First Ride: The Orbea Orca has been one of the most well-known road bikes on the market for years. Over time, some changes were made and the bike was constantly improved in order to keep up with current trends and offer the best performance. The new Orbea Orca offers some small technical improvements. A great feature, however, is the high degree of personalization of components and style, which surpasses everything that is known. We tested the new Orbea Orca for you.
Already 16 years ago in 2003 the first Orbea road bike was presented with the name Orca. Since then, countless cyclists have sworn by this model to compete for victory in the most important races. With the new Orbea Orca, the next generation has been heralded to bring maximum performance in a versatile and broad spectrum. This is not only due to the usual parameters, such as low weight, rigidity, comfort and aerodynamics, but is also made possible by the individual adaptability in terms of style and equipment.
Orbea Orca – The frame
For the new Orbea Orca frame, only the most modern manufacturing techniques were used, in which the most advanced materials are used to build a completely newly developed carbon frame. In size 53, it weighs just 833 grams, in the version with disc brakes. Another key feature of the new frame is its shape. Compared to its predecessor, the tubes are now even more aerodynamic without adding unnecessary weight. In combination with the new, more open Freeflow fork and the low seat stays, you get an aerodynamic advantage of 10 percent compared to the previous generation.
In order to ensure ideal power transmission, the development of the Orbea Orca was based on a dynamic structure. In addition, the lower part of the frame is particularly torsion-resistant, while the upper part is designed to provide more comfort and absorb bumps in the road. Overall, the new frame is said to be 15 percent stiffer than its predecessor. All of these performance-oriented properties are combined with a sporty geometry for maximum efficiency and the best driving experience. Another significant innovation concerns the enormous tire freedom of the new Orbea Orca, which can roll on tires up to 32 millimeters wide.
Orbea Orca - Full integration ahead
A special focus in the development of the new Orbea Orca was also on integration. Useful and practical solutions ensure a clean look and improved aerodynamics. The cables run completely invisibly from the handlebars through the stem and head tube into the frame thanks to the cockpit specially developed for this bike. Also new is the mount for the bike computer and action cam that is integrated into the stem.
The seat post was also completely redesigned specifically for the Orca. With its design in the shape of a “D”, it ensures better aerodynamics. In addition, there is the 22 gram light, minimalist seat clamp, which also distinguished the previous model.
Orbea Orca – it couldn't be more individual
In the development of new racing bikes, three keywords are traditionally in the foreground: lighter, more aerodynamic and stiffer. With all these performance values, however, one very important point is often overlooked and that is the individuality of a bike. Especially nowadays it is becoming more and more important for drivers to be able to drive with an individual style and equipment tailored to their own needs. This is exactly what Orbea stands for with MyO, which has been offered successfully for many years. And just like the new Orca is even more powerful than its predecessor, MyO is also becoming even more individual.
For the new Orbea Orca, MyO offers an additional selection of components and design options. A special feature here is that, in addition to the colors, you can now also select special designs for the fork. This makes the new generation of the Orbea Orca the most individual, most personalizable racing bike - regardless of whether it is about the intended use, the equipment, the ergonomics or the design.
We were able to test the Orbea Orca in the Ötztal, home of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon. With several meters of altitude, fast descents and technical passages, there really was something for everyone and the Orca really had to work hard. After just a few kilometers we noticed what a good job the bike is doing. It tackled the first few meters of altitude without any problems and offered ideal power transmission with a low weight, which made climbing child's play. On the scooter passages between the climbs, on the other hand, we were able to benefit from the light and fast Mavic Ksyrium wheels, which are not only good for climbing but also perfect all-rounders and also run well on the flat. When it got really steep, we were particularly impressed by the good stiffness and acceleration, as we quickly picked up speed again even on steep serpentines and were able to really accelerate. Of course we were already looking forward to the descent at the top. With 32mm tires and Shimano disc brakes we were well prepared. On the descent and especially in tight corners, the Orbea Orca repeatedly showed itself from its best side and was able to convince us with its smooth running and precise handling.
Our first-class riding experience was rounded off by a high-quality Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, which offers uncompromisingly the best performance. The only small deductions are for the built-in handlebars, which are solid in the hand and also do a good job. However, we might have wished for an aerobar or even a handlebar-stem combo.
