Orbea unveils updated Orca road bike

Orbea has revealed an updated version of its Orca road bike – the Orca OMX, which is available exclusively with hydraulic disc brakes.

“Sixteen years of evolution have enabled Orca to reach a level never before imagined when it comes to weight, stiffness, integration, aerodynamics and customisable style,” says Orbea. “This is a bike for athletes who are not defined as sprinters, riders or climbers, but for riders who want a bike to do everything.”

The new OMX carbon frame – disc brake only, remember – has a claimed weight of 833g (size 53cm).

“One of the frame’s biggest changes is the new shape of the tubes, more aerodynamic than ever, but without reaching a ratio that compromises its featherweight agility,” says Orbea.

“Add to this the Freeflow fork, with more open legs, and the fall in the seatstays, and you get an improved Orca that’s 10% more aerodynamic compared to the previous generation.”

Orbea hasn’t given any more aero details than that, so make what you will of that claim. While we’re talking stats, the brand says that the frame is 15% stiffer than previously – presumably referring to a combination of bottom bracket and head tube measurements, although Orbea hasn’t given details.

The internal cable routing is completely new thanks to a handlebar and stem specifically designed for the Orca OMX. The seatpost is also a designed exclusively for the Orca, with a ‘D’ profile intended to improve aero efficiency.

The handlebar includes a fully integrated computer mount.

Unusually for a bike of this kind, the Orca OMX has enough clearance for 32mm-wide tyres. Brands are tending to provide more clearance than they used to on race bikes these days, but this is exceptionally generous.

The Orbea Orca OMX comes with a tapered head tube (1 1/8in upper bearing, 1 1/2in lower bearing), a BB386 bottom bracket, and flat mount disc brakes. It uses 12mm thru axles front and rear and is available in sizes 47-60cm.

The Orca OMX comes in standard options (see below) and you’re also able to choose your own combination of components, colours and styles through Orbea’s MyO platform.

“The MyO platform has always offered a range of personalised options – gloss or matte paint finish in a range of colours, including two-colour gradients, infinite component combinations and ample ergonomic adjustments – but with the new Orca comes a new custom feature: styles,” says Orbea.

“Orca is available in five different styles: street nature, fluid paint, cubism, titanium and dots.”

Builds

The Orca OMX is available in five different builds:

• Orca M20Ltd-D Shimano Ultegra (mechanical) groupset, £4,199

• Orca M20iLtd-D Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset, £4,999

• Orca M21eLtd-D SRAM Force eTap groupset, £5,299

• Orca M10iLtd-D Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, £7,899

• Orca M11eLtd-D SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset, £8,299

Each has a choice of different wheels from Vision and Mavic, and usually DT Swiss too.

Get more info at www.orbea.com.