A full-size water bottle fits inside the front triangle off all four sizes, alongside the asymmetric brace between the seat tube and downtube. Subscribe for updates. The Occam has a slightly higher than average overall leverage ratio, which Orbea says is intended to help with small-bump sensitivity. The overall leverage curve is somewhat progressive, going from about 3.14:1 to 2.56:1 in a fairly straight line, though it does flatten off somewhat near bottom-out. Orbeas MyO programme lets purchasers customise their chosen bike for their specific needs and budget. Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! Orbea says with the fresh link on the old bike, there is a risk of the shock hitting the frame in the smaller sizes, and the top tube on the new bike has been modified to prevent unwanted contact. None of those differences are huge, by any stretch and its overall a good comparison but the Hightower feels like a little bit more cushy, easy-going bike, whereas the Occam LT is a bit sharper and more energetic. It pedals great and still also offers up a ton of traction, without requiring a lot of care to manage weight distribution and balance, and is quick enough handling to get through tighter spots easily without feeling twitchy or unstable. And speaking of geometry, theres no longer a flip chip to toggle between different settings its all handled by changing the length of the fork. This increase in travel is facilitated by a new shock linkage that means a longer stroke shock can be used from 50mm to 55mm. That last ones 100% personal preference, though, so your mileage may vary. However, it is quick to point out this isnt a scaled-down Rallon enduro bike (which recently received an update for 2022). This is a common method that isolates braking forces and allows the rear end to stay active, even when youre heavy on the brakes. Thanks! When we reviewed the 2020 version, we were impressed by the Occams climbing prowess and its chipper descending qualities; its a playful bike begging to be taken off every side hit. This is a less weird comparison than it looks on paper. My hunch is that I could make the fit on the XL work, but going up a size would add a little stability at the expense of a bunch of the nimbleness that sets the Occam LT apart, and thats not a tradeoff Im interested in for this bike. Wide knobs down the middle provide control under braking and L-shaped side knobs assure support when carving loose turns. Designed in conjunction with Aussie DH racer Troy Brosnan, the Dissector seeks to minimize drag while retaining cornering control. With a 3-position DPS damper, dual piston valve design, and a confidence-inspiring pedigree, you can't really go wrong: light action off the top takes care of small bumps, and the damper allows for support on bigger hits. But theres also a reason that not everybody wants a full-on Enduro sled with a 63 headtube angle and a wheelbase that can be measured in furlongs, and Orbea cut right to the chase in declaring that their new Occam LT is NOT a mini Rallon (their Enduro bike), despite what its travel numbers might suggest. 29" wheels, Colors:Glitter Anthracite-Metallic Red (Gloss); Metallic Dark Green-Lime Green (Matt); Leo Orange-Black (Gloss), Fox Float DPS Performance 3-Position Evol custom tune 210x50mm, OC Mountail Control MC20, 31.6mm, Dropper. The Occam LT isnt necessarily a bike that encourages you to really hammer and attack at every opportunity in the same way that a true XC bike does, but for the way I think that most people try to climb, its really excellent. Steeper seat tube angles, longer reaches, better suspension kinematics, and so on have absolutely changed mountain bikes for the better, and the Occam LT gets all that good stuff. A lot of brands are making big claims about how hard their shorter-travel bikes can charge, but Orbea is refreshingly straightforward in saying that the Occam LT is NOT a mini Rallon. Theyre clearly targeting both versions of the Occam to be true Trail bikes, meant for long days in the saddle with an emphasis on efficiency. Air Spring Pressure | Lever Actuated Open, Medium, Firm Compression Modes | Rebound. Lightweight two-piston brakes with excellent stopping power and modulation, these trail brakes will keep you in control through any conditions. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. That classic Shimano "click" has never come so easy! Maxxis Rekon Rear Tire The Occam LT is definitely more bike than the Ripley cushier, more planted, more stable but by a smaller margin than their travel numbers might suggest. The Rekon is an aggressive trail tire inspired by the Ikon for intermediate and technical terrain. You'd realize that the only differences between the Orbea Occam H30 Complete Mountain Bike and its superbike brethren are how many crooked numbers appear on their price tags (hint: this one has fewer). We are hoping to get a bike in the UK for a full review as soon as possible. Lightweight and efficient, the Float DPS Performance is a consistent performer and the best choice for a trail bike. Both versions share the same outline thats almost identical to the old Occam model, except for a small change to the shocks linkage where it is now made from two pieces rather than three. For a 150mm-travel Trail bike, the Occam LT is definitely less stable and more agile than most, but its handling feels very natural and intuitive. If you want the full custom experience, the M1 and M-LTD builds are available via the MyO program, which lets you personalise everything from components to the paint job. Less time prepping and fixing meant you could just focus on the ride. He started racing downhill at the tender age of 11 before going on to compete across Europe. Alex then moved back to the UK and put his vast knowledge of mountain biking to good use by landing a job working for MBUK magazine as features editor. Looks like Orbea updated their pricing for the whole line since we published the first look, and we hadnt updated it when we ran the full review. Please contact, Orbea products can only be shipped within the United States, 2001-2022 evo - All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed |. This versatile tire can be used as a front, a pair, or as a rear depending on trail conditions. The standard Occam builds all come with lighter suspension parts (e.g. The Large Occam LT does come with a 150mm-drop seatpost and thats a bit on the short side for my preferences though if youre so inclined, you can swap in a longer option through Orbeas My O customization program. Shop Talk: Recap of the Season; Skiing with Kids; & Heated Socks (Ep.194), Drivetrain: SRAM NX w/ GX rear derailleur, Drivetrain: Shimano SLX w/ XT rear derailleur. The Occam and Occam LT keep mostly the same geometry as the high and low settings on the outgoing Occam, respectively. Capable on a huge variety of terrain, well put together and well spec'd, the M10 is a true machine for all mountains. But its not just efficiency where the Occam LT stands out its also an outstanding technical climber. This is probably the best comparison here, but its not a perfect 1:1 either. It was the first time wed seen Orbea employ the asymmetrical chassis and it was a refreshing change from the trail-duro sleds that had been (and still are) gaining popularity. Same story as the Bronson, to an even greater degree. The OCCAM H30 is geared about the same as similar bikes for riding up hills. With a 3-position DPS damper, dual piston valve design, and a confidence-inspiring pedigree, you can't really go wrong: light action off the top takes care of small bumps, and the damper allows for support on bigger hits. Especially in more rolling, varied terrain, its combination of excellent pedalling efficiency, fairly quick handling, and good suspension performance means that its really easy to build and maintain speed, even when you dont have a ton of pitch to let gravity do the work. Because the Occam LT is just a build kit, you can always pop a longer shock and fork in the bike, should you opt for a regular Occam and want to add a bit of capability later down the trail. The 4060 LT also wants a pretty forward stance and aggressive weighting of the front wheel to work best, and while I think the steeper headtube angle (and consequently shorter front-center) on the ST version will mitigate that somewhat, I still think the 4060 ST will favor a slightly more forward stance than the Occam LT. The Smash is. Shimano MT 201 Hydraulic This means its still possible to bolt a 150mm travel fork to a standard 140mm travel Occam, select from a host of different shock options on both versions of the frame, swap out dropper posts, saddles, brakes and tyres. Orbea offers lots of component swaps, youll see these listed initalics, these may influence the overall price. For a 150mm-travel bike, the Occam LT is also great at pumping and building speed that way the slightly firmer than average suspension performance and probably also the more moderate wheelbase really go a long way there. Not that long ago mountain bikes were simple suspension opened up more terrain and, more importantly, it meant more fun. Designed in conjunction with Aussie DH racer Troy Brosnan, the Dissector seeks to minimize drag while retaining cornering control. Hydro High Polished Triple Butted Aluminum Frame. If you could ride with your eyes closed, you'd be positive you stole it. It found that riders were loving its versatility and pushing its limits, hence the decision to up rear-wheel travel. Air Spring Pressure, Lever Actuated Open, Medium, Firm Compression Modes, Rebound Adjust. Orbea has over-shocked the Occam LT by adding 10mm of travel to both ends, using a 150mm Fox 36 on the front, and either a Float X air shock or DHX coil on the rear. And when youre not subjecting it to ultra-steep, high-speed riding, the Occam LT is a blast. Orbea is right to say that the Occam LT is NOT a mini Rallon [Enduro bike]. The Bronson is a bunch more bike than the Occam LT. Its cushier and more planted, more stable and calmer handling, and significantly less efficient under power. This void may as well be the Grand Canyon at this point, with riders expecting their trail bikes to perform everywhere from their local loops, to big days out exploring the backcountry, and even a few sneaky shuttle laps at the bike park. Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for just 5!, Get a Syncros iS Coupe bottle cage when you subscribe. Orbeas Occam trail bike has a mid-life refresh for 2022 that sees the range get two rear suspension travel options. Expert staff, service, events, galleries, demos & more! Material: Carbon fiber and aluminum versions available, Blisters Measured Weight (Occam LT M10, size Large): 31.2 lb / 14.2 kg, Price: Complete bikes $3,299 to $9,499; see below for details. What has been carried through is the asymmetric frame design. To keep you out of trouble when things get a bit rowdy, the Occam LT also has four-piston brakes and grippy aggro tyres. Love bikes? The top-of-fork simple sweep adjuster from firm to open can lock out the fork or fully open the system with plenty of positions in between. The Occam LT shares the standard bikes geometry numbers, except for the head angle thats now 65.5 degrees and seat-tube angle which sits at 76.5 degrees both slacker because of the longer travel fork and the bottom bracket drop (how far beneath the axles the bottom bracket is) sits at 32mm rather than 35mm for the standard Occam. That said, the Occam LT is a bit cushier and more forgiving in terms of suspension performance, and pedals just about as well. For reference, the complete build options are as follows: It feels like these days everybody wants to tout just how capable their Trail bikes are on super rowdy, steep trails, and if I had to pinpoint the genesis of that trend, Id probably peg it to the original Evil Following. The all new Deore 12 speed components deliver accurate shifting, efficiency, and chain management that's been unheard-of in a budget group. The Orbea Occam is one hell of a bike. On the other, Orbea talks a lot about the Occam LT being efficient and agile, and if the Occam LT isnt trying to be a super game-on charger first and foremost, maybe that opens up some room for it to climb better than a lot of bikes with similar suspension travel? The standard Occam is still a 140mm trail bike that will do most things well, but Orbea has added an LT version to its starting 15. Twenty years later, that same DNA lives on in the new Marzocchi Z2; its ready to shred with smooth and plush suspension. Shock Adjustments I had plenty of room to get the seat height set with the stock post, but am just used to longer options and swapped in a 170 mm post to get a little more comfortable. And while I think theyre generally right, I really wasnt tempted to size up. Its just a different take on a longer travel Trail bike than a lot of whats out there, but one that I think is very compelling for the right rider. The Orbea Occam LT is the best technical climber Ive been on in a long time. The answer to that question is a resounding yes. The Occam LT pedals extremely well for a 150mm-travel Trail bike. That classic Shimano "click" has never come so easy! Need to return an item? The Spur punches a bit over its travel class in terms of capability, and the Occam LT is a lot more efficient and agile than most 150mm-travel Trail bikes, and the result is that they converge on a more similar ride feel than you might expect. Orbeas Occam trail bike gets new linkage and rowdier for 2022. The new 2022 Occams are no exception, and each of the 10 models across the carbon fibre and aluminium range is customisable. I dont want to give the idea that the Occam LT feels dated far from it. With the new Occam, Orbea maintained the trail bike personality so many riders love, but also chucked a Carolina Reaper or two into the pot for a bit of extra spice, with the Occam LT. We expect trail bikes to competently fill the gap between XC race bikes and enduro bikes. This product is available for purchase in select store locations or by phone. Regardless of the frame material, the LT builds will come with a Fox 36 fork, the option of a Float X or DHX shock, Maxxis DFH/Dissector EXO rubber, and four-pot brakes with a 203mm front rotor. Orbeas system, dubbed Concentric Boost 2, among other things, is claimed to decouple braking and suspension forces, making the rear suspension active under braking. Orbea has also made space for a OneUp EDC-style multitool that lives inside the main pivot axle and is held in place with magnets. It wasnt perfect, but the Occam was a bike that did most things well and didnt sacrifice versatility for the sake of being trendy it was a bike ideal for someone who wasnt fussed with chin bars, number plates or tyres with a downhill casing. Do-it-all trail bike gets long-travel version, keeps MyO customisation. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Not that long ago mountain bikes were simple suspension opened up more terrain and, more importantly, it meant more fun. The Arrival is a little closer than the Bronson or Smash, but its still pretty different. The standard non-LT version of the Occam would presumably narrow the gap. Riding those famous tracks day in, day out for eight years, he broke more bikes than he can remember. Previously, Orbea upped the Occams capabilities by bolting on a longer-travel fork taking travel from 140mm to 150mm, and slackening the head angle from 66 degrees to 65.5 degrees but the extra fork travel is now accompanied by the increase at the rear. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thats a nice range of builds at a big spread of price points. Orbea says this change reduces the chance of something coming loose. The new linkage also has space to store Orbeas Allen key multi-tool, debuted on the 2022 Rallon enduro bike. Ive only ridden the LT version of the Occam, but my hunch is that the differences in build spec between it and the standard Occam are going to make a bigger difference in how the bikes feel than the extra 10 mm of travel at each end, and minor geometry tweaks that result from the taller fork. All the pieces come together for one heck of a great ride. Lets dive in: The Occam is still available in four sizes, in both aluminum and carbon versions and thats because the front and rear triangles actually carry over from the prior iteration of the bike. Anti-squat sits at about 120% near sag, and the anti-rise curve is fairly flat, starting just over 60% and reaching about 70% by the end of travel. The stock 500 lb spring did feel a touch firm for me, at 170 lb, and after a bit, I swapped in a 475 lb one which suited me better. The new from-the-ground-up Rail damper combines low maintenance with intuitive ease of use and impressive on-trail performance. The 29in-wheel chassis is still available in carbon fibre and aluminium, and prices start from 2,399 / $2,999 / 2,399 for the Occam H30 and rise to 7,999 / $8,699 / 7,999 for the top-spec Occam M-LTD. The rear end is still based around a split pivot, with the rear dropout serving double duty as a concentric pivot. The Occam is only available with air shocks, but Orbea offers both air and coil options on the Occam LT. Cable routing is internal across the board, theres ample rubber protection on the chainstay and downtube, and a small integrated upper chainguide is included, in lieu of full ISCG tabs. Maxxis Dissector 3C EXO MaxxTerra 29 x 2.4", Mountain Bikes - Fit Guide & Frame Geometry, Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking. All three graphs can be seen below: Thats all fairly normal for this sort of Trail bike, but looks well sorted and should make for a straightforward shock setup. Fox Float DPS Performance Rear Shock Air Spring Pressure | Lever Actuated Open, Medium, Firm Compression Modes | Rebound. The longer fork on the LT also alters the geometry slightly, as well describe more below. With confidence like this you can race more and scout less with the Rekon. And having now spent a few months on the Occam LT, theyre absolutely right and thats exactly what makes the Occam LT so compelling for the right rider. Rather than being some super highly-strung race bike that prioritizes efficiency above all else, it blends a lot of efficiency with a comfortable pedaling position, very good traction, and easy-going handling that feels super intuitive and fairly agile without being twitchy or unstable.