Just for kicks - given the choice of the following two frames, which one would you go for? I don't want to waste anyone's time, so let me say that this is more of a poll than a request for advice. When it comes down to decision time, I'm perfectly capable and knowledgeable enough to pick the "right" frame for me.

One of the primary decision factors in the "which frame" debate is largely moot here anyway, because they are both carbon fiber frames. I'm also not interested in endless discussions of geometry or mind-numbing math, so let's assume for the moment that either one would fit and feel just right. And just to remove any meaningful basis for comparison, lets assume price, componentry and performance to be equal.

Yep, I'm talking looks, image, social status, coolness quotient, impulse type preferences. In other words, generally all the wrong factors on which to base frame choice.

So, on a completely cosmetic, superficial basis - which one would you jump at? The history and classic beauty of the C40, or the less common, sexy "new kid on the block" Orbea Orca?

Crankist points out some important missing info - the Orbea comes in four color schemes, including an almost pyrotechnic Euskaltel Team orange, blue and carbon!

Orbea, 'caus the stem's been cut.
Oh, and I do really like the sculpted look as well. Problem is the paint is a total bore. With a color statement such as emerald green fade to something, it's a no-doubter.

orbea, in the euskatel team colors.

-rob

If you're going to have a plastic bike, at least make it look real - from a distance.

TF

If you're going to have a plastic bike, at least make it look real - from a distance.

TF

already in my "stable", I guess I'm ready to expand my horizons, and let's face it - carbon is here to stay. Plastic perhaps, but a very intriguing plastic. Of course, I don't have any ti either, so I'll probably end up buying a Litespeed! :)

Just for kicks - given the choice of the following two frames, which one would you go for? I don't want to waste anyone's time, so let me say that this is more of a poll than a request for advice. When it comes down to decision time, I'm perfectly capable and knowledgeable enough to pick the "right" frame for me.

One of the primary decision factors in the "which frame" debate is largely moot here anyway, because they are both carbon fiber frames. I'm also not interested in endless discussions of geometry or mind-numbing math, so let's assume for the moment that either one would fit and feel just right. And just to remove any meaningful basis for comparison, lets assume price, componentry and performance to be equal.

Yep, I'm talking looks, image, social status, coolness quotient, impulse type preferences. In other words, generally all the wrong factors on which to base frame choice.

So, on a completely cosmetic, superficial basis - which one would you jump at? The history and classic beauty of the C40, or the less common, sexy "new kid on the block" Orbea Orca?

Crankist points out some important missing info - the Orbea comes in four color schemes, including an almost pyrotechnic Euskatel Team orange, blue and carbon!

I also vote for the Orbea.

already in my "stable", I guess I'm ready to expand my horizons, and let's face it - carbon is here to stay. Plastic perhaps, but a very intriguing plastic. Of course, I don't have any ti either, so I'll probably end up buying a Litespeed! :)

Me - 3 Ti, 2 steel, 2 Al. Wife - 1 Ti, 1 Al. Also have 1 Ti, 1 steel, and 1 Al unbuilt frames. No plastic, but if you were to donate a DeRosa Cinquanta to my stable, it could stay.

Agree that carbon is the future (actually the present). Wonder what the next big change will be? Amorphous metal? Will there be retro-grouches who won't give up their carbon? Or will it be developed outside of France and be outlawed by the UCI?

TF

TurboTurtle said "Wonder what the next big change will be? Amorphous metal?"

I see road bikes following the current suspension trend in mountain biking (with a twist). With MTBs right now the rage is "stable platform" suspension - that is, suspension that doesn't bob when pedaling but still soaks up bumps on the trail.

Perhaps road bikes will adapt this technology and utilize carbon frames that can stiffen when a rider stands to sprint (for instance) and become a tab more flexible when the rider isn't putting the power down or to absorb rougher roads.

On the basis of looks alone - the C40 - no question. Sure the Orbea looks nice now. But in a year's time it will look dated and a 'fad bike'. The lines of the C40 look as good as they have ever done.

On the basis of performance would you rather have a bike with almost ten years worth of feedback from some of the best pro riders in the world, whose geometry and construction have been proven time and time again from Liege to Langkawi? Or would you prefer the Orbea?

CC

I vote for the Orbea Orca, I mean it's a whale of a bike.

Sorry had to said.

Just for kicks - given the choice of the following two frames, which one would you go for? I don't want to waste anyone's time, so let me say that this is more of a poll than a request for advice. When it comes down to decision time, I'm perfectly capable and knowledgeable enough to pick the "right" frame for me.

One of the primary decision factors in the "which frame" debate is largely moot here anyway, because they are both carbon fiber frames. I'm also not interested in endless discussions of geometry or mind-numbing math, so let's assume for the moment that either one would fit and feel just right. And just to remove any meaningful basis for comparison, lets assume price, componentry and performance to be equal.

Yep, I'm talking looks, image, social status, coolness quotient, impulse type preferences. In other words, generally all the wrong factors on which to base frame choice.

So, on a completely cosmetic, superficial basis - which one would you jump at? The history and classic beauty of the C40, or the less common, sexy "new kid on the block" Orbea Orca?

Crankist points out some important missing info - the Orbea comes in four color schemes, including an almost pyrotechnic Euskaltel Team orange, blue and carbon!

In a different color though. I like the brighter blue

there are fewer of them out there...

I have to admit I really like the Orbea, maybe because it's just different from what I ride everyday. But, maybe a better comparision is the Orca and the Carbonissimo. Now, that would be a truly difficult choice for me...

I'd choose the Colnago because it looks nicer, and like someone else said the other one looks like a fad design and will age quickly. It looks like they've tried too hard.

It's hard to believe that anyone with the class to have a Bianchi RC 'crosser would be looking at either of those things--especially the Orbea. (Something about those contours reminds me of Donald Trump's hair...) You should definitely go for the Litespeed. ...and send me the Bianchi.

I went for a Merckx Majestic. Titanium, made by Litespeed, but with Eddy's "Century Geometry." Gee, I wonder if it will make me happy. :)

Afraid I'll have to hold on to the Bianchi, though. Can't get my Michelin Mud's on the Merckx.

"Afraid I'll have to hold on to the Bianchi, though. Can't get my Michelin Mud's on the Merckx."

I'm not forgetting that you bequeathed it to me a few months ago...

but - I'm not dead yet. :)