The Orbea Orca , in it's relatively short life-span, has constantly pushed the envelope of design and appearance in the American bike market. It's first iteration created a new template for comfort, fit, and aesthetics. And as other bike companies catch on and mimic, the Spanish design and development company inches the line further forward, keeping everyone on their toes. Even the revolutionary 2008 Trek Madone has been accused of taking styling cues from the still popular second-generation Orca, which debuted in 2006.
So, for the early-release 2009, Orbea had quite a tall set of expectations to live up to; and while this latest iteration does not stray from the functional design of it's predecessor, the improvements are measurable and worth while.
So, for the early-release 2009, Orbea had quite a tall set of expectations to live up to; and while this latest iteration does not stray from the functional design of it's predecessor, the improvements are measurable and worth while.
2009 Orbea Orca w/ Shimano Ultegra SLThe shaping of the frame has stayed the same. Orbea's "Size Specific Nerve" (SSN) design makes sense and they obviously spent a lot of money developing and producing the technology, so why not stick with it. But, the 2006 Orca, in spite of the SSN, still suffered from some criticism from riders - especially they Orbea supplied pro teams. Many of the teams elected to ride the stiffer Opal frame because they weren't satisfied with the efficiency of the Orca at it's then current weight. So, Orbea set out to please their pro teams and therefore gain better public relations from their most important marketing investments - the tradesmen who ride their machines. And I think it's important not to underestimate the importance that the pro-rider feedback plays in the development of a product and it's performance in the marketplace and on the road. After all; look at what Lance and U.S. Postal/Discovery did for the Trek Madone.
First, stiffness. While the frame itself was gorgeous - it suffered a lack of competitive efficiency due to a somewhat flexy frame. So, Orbea changed the lay-up of the carbon in key areas of the frame; focusing on improving stiffness without sacrificing durability or comfort. You see, stiffer carbon fiber plies are often more brittle than the more compliant plies; leading to a frame with less durability and less vibration absorbing qualities. Orbea understood that and judiciously applied the most stiff fiber their supplier manufactures in areas and amounts which take all qualities into consideration. To the discerning critic, even the simple flex test of pressing your foot against the crank arm yields a slightly different response when compared to last year's model (although, admittedly, it is hard to tell whether this is a result of frame stiffening or the presence of the Ultegra SL crankset which uses a stiffer, stainless steel crank spindle - borrowed from Dura Ace - than the standard Ultegra crankset).
Second, weight. Now, I'm well known for valuing stiffness over light weigh - as at over 180lbs, I'm a big rider. But, if I can get both light weight and adequate stiffness from a product, you're at least guarantied my attention. So Orbea looked for areas where they could pear down the weight. Most noticeably - the beautiful and original integrated cable-stop headbadge. While it looked great, it was rather portly. So it was naturally replaced with carbon fiber.
First, stiffness. While the frame itself was gorgeous - it suffered a lack of competitive efficiency due to a somewhat flexy frame. So, Orbea changed the lay-up of the carbon in key areas of the frame; focusing on improving stiffness without sacrificing durability or comfort. You see, stiffer carbon fiber plies are often more brittle than the more compliant plies; leading to a frame with less durability and less vibration absorbing qualities. Orbea understood that and judiciously applied the most stiff fiber their supplier manufactures in areas and amounts which take all qualities into consideration. To the discerning critic, even the simple flex test of pressing your foot against the crank arm yields a slightly different response when compared to last year's model (although, admittedly, it is hard to tell whether this is a result of frame stiffening or the presence of the Ultegra SL crankset which uses a stiffer, stainless steel crank spindle - borrowed from Dura Ace - than the standard Ultegra crankset).
Second, weight. Now, I'm well known for valuing stiffness over light weigh - as at over 180lbs, I'm a big rider. But, if I can get both light weight and adequate stiffness from a product, you're at least guarantied my attention. So Orbea looked for areas where they could pear down the weight. Most noticeably - the beautiful and original integrated cable-stop headbadge. While it looked great, it was rather portly. So it was naturally replaced with carbon fiber.
The new carbon fiber integrated headbadge/cable stop
Second was the seat clamp. Also a beautiful and eye-catching design previously; but a little heavy. Here though, Orbea selected Magnesium; representing a significant weight savings, but offering similar clamping ability to the previous aluminum clamp. Magnesium is often blasted for it's durability - but in a application like a seat clamp; with less opportunity to fatigue, it actually makes sense.
The new Magnesium seat clamp - notable only by it's anodized black appearance.Also falling victim to the designers' paring knives were the dropouts: shedding 25 grams; seat tube insert: -8 grams; front derailleur hanger: -6 grams; bottle cage bolts: -8 grams; and a 15 gram weight loss from it's more simplified color scheme. Small changes all, but resulting in a combined total of 88 grams; nearly 1/5 of a pound.
And, the new version came out in time for the pro teams to ride for the current season - resulting in an early release for the rest of the market. Just in time for the riding season.
And, the new version came out in time for the pro teams to ride for the current season - resulting in an early release for the rest of the market. Just in time for the riding season.
The new Orca is available with several stock build kits or assembled to your choice of specifications through Orbea's "Made to Order" program. Come on in to Bike Gallery or check it out at orbea-usa.com
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