Which in turn means more speed, and for longer! Orbea calls this paint scheme borealis blue/carbon raw and I think it looks spectacular - especially with contrasting gold accents. Finance provided by PayPal Credit and V12 Retail Finance, Terms and Conditions apply. Braking with the new R9270 brakes and old R9100 rotors offers plenty of power, but they can still be noisy when wet or dirty. Some of that can perhaps be attributed to a smart carbon layup and dropped seat stays, but tyre volume and a great saddle doubtless make a great difference in this area too. Orbea will be offering six models of the new Orca Aero, all of which feature the same OMX-level frame, fork, integrated headset, seatpost, stem and handlebar. This sense of assurance coupled with the powerful, precise and beautifully modulated Shimano Ultegra R8170 hydraulic brake setup makes for one of the best handling bikes I've tested over the past year. A larger tyre volume also reduces the impact of road vibrations, meaning a more comfortable ride with less rider energy lost in stabilising those vibrations. et Cie, S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. OrbeasMyO (MyOrbea) programme enables riders to personalize their bikes to an extent that is unique in the bike industry. L-2449, Luxembourg. Orbea has also adopted size-specific fork offsets, with a 48 mm offset featured on the three smaller frame sizes, a 43 mm offset fork on the four larger sizes. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? The ride quality is well damped but doesn't come at the expense of feel and feedback. As a person of little physical talent, he has a keen interest in any tech which can help him ride faster and is obsessed with the tiniest details. FORK: Orbea Orca Aero OMX ICR, full carbon, 1-1/8 1,5 tappered head tube compatible, Thru axle 12x100mm, thread M12x2 P1, Speed release compatible dropout. Apart from a small weight penalty, the precision in terms of shifting performance and brake modulation is almost indiscernible from the pricier Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 groupset sibling. This airfoil-shaped number is claimed to weigh 225 g (including hardware). Impressive considering the stiffness of the frame, At 8.57kg, the Orca Aero is one of the heavier players in its class. Not only did this addition lift the aggressive nature of the overall package, it immediately transformed the character of the bike. The Orbea Orca Aero is just sublime once up to speed; it cuts through the air with ease and holds momentum in much the same way as a time trial bike. Simon joined BikeRadar in 2020, but has been riding bikes all his life, and racing road and time trial bikes for over a decade. Fortunately, Orbea offers extensive customisation options through its MyO programme, which solves this issue in one fell swoop. Or sign up for one year for just 49 $79 59, Try your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1. An additional cover to hide the cables under the stem can also be installed. As usual, the faster you go, the bigger those saving become. As such, it has the brand new Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset, plus the new Shimano R9270 C50TL wheelset and a set of 50mm deep, tubeless-ready carbon wheels. Additionally, the Orbea ICR stem sits on a round, 1 1/8 steerer tube and is available in lengths from 80-120mm. While this is not detrimental to its performance, it suffers on super-steep, punchy climbs, One of the standout bikes in the best aero road bike category when it comes to bang for buck. That means thousands of hours of modelling, wind tunnel sessions, and fanatically field testing every single component, searching for the sweet spot for the new Orca Aero. MyO coloured bikes usually take slightly longer to arrive than a standard colour, for obvious reasons, but the result will be unique to you. The aero water bottle is clearly more aerodynamic than a standard water bottle, but its also a lot less convenient. Included UCI-illegal accessories suggest they want to tri to sell it to those who also run and swim. Customisation like this is likely to increase the lead time for getting your bike delivered, but, incredibly, it doesnt come at any extra cost (unless you opt for component upgrades along the way, of course). The shifter button textures have been updated, but its a very subtle change. Orca Aero is one of the most efficient, fastest aero frames on the market. The Orca Aero M10iLTD is specced with an 11-30T cassette. Described by the Basque brand as the 'most aero bike it has ever made' the Orca Aero will be going up against some of the best aero road bikes around, the Cannondale SystemSix, Merida Reacto, Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Trek Madone to name but a few. Both are entirely optional, and only the aero bottle is UCI-legal, but considering how few people actually take part in UCI-sanctioned events, thats probably a moot point anyway. Meanwhile, the 408 mm length chainstays now match the previous rim brake model, while even shorter wheelbase figures are said to add more responsiveness. Subjectively, it doesnt quite feel as rapid as the SystemSix, but thats one of the fastest road bikes Ive ever ridden, so I really am nitpicking. The Orbea Orca Aero Road Bike successfully combines the lively handling characteristics of a top-end road racing machine with the aerodynamic credentials you need for all-out speed. The bar itself has been fashioned for aero efficiency and is naturally quite flat with pronounced edges at the rear that can cause some discomfort on longer rides - it's shaped in a manner that doesn't promote the best ergonomics. The on-lineMyO custom design app is straightforward and slick, offering a massive number of the frame colour combinations, and is great fun to use. For the record, Id choose a 55cm frame, with a 120mm stem, a 36cm handlebar and 170mm cranks. That entry point gets you the Orca Aero M20LTD with an Ultegra R8000 mechanical build kit and Fulcrum alloy wheels. Mix of Shimano's Ultegra R8100 and Orbea's in-house components help balance things out, Super-fast once up to speed, with agile handling and a magic-carpet-like ride quality. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the new Orca Aero is Orbeas decision to not use a one-piece cockpit. It's not too pretty either, to be honest, but it is useful and can be completely removed if not to your taste. 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CRANKSET: Shimano Ultegra R8000 36x52t HEADSET: FSA 1-1/2 Integrated Aluminium Cup HANDLEBAR: OC RA10 Road Aero Carbon, Reach 80, Drop 125, Flare 5, w/Di2 hole STEM: OC RP10 Road Performance ICR, -8, IFC02 Computer mount interface SHIFTERS: Shimano ST-8020 BRAKES: Shimano R8070 Hydraulic Disc CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-30t 11-Speed REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra R8000 SS FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra R8000 CHAIN :KMC X11-EL WHEELS: FULCRUM Racing 400 DB TYRES: Vittoria Rubino IV G2.0 TLR 700x25c SEATPOST: Orbea Orca Aero OMX, SB0/25, w/Micro tilt adjustment SADDLE: Prologo Dimension T4.0 size143 mm FRONT WHEEL AXLE: Orbea Thru Axle 12x100mm M12x2 P1 Lite REAR WHEEL AXLE :Orbea Thru Axle 12x142mm M12x2 P1 Lite HYDRATION: Orbea Aero Bottle and Bottle cage Set STORAGE: Aero Accessory Container, FRAME: Orbea Orca Aero Carbon OMX disc, monocoque construction, HS 1,5, BB 386, powermeter compatible, Thru Axle 12mm x 142mm rear, thread M12x2 P1, Speed release compatible, internal cable routing, EC/DC compatible. Arguably more important for mere mortals outside of the pro peloton, is that speed doesnt come at the expense of ergonomics or adjustability. You could swap in your preferred handlebar of choice without any trouble. The handlebar arrangement might go against the current aero trends - utilising a more traditional bar and stem setup as opposed to a fully integrated system - but the FSA ACR stem is adjustable and has provision to internally house all hoses. As seen from the photos of the bike being raced, the new Orca Aero has received an exhaustive aero overhaul. TYRE CLEARANCE the Orca Aero has clearance for 30c tyres. Its great to see a brand thinking practically and looking at optimising the way we carry things on the bike such as water and spares. Of course, weight isn't the only benchmark for performance in this segment but a sub-8kg build has become an expectation rather than a consideration. Other alterations included trimming the steerer, and removing several spacers, to help drop the front end and improve my on-bike positioning. The new Orca Aero has been designed from the ground up, with new features in all areas of the frameset that reduce drag and increase efficiency: horizontal top tube and chainstays improve airflow; the down tube and seat tube profiles have been aerodynamically optimised for 25-28mm tires; slick profile transitions between the head tube and downtube, and the seat tube and seat stays, reduce turbulence in these areas; drag around the rear wheel has been reduced by aligning the upper seat tube junction with the airflow; a new aerodynamically designed fork is optimised for high profile wheels; a new aero handlebar, stem and seatpost reduce drag. You can follow Simon on Twitter or Instagram. Aaron Borrill The bottom line is that a frame that is stiff in the right places transfers more of your watts to the rear wheel, which in turn gets converted to acceleration and speed. With pedals and a bike computer, youre looking at a bike thats over 8.5kg on the road. The new Orbea Orca Aero builds on all of Orbeas aerodynamic knowledge, acquired through the development of their race winning Ordu triathlon range and the original pioneering Orca Aero. If you need more comfort, the Orca Aero frameset can officially take tyres up to 30mm wide. For information on Cyclingnews' testing protocol and how our scoring system works, see our how we test page. Orbea has expanded its product offering with a throng of new releases over the past year, covering both the road and gravel bike space. Complete bike prices range from US$4,499 / 3,999 / 3.999all the way up to 9.599 / US$9,999 / 9,599. Carefully designing critical sections of the frame and optimizing the OMX carbon lay-up and cross-sections means class-leading stiffness to weight ratios. The updated Dura-Ace R9200 Di2 front derailleur has shrunk a little in size but is impressively powerful. There are some bugbears and this surrounds the saddle and wheel choice, but pertain more to the latter if I'm honest. TOOLBOX BEHIND THE FRONT WHEEL the age-old question of where to carry essential tools, tubes and identification is answered by the integrated toolbox that sits behind the front wheel. While optimised around 25-28 mm tyres, the disc-only Orca Aero is claimed to fit up to 30 mm rubber. All bikes brought in for service work MUST be left in a clean condition. While it can hold spares at a low point on the bike, Its another piece that acts as a potential aero advantage with Orbea stating it offers a 1.8% drag reduction. The Orca Aero uses a standard, 31.8mm stem clamp, meaning you can use any standard road handlebar you like, if you prefer. And it's a pretty good combination if I'm honest. The supple, 700x25c Vittoria Corsa TLR tyres spread out to just under 28mm wide (at 70 psi / 4.8 bar) on the Shimano C50TL wheels, and the bike never felt overly harsh, even on the poor-quality roads we have here in the South West of England. VAT No: 899660742, https://epic-cycles.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/04_oaero_aerodynamics_2.webm, https://epic-cycles.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/07_oaero_ergonomics.webm, Frameset: New Orbea Orca Aero Carbon OMX disc frame and forks, Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 400 DB - upgraded special editions also available, HUNT 50 Carbon Aero wheels (worth 659) just 4299, Groupset: SRAM Rival AXS eTap 12s Hydraulic Disc, with powermeter cranks, HUNT 50 Carbon Aero wheels (worth 659) just 5019, Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 12s Hydraulic Disc, Wheelset: Vision 40 SC Carbon - upgraded special editions also available, HUNT 48 Limitless Carbon Aero wheels (worth 1089) just 6159. Id be tempted to attribute this to the slightly shallower and narrower wheelset the Orbea has (the SystemSix comes with Cannondales progressive KNT 64 wheelset, which has 64mm deep and 32mm wide rims). Words of lightness and ride comfort were hardly mentioned by Orbea (although not ignored in design), but interestingly, there was a surprising amount of talk about ergonomics. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Aligning the new Orcas frame with the airflow, optimising cross-sections, smoothing transitions and a myriad of other improvements mean a big reduction in drag. All things considered, Orbea has done a fantastic job updating its dedicated aero road bike. As a result, power transfer is instant and the bike accelerates almost immediately when summoned, urging you to pedal harder, ride faster. Didn't receive the email? Its these two included accessories that initially had me thinking this was a do-it-all aero bike that can dabble in road races, time-trials, Olympic-distance triathlons, and Ironmans, but Orbeas aero handlebar says otherwise. The brand claims a 15w improvement at 40km/h and 28w at 50km/h over the outgoing model. The complete build as pictured here tips the scales at 8.57kg with pedals, which is nearly a full kilogram heavier than the Merida Reacto Team-E. At this weight, it's more in line with the 8.2kg BMC Timemachine Road 01 Two and 8.63kg Felt AR Advanced Ultegra Di2. In terms of visual branding, the Orbea Orca Aero is fairly anonymous. At 5,999 / $6,899, it undercuts similarly specced rivals from Cannondale (SystemSix Ultegra Di2 at 7,500 /$8,000), Specialized (Tarmac SL7 Expert at 6,850 / $8,300) and Trek (Madone SL7 at 6,550 / $8,849.99) by quite a fair margin. I was less enamoured with the aero bottle. Like the bottle cage, the toolbox is not only useful but aerodynamically beneficial! I didnt get on perfectly with the shape of the handlebar. PARTS AND ACCESSORIES: Open Mon-Saturday. The perk of this particular configuration, however, hinges on the ability to adjust the bars and flip the stem (there are seven stock stem options available ranging from 70 to 130mm in length), or swap them out entirely for something more personalised. Orca Aero M31eLTD PWR Disc Road Bike 2022. Sigma Sports Limited acts as a broker Licence Number 688619 and not Company No: 04842265 Select the store you visit most frequently below and their stock information will show on product pages. One of my biggest gripes with aero road bikes is that the component sizes dont always chime with the bikes stated intentions. It could also just be that Ive tested the two bikes under different conditions, and those conditions havent favoured the Orbea. As Ive said before, whether any of this really matters much on a full-fat aero bike is debatable. The feedback relayed through the wheels and underpinnings is communicative - high-definition almost, allowing you to really tap into the bike's superlative grip reserves. Given the size medium Canyon Aeroad CFR I tested last year weighed almost a full kilo less than this, Id expect an equivalent version to still weigh a decent chunk less too. The frame and fork are claimed to weigh 1,150 g and 430 g respectively. The aero storage box, for example, eliminates the need to use a saddle bag or to carry spares in your jersey pockets. Orbea states that frame stiffness is much the same as before (which means its stiff), but interestingly the vertical frame stiffness (aka compliance) is said to be a little softer. Bath Id definitely want a custom paintjob as well, perhaps in Bristol South CC or BikeRadar kit colours. Difficult to beat in terms of all-round value. a lender and offers finance from a restricted range of finance providers. Sign up for our newsletter and save 10 on your first order over 100 or 25 on orders over 250. Obviously inspired by the Orbea Ordu time trial/triathlon bike, the new model is claimed to save a hefty 15 watts of aerodynamic drag versus the outgoing Orca Aero at 40kph. If you continue to use our website, we will assume you are happy to receive cookies from us and our partners. Meanwhile, the new and lower drag Orca Aero OMX seatpost offers up to 25 mm of fore-aft adjustment and a wide range of tilt. The Prologo Dimension T4.0 saddle is a comfortable perch, with a shape that suits the Orca Aeros racy intentions. Oh, dear. Our test bike came stock from the factory with Vision 40 SC wheels - a great rolling stock option but way too shallow for a bike of this ilk. Orbea have worked hard to ensure that the new Orca Aero retains the beautifully balanced handling of its predecessor. Modern road riders have discovered the advantages of bigger tyres. The build also includes two extra aero-focused parts borrowed from the Ordu TT/triathlon bike; an aero bottle cage and bottle, and an aero storage box underneath the down tube. You can rotate your bars, change stem lengths or change handlebar widths to get the perfect position, improve aerodynamics and reduce fatigue. Pro tip: it's worth properly arranging everything inside to avoid any annoying rattles. i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-1{ color: #d8d8d8;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-1:hover { color: #d8d8d8;}. Hes twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships. Orbea is producing just one level of carbon fibre layup for the Orca Aero frameset, with the bike pricing changing based on the equipped specification only. The MyO programme also offers a limited number of component options, but for individual tailoring or full bespoke builds please contact us here at Epic Cycles as we are able to offer virtually unlimited customisation options. Instead, the company (rightfully) suggests that the customisable fit and ergonomic options earned by its two-piece cockpit trumps absolute aero gains. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. While the top dog, the Orca Aero M10iLTD, offers a complete Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 group with matching wheels. Despite being the fourth model down from the range-topping M10iLTD, the Orbea Orca Aero M20iLTD is handsomely appointed and built around a Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 groupset. The Cross Cartel Fastest Known Times (UK). products. This bottle/storage system, according to Orbea, has improved aerodynamics by three per cent - but only the aero bottle has been deemed legal by the UCI. James Huang described the previous model as distinctly chattery, and so this likely subtle softening should be a positive improvement. The new disc-only Orbea Orca is unquestionably a race bike with a key focus on aerodynamics and stiffness. It's only when entering punchier topography or climbs in excess of five minutes or more that its weight starts to become apparent. The headtube, downtube and chainstays resist twisting forces applied by pedalling through alternate cranks. First seen at this years Vuelta, Orbea now has a wholly new version designed to be a more efficient race bike. One area in which the Orca Aero doesnt impress is on the scales. Its difficult not to be impressed by the speed and accuracy of this groupset, and I also appreciated the updated shifter-hood ergonomics. To create your new password, click the link in the email and enter a new one. However, the rear edges of the heavily aero-profiled tops kept hitting my bony wrists when sprinting out of the saddle in the drops, while still covering the brake levers, which was painful and annoying. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription, after your trial you will be billed 4.99 $7.99 5.99 per month, cancel anytime. It's worth noting that the Orca Aero can accommodate tyres of up to 30c but has been optimised for 25-28mm. Like many of Orbeas bikes, each model of the Orca Aero can be personalised via the companys MyO program which provides a staggering number of paint options and a few chances to personalise the spec. In fact, the only references come in the form of gold logos on each side of the seatstays while a solitary Orca Aero graphic takes up residence on the top tube near the stem, Orbea calls this paint scheme borealis blue/carbon raw, It's a superb colourway offset by the raw carbon and gold wordmark logos, A closer look at the raw carbon on the top tube, Handlebar setup is more traditional in application as opposed to a fully integrated system. Here are the official details (but no test bike, this isnt a review). Thanks! The lower stack height means you're able to apportion more of your weight over the front wheel, improving grip and front-end trust through fast, tight descents and cornering situations. Orbea have steered clear of fitting the new Orca Aero with a fully integrated one-piece cockpit, for very good reasons in our view. While generic in appearance, the Orca Aero does at least benefit from a superb colourway (one of five hues specific to this derivative) which melds a metallic teal with raw, exposed carbon sections alongthe top tube and below the seatstay. A staggeringly aerodynamic bike, but one that handles and rides superbly. 9,999, You've viewed VAT No: GB409617585 As such, it benefits from a lower stack height and shorter head tube while the lowered, kinked chainstay configuration has culminated in a bigger bottom bracket drop - all of which has, according to Orbea, improved stability and outright speed. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 4 The geometry of the new frameset features a shorter wheelbase for agile handling, shorter chainstays for instant response, a size specific fork trail that gives precise and consistent control over steering in every size, and a lower bottom bracket with a reduced stack for better aerodynamics combines with increased stability. There are some signals that Orbea has designed its aero road racer to appeal to endurance triathletes, and you see that by what bolts onto the downtube. The hood ergonomics and offset between shifter paddles are the same, too - all of which promote an intuitive and familiar control interface. I found the stock Prologo Dimension T4.0 saddle a bit uncomfortable owing to the semi-downward tilt of the tip and traded it for a flatter-profiled Fizik Antares Versus Evo R3 Adaptive, which improved things greatly. Heres why you can trust us. I think that would be about perfect for me, so, if anyone at Orbea headquarters is reading this and feeling exceptionally generous, dont hesitate to get in touch. WORKSHOP/SERVICE: Our workshop/service department is open to callers Mon-Friday. No surprises here, the Basque-based company says this is the fastest aero road bike theyve ever created and claims a 15W improvement at a fairly modest 40km/ph versus the now five-year-old predecessor. In a segment that is defined by speed and compliance rather than climbing prowess, can the Orbea Orca Aero find a place among the perennial favourites? The sprinter-proof OC road stem is paired with one of the fastest, most ergonomic aero handlebars available the new 5 flared aero bars and stem give up to 15 degrees of rotation plus a choice of width and reach. Orbea have used the most technologically advanced carbon construction available to make the most sophisticated frame possible a complex and painstaking process, that is not achievable by most manufacturers, with results that are clear the moment you step on the pedals. Their clever semi-integrated design gives massive ergonomic gains with very little compromise. Braking is also unsurprisingly fantastic, with heaps of power available. Subtle model designation references in gold help lift the visual package, Stock Vision 40 SC wheels are too shallow for a bike from this category. Given the size of this disparity, I had BikeRadars friendly mechanic and product tester Will Pooleweigh it using his scales too, to double-check mine werent wrong. Its an elegant piece of carbon kit, and I like the way the hydraulic cables route underneath, rather than through, the bar, in a small channel. BA1 1UA. Orbea matches this with its own negative 10-degree alloy stem. 4,199 to Thanks to the internal routing in the frame and handlebar arrangement, the aesthetic is cable-free, which promotes a cleaner appearance. That said, the Orca Aero is an incredibly stiff-yet-compliant machine. |, Bike_radar, br_bikes, br_bikesRoadAndAllNonMTB, f/d/6/b/fd6b2542aea0d7fa1fe77f77c109531ae5e559ae_20211020_SB_5DSR_MG_4345.jpg, Feels fast; adjustable; excellent specification; confident handling; smooth ride quality; customisation options, Heavier than the competition; wrist clearance on the drops could be improved. Its exciting to ride without ever tipping over into feeling twitchy or unruly. In fact, I found the storage system pleasantly adequate when it came to housing my spare tube, CO2 canister, tyre levers and Allen key. A wider tyre inflated to lower pressures can reduce rolling resistance and the added air volume dramatically increases compliance and traction. Open Monday to Friday 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm, Saturday 9am-2pm. That 8.3kg is 700g more than the 7.6kg weight Orbea claimed in its press materials for this model. Im splitting hairs, but I think the BMC Timemachine R01s solution of having aero bottle cages and a down tube design that manages the airflow around standard bottles is a better one for a road bike where, more often than not, youll probably be carrying two round bottles. CRANKSET: Shimano Ultegra R8000 36x52t HEADSET: FSA 1-1/2 Integrated Aluminium Cup HANDLEBAR: OC RA10 Road Aero Carbon, Reach 80, Drop 125, Flare 5, w/Di2 hole STEM: OC RP10 Road Performance ICR, -8, IFC02 Computer mount interface SHIFTERS: Shimano ST-8170 BRAKES: Shimano R8170 Hydraulic Disc CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra R8100 11-30t 12-Speed REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 CHAIN: Shimano M8100 WHEELS: Vision 40 SC Disc Carbon TLR CL TYRES: Vittoria Rubino Pro IV G2.0 TLR 700x25c SEATPOST: Orbea Orca Aero OMX, SB0/25, w/Micro tilt adjustment SADDLE: Prologo Dimension T4.0 size143 mm HANDLEBAR PLUGS: Orbea Anti-Slippery/Shock Proof FRONT WHEEL AXLE: Orbea Thru Axle 12x100mm M12x2 P1 Lite REAR WHEEL AXLE: Orbea Thru Axle 12x142mm M12x2 P1 Lite HYDRATION: Orbea Aero Bottle and Bottle cage Set STORAGE: Aero Accessory Container, Epic Cycleworks 7-8 Tower Street Ludlow SY8 1RL, Tel: 01584 705042 (Sales and General Enquiries). With the introduction of Orbeas OMX carbon fibre tubing and lay-up, they are leading the market in producing the lightest and stiffest performance racing frames available. Fortunately, both the aero water bottle and the down tube storage box are removable if you dont like them. Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! When I put this to Orbea, it said the 7.6kg figure was for a size 53cm bike without the aero bottle or storage box, and with one of the lightweight, raw carbon / clear coat paintjobs. Personally, I dont think it does, but your mileage may vary. Its been five years since Orbea introduced the Orca Aero, its aero road bike. |, USD $9,999.00 A 42 cm version of this bar is claimed to weigh 238 g, while a 110 mm version of the stem sits at 180 g. With the cables guided underneath the stem and then through the headset, the integrated design is shared with the current Orca OMX and OMR. Fortunately, if you dont get on with the shape of the handlebar, the Orca Aero uses a standard round, 31.8mm stem clamp, so youre not bound to it for life. 4,199 and Compared to the competition, though, thats still around 350g heavier than the size 58cm Cannondale SystemSix I tested earlier this year, which, as already mentioned, has deeper, wider wheels. Ill accept the increased mass is likely to be a sticking point for some, especially at this price point, but the Orca Aero is a bike that doesnt feel heavy on the road, and physics suggests it doesnt make much difference against the clock either. The rear edges of the tops on the Orbea OC3 handlebar tended to hit my wrists when using the drops, but the finishing kit is otherwise excellent-quality stuff. As a result, it holds momentum with ease, changes direction with precision and descends like an anvil thanks to its incredibly balanced underpinnings and sharp, easy-to-modulate Ultegra hydraulic brakes. 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