[Ranger Pride]

I had a chance to play around in the parking lot on a Orbea 29er today. Compared to my Paragon it seemed to handle a little quicker. The specs in the catalog seem similar. The head tube angle is the same according to the catalog.

If anyone else has ridden the Orbea and noticed this I would like to get some feedback.

 

[Cloxxki]

The BB height difference is huge. That may be what your feeling was hinting at. Of course most bikes have slight difference to specs which can throw differences either way.

 

[fred-da-trog]

I had a chance to play around in the parking lot on a Orbea 29er today. Compared to my Paragon it seemed to handle a little quicker. The specs in the catalog seem similar. The head tube angle is the same according to the catalog.

If anyone else has ridden the Orbea and noticed this I would like to get some feedback.

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I too was in your dilema a two months ago. I ended up with the Paragon. I never had a chance to pre-ride the Orbea. I was persuaded by the price. They seemed to be basically the same bike,(frame specs and parts mix) but the Paragon was $500 cheaper.

The Fisher customer service was also a deciding factor.

My only dislike so far is the rear hub, (poor ratchet engagement) but both Orbea and Paragon use the Onyx. I'm sure it would be fine for non-technical trails.

The more I ride and get used to my first 29er, the more I love it.

EDIT: Ranger Pride, just noticed by your profile, you already have a Paragon. Do have a reason to switch, you'd like to share?
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[ekoostick]

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EDIT: Ranger Pride, just noticed by your profile, you already have a Paragon. Do have a reason to switch, you'd like to share?
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I don't get from his post that he wanted to switch. He was just looking at geometrys on paper and comparing the rides and why, from the geometry, the Orbea was quicker handling.

I ordered the Orbea after talking to the US guys in Arkansas. I don't know how you say that Fisher can have better customer service when you actually get a real voice when you call someone. They talked to me for about 15 minutes and two of the guys there rode a 29r all last year. They seemed pretty darn knowledgeable about the frame changes and part recomendations. Plus the hand painted/hand welded Spainish made frame is worth $500 more to me any day of the week.

 

[Cloxxki]

Really Spanish built? Painted I believe.
If the frame is the only difference, I'd never get the Orbea. The Fisher is a splendid frame. Compliant and extremely trailworthy. Paint awesome looking at least to me. Similar weight too. $500 more than a Fisher frame is worth, and you have a Niner Scandium frame or a custom steel one with special paint job.
Other downside for the Orbea : lacking tire clearance. Unless you're okay with 2.1" max tires, at least judging from pics posted on here. The Fisher is much better at that, 2.3" not a problem at all.