2017 Orbea Alma

Orbea has completely revamped their classic race hardtail for 2017. Overall it maintains similar lines, with the kinked top tube and squared-off head tube area, but a closer inspection reveals a host of updates. Bare frames range from 950g for the top-end race focused carbon layup through to 1,150g for the more affordable models. 

The 2016 Alma used a 9mm quick release rear axle for speedy wheel changes in the heat of World Cup XC battle. With the new platform Orbea has skipped the 142mm standard completely and gone straight to the latest 148mm ‘boost’ thru-axle system. The seatstays are now even finer, allowing for improved comfort and bump compliance without compromising lateral stiffness.

The move to a boost rear hub and the wider spaced drivetrain that accompanies it has given Orbea more room to play with around the bottom bracket and chainstays. First up, this has been used to provide clearance for bigger tyres; the new Alma can take a 2.4-inch tyre on the rear. The other boost spin-off comes with the revised geometry; the 2016 Alma already had reasonably short chainstays (336mm on the 29er for example) but the stays get even shorter for 2017.

Orbea sticks with the philosophy of providing wheel sizes that match the riders proportions. The small and medium frames come with 27.5 wheels and super-tight 420mm chainstays. Medium frames are also offer in a 29er option and the large and XL sizes are 29er only. Opt for a big wheeled Alma and the stays are still only 430mm in length. While the back end gets shorter, the front centre gets longer, thanks in part to the slacker 69.5-degree head angle (the 2016 version was 70.5-degrees).

Aside from the geometry updates, Orbea also offers some interesting spec options including the fully rigid Alma Spirit pictured here. The fork weighs just 575g; that’s around a kilo lighter than an XC suspension fork and it has clearance for tyres up to 2.8-inches wide. Of course there will also be a full line of more traditional suspension fork equipped models—expect to see them on the trails by October 2016. Check out the Alma microsite for Orbea’s spiel on their new XC weapon.

What can you expect of a superlight fully rigid bike on the trail? The video below will give you a taste…