The New Hog- Orbea Ordu

I have written this post about 15 times as while most of my team members are still anxiously waiting for their new Ordu's, I was lucky enough to drive my car into a parking garage with 4 bikes on the roof which left me 'bikeless.' So, the great people at Timex, Orbea and Shimano took pity on me and hooked it up. I have to give a quick but huge thank you out to the entire team of sponsors as they were extremely understanding and supportive while I was going a little crazy. Also, this post signifies a few 'firsts' for me-

1. First post as a member of Team Timex (I hope I'm doing this right)
2. First post about my new sweet new ride, Orbea Ordu
3. First time in 6 years I am riding a new brand TT bike with a completely new setup

So, here goes-

Let me start by committing a cardinal sin, I am going to address the 'bear in the room'. A lot of forum banter has centered around the Ordu, it's geometry, how it rides, etc. I was nervous and skeptical after reading these reviews as well. For anyone who still has concerns, I have one word of advice- go ride the Ordu; that is what I did. In the past 2 weeks, I have put about 29 hours on this bike testing it in every way imaginable, long climbs in the Santa Monica mountains, flats, power intervals, trainer sessions, descents, and I could not be happier. Truth be told, I have actually found that although my position is less aggressive right now(due to recent injuries), I am in a more powerful position than before and am more comfortable running off the bike as well. This is in part due to Steve from PV Bike as he is a true master in the art of fitting and has really helped dial me in and just due to how this bike rides. If you are ever in Southern California, I highly recommend a trip to see him. Back to the bike- It is very stiff in the bottom bracket, super responsive and really gets rolling. Right now I am running the forward seat post with a 100mm stem. It puts me out over the bike but just about where I would be on my previous setup. As a frame of reference I have a long torso and short legs.

Shimano Di2... what can I say beyond- EXTRAORDINARY!!! I think that once anyone rides with Di2, they will never go back to standard shifting. I have tried every way possible to make it fail and I can not. It is very smooth, extremely responsive and just a treat. I love having shifters on the pursuit bars for when you are out of your aerobars and being able to shift both front and rear at the same time is pretty fantastic. Couple this setup with the Pro bars and I feel like my entire setup is just too good!! Truth be told, I am feeling very spoiled as the setup that Orbea, Shimano and Timex put together for us, is much better equipped and has more advanced technology and research put into it than my other mode of transportation:

Product Review- Spira Stinger Elite

SPIRA Stinger Elite-  The ‘Banned’ Shoe that should be in any serious runners race day bag

http://www.spirafootwear.com/products_running_mens_StingerSRR103.php

The Spira Stinger Elite is not really banned and it is under debate whether it was actually really banned or not… The point of this review is not to delve into this issue but more importantly, to give a resounding “Heck Yeah this is a GREAT Shoe” review.  I admit, I was somewhat hesitant to switch from my normal training and race day shoes (Asics Gel Kayano and Asics Gel Bandito for 6+ years) but I was intrigued by this shoe and the technology behind it.  So, how did it fare:

 

The Test(s):  I ran in this shoe a total of 6 times with a combination of track workouts, street tempo runs and a Half Marathon which was 8 miles of some very extreme trail running and 5+ miles of pavement.  You ask, why run with this shoe on a trail run marathon… well- I was testing the shoe in all conditions.  Here’s how it performed:

 

On the road and track, the shoe is a gem, super lightweight (not the lightest in the bag but one of the lightest in it’s category), supportive and no blisters without socks.  I opted to replace the laces with lace locks and was happy with my decision.  The cushioning is much more then what you would expect in a lightweight trainer but I still would not use it as my everyday training shoe- nor is it intended to do so.  The shoe is very comfortable and the inside upper almost felt like a skateboard shoe when I first put it on(the old airwalk style).

 

On the trail- the shoe performed equally as well. I found my foot slipping from time to time where I was worried about coming through the front of the shoe (the trail running was very hilly with some narly descents) but the shoe held up great and provided all of the support I needed- Disclaimer: I had the laces yanked down pretty tight.   Unlike other lightweight trainers, I did not miss the extra cushioning or motion stability on the trails, ascents or descents.  

 Verdict- Great Race Day Shoe from everything from a 5k to a Half Marathon.  I am sure it would hold up great and provide great cushioning in a full marathon but I can not comment as of yet as it is not part of my experience.

•  Fit: True to Size
• Cushioning- Best out of the lightweight trainer / race day shoes I have used
• Socks or No Socks: Either way
• Support- No Motion control support but the shoe holds up well
• Distance:  Up to Half Marathon