Orbea Alma 2021: lighter than ever and with changes in its geometry

Since 2006, the Orbea Alma has been adapting to new trends to become a true reference bike in the international XC. After having won practically everything in competition, the new features of the Orbea Alma 2021 have once again placed it at the forefront of its sector.

OMX Carbon and changes in its geometry, this is the new Orbea Alma 2021

As we saw in the Orbea Oiz 2021, Orbea's OMX carbon has arrived for the entire brand's XC family. This is Orbea's most sophisticated carbon, capable of significantly reducing the weight of the assembly without sacrificing the structural integrity and stiffness demanded by a competition mountain bike like this one.

As with the Oiz, the Orbea Alma OMX frame is manufactured using the best pre-preg carbon sheets available, laser-cut to the specific size of each frame to minimize excess materials and overlaps.

The result is the 830g that the frame of the new Orbea Alma 2021 weighs in size M, the historical minimum of the model and all of this without losing stiffness.

The structure of the frame itself ensures that the stiffness and power transmission are optimized in order to avoid losing any pedaling watts. To this end, the head tube, horizontal tube and chainstays have been designed to withstand these loads and transmit power to the rear wheel. It is the high bending resistance in the lower part of the frame that translates directly into more watts in the wheel and immediate power transmission.

But the new Orbea Alma 2021 does not forget about the necessary comfort to arrive as fresh as possible to the last laps of a race. Something that will be decisive for getting on the podium or staying in the last positions of the Top 10. 

The top tube is robust at the head tube where it contributes to torsional stiffness, but quickly tapers to eliminate unnecessary material. The natural flex patterns created by the carbon layup and minimal bulk of the top tube and seat stays deliver a dynamic, smooth ride that "feels like floating over rough terrain" as Orbea defines. The sensation is subtle but it is noticeable and that is also contributed by the natural flexion of a 27.2mm seatpost and the ability to fit tyres up to 2.4 width.

Regarding its geometry, the Orbea Alma 2021 has a 68º head angle, a 74.5º seat angle, a reach of 426mm (size Medium) and 435mm chainstays. This offers a riding position similar to the Oiz with full suspension, perfect for any XC ride and with excellent stability, traction and acceleration.

 

Other new features shared by this Alma 2021 with the Oiz are the integration of the new Flat Mount brake system, the new SRAM UDH rear derailleur pin, the Chain Security system that prevents tangling with the bottom bracket and the OC handlebar assembly that offers total integration of spacing and power steering with integrated computer support.

The Orbea Alma 2021 is available in three spectacular patterns plus a fourth finish that combines matte and gloss. In addition to an extensive palette of colors with which anyone can have a unique bike.

The new Orbea Alma 2021 will be available in up to 11 different mounts with versions in OMX and OMR carbon frames and Aluminium. The top-of-the-range model, the Orbea Alma M-LTD comes with the already iconic Spirit fork, the SRAM Eagle AXS XX1 electronic group and DT Swiss XRC 1200 wheels, among others, for a price of 7,499 euros.

Orbea Alma 2021More information and models