First Look: 2016 Orbea Occam AM 27.5 and TR 29 Bikes

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Welcome to Aínsa, Spain for the introduction of the 2016 Orbea Occam AM 27.5 and TR 29. Two different bikes offer different travel, wheel sizes, and specifications in two materials.

For those who love the efficiency and speed of 29-inch wheels, the Occam TR has 120mm of travel, 435mm chainstays, and a 68-degree head angle.

For those who want more travel and maneuverability, the Occam AM has 140mm travel, 27.5-inch wheels, 425mm chainstays, and a 67-degree head angle.

Dawn breaks over our accommodations in Morillo de Tou. 30 mile days during the official Occam launch meant rising early to beat the Summer heat. Aínsa is home to a must ride trail mecca that needs to be moved to the top of your bucket list.

Simon from Orbea helped with some of the guide duties and served as a rabbit for us to chase on the descents. When guys who rip this hard have a hand in developing bikes good things usually happen. #wayfasterthanyou

Don't let the 140mm of travel fool you, the Occam AM 27.5 punches well above its class. It was our bike of choice for six hours in the saddle.

At 10.9 kilos or a shade over over 24-pounds without pedals, the top of the line Occam AM is intruding on what used to be pretty exclusive XC territory.

Combined with great geometry for a capable trail bike, the 2016 FOX 34 Float up front delivers. It's so good we actually assumed it was a 150mm fork.

Moar boooost! But seriously, the 20% more width provided by the 12x148mm rear axle is a good thing, especially on larger 29-inch wheels. The new hub/axle standard also means that chainstays can be 10mm shorter.

Endless European Summer... The trails got super slick in an instant, leading to completely irresponsible tire pressure testing on the way down.

The Occam TR 29 in fisheye alley. Orbea believes in matching rider height with an appropriate wheel size.

Not booked in for the Spanish round of the Enduro World Series? Quit your job, buy a ticket, and head to Zona Zero for a guided tour. Thank us later.

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Lee Trumpore lets off the brakes on the new Occam followed by MBR editor Dan Milner. So much fun!

Orbea's Advanced Dynamics system allows them to virtually model and test suspension platforms, shock tunes, and components before a physical prototype is made. Then a precise mockup is made in plastic, followed by carbon molds.

The leverage ratio decreases slightly for the first 40% of the shock stroke, then switches to a rising rate to counteract the progressive air spring. Large impacts are handled by custom damping. The main pivot point works efficiently with both 1X and 2X setups with 100% antisquat at 25% sag.

Ball bearing pivots, a floating shock yolk, and FOX's latest EVOL air can make for a hyper sensitive initial stroke when running the higher pressures needed to rally a 140mm bike down proper big mountain enduro stages. Use volume spacers to add more progression if needed.

Orbea's UFO Flexion technology has been around for a while, but the flexible chainstay of the Occam marks the first time it has crossed over from XC. The result is two less pivots to worry about and a 150 gram reduction in weight.

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The swingarm flexes upwards 25mm as the linkage moves, and requires less than 5kg of force on the saddle compared to 250kg required to fully compress the shock.

The Occam also comes in an aluminum version weighing 710 grams more than the carbon model. The suspension design is tweaked slightly with the addition of a simple and clean Concentric Boost rear pivot at the intersection of the chainstay and swing arm.

The aluminum Occam also gets a breakaway hanger bolt with a spare threaded in on the other side so you don't end up stranded with the sheep.

Orbea's clever new Digit seatpost is featured on some aluminum models. It uses a clever range limiting system so you can find seat heights quickly. A groove and adjustable block built into the post and clamp keeps the saddle properly aligned. Budget minded dropper or back-country bomb proof piece of mind?

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There's always time for another rad descent. World class trails combined with stunning views meant everyone was throwing shapes with excitement no matter what bike they were riding.

Locals only.

Which ride is right for you? We had a blast on both the Occam AM and TR.

Bikes are expected to be available by the end of July. Visit www.orbea.com for more details.

Introducing Orbea's 2016 Occam AM and TR bikes. Join us as we travel to Spain to take a close look at what makes each bike tick, who they're best suited to, and what makes them stand out from the crowd.

2016 Orbea Occam Highlights

Available in AM (27.5) and TR (29) models, with 140mm and 120mm of travel, respectively
Available in carbon (M) and aluminum (H) frame materials
UFO Flexion (carbon) or Concentric Boost (aluminum) suspension design
Boost 12x148mm rear axle
PressFit (PF92) bottom bracket shell
Internal cable routing
Enduro sealed bearings
Removable high direct front derailleur mount
Compatible with most 1X (32T max), 2X (24-38T max) and 3X systems
Modified (2-bolt) ISCG 05 mount with frame protector on carbon models
Tapered headtube with integrated headset
Post mount direct rear brake
Downtube water bottle mount
Fits most 2.4-inch tires
Frame weight: Carbon - 1,990 grams // Aluminum - 2,700 grams
Lifetime warranty

Now in its third generation, the Occam sees several technological advances, suspension improvements, and increased capability without sacrificing efficiency. The bikes also have longer front ends, shorter rear ends, and are stiffer all around.

Two different bikes offer different travel, wheel sizes, and specifications in two materials. For those who want more travel and maneuverability, the Occam AM has 140mm travel, 27.5-inch wheels, 425mm chainstays, and a 67-degree head angle. For those who love the efficiency and speed of 29-inch wheels, the Occam TR has 120mm of travel, 435mm chainstays, and a 68-degree head angle. Learn about the nuances of each in the slideshow above.

Occam Geometry

US Pricing And Build Kits

Orbea makes three carbon and three aluminum models of both bikes, with a variety of component choices to suit your needs and budget.

Visit www.orbea.com for more details.

Photos and interview by Lee Trumpore

Orbea

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First Look: 2016 Orbea Occam AM 27.5 and TR 29 Bikes

2016 Orbea Occam Highlights

Occam Geometry

US Pricing And Build Kits

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