The Opal TDA, Orbea’s version of the affordable racing machine, is far from a carbon copy of the pro-level Orca we tested last year. This Basque beauty is sleeker looking, less complicated, and, in an age of molded monotony, the carbon-fiber Opal still manages to present a unique profile. We’ll chalk it up to Spanish blood, and the mysterious Basques, most of whom are born with furious cycling genetics.
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| If you are looking for a race-ready machine for $3,000, the Opal TDA should be high on your list. | THE FRAME
Opal frames use a slightly sloping top tube, which eases them into the comfort class without the exaggerated look of an old-guy touring bike. In fact, this is the frame of choice for most of Orbea’s pro team. The top layer of the Opal is an attractive, 12K bias-weave carbon tape, highlighted with tasteful two-tone graphics. The conservative profile of the M30S-carbon frame belies a host of subtle treatments that are used to add stiffness in specific areas without sucking the life out of its ride quality. At the head tube junction, subtle spines are molded into the top and downtube, and the seat mast area is a lug-type arrangement. An integrated headset and semi-aero-profile all-carbon fork blend nicely with the curved head tube area. Reverse-bend seat and chainstays have molded buttons near the bottom bracket, and reinforcement bulges at the bonded aluminum dropouts. Run your fingers over the Opal’s frame and it comes to life.
THE NUMBERS
Our 54-centimeter-sized Opal TDA weighed 18.1 pounds. The frame geometry is near-conventional with a 72.6-degree head angle, 73.2-degree seat angle and 408-millimeter chainstays. An 110-millimeter stem seemed perfectly matched to the frame, which rides like a short, 56-centimeter level-top tube model. Frame sizes are sold in 48, 51, 54, 57 and 60-centimeter increments, and Orbea offers the Opal with blue, yellow and red graphics.
THE PARTS
No sleight-of-hand spec here. Orbea chose Shimano’s new Ultegra SL group (the near-equal to Dura-Ace) to outfit the Opal TDA from front to back. The cranks uses conventional, 53x39 chainrings, and with a 12 x 25-tooth cassette, it is geared for a get-down-to-business riding style. The Opal TDA rolls on Mavic’s midlevel Askium Race wheels and Vittoria Rubino tires. In the Opal’s office, Orbea has revived the Zeus brand—a once-famous Spanish component maker that pioneered titanium freewheels and cutting-edge lightweight components. Zeus round-profile aluminum handlebars, are clamped by a matching aluminum, four-bolt stem. The saddle is a TI-rail Selle Italia SLK, perched on a Kalloy carbon-fiber post.
THE RIDE
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| Orbea brings back the once heralded Zeus brand, including their round profile aluminum bars and four-bolt stem on the Opal TDA. |
Some bikes have it, some don’t. The Opal TDA rides every bit like a pro racing machine, which surprised us, quite frankly, because its 18.1-pound weight figure exactly matches that of other machines that feel heavy and less responsive. By contrast, the Orbea jumps forward with a quick stab on the pedals, and accelerates with boundless energy. Its handlebar fits its get-moving personality, and the frame feels alive and responsive while cornering, and when playing cat-and-mouse in the peloton. Despite its tall gearing, climbing with the Opal is quite effective, and transitions from seated to standing feel natural and efficient. When descending, the frame and its components take the edge off road chatter without disconnecting the rider from what’s going on beneath its fast-rolling tires. The first kilometer aboard the Selle Italia saddle feels like sitting on a plywood wedge, but eventually, the padding conforms to the rider’s anatomy and metamorphoses into a very comfortable perch. Special mention goes to the Orbea’s inexpensive carbon seatpost, which is equipped with a second clamp to ensure that the post will not work its way down in the frame (a reoccurring carbon-frame problem). The tiny clamp also remembers your original saddle height should you experiment with a taller setting for climbing.
THE VERDICT
Orbea scores a win with the Opal TDA. If you want to spend more, they offer the same frame in a variety of build options. For anyone who wants a racing-bike feel and matching performance from a $3000-dollar machine, the Opal will be tough to beat. It is a no-nonsense performer with a flair for speed.
Price: $3199
Weight: 18.1 pounds (54cm frame without pedals)
Contact: www.orbea-usa.com |