For the next season, the Basque company Orbea has Race hardtail Alma completely overhauled. Although many changes have been made, Orbea is sticking to its wheel concept: sizes S and M come on 27.5-inch wheels, while sizes M, L and XL roll on 29-inch wheels. This is Orbea's way of ensuring that the wheel size matches the body size. The Orbea configurator on the website allows you to change some of the equipment and even the colour of some model variants.
Thanks to new carbon processing, the Alma weight can be saved once again. The customer can choose between two frame variants: the Orbea Monocoque Race and the Orbea Monocoque Performance. The Race chassis should only weigh 950 grams, the Performance version 1150 grams. The already stiff carbon chassis is said to be 25 per cent stiffer and - more interesting for hobby bikers - ten per cent more comfortable. Both the down tube and the chainstays are now said to be torsionally stiffer in order to convert the pedalled power even more directly into propulsion. The head tube has been increased for more head tube stiffness. To save weight, the top tube and seat stays have been slimmed down. In addition, a slight kink in the top tube just before the seat tube should make the ride much more comfortable, as the frame is preloaded by the rider's weight and you sit in the sag, so to speak.
By using Boost, Orbea was able to reduce the chainstays to 420 (27.5 inches) or 430 millimetres (29 inches) and also create more tyre clearance (up to 2.4 inches wide). The rest of the geometry has also been adapted: a slacker head angle for smoother running (69.5 degrees on the 29er), a steeper seat angle for better climbing characteristics and a lower bottom bracket to further lower the centre of gravity.
The Alma frame also offers many other details: bikes with a single drivetrain come with a chain guide, while a small plate protects the bottom bracket from the chain on double drivetrains. A manual dropper post - the Orbea Digit SL - can be fitted as an option. It has shed another 45 grams compared to last year. In addition, the frames have internal cable routing and there is also space for a battery for Di2 gears in the frame. The front derailleur mount can be removed.
Orbea Spirit fork
Another new product is the Orbea Spirit carbon rigid fork. The fork is available for both 27.5 inch and 29 inch tyres. Thanks to the Boost standard, 2.8 inch wide plus tyres can also be ridden in the 29er fork. The Orbea Spirit is said to weigh just 575 grams with accessories and has internal brake cable routing. The installation height is the same as that of a 100 millimetre suspension fork, which is ridden with 25 percent sag. Depending on the model variant, the fork also comes in Alma. As with some frames, the customer is free to choose the colour.
The Orbea Alma models for 2017 at a glance
In 2017, Orbea is offering six different versions of the Alma. The entry-level Alma M25 model costs 2699 euros and comes with a performance frame, Fox Performance fork, XT/SLX gearing mix and DT Swiss Spline X-1900 wheels.
At the other end of the scale is the Orbea Alma M-LTD for 6499 euros. This high-end bike features only the most exclusive components: Orbea Spirit carbon rigid fork, Sram XX1 Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Mavic Crossmax carbon wheels. All Orbea Alma models will be available on the Orbea website from 1 August.
