Orbea Orca, A Good Buy?

John Turner in California has seen a Orbea Orca in good condition and wants our view on whether he would be buying it at a good price. We have a look at the Orca, but of course we can’t see the actual bike he is thinking of buying, here are our thoughts on the Orbea Orca

Question:
I found someone selling a 2005 Orbea Orca in great condition for $ 1,500. (I live in California). Is it a good buy?

Sincerely,
John.

Hi John,

It does seem a good buy; you don’t say what the equipment that is fitted? I’ve seen Orbea Orca’s with Ultegra, with Dura-Ace and with a mix of components including Orbea’s own branded Zeus parts.

If the bike has Shimano Dura-Ace and it is in good condition then I would buy it at that price, if it is a mix of components, Dura-Ace/Ultegra and branded parts that are also in good condition, then it is still a good buy.

If the components are below Shimano 105 or a mix of 105 and branded goods, then I would take a good look at the bike and then make your decision. Remember to inspect the frame closely, look for any scratches, feel if they are deep into the carbon; if the carbon is damaged in any way don’t buy the bike. The places to make the closest inspection is the forks, the chainstay where the chain may have slipped and cut into the frame, all the joints and at the top of the seat tube as this is where the seat pin can move in the tube damaging the carbon weave.

The Orbea Orca is a very nice bike, rides well and has a classy, unique design to the frame, if this bike is as good as you say and has good equipment, and then it is well worth buying. Good luck John.