Product news: With the new Orbea Orca 2021, the Spanish manufacturer is presenting its high-quality all-rounder for the coming season, which was already one of the ultimate racing machines last year. Thanks to minor changes and adjustments, the aerodynamic lightweight is now even more comfortable.
Over the past year, Orbea has caused a stir with its new Orca OMX, asserting itself on the road with a lightweight yet aerodynamic racer. Now Orbea has added convenience and affordability to the mix with the new Orca OMR.
A few years ago, aerodynamics and lightweight were considered stark opposites and you had to differentiate between the two categories and make a decision. But over the years, ever lighter aero wheels or always aerodynamic lightweights for racing have been developed. The main problem here is that the ride quality often falls by the wayside and although the bike is fully convincing due to its laboratory values and technical data, it cannot offer a comfortable ride. Orbea is also quite adept at following this trend, launching its take on a zippy climber with the revamped 2020 Orbea Orca. With the latest version for 2021, first-class comfort and even better driving characteristics should now also be included.
Orbea Orca 2021 – OMR construction
The Orbea Orca OMR frame is particularly characterized by its comfortable riding characteristics with the best performance values. These features are made possible by its special layup, in which the high-strength fibers are intended to ensure a first-class stiffness-to-weight ratio. In addition, great care is taken in the construction of the frame to prevent wrinkles and irregularities in critical zones, so that less carbon can be used while maintaining strength.
The comfortable OMR frame uses rounded tube shapes (compared to OMX shapes, which are more oval for maximum stiffness and aerodynamics) that improve comfort and reduce weight. This makes the Orbea Orca OMR ideal for riders looking for an efficient frame with a high ride quality. The dynamic structure of the new OMR frame provides compliance and vibration absorption that is 5% better than the previous Orca OMR and is also 10% higher than the Orca OMX. The 27,2mm round seatpost is 16% more comfortable than a wider 30,9mm seatpost and improves smoothness in the saddle without sacrificing frame stiffness at the bottom bracket, which is key to power transfer. The Orca OMX frame weighs 830g (size 53) with world-class stiffness, and the new OMR frame tips the scales at 1030g (size 53).
Orbea Orca 2021 - OMX construction
In addition to the significantly improved OMR construction, there will of course also be an Orbea Orca with OMX layup for 2021. This is significantly more aggressive than the OMR construction, which brings with it an advantage in terms of weight and stiffness, but it also appears significantly harder and transmits impacts and vibrations more directly to the driver. Therefore, the OMX variant is aimed more at thoroughbred racers who want every second.
With the OMX layup, the high-strength carbon layers are laser cut to minimize excess material and overlap. In addition, the material is preformed for hours before processing to ensure optimal compaction with the least amount of carbon.
Orbea Orca 2021 Features
Full integration
The new Orbea Orca models offer the best cable and computer integration for attractive looks and aerodynamic advantages. The ICR has a major part in this. This is the Internal Cable Routing (ICR), which is carefully routed under the stem and through the head tube in the best possible way without rubbing or rattling. This is optimized for both conventional and electronic switching systems. The stem's faceplate is compatible with an integrated computer mounting platform.
Customizable ergonomics
During development, the question was asked: How can ergonomics help to ride further? Unlike a race position, which focuses on aerodynamics, an endurance position results in a bike that is easier to ride and increases endurance. A shorter cockpit and taller handlebars maximize rider comfort, and more comfort means longer rides.
Two handlebar configurations are offered: A compact standard version for a more traditional racing fit and the OC Rise handlebar for a more upright position. Compared to a compact version, the OC Rise handlebar's dimensions match the geometry of an endurance bike with a 20mm rise and 5mm shorter reach, while retaining the overall frame performance the Orbea Orca is known for. Thanks to the MyO system, handlebar type and stem length can be adjusted at any time.
Orbea MyO program
The new Orbea Orca 2021 can also be customized thanks to the MyO platform. So it doesn't stop with the 12 series models. With numerous color, graphics and component options, you can make the Orbea Orca 2021 your own personal bike.
