You never know what you're going to get when trying out new gear these days, but it's pretty cool when you pull a bike out of the crate and it is so good looking you just have to stare at for a while. I'm a function over form guy personally, but I also appreciate a beautiful bike.
The bicycle I'm referring to is the Orbea Aletta Dura-Ace model in the Corsa Blue color scheme and it is quite attractive. The welds on the aluminum front end are excellent and the paint reflects an attention to detail that I'd like to see from more bike manufacturers. That front end is mated to a carbon rear triangle that does a fine job of laying down power with control. The parts kit is impressive as well (see below). At near $3000, you expect good parts and the Aletta does not disappoint. The parts lists notes Zeus Pro brakes but our review bike arrived with Ultegra 6500 brakes. The FSA Mega-Exo SLK cranks are beautiful and while I'd personally rather have the Dura-Ace cranks, the FSAs are a fine substitution that some would consider an upgrade.
The Aletta employs the currently in-vogue 76 degree seat tube angle which is what I prefer. Just steep enough to save the legs for the run, shallow enough for good balance and climbing in the saddle. Plus, at 76 degrees, you have the freedom to go a bit shallower or steeper in a usable range if the mood strikes you without swapping seat posts.
So, the first impression from a visual standpoint was positive. How about the first impression while turning the pedals? After my normal, not too obsessive set up routine, I hopped on and started to pedal. The absolute, first thought that hit me was "lively". As I climbed the first short steep hill, I could tell the bottom bracket would be to my liking as well - laterally stiff. I'm not small and I make decent power so I prefer a bike that is firm in the bottom bracket.
Over the next few rides, I was able to experience the Aletta in varying conditions. It climbs surprising well both in and out of the saddle, descends with confidence even in the aero bars and, most importantly, rolls along the flats quite nicely. One might be concerned about an aluminum bike being harsh and, certainly, some are. The Aletta does a very good job of giving you the lively, quick feel that is desirable in a light weight aluminum frame without much road buzz at all. I would imagine that is a combination of the carbon rear end and the Zeus Aero Fork along with good design and construction technique. The stock Michelin Pro Race tires are also some of the most supple tires on the market and that can make a difference in ride comfort too.
Usually, on an off the shelf bike, there is a part or two that is obviously on the bike just to increase the profit margin to the manufacturer. It's the pieces that are normally not noticed by any but the most technologically geekish or the seasoned bike buyers among us (I'm both) - front dérailleur, cassette, chain, bottom bracket etc. There are no such parts on this bike. Read the parts list; it's good stuff from top to bottom.
Here's another surprise, the frame isn't built in China or Taiwan but Spain. Don't get me wrong, there are some nice bikes coming out of the far east but this Orbea (and the Orca that Kevin is currently riding) represent an artisans approach to frame construction that is above the mass production we are all becoming accustom to. I understand engineering a bike at home and producing it where decent production is less expensive, but there is a difference in the craftsmanship and details of the Aletta and those differences come through in ride quality that matches aluminum and carbon frames costing hundreds of dollars more.
Here's my only real complaint with the stock Aletta - I don't like the American Classic wheels. I went over the bike well before riding it the first time to check the alignment of parts, cable tension and so on, but during the first two rides I kept hearing rubbing noise while pedaling. I'd stop and check everything only to find nothing wrong; but as soon as I'd begin to ride again the noise returned. Finally, while riding, I reached back and opened the rear brake caliper all the way and the noise stopped. I checked the wheel and found that it was true, yet the noise continued. It turns out, the American Classic 420s are just soft. They flex a great deal under even modest torque. I believe this is due to two factors in the design. First, in an effort to lower the rotational weight of the wheel, the rim walls are very thin. This lowers the weight and most likely reduces the service life and durability of the wheel. Second, in order to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the wheel the rim narrows sharply making the spoke bed very narrow which reduces the rim's ability to resist lateral flex.
From a stock wheel perspective, the American Classics are light and a step above what you might normally find in the this price range, but if you weigh more than 150 pounds I think you'll find them too soft. Overall, even with the stock wheels, I found power transfer to be quite good. However, I hooked up a pair of Topolino's fabulous Revelation C19s and the Aletta really responded. The American Classics were a weak spot when hooked to a firm frame. With a set of wheels that can really lay down the watts, the potential of the frame shines. So, save the AC 420s for training and do what you want to do anyway - buy a nice set of race wheels.
The bottom line is that if I had spent my hard earned money on this bike, I would feel very good about the purchase and the bike I bought for the money. As an added bonus, I wouldn't see one on every rack at the next race. I suggest you check out the Aletta should you find yourself in the market for a tri bike. It also comes in an Ultegra model, representing an even more attractive value.
Mark
Component Listing from the Orbea web site:
Fork: Zeus Aero Fork
Headset: FSA Orbit
Bar: Profile Design Alumin X
Stem: Profile Design Hammer
Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace (10)
Brakes: Zeus Pro w Tektro Levers
Seatpost: Profile Aero Carbon
Saddle: Selle Italia Nova Tri
Wheels: American Classic 420
Tires: Michelin Pro ² Race
Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace
Crankset: FSA SLK Carbon Mega-Exo
Bottom Bracket: FSA Mega-Exo
Derailleur (F): Shimano Dura-Ace
Derailleur (R): Shimano Dura-Ace
Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace
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