Orbea Launches Its New Orca Aero

The new Orbea Orca Aero stands out as a direct response to the constant increase in speeds in professional cycling, where every watt counts and where equipment must now function as a true bike-rider system.

Source: press release

Orbea champions a holistic approach called the Total System Approach, which aims to simultaneously optimize both the bike and the rider’s position to create a faster and more efficient package. In this context, the new Orca Aero promises a 21-watt gain over the current model, representing a major leap forward in the pursuit of performance. The previous generation, the 2022 Orca Aero, was already one of the fastest bikes in the peloton, with victories in the WorldTour and national championships.

To take it even further, Orbea conducted an extremely rigorous development process combining wind tunnel testing, CFD analysis, aerodynamic prototypes, and track validation. Testing then continued on the road with the Lotto-Intermarché team to confirm the gains under real-world conditions. Every section of the frame was redesigned to reduce drag, starting with the head tube, which is now narrower and streamlined around a standard pivot.
The fork has been optimized to integrate seamlessly with the down tube, regardless of tire width or wind angle. The down tube features a wider profile, capable of managing airflow more efficiently and working in synergy with the new aerodynamic bottle cages.
The seat tube is thinner to reduce drag while maintaining sufficient structural stiffness.
The seat stays are thinner and mounted lower, which improves the stiffness-to-weight ratio while providing greater vertical compliance.
The bottom bracket features a keel-shaped structure inspired by the previous model, allowing for better airflow management in a critical area.

Orbea has also worked on the components to maximize the bike’s overall aerodynamics.
The new water bottle cages, positioned very low, improve airflow and integrate seamlessly with the down tube.
The Service Box acts as an aerodynamic fairing while providing convenient storage space.
The OC RA10 carbon handlebar combines lightness, stiffness, and full cable integration.
The OC RA11 seatpost reduces the space between the rider and the frame, thereby lowering drag.

According to Orbea, these optimizations save 5.1 watts at 50 km/h, with consistent gains regardless of wind angle. The system-based approach is particularly significant with the bottom bracket lowered by 78 mm—the lowest on the market. This lower position improves stability, reduces body movement, and decreases the frontal area exposed to the wind. The cockpit offers an impressive range of adjustment, with 13 handlebar sizes and up to 40 mm of spacers to fine-tune the position. Two seatpost drop positions and a reversible seatpost clamp allow for precise fit adjustment. The new OQUO RA57 LTD wheels improve responsiveness and power transfer.

Orbea estimates that these optimizations to the bike-rider system result in a gain of approximately 14 watts at 50 km/h on flat terrain. The frame now accommodates tires up to 37 mm, making it one of the most versatile bikes on the WorldTour. However, it remains optimized for 29- to 35-mm tires, which offer the best balance between speed and comfort. This additional clearance saves 6 to 7 watts at 40 km/h on cobblestones or rough roads by reducing vibrations. The frame’s stiffness reaches 93 Nm/° with a weight of approximately 900 g, giving it a remarkable balance between lightness and efficiency. This stiffness represents a gain of about 2 watts on an 8% climb compared to the previous generation. The frame is designed exclusively for electronic drivetrains, with Di2 integration at the bottom bracket. It also features the UDH universal derailleur hanger, now an industry standard. The 90° Spinblock steering limiter protects the frame in the event of excessive handlebar rotation.
Ultimately, Orbea hasn’t simply created a bike that’s faster in the wind tunnel.

The brand has developed a comprehensive system designed to optimize the relationship between the rider and their bike. This new Orca Aero is clearly aimed at the Grand Tours, high-speed sprints, and the demands of modern cycling. It embodies a vision where performance no longer depends solely on the frame, but on the bike-rider combination.