last long; I had never noticed before, but Brad’s legs are so incredibly long that I was completely unable to turn the pedals when sitting. ….. Share and Enjoy: [...]
Comment by Ryan | 09.2.2009 | 10:33 pm
I’m on the market for a new road bike and was on the fence between SRAM and Shimano for a variety of reasons, I think I now have my answer. Very classy of Shimano + Orbea.
So nice when good people get what they deserve.
Comment by Jouni | 09.2.2009 | 11:28 pm
Beautiful ride, Elden…you have strong wings underneath you now, dontcha?!
I’ve got a beautiful carbon roadie as well, but look forward to more stories about you and this bike!
Comment by Dobovedo | 09.2.2009 | 11:41 pm
“As you work your way up or down the cassette, the front derailleur automatically trims.”
OK, NOW you’ve got me.
Comment by sarah | 09.3.2009 | 12:50 am
yeah fatty!
Comment by william | 09.3.2009 | 1:06 am
You deserve it. Enjoy the ride
William
Comment by Powerful Pete | 09.3.2009 | 1:50 am
By the way Fatty, please do write a brief review of the Shimano wheelset and, more importantly (I’m Italian, I am a Campagnolo man) how are the tubeless clinchers holding up?
And the best road pedals are, of course, Campagnolo Record Pro-Fits.
Kudos to Shimano and Orbea for being good companies about all this, though…
Comment by Niall | 09.3.2009 | 3:26 am
You sure know how to make all your cycling buddies green with envy…but if anyone deserves some good fortune it has to be you. Enjoy it as much as I enjoy you writing about ’stuff’. Which is heaps. Really.
Niall
Brisbane
Comment by Sian | 09.3.2009 | 4:54 am
I am not a cyclist – there I’ve said it! But I can appreciate a good looking bike when I see one! Have I redeemed myself? Love your site tho thanks.
Sian
Cape Town
Comment by Mike Roadie | 09.3.2009 | 5:29 am
Beautiful, just beautiful (wipes tear from eye)…..
Now that’s what I would get if I could since I need to replace the bent frame on the Cervelo (thanks FedEx!!!!!).
FLS
Comment by Anonymous | 09.3.2009 | 7:00 am
What’s the update on the bike that you road in Leadville?
Comment by Kelly B. | 09.3.2009 | 7:19 am
SWEET! Major, major props to Shimano and Orbea. Definitely considering them for my future purposes. Enjoy the bike; it sounds AWESOME!
Comment by midwestmom | 09.3.2009 | 7:25 am
I got my t-shirt yesterday and it looks great but that is the smallest 2X I’ve ever seen!!
Comment by Michael in TN | 09.3.2009 | 7:55 am
Sweet ride – you deserve it!
Comment by NYC_Los | 09.3.2009 | 8:05 am
Dude… sick “whip”.
I want to see a full catalog of all of your bikes in the near future… some of us haven’t been reading your blog long enough to be familiar with what else you ride!
FLS!
-Los
NY, NY
Comment by TheChief | 09.3.2009 | 8:49 am
Droooooooooool
Comment by Jenny-Jenny | 09.3.2009 | 8:56 am
Yes… Very classy of both companies! Enjoy!
Comment by Big Boned | 09.3.2009 | 12:03 pm
What kind of tree is that?
Comment by Dan | 09.3.2009 | 12:13 pm
I, too, wondered about Di2 until I rode it at Frostbike back in February. I’m a believer. I just don’t have the cash for it.
Comment by Greg | 09.3.2009 | 2:14 pm
What do you say we get together for a ride? I just live down the road in Lehi. I can ride your bike and you can ride my 6 year old Giant beautifully grouped with Shimano 105. I doubt either of us will want to switch back.
Comment by Barb | 09.4.2009 | 3:10 am
Way to go Fatty! I rode the Di2 on a trainer at Ride the Rockies this summer. Way cool. Just don’t try to get quads and shins to match the Orbea orange!!
Comment by Onan the Barbarian | 09.4.2009 | 6:48 am
Meh, it’d be too pretty for me and doesn’t really go with the TFC pink jerseys I wear.
/Nice ride, Fat Man.
Comment by dpcowboy | 09.5.2009 | 6:14 am
What WILL they think of next?…pretty soon, it will be so easy to ride a bike, that most people will do it indoors, or while they are sleeping indoors.
It was bad enough when index shifting became the rage in the 80’s…now this…Fausto is rolling over in his grave.
Comment by Dan G | 09.5.2009 | 9:18 pm
serious bikeporn
Comment by boxhead (from oz) | 09.7.2009 | 6:04 am
Sweet bike. I recently got my first carbon roadie (also my first roadie). Not quite the sweetness of yours but the sweetest bike I’ve ever ridden. I ride around with a smile on my face marvelling at the how good it is. Enjoy the bike Fatty.
PS. love ur blog.
Comment by UtahChunk | 09.15.2009 | 12:58 pm
I think you forgot to notify me that I won a sweet Team Fatty Jersey. You can notify me via e-mail.
Thanks
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Reductio ad Absurdum | 11.17.2009 | 12:58 pm
[...] of you may recall that this summer I got an Orbea Orca with Shimano Di2 components. And some of you may remember that I already owned a really nice road bike — an [...]
Pingback by Reductio ad Absurdum | 11.18.2009 | 7:39 pm
[...] of you may recall that this summer I got an Orbea Orca with Shimano Di2 components. And some of you may remember that I already owned a really nice road bike — an [...]
Pingback by Reductio ad Absurdum | Dyna Fat Loss | 11.18.2009 | 8:01 pm
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