Ronald wants to buy an Orbea Aqua but wants enough seat pin showing to make the bike look stylish. We run through the measurements of the frame and Ronald’s in side leg and shows why he should have a good amount of seat pin on show. We also discuss the different Aqua models and equipment.

Question:
Am looking at the 2008 Orbea Aqua, size 48, for my next road bike. I am short at 5′3″ with an inseam of 28″. Will the bike fit me right? I want my bike to have sufficient seat post exposure to look good. Thanks.

Hi Ronald,

Nice choice, the Orbea’s are looking great these days and are a lot lighter than they used to be and are now competitive with all the other carbon frames on the market and now they have an Olympic champion in Samuel Sanchez, so very nice.

The Orbea Aqua size 48 is the smallest of the range, but it will fit many leg lengths due to the slopping top tube. The 48 comes from the virtual length of the seat tube, meaning the length the seat tube would be if the top tube was horizontal. The actual length from the middle of the bottom bracket to the middle of the top tube is 43 cm’s. Your inside leg is 28 inches which measures in at slightly over 70 cm’s. With these measurements you should have a good handful of seat pin showing, your only problem will be to choose which model of Orbea Aqua will you buy?

Aqua Measurements

Orbea’s Aqua TDI

Built with a hydroformed, triangular, top tube, the double-butted aluminum frame has lightness and agility. The frame has a carbon fork and seat stays for vibration-damping comfort that lets you ride more comfortably for longer distances. The Campagnolo Mirage components are not the best but of great quality for the price and Mavic’s Aksium wheels finish off the package.

Aqua TDI

Orbea’s Aqua TDF

The TDF is basically the same frame as the TDI with a hydroformed, triangular, top tube and double-butted aluminum frame and carbon forks and seat stays. The kit is from Shimano’s Ultegra SL and these components are higher quality and lighter than the Campagnolo Mirage, but the Mavic’s Aksium wheels are the same as the TDI.

Aqua TDF

Custom Build

Some bike shops maybe able to offer a custom build on the Orbea Aqua frame, then you can have the choice of components and wheels, but this will give you more problems choosing your equipment. The answer to your question is that the frame should give you a fair amount of seat pin with the slopping frame design.