ORBEA ORCA OMR M20iTEAM (2022) - RAW CARBON/TITANIUM

Orbea customers know exactly what they want when they reach out to us. The model, size, colour and (if it hasn’t been built in Spain yet) custom changes before it gets shipped out to us.

If you’re not this customer, then this preview will explain why the latest Orca M20i Team needs to be at the pointy end of your short list - because it’s one of the best road bikes you’ll ever ride.

But to really understand this product we’re gonna cover some key areas.

WHO IS THE ORCA M20ITEAM FOR?

The Orca M20iTEAM is going to suit riders who are searching for their new endurance road bike. Said bike must have the latest 12-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic gears and excellent wheels.

You’re either upgrading from an aluminium road bike, very old carbon one or buying your first performance road bike.

You also want something a little more special (without taking out a second mortgage); something that is outside of the many road bike brands you see out on the road.

THE FRAME

Firstly, ORCA is a mix of “ORbea” and “CArbon”. Not the Killer Whale. But I agree, the latter is cooler.

Every single Orca is hand built and hand painted in Spain.

Side Note:

Like most brands, Orbea has an “endurance” and “race” model. On our website, anything with OMR = endurance and OMX = race.

To keep us on our feet though, Orbea calls both of these the Orca. That’s why on our site we’ve helped distinguish them by labelling each.

But there’s another simple way to tell. Any Orca that ends with “LTD” is an OMX race bike.

Big difference between OMR and OMX? Yeah. We’re not gonna cover it in this preview though - too much info.

Back on track:

OMR TUBE SHAPE

These shapes have specifically been constructed for riders searching for comfort, a smooth ride feel and efficiency.

The carbon architecture on the OMR frame delivers 10% higher vibration absorption than the OMX frame.

Note: At first glance, the visual differences between the OMX and OMR are not that apparent.

A quick way to tell is the seat post.

The OMR Endurance frames will have a much thinner post (27.2mm) to absorb vibrations.

OMR frame weight is 1,030 grams (size 53).

OMR ERGONOMICS

The Orca OMR the more comfortable of the two options.

Not only because the physical tube profiles deliver more comfort, it’s how you sit on the Orca OMR that makes it different too.

For a size 53 (medium), the Orca OMR is 7mm higher at the front and 3mm shorter than the Orca OMX.

But:

If you decide to spec the Orbea OMR with the new OC Rise handlebar, this makes the difference between the two more pronounced.

It’s now 22mm higher and 13mm shorter.

So if you’re new to riding or have poor flexibility, the OC Rise bar will be the way to go.

THE M20ITEAM BUILD

The M20iTEAM is built with the latest 12-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 hydraulic disc brake groupset.

A 50-tooth/34-tooth crankset is paired to a wide range 11-30 tooth rear cassette. This means riders with below average to average “bike” fitness will climb hills with absolute ease.

We’re not gonna cover the new Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupset in detail here, but significant changes to the new platform are:

• Wireless shifters equals slightly cleaner handlebar area and significantly simpler electronics.

• Built in Bluetooth means you can connect to the app straightaway. You don’t need to buy an adapter (like the 11 speed groupsets) to connect to your phone.

• Quieter braking with 10% more pad clearance.

• Charged from rear derailleur (the brain’s are here too). Syncro and Semi-Syncro shift modes can be selected from here.

• 58% faster rear gear shift and 45% faster front compared to outgoing 11-speed Dura Ace Di2.

• Hyperglide+ tech delivers smoother shifts under power. It’s tech borrowed from their off-road components and it works amazing, reducing the shock felt at every gear shift.

Fulcrum’s Racing 600 wheelset weighs in at 1,780 grams. The low 24mm rim height is perfect for long endurance rides and climbing serious verticals.

A 20mm wide internal rim width makes it perfect for today’s wide modern road tyre. The M20iTeam comes standard with 28C tyres but you can fit up to 35C tyres for those wanting a smoother ride - without worrying about your rims.