Orbea currently has the most successful hardtail in the World Cup under Julien Absalon. Let's see if the fully is just as fast. With a ready-to-ride weight of 10.7 kilos, the top model "Oiz Carbon" is one of the absolute leaders among production fullys. The Spaniards achieve this value thanks to the very light carbon frame, which does without a real main bearing. Where the main pivot point would otherwise be, flat carbon fibre struts replace the hinge. The down tube widens like a wing and acts like a small mudguard. A small plastic plate also protects the shock from mud.
Good: Two bottle cages fit into the frame triangle. The Spaniards have not only succeeded in creating a visually distinctive, but also super-light frame: It weighs just 1892 grams, with the shock adding 254 grams. Shimano's "XTR" groupset with "Dualcontrol" levers is very light; the Rock Shox "SID" fork easily saves another 200 grams compared to other models.
And this diet is fun: uphill, the large chainring becomes your best friend. Technical, rough uphills are the Orbea's speciality. You accelerate over root carpets in a seated position, constantly trying to shift up a gear. The sporty, steep geometry makes the bike aggressive and manoeuvrable. The rear end works well, only bouncing and bobbing when pedalling - possibly a tribute to the suspension kinematics. Due to the lack of a main pivot point, the system has no defined wheel lift curve. So it's better to adopt an energy-saving, seated riding style or switch the Fox shock to platform mode for sprints. When going downhill fast, the "Oiz" becomes unsteady. The combination of narrow Hutchinson tyres (slippery in the wet), the less stiff "SID" fork (in our opinion unsuitable for a fully) and the moderately stiff frame (53 Nm/degree, STW value 24.7) lead to a tendency to flutter and moderate steering precision.
The answer to the initial question is still pending: We suspect that Absalon will continue to win victories on his 9.7-kilo hardtail, because no world star would accept an extra kilo of weight in exchange for comfort. Orbea offers various options for the "Oiz Team", such as a Fox "F100" fork, a raised cockpit or "XTR" wheels. The next cheapest model costs 3999 euros.
CONCLUSIONS: A great racer for long mountains, rooty single trails and cross-country courses. However, the "Oiz Team" is less fond of heavy riders, high-speed gravel and pedalling sprints.
