"Long live lightweight construction": Orbea heralds its new lightweight Orbea Orca model with these words. A look at the weight specifications of the manufacturer from Mallabia in the centre of the Basque Country makes it clear why the new model is being announced so euphorically. Thanks to consistent weight tuning, Orbea is putting a competition bike on the tyres that weighs 6.7 kilograms in the high-end version and should therefore just undercut the limit set by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
Orbea Orca: The most important facts at a glance
- Weight of complete wheel: 6.7 kilograms (Orca M11eLTD PWR)
- Carbon frame: Two quality levels (OMX and OMR)
- Frame weight (size 53): 750 grams (OMX), 1030 grams (OMR)
- Fork weight (size 53): 360 grams (OMX), 410 grams (OMR)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 572/391 millimetres/1.46
- Maximum tyre clearance: 32 millimetres
- Frame sizes: 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 60
- Prices: 3399 to 10999 Euro
Orbea has opted for a new layup process in frame construction that uses fewer carbon mats, so-called prepregs. According to Orbea, up to 90 fewer prepregs are required for the high-quality OMX frame than for its predecessor. As a result, the frame is 80 grams lighter than the sixth generation and the fork should save 20 grams. For a frame of the highest carbon quality and size 53, the Spaniards claim 750 grams. The simpler OMR version weighs 1030 grams.
Orbea Orca: in-house add-on parts
Selected in-house components round off the overall lightweight construction concept. The carbon wheels come from Oquo, Orbea's new sub-brand. The stem and handlebars from OC Components are also developed in-house and should help to keep the lightest complete bike under 6.8 kilograms. Even the paintwork, which is also done in-house and can be customised via the MyO design platform, should save a few grams.
Where it says lightweight construction on the label, the question inevitably arises as to whether the filigree carbon tubes are also stiff enough to withstand the highest loads. Orbea answers this question with the so-called Powerspine technology. This means that the head tube, down tube and chain stays are designed to be particularly rigid.
Cosmetic corrections to the geometry
When it comes to the geometry of the Orbea Orca, the bike manufacturer on the north Spanish Atlantic coast has left it at cosmetic changes compared to the old model. A slightly shorter wheelbase is intended to make the Orca more agile, while the seating position is moderate. Tyres up to 32 millimetres wide are intended to increase suspension comfort; the Orca comes with 28-millimetre tyres from Vittoria as standard. In addition, the seat post clamp has been moved from the side to the rear end of the seat post - which, along with the newly designed fork and integrated cable routing, should help to save a few watts.
The new Orbea Orca will make its first major appearance at the Tour de France Femmes (23 to 30 July), as the German Ceratizit team will be equipped by the Basque manufacturer. The Orca is initially available in twelve equipment variants - with some confusing model names.
Electric drivetrains from Shimano and SRAM
The M11, M10, M21, M20, M31 and M30 versions are based on the lightweight OMX frame and cost between €5799 and €10999. The M21, M20, M31, M35 and M30 versions come with the heavier OMR frame at prices between 3399 and 6599 euros. All models shift electronically with Shimano or SRAM, labelled in the product name with either an "i" for Shimano or "e" for SRAM. In addition, the different wheel variants LTD, Team (both carbon) and Pro (aluminium) are hidden in the model name.
Julian Schultz
Editor
