Review: 2023 Orbea Oiz M-Pro - Don't Call it Downcountry

Sep 4, 2023
by Mike Kazimer  
Orbea's marketing materials for the Oiz make it clear that it wasn't designed to be a downcountry bike or a trail bike. It's a purebred, modern XC machine, where outright speed is the overarching goal. Fast is fun and all that, but thankfully Orbea's designers didn't overlook the fact that modern World Cup XC race tracks are getting increasingly technical – there's now 120mm of travel front and rear, and the head angle sits at a moderate 67-degrees, two-degrees slacker than the previous version. The overall weight is still quite low, with a size medium frame and shock claimed to check in at 1740 grams.

There are 8 different complete carbon-framed models, with prices ranging from $4,399 USD for the M30, all the way up to $10,899 USD for the SRAM Transmission equipped M LTD XX.

Oiz M-Pro Details

• Wheel size: 29"
• OMX carbon frame
• Travel: 120mm
• 67º head angle
• 76.5º seat tube angle
• 434mm chainstays (size L)
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 24.7 lb / 11.2 kg (size L)
• Price: $6,799 USD
orbea.com

I tested the M-Pro model, which goes for $6,799 USD. Spec highlights include a Factory level Fox 34 Stepcast fork and DPS shock, Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes (with an XTR derailleur), and Maxxis Rekon Race tires mounted to Oquo MP30 Team carbon wheels.






bigquotesThe moderately long reach and slacker head angle (for an XC bike) keeps it from feeling too pointy, and with the seat dropped out of the way it'll hold its own on a wide variety of trails. Mike Kazimer




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Frame Details

The Oiz's frame has a similar look to the previous version, other than the switch to through-headset cable routing. There are two different carbon layup options – OMX and OMR. Both frames are claimed to have the same stiffness and strength attributes, but the higher end OMX frames are 200 grams lighter (and more expensive). They also use a flat mount rear brake that limits the maximum rotor size to 160mm, while the OMR frames have a post mount design that can accommodate a 180mm rotor.

For riders who have never missed leg day, the Oiz has clearance for up to a 38-tooth chainring. I was a little surprised to see a 32-tooth ring spec'd instead of a 34 on my test bike, but that's a pretty simple switch. A tiny roller sits above the top of the chainring, where it helps ensure the chain stays securely in place.


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The under-bar lockout has a distinct click for each of the three positions.
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Fully open is with the lower lever pushed forward. Pushing the smaller lever to the right quickly locks out the fork and shock.

It can be tricky to make a lock-out that's not absolutely hideous, and in this case I'd say Orbea did a decent job with the Squidlok three-position remote. There are two levers under the bar, one to move the shock and fork from locked out to a pedal mode and then fully open, and the other to quickly return it to the fully locked out setting. And it's really locked out in that position - hit a bump hard and you'll know it.

There's room for two water bottles inside the front triangle, although this isn't possible with all bottle / cage combinations – realistically, I'd say there's room for 1.5 bottles, or that second bottle mount can be used to hold a tube or pump. Other details include a threaded bottom bracket, a SRAM UDH derailleur hanger, and a rubber chainstay protector.


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Geometry & Sizing

The latest version of the Oiz now has 120mm of travel front and rear, with a 67-degree head angle and a 472mm reach for a size large. The chainstays are a compact 434mm across all four sizes. Those are numbers that used to be found on trail bikes, but are now starting to trickle down into the XC world – 70-degree head angles are fast becoming a thing of the past.

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Suspension Design

The Oiz uses a flex-stay suspension layout, with a small carbon link driving the shock. The leverage ratio is slightly regressive, which means it takes more effort to initiate travel early on in the stroke. That trait, combined with relatively high anti-squat levels helps give the Oiz a firmer platform to push against when pedaling, even if the lock-out isn't in use. If this suspension kinematic was applied to a longer travel bike it wouldn't work nearly as well - that leverage ratio curve is best suited to short travel bikes where efficiency takes priority over sensitivity and a bottomless suspension feel.

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Specifications
Price $6799
Travel 120mm
Rear Shock Fox i-line DPS Factory
Fork Fox 34 Float SC Factory 120 FIT4 Remote-Adj Push-Unlock
Cassette Shimano CS-M8100 10-51t 12-Speed
Crankarms Shimano XT M8120 32t
Rear Derailleur Shimano XTR
Chain Shimano M8100
Shifter Pods Shimano XT M8100
Handlebar OC MP10 Mountain Performance Carbon, 760mm
Stem OC Mountain Performance MP10 Alu SL, -10
Brakes Shimano XT M8100 Hydraulic Disc
Wheelset OQUO Mountain Performance MP30TEAM Carbon
Tires Maxxis Rekon Race 2.40" WT 120 TPI Exo TLR
Seat Selle Italia SLR Boost Fill Titanium Rail
Seatpost OC Mountain Control MC20, 31.6mm, Dropper


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Photo Lorenz Jimenez
RIDING THE
Oiz
Photo: Lorenz Jimenez

Test Bike Setup

I dove into the deep end shortly after receiving the Oiz – I headed to the BC Bike Race for 7 days of XC racing after only a couple shakedown rides on this pastel purple machine. I used that event as a way to try out RockShox's then-unreleased SID fork and SIDLux shock, and to get acquainted with how the bike handled when I was breathing through my eyeballs.

If I was a customer starting from scratch on Orbea's website I would have selected the wider bar / shorter stem option. My test bike showed up with a 70mm, -15mm rise stem and a flat bar, so I needed to make some adjustments in order to feel more comfortable. For some riders, that traditional XC positioning is what they're used to, and it'll work just fine. Personally, I prefer being able to have a little more fun while descending, and the more upright position was also much more comfortable for multiple days of racing in a row.


2022 Trail Bike Field Test photo by Satchel Cronk.
Mike Kazimer
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Height: 5'11" / 180cm
Inseam: 33" / 84cm
Weight: 160 lbs / 72.6 kg
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @mikekazimer
Later on in the test period I switched back to the stock Fox suspension, using it both with and without the Squidlok remote lockout. Orbea's online manual contains a list of recommended suspension settings, which I didn't need to deviate very far from. 175 psi in the shock put me at 25% sag, and I ran 77 psi in the 34 for my 160 lb weight.



Photo Dave Silver
Photo: Dave Silver

Climbing

The Oiz is a snappy pedaler, with the type of efficiency you'd expect from a race bike, even with the lockout fully open. There's no wasted suspension movement, and even hard sprints don't do much to fluster the back end. The flip side is that outright traction does suffer a little, since the early part of that 120mm of travel is more firm than forgiving. For most XC riders and racers that'll likely be an acceptable tradeoff – the Oiz is still a very competent climber, no matter if it's a tight and technical section of trail or a long uphill gravel sprint.

Even with my not-exactly-XC cockpit setup of a 50mm stem and 760mm bars I didn't have any trouble keeping the front end weighted on steeper climbs. The Oiz strikes a nice balance of quicker handling and stability – the overall wheelbaset is compact enough for easy manueverability at slower speeds without feeling too nervous or twitchy.

I went sans-lockout on the RockShox suspension I used for the BC Bike Race, and I found myself wishing for a lockout a grand total of zero times. After switching back to the Fox 34 fork / DPS shock combo I came to the same conclusion – the lockout simply isn't all that necessary. That's not to say it shouldn't be an option, since there's no denying that it does firm up the bike significantly, which could be helpful for the longer sprints that XC races typically start and finish with. It does take a little getting used to the dropper lever's vertical orientation – I inadvertently locked out the suspension instead of lowering my seat a couple of times as I was getting accustomed to the control configuration.

I'd love it if there was a model Orbea's lineup that came stock without a remote, or even a simple shock-only lockout and a similar cockpit setup to what I was running.

Photo Dave Silver
Photo: Dave Silver

Descending

I can see where Orbea are coming from with their “Don't call it downcountry” tagline, since the Oiz wasn't really designed to be pushed to its limits on the descents. It's also not a bike that you'd want to overfork, or put extra meaty tires on – it's a cross-country bike at heart, made for covering lots of miles at a high rate of speed.

All that said, it's no slouch when gravity takes over. The moderately long reach and slacker head angle (for an XC bike) keeps it from feeling too pointy, and with the seat dropped out of the way it'll hold its own on a wide variety of trails. I've ridden it on all manner of descents, from flow trails to more natural, root-filled tracks, and the Oiz took it all in stride. Sure, there are limits – it's still an XC bike, and good line choices are important to keep from getting bounced off line, or flatting – but the Oiz is impressively solid and surefooted on rowdier trails.

Photo Margus Riga
Photo: Margus Riga

Just like on the climbs, the overall suspension feel is on the firmer side when descending, especially when it comes to square edges hits – the Oiz isn't overly eager to go into that initial portion of its travel, which means there's more feedback transmitted to the rider on chattery sections of trail. I wouldn't call it harsh, but it's not quite as forgiving as the Scott Spark, for example.

Even with that slightly regressive leverage ratio I didn't have any harsh bottom outs. I definitely used all the travel multiple times (blind racing will do that), but there weren't any unnerving clangs at the end of the stroke.


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Orbea Oiz
Photo by Tom Richards Scott Spark Contessa
Scott Spark RC (Contessa version shown)


How does it compare?

The Orbea Oiz and Scott Spark RC were both designed for XC racing at the highest level, and when it comes to key geometry figures they're quite similar. The head angle of both bikes is around 67 degrees, the reach on a size large is 470mm, and the seat tube angles are in the neighborhood of 76.5-degrees. The Spark does have chainstays that measure 5mm longer than the Oiz – 437mm vs. 432.

Despite those similarities, each company has taken a slightly different approach to achieving the same goal. In the full-open suspension setting the Spark isn't nearly as supportive as the Oiz – it's a bike that benefits from having multiple suspension settings, and it's the middle, slightly firmer setting that most riders will likely find the most useful. With the Oiz, the fully open setting feels closer to the Spark's middle setting, and I didn't switch between modes nearly as much as I would have on the Spark.

Both bikes have hassle-inducing thru-headset cable routing, and Scott went and hid the entire shock inside the frame, so neither is really what I'd call mechanic-friendly. The Spark does win when it comes to water bottle carrying capacity, though.


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Which Model is the Best Value?

The overall price range of the Oiz carbon lineup goes from $4,399 for the base model M30 all the way up to the $10,499 LTD. It's the $5,999 M10 model that stands out as a good value if you're looking for a higher end option that doesn't need many upgrades. Its spec is nearly identical to the $6,799 M-Pro model I tested, other than a XT derailleur instead of XTR. The price difference comes from the OMR frame, which is approximately 200 grams heavier than the OMX frame found on the higher end models. 200 grams isn't nothing, especially in the XC world, but unless you're convinced those grams are what's standing between you and a podium finish the M10 model is the way to go.

The base model M30 has a solid spec for the price too - $4,399 gets you a Shimano Deore drivetrain and Fox Performance suspension. Don't forget about the aluminum framed options either. Those will be heavier, but the prices are nearly $1,000 less than their similarly equipped carbon counterparts.

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Technical Report

Headset cable routing: All the suspension and cockpit switching I've done on the Oiz means that I've done more than my fair share of fussing around with the internal headset routing. And you know what? Even with all that practice it's still just as annoying to deal with. Inevitably, one of the split headset spacers falls to the ground with a metallic 'ting' to rub the point home that I dropped it again, or the housing gets hung up on its way through the rubber grommets, requiring a extra firm tug to get it through. Needless to say, I'm not a fan. The bearings are still spinning smoothly, and they are fairly well protected from the elements with this iteration of the design, but that's not really saying much.

Maxxis Rekon Race tires: The dual-Rekon Race tire combo is fitting given the Oiz's race-focused design, and in the extra-dry summer conditions it's a very fast rolling option. The Dissector / Rekon option that Orbea also offers is one of my summertime favorites, offering more traction and control than the dual Rekon Race setup while also maintaining good rolling speed.



Pros

+ Snappy pedaling performance
+ Modern geometry allows for faster descending
+ Dropper posts are spec'd on all models

Cons

- Thru-headset cable routing
- Suspension design reduces small bump sensitivity



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotes'Serious with a smile' is how I'd catgorize the Oiz – it feels purposeful, a tool for hunting down podiums, but there's also a fun side to it that makes it a very enjoyable (and fast) ride outside of the race tape.  Mike Kazimer







Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,721 articles

159 Comments
  • 142 5
 PB please keep reviews on XC and XC marathon bikes coming!
  • 23 1
 Yes. Plus @mikekazimer has good credibility in this regard with respect to experience
  • 11 0
 @leelau: BC marathon racer, Enduro and freeride; Kaz is an all-around rider we all respect and look up to
  • 88 5
 I don't call anything down country
  • 29 18
 whatever, bro
  • 3 25
flag Untgrad (Sep 4, 2023 at 14:44) (Below Threshold)
 My Tallboy is the epitome of a downcountry build, but I never call it that!
Unless I’m showing it off to girls..
  • 10 0
 @Untgrad: It's a regressive trail bike.
  • 1 0
 Came straight to the comments to upvote this.
  • 2 0
 @Notmeatall:
Oh that is nice.
When down is up, the inverse is also true..
  • 62 2
 This bike would be dialed if it wasn't for the cable tourism..........
  • 29 0
 As a general fan of the brand, their version of cable tourism is particularly bad. The decision to run cables straight down from both sides is totally weird. You either force them in from under your bars and make a unnecessary tight bend in them, or above the bars and it looks hideous. Also the need to leave enough cable housing so you can install/remove the dropper is a problem, when the dropper is in the frame the cable needs to go somewhere so you have plenty visible on the cockpit side or you shove it inside the frame and hope it still works with the kinks...
  • 13 0
 Exactly. Got to the third pic and hard nope.
  • 16 1
 I love how there's very little mention of the through-headset cable routing, just two big photos showing how stupid it is.
  • 3 2
 Buy a 2022 Oiz front triangle...and slap a 2023 rear triangle on it. Get the longer chain stay and no cable tourism. ..or just track down a 2022 model, basically the same bike with normal cable routing.
  • 3 3
 Did my first build with headset routed cables a few weeks ago. Nobody wants to hear it, but pretty basic to do. One thing I noticed was that cable lengths become inconsequential. so no more guess work there. You can run them really tight without issue. The only challenge is if you want to replace your top headset bearing, but when was the last time anyone had to do that due to wear? Bottom bearing is no issue what so ever.
  • 63 12
 gravel bikes sure are getting aggressive.
  • 32 2
 Great value relative to other brands. I went for an Epic Evo over this simply due to the cable routing.
  • 22 3
 No Mike Levy, no downcountry, simple as that.
  • 15 0
 It’s a fantastic value! Sub $6k for carbon frame, wheels, bars, dropper post, fox factory front/rear suspension, shimano xt drivetrain.

My dad has that build and it’s little over 25lbs.

I have the m-pro but did a custom build, mines 21.05lbs with 120mm front/rear travel, 125mm dropper, power meter.
  • 2 1
 I never know if its exchanges rates of general trade costs but Canyon offered way better value for money when they did their Lux Trail for UK customers than Orbea. Its not quite the same, but i have a similar spec with carbon wheels all be it only 100mm travel for £3800
  • 3 0
 @sivraj: Canyon is direct to consumer
  • 1 0
 I have the m-pro also with Sram Transmission build and power meter just under 25 lbs. I could drop one lb with a really light wheel set/cassette. Curious what's on your build that has saved you the most weight for another 3+ lbs below that? Thanks!
  • 13 0
 Seems like if they go through the trouble of a dual lockout, they might as well use a suspension design that performs better going down? Why have two solutions to the same problem?
  • 2 0
 I use the dual lock (locked) for sprints, some gravel sections.
also it can give two extra positions medium and full open.
  • 2 0
 Have a new Oiz and I'm a big fan of the 3 position lockout. I setup the shock a little softer than recommended and spend 80% of the time in the middle position which is fork fully open and shock at 30% firmer or so. Makes it great climbing and rolling terrain and then when full open for descents improves the small bump compliance in the rear. That setup has worked well so far for XC marathon racing.
  • 9 0
 Imagine you slept through the downcountrypocalypse and woke up to discover this article claiming 67° HA and 120mm travel is a pure XC bike.

They may not be my cup of tea but I'm happy to see these bikes getting more fun. XC seems like enough suffering on modern bikes, can't imagine doing it back in the day with a bike that was no fun to descend on, your only reward was your misery...
  • 11 0
 There is no more down country, XC bikes are now just 120mm with 67*ish HTAs.
  • 11 2
 Obligatory complaint about the chicanery that specs an XTR derailleur with an XT build kit. They do the same thing on other trim levels too.
  • 1 3
 Would you rather have an xt derailleur ?
  • 13 1
 @laupe: with a lower price? Definitely. I'd also prefer XTR shifters over an XTR derailleur.
  • 2 0
 @Mac1987: why xtr shifter over xt? Not really any weight saved and both have the multishift that slx lacks.
  • 9 1
 Maybe the component to upgrade if you're only doing 1 would be the cassette, to save 100g? My problem with updating only the derailleur is because it's not for performance but just to get a fancier-looking logo in a visible location. Tricks people into thinking the whole bike is higher spec than it really is.
  • 4 0
 @cycleskiclimb: assumption by me, based on the upgrade of an SLX shifter to an XT one, and the slight difference in quality between previous XT and XTR shifters. If they're the same internally nowadays, I'd take the discount.
  • 7 1
 With a smart parts pick my Stumpjumper (140/130mm) weighs 25.5 lbs with 900g tires. Trail bikes don't have to be heavy.
  • 7 3
 Size s1 maybe.
  • 8 1
 No getting around your Stumpy's poor kinematics and shock valving. I owned a super light current version and my 2 pound heavier Ripmo destroys it on the climbs.
  • 6 0
 @bikewriter: hate to say it but it’s true. The stumpjumper has excellent geo and lightweight frame but rear suspension is squishy garbage. Feels slow. And yes I am the owner of a 28lb overforked sj 150 front /130 rear. I also have an epic evo and I’m done with it. Lightweight doesn’t help if turning off the lockout means pedaling around like you have a flat tire
  • 1 0
 @blackthorne: Done with the Epic Evo or SJ?
  • 3 1
 @Spoony187: both! Epic evo has too little reach and soft rear, so it doesn’t feel ‘fast’ despite the low weight
  • 1 2
 @bikewriter: If I wanted my SJ to ride like a Ripmo I'd just have to pump my shock up too hard.
  • 2 0
 That doesn't mean it rides the same as a full XC bike. I used to think that as well until I rode my 26 lb SJ back to back with my 25 lb Epic Evo. Both had the exact same wheels/tires and rode them back to back on the same day/trails with a friend that was considering buying one of them. Whomever was on the EE would drop the other person on the climbs without even trying. It wasn't even close.

Not saying that the SJ can't be ridden long distances, big climbs, etc, it is just not nearly as efficient as a real XC bike.
  • 3 0
 I had the previous generation of this bike. I loved the 120mm of travel and light weight but the old much steeper head tube angle was very old school and a bit twitchy on a lot of faster and steeper downhills. I moved on to a Epic Evo and that bike feels much better on descents than the old OIZ. I suspect this new bike with the new geometry would be a fun XC machine.
  • 5 1
 The epic Evo seems to be a winner still and not one to be set aside anytime soon. It was a slightly pointier downcountry bike 3 years ago and now it's essentially an XC bike just about as light, if not lighter than new models like this.
  • 5 0
 I've ridden both, bought the Oiz as the two bikes are really similar, but the Oiz is $4k AUD less for the same build kit. Took the $4k and got a Norco Fluid FS to pair with it..
  • 3 1
 To make it more comfortable and fun you basically turned it into a DC bike... These short travel things can really rip!
What is this pastel purple bike are you referring too? Am l color blind? That bike looks black and white.
  • 25 0
 Looks blue and gold to me.
  • 1 0
 Y'all can see the pink polka dots too though, right.....right?
  • 7 1
 Headset Cable routing can't go away fast enough for me. PITA.
  • 1 0
 Friend, no end insite unfortunately.
  • 2 0
 Oiz owner here..amazing bike (value and weight)... but I would LOVE if they fixed their fork lockout and REVERSED how it worked. Right now you need to push in the lever to fully open the suspension. Any kind of knee slap to the bar, especially in rough terrain, has a tendency to bump the lockout lever and LOCK the suspension. Its not a deal breaker or anything but there have been countless times i've finished a techy section only to find my suspension was partially or fully locked out.
  • 1 0
 The Cannondale Lefty works the same way. It's a PITA. I wonder if there's a way to set it up the other way 'round...
  • 3 1
 Can confirm, this is a sick xc bike. 4 rides on the xo transmission version and loving it. IMHO blows the new spark rc out of the water! Lavender frame in person is beautiful. Myo program is rad too.
  • 2 1
 Had a 2020 SC Blur built up very similarly to this Orbea. Had the dual lockouts as well. Hated them, removed them and placed a lever on the rear shock and fork. The SC was 120/100mm travel and weighed about 24lbs. Blur was super fun and fast AF! It was really only the brakes and tires that held it back and eventually suspension too. Sold it and purchased a Spur. I'd never even ridden a Spur and purchased sight unseen. The Spur hype is real. . I have so much fun on these types of bikes. Lightweight and super capable for the trails in my region. Love seeing these XC bike reviews. Keep them coming.
  • 1 0
 Unleash the Wolverines upon all mtb designers, engineers, product managers and marketing people who continue to make bikes that have this ridiculous cable routing through the headsets. May this trend go the way of Shimano Dual control and Sram Grip Shift, The Allsop Softride Beam Bike. To the Hall of Bad Bike Ideas!
  • 2 0
 I don't understand why it wins the water bottle capacity over the Scott Spark?
Both have enough room for 2 bottles.. on the picture it even looks like the Spark could have a little less space?
  • 4 0
 that frame just looks soo flexy. hows the rear end torsionally?
  • 4 0
 Notably more stiff (and chunkier) than the previous version.

Haven't had a problem with mine and I'm several kilograms heavier than Mike.
  • 2 0
 epic evo does a better job insanely light frame weight and regular brake mount also you goobers who hate headset cable routing will be happy
  • 2 2
 It is funny and sad to see how many people complain about the internal routing. I have the 2023 Oiz M LTD and you know what I spend thinking about the least? How my cables are routed. I am having too much fun and going way too fast to care where my cables are entering my frame.
  • 10 11
 “Don’t you dare even think of taking this cross country thoroughbred on any downhill-esque terrain, this is not a down country bike.” Calm down, I could atleast put on some maxxis minions, tire inserts, and maybe be okay?! After all it has two shocks.
  • 19 1
 You do you, but there are other short travel options out there that would be better choices if downhill ripping is at the top of your priority list. Like I said, the Oiz holds its own on techy descents (within reason), that's just not its main focus.
  • 6 1
 More than in the downhill, where I expect that 120/120 and 29 wheels and maybe different tires should work ok, I would actually be worried about uphill technical terrain. Kazimer mentions the firm initial suspension travel, and that can be a problem if you run into roots/rocks or otherwise less then smooth trails. I used to own a Norco Revolver, a 120/100 Xc racer. Peppy on smooth trails, I sold it mostly because uphill, on very rough trails, it could not keep up with my Ibis HD3, 160/160!

It would be interesting to compare the uphill traction with a more modern suspension design, flex stays go back the 90s. IBIS Exie, Pivot Mach 4, Mondraker podium come to mind.
  • 11 8
 Could use a 36 too
  • 9 6
 @poncho467: on an XC race bike? Buy something else.
  • 12 6
 @BermJunky: whooosh
  • 5 3
 @mikekazimer: well I mean you could probably send it down a double black with ease if you learned how to ride MTB on a rigid bike with rim brakes, this type of tech is above and beyond in comparison. But yes, to the novice rider a trail bike or enduro bike would be a better choice.
  • 1 6
flag BermJunky (Sep 4, 2023 at 14:52) (Below Threshold)
 @Muckal: woosh
  • 6 0
 @devinkalt: you guys are either delusional or don’t have actual hard trails or ride slow generally. Yes You can ride almost anything with almost anything. Not “with ease” though. You get to a speed & chunk combination where hanging on is almost impossible and your feet get blown tf up.
  • 5 1
 @devinkalt: Perhaps novices would be best of leaning to ride MTB on rigid bikes. They'd certainly develop good trail riding skills.
  • 6 0
 @mariomtblt: So many different experiences one can have on a MTB. You can get a beating with a rigid bike, which you won't like, but from which you can learn a lot, and you will look back on those experiences with a sense of accomplishment. You can ride a super bike and be astonished by its capabilities, which lead you to "push the envelope". So many different ways to enjoy oneself, at different speeds and acquiring different technical skills.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: “ It's also not a bike that you'd want to overfork”.
The review arrived just as I was about to pull the trigger and overfork to 130. Is there a reason why you say this? Something about the geo or kinematics?
  • 1 0
 @DavidGuerra: yeah i agree, it’s the “with ease” part that I have a gripe with. Go watch the Vital RAW from todays race in Keystone CO and tell me that you’d point a fully rigid down those trails.
  • 1 0
 @mariomtblt: I am just referring to riding in general, riding at race pace is a different ballgame entirely. You could ride a rigid bike down those tracks in keystone but at a snails pace and it would be sketchy AF, AND you would also become a better rider from developing the skill to maneuver a bike through those awkward shapes.
  • 1 0
 @dododuzzi: I guess if you can push a 38t chainring you don't need to thing of trivial things like traction (:
  • 1 1
 @blackthorne: 1700 gram frame. Super light bikes don't play well with long forks. They are good within their intended design but go out side of it and you will probably find that the frame isn't stiff enough for a longer travel fork.

It is frame stiffness more than anything that serperates a 120mm "DC" bike from a 120mm XC bike.
  • 1 0
 @devinkalt: I see what you mean now, makes sense haha
  • 1 0
 @foggnm: It all depends, some trails around here are basically washboards of stone ... sure a 20 years old pro will clear them with a hardtail but ...
  • 1 0
 @poncho467: a 40 would be faster descending
  • 1 0
 @DavidGuerra: *slow clap*
  • 1 0
 @mtallman2: Excuse me?
  • 1 0
 @DavidGuerra: I was indicating strong agreement with and admiration of the sentiment of your message.
  • 2 0
 @mtallman2: Oh ok, great, my google search for "slow clap" indicated the opposite intention but you seem to have a different meme dictionary Smile
  • 3 1
 it was on my short list to replace my epic evo but the more it goes, the more I realize that the epic is better...
  • 1 1
 Owned both. The Oiz is a much better bike than the Evo. To make the Evo pedal well when open you have to over spring the suspension so much that it absolutely blows on the descents.
  • 1 0
 i've checked the alu version of my friend, the frame has cauliflower welds on the inside of the frame near the seatpost. where link axle is.
  • 1 0
 Great review @Mike Kazimer, esp. from a non-XC racer's point of view. If life really allowed to N+1, I'd add a bike like this to the stable very soon.
  • 1 0
 If you are over 6ft 2 the XL sizes feel pretty short. Few people have commented on the top tubes feeling really short, even though the numbers don't suggest it.
  • 3 0
 Time to invest in glue-on cable mounts, folks. Thank me later.
  • 1 0
 Good looking bike. Maybe I'll add it to my list... along side the Blur TR, BC40, and Epic Evo. Dunno about the cable routing though...
  • 6 5
 hard, insensitive regressive suspension and three-position locking... the Spaniards know a lot about perversions
  • 2 1
 ready for some sea-food jokes as that area around the lock-out and dropper post remote looks like a fish trap
  • 1 0
 how different is a Dessector/Rekon to a the new Forakaster/Rekon? Is the Forekastor giving up a lot?
  • 1 1
 I think the forekaster is generally heavier and slower rolling is it not?
I'm running the dissector/rekon combo on my more xc ish days and the dissector hasn't let me down on any trail. The standard rekon however, they need to make a more resistant version. The rekon race seems to be more resistant but lacks braking traction for me.
  • 1 0
 @ichabodchain: oh is that the case? I see, idk why I thought the forekaster was a lighter duty tire. I have just now gotten a dissector/Rekon combo and it’s working out great (3 rides in tho)
  • 3 0
 @mariomtblt: I think the forkaster is supposed to be faster than the discestor
  • 2 0
 Consensus that dissector has more grip but forekaster might be more predictable
  • 2 1
 I was intrigued....until the first sentence of the frame details. Moving along now....
  • 1 0
 On xc bikes I always feel like I'm on top of them and not in them like I feel on trail bikes or enduro and dh.
  • 2 0
 So are flat-mount brakes becoming the norm for xc bikes?
  • 1 0
 Oiz! I know a dude who crushes all KOMs in the area with this thing. Up and down.
  • 2 3
 "Orbea makes it clear that this is an definitely an XC [race] bike, not DC nor trail, but I want them to provide options that make it less XC race and more trail"

They do have those options. It's called "other Orbea bikes".
  • 2 0
 ...how does it compare to the Epic Evo though?
  • 3 6
 I wish people would stop with the "weighting the front of the bike for steep climbs" bullshit. When it’s steep a rider is pulling back on the bars. To keep the front down you need weight ahead of the rear contact patch. Longer stays on larger bikes please. That seat tube angle is too steep for my legs. Move that bb forward a bit. And yeah, lose that headset cable routing.
  • 1 0
 Sounds like your bike could be too big?
  • 2 1
 Shoulda had levy review it ..,....
  • 3 1
 BC40, done.
  • 1 0
 @numbnuts1977 such a sick bike..rode one with a 130 34 ..Dhr2 out back and I was blown away..You're paying for it tho..
  • 1 0
 @bohns: Yes, but its out of this world good. Im in love.
  • 1 0
 @numbnuts1977: I'm getting one ..Frame only..Had a lump in my throat when I clicked buy..haha.

Literally climbed better than my sb130 LR while not giving up a ton on the descent.
  • 1 0
 Don’t worrry - I won’t.
  • 1 0
 What shorts ya rockin' there @mikekazimer ?
  • 2 1
 I love XC bikes but the cable rats nest is vomit
  • 1 0
 Looks interesting! (Checks third picture...) Blegghh!!!
  • 2 1
 This bike was on my radar until I saw the internal cable routing.
  • 1 0
 Otherwise the bikes look like a fun ride.
  • 1 0
 Cross Cross
  • 2 2
 No video ? I'm supposed to read all this crap ...
  • 1 0
 ProgressiveCountry
  • 1 0
 Count dowrey
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