This bike blurs the boundaries between gravel and road: we tested the Orbea Terra Race

The discipline of gravel cycling is gaining more and more prominence in the cycling universe. A clear example of this is the specialization of some models. In the renewal of the Orbea Terra, they have chosen to accompany their standard, more versatile and adventurous model with this version oriented towards competitive gravel, the Terra Race.
We have tested it thoroughly and we will tell you our impressions about this thoroughbred gravel bike.

We test the Orbea Terra Race: asphalt speed on dirt tracks

Orbea seems to be clear that if they embark on a project, they put everything necessary to make it work.
A good example of this is the choice of their OMX carbon construction for the entire Terra Race range, in search of achieving the lightest possible frame, while maintaining the necessary reactivity and stiffness required for competition.

The frame weight is 910 grams, a saving of 300 grams compared to the previous version of the Orbea Terra. The fork, also made with OMX carbon, weighs 425 grams.

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Designed to be as fast as possible, the Orbea Terra Race is the closest thing to a road bike that we can find in the gravel universe. In fact, if we overlook the wheel clearance and the low chainstay design that minimizes chain slap, it would be almost impossible to visually perceive that it is a gravel frame.

However, even though it is a gravel bike with such a sporty focus, Orbea has taken into account the need for a rear end with a certain capacity for absorbing vibrations. They have also considered the optimal stiffness in each size, so that each user, regardless of size, gets the same performance.

The assembly follows the same sporty line, opting for components such as the integrated OC SH-RA10 cockpit from the road, where we do not find flare or ultra-compact measurements typical of gravel. Likewise, the wheels also mount an aerodynamic model shared with their road range.

The geometry of the Terra Race also closely resembles that of a road bike. With a reach in size M of 389mm and a Stack of 560.3mm, it puts us in a demanding and high-performance position. Only in the 71° head angle do we see a small concession to control, as it will make the Terra Race have a certain docility off-road.

Furthermore, the 73.5° seat tube angle in size M, its short 420mm chainstays and total length of 1026mm make it a predictably agile and reactive bike. The Terra Race's wheel clearance allows for tires up to 45mm in width, although the models come with 40mm tires as standard.

Looking closely at the frame, we see very sleek lines. Here we will not find any compartments in the down tube, which is more modest in size compared to its Terra sister. There are also no accessory mounts, only a couple of threads on the top tube where we can attach a small bag.

In the head tube area, we see a design that aims to improve aerodynamics, with some flat faces and integration resulting in a very successful aesthetic. In few bikes can we see such a clean and harmonious meeting between frame, head tube, and stem.

The very flattened top tube with very pronounced edges is already a hallmark of Orbea.
And possibly the most striking point of the frame is found in the seat tube. This goes from having a flattened shape at the bottom to favor wheel clearance, to a round shape in the middle, and a marked aero profile above the seatstays.

The first time we saw the bike, we were struck by this combination of tube profile, combined with a round seatpost. But the truth is that it makes sense since it seems that in the Terra Race they make concessions to aerodynamics as long as it does not compromise the bike's performance and versatility, and in this case, a round 27.2mm seatpost, and specifically this OC Performance XP10 carbon model, offers a great capacity to filter small irregularities. Also, with this combination of frame profile and round seatpost, they have managed to design an integrated clamp that gives us a very reliable feeling.

Orbea Terra Race M20ILTD: 2x12 and Premium assembly

The Terra Race range consists of 5 models and, although all the assemblies have a fairly high level, as it is a bike with a clear competitive orientation, the main differentiation between models is the chosen group.

In our test model, the M20ILTD, a double chainring configuration is mounted, with the Shimano GRX Di2 RX825 groupset, with gear ratios of 31/48 on the chainrings and an 11-34 cassette.

The wheels are the spectacular Oquo Road Performance RP50LTD, very striking due to their high profile, especially for a gravel bike.

Another component that stands out and contributes to the refined aesthetics of the Terra Race is the integrated OC SH-RA10 cockpit, with an aerodynamic profile and top-notch finishes. The OC Performance XP10 seatpost, in addition to keeping the weight down, helps to filter the irregularities that the rear triangle transmits.

The assembly is completed by Vittoria tires with a width of 40mm, which gain a few millimeters due to the generous inner width of the 25mm rim. A striking detail is the choice of Galfer brake discs in combination with Shimano brakes.

As usual, Orbea offers us the possibility to customize our own bike with the MyO program, where in addition to total customization in terms of decoration and colors, we can choose between certain components such as wheels, seatpost, or saddle, and choose crank length, integrated cockpit dimensions, etc.

Riding with the Orbea Terra Race

The Orbea Terra Race plays in a somewhat particular league as there are not many bikes with such a clear focus. As soon as we received it, we were struck by its lightness and an aesthetic that, in person, gains a lot, as the integration details have a very clean and refined design.

As always, we weighed it before putting the pedals on, and it showed a weight of 8.095kg, confirming our impressions.

As soon as we got on it and started pedaling, we could perceive the difference in position compared to a more comfortable and adventurous gravel bike. In the Terra Race, there is a feeling of being on a road bike. This fact is influenced not only by the frame geometry but also by the cockpit with road bike dimensions.

We did a first route that included quite a bit of asphalt. On the road, the ride is excellent. When the surface is perfect, we can feel that we are not riding with completely smooth road tires, but as soon as the asphalt is a bit rougher, we can ride at a very high pace with great comfort. The Terra Race is very responsive in accelerations, and we have a very good energy transfer sensation. In this sense, the excellent lateral stiffness of the frame is very noticeable.

Aside from the tires, the gear ratio is the only thing that could limit the Terra Race compared to a road bike, but considering that many bikes that ride on the roads with compact cranks have a large 50-tooth chainring, the 48-tooth chainring we have here is not so short, and the Terra Race can be a versatile bike option for the enthusiast who wants that versatility by simply changing tires or with two sets of wheels.

The Terra Race performs incredibly well on paved terrain, and in descents, it gives us a great sense of security thanks to a geometry that, although responsive and agile, maintains a great balance and is predictable and easy to handle.

The Terra Race flies on the tracks

This is where we wanted to see how much a bike like the Terra Race improves compared to a more versatile gravel bike. And the truth is that, just with the position we adopt on the bike, we are already predisposed to push the pedals. But also, the acceleration sensation that the bike offers us encourages us even more. It is very easy to reach high speeds, as long as the terrain allows it, and on long sections of track with good surface, the kilometers fly by with astonishing ease.

But the terrain is not always so favorable, and the Terra Race also has to deal with irregularities and bumpy terrain.

In these situations, the bike does not feel as harsh and bouncy as we might expect, and it is clear that they have done a good job in the design of the rear triangle in terms of impact absorption, and also, as we have already mentioned, the seatpost contributes significantly to ride comfort.

However, not everything can be perfect, and the aggressive position that makes us give our all when riding the Terra Race, in these situations of more irregular and bumpy terrain, reduces our comfort, and in some prolonged sections in this situation, our neck and arms suffer a bit more than on a bike with a more comfortable and relaxed posture.

Another strong point of the Terra Race is the demanding climbs, as its lightness and the stiffness it boasts make us climb the steepest slopes with great ease, although the limited traction compared to a mountain bike means that we can only pedal standing on very firm or paved terrain, but when this situation occurs, we climb with astonishing ease.

Regarding the performance of the components in our test model, we have to say that the Shimano GRX Di2 groupset boasts a very smooth and highly effective operation, and the gear range seems very suitable for this bike.

In terms of braking, the combination of Shimano brakes with Galfer discs offers powerful and controllable braking, and in prolonged descents, they have behaved with great stability.

Conclusions

Since Orbea presented this model, we were eager to test how far this more racing approach of the Terra Race can improve the performance of a gravel bike. And the truth is that we have enjoyed it. If the goal is to ride fast and seek that sporty point that the road can offer in a gravel bike, then the Orbea Terra Race is definitely the ideal bike.

But if we are looking for versatility, some comfort, and fewer limitations, perhaps its sister Terra is more suitable for that.

The Terra Race range consists of 5 models, with the entry price being the M20LTD model at €4,999 and the top of the range M11eLTD 1X at €9,999. Our test model M20iLTD is right in the middle of the range at a price of 5,999€.

Orbea Terra Race M20ILTD: specifications, weight and price

• Frame: Orbea Terra Carbon OMX
• Fork: Orbea Terra ICR, full Carbon
• Handlebar: OC SH-RA10, Road Aero Carbon, reach 80, drop 125
• Crankset: Shimano GRX RX820 31x48
• Brakes: Shimano RX820, hidraulic disc
• Shifters: Shimano GRX Di2 RX825
• Rear derailleur: Shimano GRX Di2 RX825
• Chain: Shimano M7100
• Cassette: Shimano Ultegra R8100 11-34
• Wheels: Oquo Road Performance RP50LTD
• Tires: Vittoria Terreno T30 700x40c
• Seatpost: OC Performance XP10 carbon, 27,2mm
• Saddle: Selle San Marco Shortfit 2.0
• Weight: 8.095kg
• Price: 5,999€

You can see all the models and setups of the Terra Race range on Orbea's official website, where you can also reconfigure or choose a different look for any version with the brand's Myo program.