The new Orbea Orca Aero: always faster

Orbea officially presents its new Orca Aero, a bike already seen with the Euskaltel-Euskadi team riders at the last Vuelta, and meticulously designed to save watts against wind and speed, but also to provide the best balance between stiffness and handling for efficiency and versatility. Six complete bike versions are already available.

In line with the Orca range of race bikes, Orbea introduces a new machine dedicated to performance with the new Orca Aero, which replaces the model presented in 2017. The program includes the use of OMX carbon – Orbea’s highest level of manufacturing –, lines strongly inspired by the Ordu triathlon/TT bike, which have already proven their aerodynamic performance, the integration of a storage box and aerodynamic water bottles, a slightly modified geometry to improve handling, and components that favor ergonomic adjustments.

The high-end version of the new Orbea Orca with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed and Shimano C50 wheels is announced with a weight of 7.6 kg and a price of €9599. The range includes six complete bike models, including an entry-level model with Shimano Ultegra 11-speed offered at €3999. As usual with Orbea, the new Orca is available in several colors, and it is especially customizable through the MyO program. It is also possible to modify certain bike components when ordering, such as wheels, cassette, saddle, crankset (with or without power meter) and of course the position elements, all via free, reducing or increasing options. In short, enough to create a truly unique bike.

In search of the perfect balance

With this new Orca Aero, Orbea has sought the perfect balance between aerodynamics, stiffness, and weight, three characteristics that are difficult to reconcile. Significant gains in one of these three areas often imply compromises elsewhere. The brand therefore assures that it has carefully studied each parameter to offer a bike that is highly efficient in the wind, in order to save watts, but while remaining stiff and dynamic to perform well in climbs.

Computer simulations and wind tunnel tests are an integral part of development, allowing multiple solutions to be tested to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence. Thousands of hours of modeling and wind tunnel sessions have been dedicated to studying each component, in search of the best balance. These studies have led to aerodynamic improvements in certain key areas:

The top tube and chainstays improve airflow
The profiles of the down tube and seat tube have been optimized for maximum aerodynamic performance with 25 to 28 mm tires
Unique profile transitions between the head tube and down tube, as well as between the seat tube and seatstays, reduce turbulence in these areas
Drag around the rear wheel has been reduced by aligning the upper seat tube junction with the airflow
The new fork design is optimized for deep rims
The new aerodynamic handlebar, stem, and seatpost reduce drag by 2%

Orbea announces that it has accumulated hundreds of hours of field tests to test the aerodynamic gains of the bike and rider combination at high speed on a velodrome, in order to measure the effects of wind in real conditions. The brand thus announces a saving of 15 watts at 40 km/h with the new Orca Aero compared to an Orca, and even 28 watts at 50 km/h.

Furthermore, weight, stiffness, and power transfer are crucial elements in demanding climbs. Orbea claims that the Orca Aero shows no loss of efficiency, even on the most difficult climbs. The brand highlights what it calls the dynamic structure of the frame, with the head tube, down tube, and chainstays designed to resist torsion and transmit the rider’s power to the rear wheel. The design of each section, the OMX carbon fiber, and the specific lay-up for each frame size optimize the weight/stiffness ratio of the Orca Aero.

The Spanish brand has also optimized the geometry to facilitate bike handling, seeking the best balance between responsiveness and stability. The new Orca Aero thus benefits from a shorter and more responsive wheelbase, shortened chainstays, a specific fork offset depending on the frame size, a reduced stack and an increased BB drop for better stability and more aerodynamics, and it is offered in seven sizes. With clearance allowing the mounting of 30 mm tire width, comfort is not forgotten on the Orca Aero, even if its aerodynamic performance is best with 25 to 28 mm tires.

Ergonomic components

Ergonomics is a key element of the Orca Aero, to promote comfort, aerodynamics, and bike control. The new Orca Aero cockpit has been designed for easier adjustments, whether it’s stem length or handlebar angle for superior ergonomics, with minimal aero losses compared to a fully integrated handlebar. The OC2 ICR stem is available in 7 lengths (70 to 130 mm) and allows for cable integration. The cover and bike computer mount have been redesigned, adding tilt adjustment to ideally position the screen. The OC3 Aero handlebar is flared at 5º, and offers up to 15° of tilt as well as numerous width and reach options. The entire cockpit is announced as very stiff. The new aerodynamic seatpost allows for up to 25 mm setback and a +/- 10º tilt. 50 mm wide, it is light and compact.

Like the Ordu, the new Orca Aero can be fitted with a toolbox placed under the down tube and behind the front wheel, to carry essential tools, a repair kit, or any other indispensable accessory. This system further improves the bike’s aerodynamic qualities and is perfectly suited for triathlon. As the system is not allowed by UCI regulations, it can be easily removed for traditional cycling races.

Finally, an aerodynamic bottle cage and bottle have been specially designed for the Orca Aero, so as not to hinder the frame’s aesthetics, but also its efficiency. In fact, the Orca Aero is announced as being more efficient with the bottle in place. Standard bottle cage mounts are obviously placed on the down tube and seat tube.

The range

ORCA AERO M10iLTD – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed, Shimano Dura-Ace C50 wheels, Vittoria Competition G2.0 TLR, €9599

ORCA AERO M11eLTD – Sram Red eTap AXS 12-speed, Vision 55 SC wheels, Vittoria Competition G2.0 TLR, €8299

ORCA AERO M20iLTD – Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed, Vision 40 SC wheels, Vittoria Rubino Pro IV G2.0 TLR, €5799

ORCA AERO M21eLTD – Sram Force eTap AXS 12-speed, Vision 40 SC wheels, Vittoria Rubino Pro IV G2.0 TLR, €5799

ORCA AERO M31eLTD – Sram Rival eTap AXS 12-speed, Fulcrum Racing 400 wheels, Vittoria Rubino IV G2.0 TLR, €4799

ORCA AERO M20LTD – Shimano Ultegra 11-speed, Fulcrum Racing 400 wheels, Vittoria Rubino IV G2.0 TLR, €3999