Luz Ardiden. Alpe d'Huez. Empire. Mortirolo. Flagstaff. Marmolada. Hautacam. La Pandera. Galibier. Angrilu. La Linea. Navacerrada. The emotion is inescapable - these names incite passion and memories of heroic struggles between the giants of cycling, impossible feats made painfully real by competitors who refused to surrender. It's these storied climbs and the riders who made them sacred that Spanish bike maker Orbea says was inspiration for its newest Orca road bike.
So what makes the new Orca unique? Check out this video to hear the Orbea pitch.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBO3_x8P5q0
Top line changes and features of this new race rig include a 900-gram frame that's claimed to be 20 percent lighter than its predecessor. That was achieved in part by utilizing super slim seatstays and toptube, which is beefy at the headtube junction but then tapers on its way to the seat tube. Orbea is also using a 27.2mm seatpost, which is designed to both shave weight and increase vertical compliance.
Of course stiffness and efficiency remain important, as one can see by the large downtube, tapered headtube, bulbous chainstays, and wide PF86 bottom bracket shell. The net effect is a bike that is 24 percent stiffer, claims Orbea.
The Spanish bike maker is using a 27.2mm seatpost to both cut weight and increase vertical compliance.
Finally sizing was examined, and the new Orca comes in seven frame sizes from 47cm to 60cm, all with low stack and long reach, putting the rider in a better aerodynamic position. This wind cheating ability is further bolstered by internal cable routing that is mechanical and electronic compatible.
For more information visit www.orbea.com.