We test the Orbea Onna: destined to be a bestseller

The Onna was presented just a few weeks ago and since we saw it for the first time we knew it would become an important model in the Orbea catalog. This is what is known as an "entry-level mountain bike", a very complicated segment for brands and a difficult decision for enthusiasts looking for a bike with a low price and great features. We have tested it and here you can find our impressions of this Orbea Onna. 

Orbea Onna: technology and innovation at a reasonable price

Orbea has worked hard to implement as many improvements and details as possible without having a big impact on the price. But the Orbea Onna is not born from a simple balancing act, this bike has been designed from the scratch to reach the user as a fun and efficient bike that will lead new enthusiasts to discover the passion for MTB.

Having a price around 1000€ has not been a limiting factor for Mallavia. They have taken as a base a hydroformed aluminum frame, as expected, but it has been improved by applying solutions inherited from top level bikes.

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At first glance you can see a careful completion of the welds and paint finishes worthy of higher priced bicycles. But that is only on the outside, since internally the sections of the tubes vary in thickness depending on their arrangement and the loads they must support. This is a way to improve the weight of the frame.

If we look at the front we find a tapered steerer tube that increases stiffness at this point. It also ensures compatibility with higher fork models, in case we decide to upgrade our Onna.

A BSA threaded bottom bracket is chosen. This is a system that many brands are returning to, due to its durability and simplicity when it comes to disassembling for maintenance.

Another quality leap is the use of internal wiring. It is a way to give a cleaner aesthetic to the frame, in addition to reducing noise produced by the rubbing and knocking of the cables. The internal routing is only in the front triangle, coming out to the outside at the bottom bracket height and being quite concealed as it passes through the chainstays. This guide also takes advantage of the possibility of accommodating 27.2 mm dropper seatposts, one of the most demanded accessories by bikers and that can be an interesting option given the diversity of use that can be given to the Onna.

At the rear we find a generous wheel arch and support for post-mount brakes. It also has anchorages for luggage rack and kickstand, designed for the possibility of giving the Onna a bikepacking oriented use or as a bike for our daily commuting.

In addition, the frame comes with a lifetime warranty for users' peace of mind.

Geometry suitable for any use

The geometry sought in the Orbea Onna is focused on a very varied use, since its characteristics will reach a very different audience. We can find users of weekend routes, daily commuting, those who are starting their first races, even for some bikepacking route taking advantage of its anchors on the rear axle.

For this reason, and inspired by the Alma, it has been chosen to provide it with a shorter reach and horizontal tube, achieving a more upright posture, which facilitates the overall handling of the bike. This, together with a 74.5° seat tube angle, provides a comfortable and efficient riding position. The 68.5° steering angle provides stability and downhill capability, in line with current trends.

This is its geometry in the 6 available size options.

Assembly and components

The components chosen for the mounting of the Orbea Onna 10 are of the most balanced, being one of the references in this segment as far as the choice of components is concerned.

The RockShox Judy fork is ready to pass the Onna's intended use with flying colors. It is equipped with air preload adjustment and features a tapered steerer tube for added stiffness. The only thing missing is a remote lockout for more intensive XC use.

In the drivetrain we find a Shimano Deore M5100 shifter and pushbutton that have a very smooth feel and operation. It's paired with Sun Race 11-51t cassette and a KMC chain, which along with OC cranks, their own brand of components, help contain the cost of equipment. The gearing is more than sufficient for the majority of riders and uses this Orbea Onna is expected to receive.

For braking the MT201 Shimano brakes have been chosen, hydraulic brakes with sufficient braking power for any situation that we can find. Equipped with 160 mm discs on both axles.

The wheels, a Black Rock signed by Orbea, are perhaps the component that we would change in case of giving our Onna a more frequent and intensive XC use. Although the frame has many of the new features available on the market, in this case we would have liked to find an inner rim width greater than 23 mm and larger diameter thru axles than the conventional ones.

However, there is an explanation. Having 9mm QR axles is the way to facilitate the acquisition of a wheelset with superior characteristics without having to shell out an amount of money close to the price of the bike itself.

For the rest of the peripherals, aluminum OC components are used.

And although as such they are not components, when purchasing any of the Onna models you receive a year's subscription to Wikiloc and a free review, to take the experience of new bikers in the world of MTB one step further.

Riding with the Orbea Onna 10

The moment of truth has arrived, the moment to face the first kilometers with the Onna. We have already seen that it fulfills the task of being attractive within its segment, but... will it meet Orbea's expectations?

Although we are dealing with a bike that barely exceeds 1000 €, we have demanded the same as most of those who pass through our editorial office, using similar routes in order to show the pros and cons.

From the start, just by getting on, we can see that our position on it is quite upright, far from forced postures. With the weight centered, leaving hands and arms relaxed, favored by using a more compact reach and a stem of only 70 mm.

On the road, the best terrain to ride on are the fast trails, the comfortable pedaling position encourages to launch the bike and it is certainly easy to maintain a stable speed.

On steep climbs it has a good ride. It is not difficult to maintain the efforts, in part as we said by the good position on it, which makes to get an efficient pedaling. On steeper climbs things change, despite its 440 mm chainstays that should give us a good feeling of reactivity, its more than 13 kg make it more difficult to maintain the pace.

In fast and open downhills it is safe. The stiffness of the front part provides precision and control in the lines and as speed is gained it is stable.

In the most broken downhills we find conflicting sensations. On one hand, it shows a very predictable behavior, which helps us to anticipate our way of acting. The ease of handling of the front axle combined with the correct functioning of the fork makes trajectory changes easier. However, on the other hand, the 2.35" tires have a very versatile tread pattern, but their balloon gives the feeling of being narrower and fall short in the most demanding moments, having to reduce our speed.

We have ridden with it for more than 1000 kms and not a single mechanical problem. It has adapted perfectly to all the terrains in which we have put it to the test, but undoubtedly where we have felt more comfortable with it has been giving it a road use.

Conclusion

The Orbea Onna is a bicycle aimed at a public that is just starting out in the world of MTB, looking to discover the sensations of this sport at a very reasonable price. It stands out for offering solutions and features of high-end bicycles in an aluminum frame, with a very balanced assembly of components, thus creating an efficient and fun set without neglecting safety.