Expert Rating: 9.7 ( 3 Reviews )
9.8
Global Cycling Network
Sep 26, 2023
Orbea's new generation Orca defies the trend of more aerodynamic road bikes, focusing instead on being an incredibly lightweight and nimble climbing machine
9.8
Overall Rating
Orbea's new generation Orca defies the trend of more aerodynamic road bikes, focusing instead on being an incredibly lightweight and nimble climbing machine
10
Weight
The Orbea Orca is designed to be exceptionally lightweight, with the top-end OMX model frame weighing just 750 grams, and the fork weighing 360 grams. The more affordable OMR model frame weighs 1030 grams.
9
Aerodynamics
The Orbea Orca is designed to prioritize lightweight performance over pure aerodynamics.
10
Pedaling Efficiency
Orbea's goal with the Orca is to provide efficient power transmission, making it feel like a rocket ship under powerful climbers. The bike's stiffness and design contribute to efficient pedaling. The bike's frame is designed to be stiff, especially in the areas of the down tube, bottom bracket, and chainstays, to maximize power transfer and climbing efficiency.
10
Design
Orbea has shortened the chainstays to improve the bike's nimbleness and responsiveness. The bike features a unique tube junction design, departing from the trend of drop seat stays.
9.5
Comfort
The bike's top tube, bottom bracket, and chainstays are designed to ensure efficient power transfer and a responsive feel.
10
Handling
The Orca offers precise handling with a focus on climbing, making it ideal for riders who prioritize responsive handling and agility.
9.7
Cycling Weekly
Sep 26, 2023
The Orbea Orca presents itself as a specialized climbing road bike with an emphasis on lightweight construction and responsive handling
9.7
Overall Rating
The Orbea Orca presents itself as a specialized climbing road bike with an emphasis on lightweight construction and responsive handling
10
Weight
The flagship omx frame weighs just 750 grams, making Orbea Orca exceptionally lightweight.
9
Aerodynamics
The Orbea Orca is designed to be a lightweight climbing road bike rather than an aerodynamic powerhouse.
10
Pedaling Efficiency
The bike is designed for efficient power transmission, aiming to provide a responsive ride. The frame is engineered for stiffness, aiming to ensure efficient power transfer.
9.5
Design
Design changes include reducing excess epoxy, minimizing carbon overlaps, and rounding off tube shapes.
9.5
Comfort
The myo customization program allows customers to choose components for a tailored fit and comfort.
10
Handling
The bike is snappy under acceleration and direct in corners, emphasizing agility.
9.7
MTB Castellon
Sep 26, 2023
Orbea's 2024 Orca range targets climbers with its emphasis on shedding weight and enhancing climbing capabilities.
9.7
Overall Rating
Orbea's 2024 Orca range targets climbers with its emphasis on shedding weight and enhancing climbing capabilities.
10
Weight
The flagship model weighs 6.7 kilograms, while the Orbea Orca m30i weighs approximately 7.8 kilograms.
9
Aerodynamics
The Orbea Orca 2024 is designed with a focus on climbing performance, rather than prioritizing aerodynamics.
10
Pedaling Efficiency
The Orbea Orca focuses on maximizing climbing performance with lightweight construction and stiffness. The frame is engineered to maintain stiffness while reducing weight.
9.5
Design
The seat post clamp uses a single screw at the rear and is covered by a rubber piece. Carbon options include OMX (lighter, more responsive) and OMR (slightly heavier, more comfortable).
9.5
Comfort
The OMX version prioritizes weight reduction and responsiveness, while the OMR offers a bit more comfort.
10
Handling
The bike is designed for climbing, emphasizing lightweight and agility.
Eager for more information about the Orbea Orca? You’re in for a treat as I unveil the juicy bits I found in those three YouTube videos led by industry experts. They began by delving into the Orca’s sophisticated aerodynamic design, explaining how every curve and contour is engineered to minimize wind resistance, thereby enhancing speed and efficiency. The bike’s lightweight carbon frame was another focal point, celebrated for its perfect blend of stiffness and agility, which contributes to its exceptional handling and responsiveness, particularly during climbs and sprints. I’ll simplify it so you can grasp it effortlessly.
Weight
Let’s kick things off with the weight of the Orbea Orca. This bike is designed to be exceptionally lightweight. The top-end OMX model frame is a featherweight champion, coming in at a mere 750 grams, while the fork adds just 360 grams to the mix. If you’re eyeing the more affordable OMR model, the frame tips the scales at 1030 grams. But wait, there’s more. The flagship model as a whole weighs in at a svelte 6.7 kilograms, while the Orbea Orca m30i is approximately 7.8 kilograms. This bike knows how to shed the pounds, that’s for sure.
Aerodynamics
Now, let’s talk aerodynamics. The Orbea Orca isn’t here to win any pure aerodynamics awards. Its main focus is on lightweight performance. This bike is all about conquering climbs and tackling ascents with ease. If you’re in the market for an aerodynamic powerhouse, you might want to look elsewhere. The Orca is all about that nimble and agile climbing experience.
Pedaling Efficiency/Frame Stiffness
Orbea has a clear goal in mind with the Orca – efficient power transmission. They’ve crafted this bike to feel like a rocket ship under powerful climbers. How? Well, it’s all about that stiffness. The frame is designed to be stiff in all the right places, including the down tube, bottom bracket, and chainstays. This maximizes power transfer and climbing efficiency. It’s a bike that responds to your every pedal stroke, propelling you forward with gusto.
Design
Design-wise, Orbea has made some interesting choices with the Orca. They’ve shortened the chainstays to boost the bike’s nimbleness and responsiveness. The bike also boasts a unique tube junction design, which sets it apart from the crowd and departs from the trend of drop seat stays. These changes aren’t just for show; they contribute to the bike’s overall performance.
Additionally, design changes go beyond aesthetics. Orbea has taken steps to reduce excess epoxy, minimize carbon overlaps, and round off tube shapes. It’s all part of the effort to make this bike as light and nimble as possible. And if you’re looking for customization, the myo program allows you to tailor components for a personalized fit and added comfort. The Orca comes in two flavors: OMX prioritizes weight reduction and responsiveness, while OMR offers a tad more comfort.
Comfort
While the Orca is all about power and performance, comfort isn’t forgotten. The top tube, bottom bracket, and chainstays are all designed to ensure efficient power transfer while maintaining a responsive feel. Orbea’s myo customization program also gives you the chance to choose components that suit your comfort preferences. It’s a bike that doesn’t compromise on your ride experience.
Handling
Handling is where the Orca truly shines. It offers precise handling with a clear focus on climbing. This makes it an ideal choice for riders who prioritize responsive handling and agility. The bike feels snappy under acceleration and direct in corners, emphasizing its agility. It’s a bike designed with climbing in mind, with its lightweight construction and agility at the forefront.
Overall Notes
In a world where aerodynamics often take the spotlight, Orbea’s new generation Orca stands out by defying the trend. It’s not out to win any aerodynamic contests; instead, it’s all about being an incredibly lightweight and nimble climbing machine. The Orbea Orca proudly presents itself as a specialized climbing road bike, with a clear emphasis on lightweight construction and highly responsive handling. Orbea’s 2024 Orca range is targeting climbers by shedding weight and enhancing climbing capabilities. If you’re the type of rider who yearns for the thrill of the ascent, the Orca might just be your perfect partner.
Curious to see how the Orbea Orca bike compares to others? Explore our comprehensive guides for an in-depth analysis of top-quality bicycles designed to meet various cycling requirements and preferences. Inside these guides, you’ll encounter a diverse array of excellent options tailored to your liking, along with helpful resources to support you in making a well-informed decision.
So what do you think about the Orbea Orca? Leave your own review and let us know.
John