Road Bikes: High End

When it comes to racing, you want a superlight bike that can also handle massive amounts of power. These three bikes are up to the challenge of racing at any level.

::GEARBOX
Orca – $8,369
Orbea
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The top-of-the-line model in the Orbea lineup has been largely updated for 2010 with a new tapered head tube and the BB30 bottom bracket standard. The bike of the Euskaltel-Euskadi ProTour team is outfitted with size-specific carbon technology and a new carbon layup. As with all of the Orbea models, the Orca is built-to-order using the company’s customization program, which allows for literally thousands of build combinations. Our tester was built with SRAM Red components, Reynolds Attack carbon clinchers and Orbea’s Zeus brand cockpit parts.

BMC Team Machine – $5,500 (frameset)::GEARBOX
Team Machine – $5,500
BMC
13027

At just 930 grams for the 55cm model, BMC’s Flagship Team Machine SLR 01 is lighter and stiffer for 2010. Like the rest of the BMC lineup, the Team Machine is brought into Canada as a frameset only, but can be built to any specs a customer would like. The unique seat stay/seat tube  junction isn’t just for looks, it helps improve vertical compliance while the thin stays provide some extra vibration damping. The Team Machine also uses an all new carbon fork and a BB30 crankset. With a full SRAM Red drivetrain and Easton EA90 wheels, the complete bike sells for $8,900.

Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 – $12,499

::GEARBOX
TCR Advanced SL O – $12,499
Giant
13028

Plain and simply, this is a gorgeous bicycle. As ridden by Team Rabobank (and available in a Team Rabo version), the top-end TCR Advanced features Giant’s massive rectangular down tube, an integrated seat mast, asymmetrical stays, tapered head tube and the company’s compact road geometry. Since the SL 0 is spec’d with the full Shimano Di2 electronic groupset, the frame was built specifically for that system. Zipp 404s with Michelin Pro Race3 tires are stock, as is a Fi’zi:k Arione Saddle and Giant’s Contact SLR carbon handlebar and stem.