Orbea Orca Bronze Ultegra Di2 Review

This is a bike we have been dying to get our hands on, and it has finally arrived at Mad Duck, the Orbea Orca Bli2. Were going to divide the review into 2 parts, the frame and the drivetrain, since both are brand new, and both are very exciting.

First, the frame. Orbea is replacing the ver popular Onix with the Orca Bronze. The Onix has been a long time favorite bike for its ultra smooth ride, light weight frame and affordable price point, so seeing it leave the line up was a little scary. The promise from Orbea was to take the super sexy looks of the Orca, combine it with the ride of the Onix and deliver it at a budget friendly price.

After the first ride, I can say Orbea has succeeded in all areas. This bike looks as good as my Orca Gold, but rides like you are on a cloud. There is no noticeable drop in performance to gain this silky smooth ride, the bike maintains the Orca’s excellent climbing and cornering characteristics. The styling is spot on, this bike looks great.

Now the techie parts, how do they do it? First, frame materials. The Orca Bronze utilizes Orbea’s Bronze grade carbon which is a blend of intermediate modulus fibers. What the heck does that mean? Well, this carbon has a bit more elasticity than the higher modulus fibers in the Gold and Silver Orcas, and that results in a more comfortable ride.

In order to keep the signature Orca performance in tact, the Orca Bronze uses the same monocoque molding of frame and fork. This technique provides a structure with continuos fibers running the length of the tubes and through the intersections. The result, a bike that is ultra stiff where it needs to be, at the head tube and bottom bracket.

This is the perfect bike for those extra long rides, as it provides the performance when you need it and all day comfort. The Orca Bronze is a great ride, and a great value! Complete bikes start at $2199! The Orca Bronze we rode was equipped with the new Ultegra electronic shifting and sells for $4399.

Now lets talk about the Ultegra Di2 Electronic group from Shimano.

There has been a ton of excitement over Shimano’s Di2 (Digital Integrated Interface). The only draw back up to now has been cost. With Dura Ace being the only group being available, and the cost of the group in excess of $4000, we haven’t seen high demand. But with the release of this Ultegra level group, thats about to change.

The shifting performance of the Ultegra level group is indistinguishable from that of its big brother. Every shift on the rear derailleur is super crisp and precise. The shifting on the front is simply the best on the market, the bike doesn’t care if you are under load or just soft pedaling, the front shifts faster and more accurate than anything on the market.

Now the techie bits: first for the weight weenies. The weight of the complete group is 2482g. That puts it 80g heavier than mechanical Ultegra and 263g more than Dura Ace Di2. It actually has a few small advantages over the its big brother: One is the number of micro adjusts to the rear derailleur has been increased from 24 to 30, meaning more precise shifting. The rear derailleur also has a reinforced inner cage and a crash shaver function to protect it in case of an impact.

The only reasons your wouldn’t want it is either you are a retro grouch or just too snobby to ride Ultegra, this stuff is great.

In summary, you can get the Ultra smooth riding Orbea Orca Bronze equipped with Ultegra Di2 for $4399. For that price you get the smoothest ride from Orbea and the best shifting from Shimano, and thats an unbeatable pairing! We have one of these beauties on the floor available for test ride! Stop by and give it a spin!

Tags: Orbea Bikes| Bike Review| Shimano| Orbea Road

The start of another new year, and the resolutions roll on! My list is generally the same as normal, loose weight & ride more! Our friends at Orbea have launched an all new line of Fitness and City bikes to help us achieve those goals, the Carpe.

These bikes all feature the same great, lightweight Hydro formed aluminum frame, and are available in 6 different builds from the Single speed H60 to the Hydraulic disc equipped H10.

The Carpe is one of the most versatile bike you will ever own. Lightweight and comfortable, you can use this bike as a grocery getter, a path cruiser, a neighborhood rider or a gravel grinder.

For new riders, it’s the perfect bike for meeting those weight loss goals, and for your serious riders, it’s a great bike to throw flat pedals on and have ready for those days when you just want to get out and “seize the day”.

Ive been using the H20 pictured in this review for basic errand, beer runs and just goofing off, and this bike is just plain FUN! Put some cyclocross tire on it and try one of Spinistry’s Gravel Grinders!

The Carpe ranges from $549 for entry level single speeds to $1599 for the top of the line H10. For the weight weenies and and Carbon snobs, the Diem model is available with a carbon frame and top of the line parts. Either way...Carpe Diem!

Tags: Orbea| Bike_review