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Orbea of Spain launched the Orca platform in 2003, the company’s first full-carbon bike. Orca stands for Orbea Carbon. The 2015 model was introduced to the US media at PressCamp in Deer Valley, Utah. There was a simultaneous launch in Spain. The new Orca has a substantially different frame shape to previous models.
The aero Orca is said to be 24 percent stiffer and 20 percent lighter than the 2014 model. The Orca platform consists of two versions: the OMR and the OMP. OMR stands for Orbea Monocoque Race; OMP stands for Orbea Monocoque Performance. The OMR is the race model and is lighter than the OMR model. Both are made with the EPS-insert construction method which saves weight by eliminating waste inside the tube. The carbon is said to be compressed more efficiently in the mold without the need for traditional bladders.
The 2015 Orca has thinner seat tubes than the 2014 models. The number of aluminium inserts has also been minimized, redesigned to eliminate unwanted bulk. A traditional seat collar replaces the aero collar of the 2014 Orca. The Orca’s top tube is robust at the head tube where it contributes to torsional stiffness, but quickly tapers to eliminate unnecessary material.
The shape of the 2015 Orca is very different to the 2014 model. The top tube and seat stays are much thinner than the 2014 Orca. The chainstays stay the same shape. The Orca OMR frame (size 53cm) weighs 900g; the 2014 frame was 1132g. The OMP frame weighs 1050g; the 2014 OMP frame weighed 1230g.
The OMP is available in more colourways than the OMR. The bike fetaures a PF86 bottom bracket, allowing for fatter downtube and chainstays, and hence stiffness.
The Orca M-Ltd 15 OMR with Dura Ace Di2 will cost £8,099. The Orca M30 15 with 105 groupset will cost £1,899.
