Bicycles

Focus on: Orbea Orca Gold 2011

Details

Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Orbea

Published on Monday, 07 February 2011 06:06

Written by Luca Salvatelli

 Go to Photo Gallery

Go to Video Gallery

The new frame Orbea Orca has in common with the previous Orca only the name and is the result of a new project. The frame is carbon fiber monocoque high modulus, but has been redesigned in shapes and sections of the pipes, which are now more angular and have a separate section under the different areas of the frame. This allowed a weight saving of 14% compared to the previous Orca. Also revised the rear, which has shown to reduce its length to increase stiffness and better aerodynamic profile. The tube is large, but now has a number of edges of the housing and tightening the cables. This is not internal but external, but details are the same cables, covered in a sheath of teflon flowing in direct contact with the chassis, just slot. This solution, which we call semi integrated, has allowed us to reduce friction and improve the flow of commands. More and generous size the bottom bracket, which now take the standard BB30. The tube has a new profile, angular and joins the seat tube in a manner similar to the old Orca, but the junction area is now more rigid and light. The vertical pipe now follows the profile of the rear wheel, while the head tube, has a new set of differential steering, bearing 1 inch and 1/2 and 1 inch and 1/8. Updated accordingly also the fork, with the stems from the airfoil. The seatpost has adopted the new Selle Italia Monolink, with a dedicated saddle. Six sizes available. The frame kit is priced at about 3300 Euro. In the picture there is a Dura Ace Di2 group version, adopted in full, and Lightweight wheels. The Orbea Orca Gold remains one of the best race bike on the market today and version 2011 has done nothing but improve the overall performance of the previous Orca. It is now perfectly aligned with the best competition and has to his advantage a number of positive aspects. The construction quality of the frame, all made from Orbea, has always been one of its best features, in addition to driving skills with a high maneuverability and lightning changes of direction. Excellent responsiveness of the rear and the overall rigidity of the frame, which is unmatched with the best competitors. The price is adjusted to such benefits and honest, although no longer as profitable as in the previous model. It remains, however, a bike by the positive value for money, to satisfy the most demanding athletes. Among the defects comfort not high, common to all those who favor the performance and frame rigidity to other aspects.