Test from the Orbea Orca OMR M25Team

One year after launch of the new Orca high-end, Orbea presented a slightly less exclusive version, but which takes up an almost identical design and the same degree of integration. We have testThis new Orca designed with OMR level carbon fibers in its M25Team version – at less than €4000 – over more than 6000 km for know what this "watered down" model of the brand's best seller is worth on the ground and in all weathers. Verdict.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr

=> SEE AS ​​WELL : Le test long life of the Orbea Orca OMX

The Orca has always been the flagship model at Orbea, and this new opus presented in 2019 is no exception to the rule. Rigid, easy to handle, lively, versatile and improved aerodynamically thanks to a beautiful integration of cables and hoses at the level of the steering tube, the Orca seduces, especially since Orbea's own customization program, which allows you to choose certain components and select colors from thousands of combinations, is very successful. The only downside: like many brands, Orbea is suffering from supply problems linked to the health crisis and the high demand in the cycling sector. So you sometimes have to be very patient when ordering an Orca.

Highly efficient, the Orca was until now only available from OMX carbon fibers, the highest level of design of the Basque brand. Light and rigid fibers associated with a very precise manufacturing process intended to eliminate the slightest imperfection. Since last summer, the Orca has been available in a softer and less expensive version, with OMR fibers, the second level of carbon at Orbea. The brand therefore announces an additional weight of 200 g for the frame, but also a slightly more affordable behavior. The geometry is the same as for the OMX, and only the seat tube is modified. By finding a round shape and with a "classic" seat post of 27,2 mm in diameter, it also promises more comfort.

A complete range, from €2099

The Orca OMR is available in seven versions, starting at €2099. The most expensive M21eTeam model is equipped with Sram Force eTap AXS with Fulcrum Racing 700 wheels at €4799. Next comes the M20iTeam with the same wheels and a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset at €4599. Then comes our model of test M25Team, with a mechanical Ultegra groupset, and Vision 40SC carbon wheels at €3999. This mytage is also available with Fulcrum Racing 700 aluminum wheels at €3599 for the M20Team. Finally, at the entry level, we find the M20 in Ultegra/105 and Orbea wheels at €2899, the M30 in Shimano 105 at €2299 and finally the M40 in Shimano Tiagra (10 speeds) at €2099. These last three models are equipped with a fork whose pivot remains in aluminum, while maintaining the same line and the same level of integration as all the other Orca.

Between the Orca OMX and OMR (12 models in total), two slightly different frames, several equipment levels and the customization possibilities of the MyO program, You can create the perfect bike for yourself, one that fits your budget and your sporting goals.

Successful aesthetics

The finish on the M25Team of test is as always at Orbea notably well cared for with a “Carbone Raw” paint (glossy varnished raw carbon) which has the most beautiful effect with the reflections of the sun. Three colours are available as standard, but you can customise the paint from thousands of possibilities, and at no extra cost, starting with the M20Team model at €3599. The adjustment of the parts to the montage is beyond reproach. The integration of the derailleur cables and brake hoses with the ICR system provides no resistance, and the fluidity of the controls remains the same even after several thousand kilometers. The only drawback of the system appears in the event of changing the steering bearings, since it is then necessary to disassemble everything and redo a brake bleed. Not easy, but we know that disc brakes involve more complicated maintenance than rim brakes in any case.

The right balance

In terms of equipment, the Orca M25Team is very well balanced, with the Ultegra disc groupset and its mechanical action derailleurs, and above all the very good Vision 40SC carbon wheels that we already had for a long time testées with the Orca OMX last year. The whole thing is an excellent mid-range machine with reliable, efficient and proven hardware like the Orbea OC1 Road handlebar (available in a 15 mm raised version, or an optional carbon version), and the Prologo Scratch-M5 Pas T2.0 saddle (there are also four other models to choose from). As for the wheels, it is possible to choose Vision SC with 55 mm deep rims, or the excellent Fulcrum Racing Speed ​​40 which radically strengthen the Orca's game, but for an additional €1000.

Like its big brother OMX, the Orca OMR is compatible with 32 mm section tires, which greatly extends its possibilities. Instead of the Vittoria Rubino IVs initially supplied, we opted for the Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance TLR tires in 700×30 (+20 €) which add comfort and grip while making it possible to venture onto poorly surfaced cycle paths or even well-packed gravel paths.

But it is with high-end 25 mm section tires that we rode this bike the most., first with Pirelli PZero 4S, then with Michelin Power Road, in order to maintain contact with the route identical to our habits, and to find a little dynamism there. We also have testThis is a bike with RAR wheels Mag60 mm high number, intended for fast and rolling courses.

Easy to live

On the scale, the Orca M25Team weighs 8,150 kg without pedals in size 49., which brings us to almost 8,5 kg ready to roll and even a good 9 kg with a bottle. It's a bit heavy, but consistent with the weight of the Shimano Ultegra Disc group and with the announced extra weight of the OMR frame compared to the OMX.Fortunately, the Vision 40 SC wheels limit the damage by being responsive, dynamic and versatile. These are excellent carbon wheels for their retail price of around €1100. From the first few hundred metres on the route, the Orca seems a little lighter than it actually is and is even easy to take and restart. The 30 mm tires penalize sharp accelerations a little and give off rather vague sensations when dancing because their section exceeds the width of the rims. Their weight of almost 300 g also does not favor ultra-nervous behavior. Nevertheless, they shine by their comfort, and by the very good grip they provide on the routes wet and greasy winter. By adopting a sustained and regular pace, they do not penalize the average, even if we feel them "slowing down" the bike a little beyond 35-37 km/h. Note also that with this montage, the disc braking with the two 160 mm rotors is powerful and progressive, perfect for maintaining control whatever the circumstances.

=> SEE AS ​​WELL : Buy Vision 40 SC Disc Tubeless wheels for €899,99
=> SEE AS ​​WELL : Buy Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance TLR tires for €37,99

By fitting tires with a section more suited to aggressive use of the bike (25 mm), the Orca M25Team gains in liveliness what it loses a little in comfort. Braking – especially at the rear – also becomes a little trickier to dose in the wet. The fact remains that the bike extends its performance possibilities, whether on the flat at high speed with a favorable wind, or on more hilly courses that require frequent changes of pace.

The Orca M25Team falls into the category of accessible bikes, which are a pleasure to ride even on days when you are not in good shape or in a good mood.

The frame shows a little lateral flexibility, but without being soft. It falls more into the category of accessible bikes, which are a pleasure to ride even on days when you are not in good shape or in a good mood. Its behavior is balanced and pleasant regardless of the gear and speed chosen. It filters vibrations correctly and allows you to accumulate kilometers without having to endure it. The bike is also stable and reassuring on fast descents or when you have to chain together technical turns. And if it is one of the rare bikes that remains comfortable despite its sporty geometry, it also supports more muscular use, whether it is long sequences of supported relays on the flat or even sprints with signs facing your companions. route.

With even more high-end wheels like the RAR Magnum 60, its behavior is a little more typical of a “roller”, and it gains points on the flat, even if it becomes very sensitive to side winds. These high and rigid wheels make it a little more demanding, but they do not distort the behavior of the chassis, which despite the impression soft that it leaves under the pedal does not come apart under heavy stress. The potential of the Orca OMR is therefore very real, and this frame constitutes a very interesting base when your budget is not unlimited.

The impact of fibers

The question now is what is the real difference between the two Orca frames?, that is, the high-end version with OMX carbon fibers, and the OMR version of the M25Team. There is a €900 difference between the two framesets (€3499 for the OMX and €2599 for the OMR), and a clearer difference when you look at the range of bikes on offer.

Aesthetically and in terms of geometry and finish, the two models are very difficult to distinguish. On route, the OMR is a little heavier, less sharp and less incisive under high stress than the OMX, but also more comfortable, more tolerant and more pleasant at low speed. It is clearly less competitive, while still being more suited to the vast majority of practitioners and their physical abilities.

With the equipment offered, the M25Team is in our opinion the most balanced model in the Orca OMR range., because if it does not require an electronic transmission group (Di2 or eTap), it benefits from versatile wheels that greatly optimize its behavior. It does not offer services as high-end as a very high-end bike like the OMX in its most expensive version but It already gives a lot for the price it is offered at. A great deal.

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