{"id":43280,"date":"2022-11-03T16:00:23","date_gmt":"2022-11-03T15:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=701968"},"modified":"2022-11-03T16:19:36","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T15:19:36","slug":"orbeas-new-oiz-represents-the-evolution-of-xc","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/orbeas-new-oiz-represents-the-evolution-of-xc\/","title":{"rendered":"Orbea\u2019s new Oiz represents the evolution of XC"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Tom Marvin\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 03 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Orbea\u2019s revised Oiz features 120mm of travel at each end, representing yet another step-change<\/span> to the world of cross-country racing<\/a><\/span>, in response to the continued evolution of the XC race course.<\/span><\/p>\n

Orbea is the second major brand to offer 120mm of travel on a dedicated XC race bike, following the recent Scott Spark<\/a>, while most brands are still running 100mm suspension travel<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, the geometry figures<\/a> complement the increased travel, with a longer, slacker front end, tight rear triangle and steeper seat angle.<\/span><\/p>\n

On paper, the 34mm stanchion forks, longer travel and progressive geometry suggest this is a downcountry bike<\/a>, but Orbea is clear \u2013 this is built for life between the tapes, whether that\u2019s XC or Marathon.<\/span><\/p>\n

With such travel, geometry and spec, the Oiz will certainly be happy shredding trails all day long.<\/p>\n

Orbea Oiz frame details<\/h2>\n
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Longer, lower and slacker \u2013 the new Oiz has an aggressive shape for an XC bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ross Bell \/ Orbea<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Orbea will be offering the Oiz with three different frame materials<\/a>. At the entry level will be a \u2018Hydro\u2019 alloy frame with smooth-polished welds. Then there will be two carbon offerings, the OMR and higher-modulus OMX, which saves a couple of hundred grams in weight. Orbea claims the OMX frame weighs in at 1,750g, building to a sub-10kg bike.<\/span><\/p>\n

All frames share largely the same details, though the alloy frame has a slightly longer rear triangle and a slightly higher stack height, because Orbea believes the average customer for this model will not be looking for such an aggressive bike.<\/span><\/p>\n

The top-end OMX frames have a Flat Mount rear disc caliper mount, while the OMR and alloy frames have a Post Mount attachment \u2013 this is to allow for cheaper brakes to be fitted to the bikes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The OMX frames feature a Flat Mount disc caliper mount.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ross Bell \/ Orbea<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

At the rear, the shape of the rear stays has been altered, maintaining the same weight, but increasing stiffness by 12 per cent. This has been done to prevent the rear triangle twisting under power, maximising the frame\u2019s efficiency.<\/p>\n

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Tube shapes have been modified to improve stiffness.<\/span><\/figcaption> Orbea<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

However, finishing details such as frame finishes, bearing specs and cable routing are all largely shared.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the latter subject, Orbea has joined the crowd of brands routing cables through the headset, using its SIC system. This, it says, helps prevent cable rub and keeps steering friction to a minimum. <\/span><\/p>\n

The headset also includes a \u2018Spin Block\u2019 steering stop to prevent frame damage in a crash, with bars able to turn nearly 90 degrees to either extreme. Swapping bars and stems is said to be just as easy as it is with external cable routing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Spin Block, internal to the head tube, prevents the bars spinning too far in a crash.<\/span><\/figcaption> Orbea<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Cables run internally, with flexible guides running from the rear triangle, past the main pivot and into the down tube to help with routing. Cables then pop out into the head tube, where headset removal is required to finish cable or hose replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frames feature threaded bottom brackets, 3M frame protection (both tape and rubberised), SRAM universal derailleur hangers<\/a>, ready for their new rumoured drivetrains<\/a>, and an integrated chainguide. Two bottle cages can be fitted within the mainframe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Textured, rubberised chainstay protection reduces noise.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ross Bell \/ Orbea<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As with Orbea\u2019s top-end bikes, some Oiz models will fall within the MyO programme. This enables you to customise the bike\u2019s paintjob, with numerous frame sections being able to accept a range of colours and decal options.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no additional cost for this, however delivery times will be impacted.<\/span><\/p>\n

MyO also covers specification choices, so you can pick from a range of alternative components at the point of purchase to better suit your preferences or budget. This includes more aggressive front tyres, as well as brakes and cockpit components.<\/span><\/p>\n

Orbea Oiz geometry details<\/h2>\n
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The new Orbea Oiz has 120mm of travel at both ends, despite being targeted at the XC race market.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ross Bell \/ Orbea<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Oiz now comes with thoroughly modern cross-country bike<\/a>\u00a0geometry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This latest-generation bike sees a roughly 15mm increase in reach figures across the sizes, along with a 2-degree slackening of the head angle, down to 67 degrees. This noticeably increases the front-centre length of the bike, designed to give additional stability on steep, fast or loose descents.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the back, though, chainstays remain relatively short at 432mm, with the goal of aiding handling in tight and twisty sections of trail, tuning the rider weight distribution between the wheels and aiding a \u2018snappy\u2019 feel under power, according to Orbea.<\/span><\/p>\n

In keeping with modern trends, the seat angle has become 1.5 degrees steeper, too, sitting at 76.5 degrees. This aids comfort and efficiency when pedalling up steep hills, with hips placed more over the top of the cranks.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A neat chainguide keeps the drivetrain secure.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ross Bell \/ Orbea<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Orbea has also dropped the BB a touch, to account for the additional travel of the bike, which otherwise might leave it feeling tall.<\/span><\/p>\n

The alloy Oiz bikes have a slightly altered geometry. These have chainstays that are a touch longer and a taller stack, giving a more relaxed, slightly more stable ride. This is designed to make the bike a little \u2018easier\u2019 to ride for potentially slightly less race-focused, or experienced riders.<\/p>\n

<\/colgroup>
\ufeffSize<\/th>s<\/th>M<\/th>L<\/th>XL<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Seat tube <\/b> (mm)<\/td>405<\/td>432<\/td>460<\/td>510<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube <\/b> (mm)<\/td>575<\/td>598<\/td>623<\/td>650<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube <\/b> (mm)<\/td>90<\/td>90<\/td>100<\/td>115<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay <\/b> (mm)<\/td>432<\/td>432<\/td>432<\/td>432<\/td> <\/tr>
BB height<\/b> (mm)<\/td>333<\/td>333<\/td>333<\/td>333<\/td> <\/tr>
BB drop<\/b> (mm)<\/td>42<\/td>42<\/td>42<\/td>42<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase<\/b> (mm)<\/td>1,138<\/td>1,163<\/td>1,189<\/td>1,219<\/td> <\/tr>
Head angle <\/b> (degrees)<\/td>67<\/td>67<\/td>67<\/td>67<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat angle <\/b> (degrees)<\/td>76.5<\/td>76.5<\/td>76.5<\/td>76.5<\/td> <\/tr>
Standover <\/b> (mm)<\/td>731<\/td>741<\/td>741<\/td>750<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach <\/b>(mm)<\/td>425<\/td>450<\/td>472<\/td>496<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack<\/b> (mm)<\/td>596<\/td>596<\/td>606<\/td>619<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>