Steering angle (°) | Vertical tube (mm) | Rear carriage (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Height BB (mm) | Reach (mm) | Front / rear excursion (mm) |
Inline | 457 mm | 440 mm | 1224 mm | 336 mm | 474 mm | 140 mm |
The Spanish brand Orbea presented the new Orbea Occam at the end of last season (2019). This model wants to fit into the all-rounder bike sector: quite performing uphill but not limiting downhill. 140mm travel at the front and rear, in 29 ”, with the possibility of 150mm at the front. The old enduro philosophy. Let's get to know her.
Video featured in episode # 25
Many changes compared to the old version of Occam. Orbea has invested heavily in this project that was born with the Rallon, an excellent enduro bike from which this Occam takes its cue. Same shock absorbing pattern but made a little more docile in geometry and assembly.
FEATURES
The frame of the bikes under test is made of carbon with an original asymmetrical design, certainly one of the aspects that most impresses us of Occam. The damping scheme has also been revised with a well sustained (progressive) compression curve from the start.
The details and attention to detail are of the highest level and leads Orbea not to be considered the classic brand that buys a frame from Taiwan and assembles it: the innovative fact of being able to replace the dropout simply by turning a ring nut that fixes it to the frame. Cable routing is internal and the frame warranty is for life. The Occam uses a concentric axis pin, i.e. the rear pin rotates around the axis. This is not new (it is already used by Trek's ABP system or Dave Weagle's Split Pivot) but it allows for a less inhibited suspension in case of heavy braking. The anti-squat remains on very high levels (therefore excellent sensations when pedaling) and is well suited to important chainrings at the front (standard 32 but also works very well with a 34).

Fantastic is the MyO online configurator that allows you to choose your favorite color (calculated thousands of possible variants). This possibility is given only on the top-of-the-range models M-LTD and M10 (under test) or on the frame kit.
VERSIONS AND COMPONENTS
We find the OCCAM in 8 models: 4 in carbon and 4 in aluminum, including the frame kit (carbon only) for € 2999 with FOX DPX2 shock absorber. The top-of-the-range model, M-Ltd, is offered for € 7.599 with a Fox 36 150mm fork and Fox DPX2 shock absorber. So, in addition to the dream assembly, it also raises the bar from the downhill point of view with a substantial shock absorber and 150mm fork. Just below we find the M10 in test (4999 € - complete assembly at the bottom of the test) which already mounts a 34mm Fox 140 fork, in a more trail style, even if the fox 36 option is always available (+ 149 €). The entry point for carbon is the M30 proposed at € 3,899 with Fox suspension (not kashima) and SHIMANO SLX / XT mixed gearbox (it is also possible to have it with SRAM NX Eagle gearbox). The price of the aluminum entry base is excellent, the cheapest model of OCCAM, namely the H30: € 2.299 with Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork and Fox Float DPS shock absorber. SHIMANO Deore mixed gear.
GEOMETRY
The geometry is not exactly Trail in the true meaning of the term: abundant reach (474mm in size L) with a 440mm rear stay and 66 ° head angle. The ground clearance is limited to 336mm. The geometries change slightly if we go to mount a 150mm at the front instead of the 140mm (the head angle goes from 66 ° to 65,5 ° at the front while the saddle angle goes from 77 ° to 76,5 °). A modern geometry that winks at stability. The cushioning pattern has a very progressive behavior and, the 4-bar structure, remains very supported without sitting down.
THE RESPONSE OF THE TEST
What you immediately notice is a modern mtb: when we get on a bike, already from the first rides we understand if we are part of the geometry ... and with this Occam the sensation is clearly this. In the pedaling phase it is a very enjoyable bike: it does not make you regret the climbs as often happens with some very geometric all-mountain bikes. The components are of quality and the reliability of Shimano components always keep the smile tuned on our face.
RIDE
The 77° saddle angle allows you to pedal in an optimal position on the steepest climbs and therefore proves to be an excellent climber: the suspension and the shock absorbing scheme remain well supported and in any case, the possibility of locking via the classic Fox CTD makes the solidity and rigidity of the frame feel positive. The 175mm cranks give full pedaling even if, given the low height from the ground, there is often the risk of hoeing the ground. The choice of fitting generous but not exaggerated tires in terms of knobs was excellent: Rekon 2.4” at the rear and High Roller II 2.5” at the front. It is useless to go too far with the tires because it would be a shame to worsen the good downhill performance of the Occam: if we feel this need, it means that our "needle" points more towards pedaling so it is better to focus on full cross country.
DOWNHILL
Downhill the geometry is really spot on: not extreme of course, given its excellent pedaling skills, but very reactive and fun. In flow paths, and not too extreme, it is fully enjoyable and performing. Surely he puts his excellent shock absorber supplied (Fox DPX2) which makes the Occam frame a little more docile, which has characteristics of great rigidity. Even in terms of times it has proved to be very efficient and has nothing to envy to more thrusting all-mountain “companions”. It pays a little in the very rough sections where it requires a more active and less ignorant driving but, as long as you drive while maintaining control of the situation and without going beyond your 100%, it is well enjoyable and fun. At the rear we initially lapped with a sag of 25%, then taking us to 30% towards the end of the test, a value that gave us greater satisfaction by softening the rear of our Occam a little and not taking us to the end of the stroke thanks to the excellent progressivity of the shock absorbing system.

We really appreciated the Fox 34: certainly less rigid and performing, on bumpy sections, than the sister 36 but fully enjoyable and less "invasive" on easier or uphill terrain. As a configurator it is possible to mount on any Occam model the 36mm Fox 150 the DHR7DHF as tires but in my opinion it is right to make a decisive choice on bikes of this type. If you choose a trail / all-mountain bike, you have to mount it with certain characteristics and then give up a little comfort on the descent to have the advantage (positively) on the climb. Otherwise it's like going to a fast food restaurant and ordering a vegan burger (ah no, there are those who do).
Substantial chainguard to reduce noise and chain marks on the rear stay. Very efficient shock absorbing scheme: more performing and "modern" than the old version. The asymmetrical design of the Occam is original: however, the right-handers are disadvantaged since it is possible to take the bottle only from the left side.
XC | MARATHON | TRAIL | ALL MOUNTAIN | ENDURO | FREERIDE | DOWNHILL |
|
| XXX | XXXXX | XXX |
|
|
Geometry |
|
Sizes | S, M, L (test), XL |
Steering angle | Inline |
Vertical tube | 457 mm |
Steering tube | 120 mm |
Rear chassis | 440 mm |
Wheelbase | 1224 mm |
Bottom bracket height | 336 mm |
Reach | 474 mm |
Stack | 627 mm |
Particular signs |
MYO CONFIGURATOR Over a million possible combinations declared: it is truly possible to create a tailor-made bike in terms of color! |
+ | Value for money. Online configurator for coloring. As light as a trail bike wants. Handyman. |
- | All-rounder: it doesn't stand out noticeably in any situation. |
€4.999 Euros |
|
Price of frame + shock | €2.999 |
|
Italian distributor: www.orbea.com |
|
Weight (without pedals) | 13,3kg |
Fork | FOX 34 Float Factory 140 FIT4 3-Pos-Adj QR15x110 Kashima |
Shock absorber | FOX DPX2 Factory 3-Position Adjust Evol Kashima custom tune 210x50mm |
wheels | DT SWISS XM-1650 Spline 30c TLR CL, Star Ratchet, Boost |
Service | MAXXIS High Roller II 2.50″ FB 60 TPI Dual Exo TR – MAXXIS Rekon 2.40″ FB 60 TPI Dual Exo TR |
Rolling mill chocks | SHIMANO XT M8100 32t 175mm |
Rear gearbox | SHIMANO XT M8100 SGS Shadow Plus |
commands | SHIMANO XT M8100 I-Spec EV |
Brakes | SHIMANO XT M8120 Hydraulic Disc |
Sprocket pack | SHIMANO CS-M7100 10-51t 12-Speed |
Headset | ACROS Alloy 1-1/8 – 1-1/2″ Integrated |
OFFENSE | RACE FACE Aeffect R 35mm interface |
dumbbell | RACE FACE Next R 35 20mm Rise 780mm |
seatpost | OC2 Dropper 31.6mm (150mm) |
Sella | FIZIK Taiga S-alloy rail |
Color | Custom Myo |

The verdict
The right middle ground
If we think of a bike that can be good both uphill and downhill, the classic 50 and 50 mtb, I would say that the new Orbea Occam is one of the best bikes in the world at this juncture. But be careful to make a good examination of conscience: being a true all-rounder it will not stand out clearly in any situation so, if you want to be cool uphill or downhill, we have to pull out of ours. A true all-rounder.
