Under the Radar: a full review of the all new Orbea Orca Aero

Choices of frames are less differentiated than in previous years. At one time, a road cyclist who was in the market to buy an actual race bike had to make a choice between a climbing or aerodynamic frame. Climbing frames are more upright and slender, while the aero frames tend to be more a tad more weighty and thick; of course, it was not that cut and dry, but in general terms it is . . . until now.

Orbea was late to the aerodynamic game of bicycles. In the road world, the Orca brand was known as a “climber’s bike.” The Spanish bicycle maker has broken through that box and reached into a the aero world without being a conformist to the typical aero design. The new Orbea Orca Aero is the first to breech the UCI 3:1 rule that held aero bikes to a particular geometry. As a reminder, the 3:1 rule dictates that a frame tube’s length cannot be more than three times its width. So what was the end goal of Orbea with this new endeavor? Aerodynamics first and stiffness as a very close second. Orbea claims that the bike will save a rider 27 watts over a 50K race. A lot of bikes and equipment claim watt-saving bunk, and yes it is helpful data, but I am always in the opinion that it depends on the engine. Someone that is relatively new to cycling will not all of a sudden ride like his hair is on fire, just because he bought a particular piece of equipment or bike for that matter.

Review Bike and Conditions

Orbea Orca Aero M30 Team (105 group set, Vision Team 35 Comp clincher wheels, Vittoria Rubino Foldable 25 mm tires, Prologo Scratch RS STN saddle, and Look Blade pedals)

121 mile ride with 2,786 feet of climbing (steepest pitch 14%), 73F, mostly cloudy with rain shower thrown in, tarmac and poured cement

General Review

The overall feel of this bicycle seems like nothing special, at first. Because this particular bike (M30 Team) is at the low end of the aero line up (although it is the exact frame as the top-of-the-line), the weight is a factor that is immediately noticeable. The stock wheels are extremely smooth and rim-braking is exceptional but combined with the stock tires the weight starts there. Also with the stock wheels, the rear hub has a large spacing in the ratchet system, giving the rider more movement than grab when coming off of a free wheel or heading into a sprint. This frame also accommodates 28-mm tires with room to spare. The other areas of weight can be improved rather easily with saddle and component choice. Yes, it will cost for the upgrades but Orbea’s My O is a cool place to start.

Within the first few miles, I noticed how the balance of this bike is absolutely incredible. Removing my hands from the bars to adjust the bottom of my jersey is nothing unusual, but I immediately noticed the balance. No, this does not only play into a jersey adjustment or taking off gloves. Balance is critical in the way a bike handles. The Orbea Orca Aero is exceptionally nimble and responds very quickly with a secure feeling of control, mainly due to the 991-mm wheelbase and shortened fork. At the thirty-mile mark, a nice set of rollers began to repeat on the course and the bike began screaming stiffness, as it transitioned to a small climb of .6 miles at 8%. Seated climbing is a noticeable way of feeling stiffness. The massive chain stays and reinforced spine in the downtube and headtube unit make the transfer of power very, very noticeable. This is the exact point where I thought Orbea may have bridged a gap in climbing and aero frames. No, I am not saying that the main climbers for Team Cofidis are going to be on this frame in the mountains of Southern France, but I think they would be safe in doing so in a crunch situation. Had I been on a higher tiered bike (maybe 2 pounds lighter), I have no doubt this bike would eat hills; maybe not mile-after-mile climbing on heavy grades, but punchy climbing would be in its wheelhouse.

Into the drops for a test of speed, the Orbea lurches forward. The combination of frame design (bowed front forks, dropped seat stays, tubing and head shape) and stiffness has speed in its DNA. The shape of the bike while standing alone makes it appear fast. The balance, mentioned before, has a very obvious assist in a sudden increase in speed. The bike does not cheat the wind. It attacks and mauls it. After all, the key to speed is less drag. At speeds of 30-35, I felt in absolute control of the machine.

The two points of contact that concern most people are the saddle and handlebars. The stock saddle with this bike is a bit heavy but nice. I felt comfortable for the entire ride. It was my first official use of a Prologo saddle and had no complaints. The handlebars are stock with aluminum FSA Trimax compact. I absolutely like the design. The curl of the drops have a distinct design that allows the rider to move from the tops to the drops in a fluid movement without a tremendous shift in body position. Even though this frame is considered a race frame, the endurance part of this ride was surprisingly comfortable, although I was not riding at race pace either. I have no doubt this bike will enter the cycling world under the radar. Yes, Orbea is an old an distinguished Basque company, making bikes since the 1930s, but they do not typically flood the market in the world of advertising either. Having the knowledge is the equivalent of getting a fantastic stock tip that is not quite as pricey as others.

Quick Review

• Balance: A+
• Stiffness: A+
• Weight: C
• Design: A
• Comfort: B
• Responsive: A-

Bon Vélo!