Redesigned and re-introduced last Summer and available only recently, Orbea’s Alma 29er carbon hardtail is already their best selling mountain bike ever in the U.S.
Thanks to that success, they’ve just brought in a hydroformed alloy version in three trim levels. Compared to the their prior Lonza 29er, the new Alma Hydro drops 50g to 75g off the frame.
From a distance, you can’t tell the carbon and alloy Almas apart. Geometry is exactly the same. Both the models share Orbea’s “4×4 Triangle” design, bent seat tube and shapely tubes throughout. Both versions have their Gore-developed DCR (Direct Cable Routing), which is very sharp and keeps cable bends and housing to a minimum. In fact, the only obvious differences at first glance is the lack of an interrupted downtube or tapered headtube like on the carbon models.
The top of the line alloy model, the H10 (above) comes competitively spec’d and retails for a full $500 less than the lowest spec carbon model, making it look pretty good for budget racers.
Jump in for more pics and info…
UPDATED: Frame weight photo’d and posted below.
A size Medium frame weighs in at 1565g (3.45 lbs).
The Alma H10 retails for $2,699 USD and comes with Shimano XT 3×10 drive bits and wheels, Rockshox Recon Gold 100 fork, Orbea cockpit parts, Hutchinson Python Tubeless Ready tires and Selle Italia saddle.
The 4×4 frame design is essentially a four point “triangle” that’s designed to improve comfort and traction. It does this by starting the seatstay slope well in front of the seat tube and ending them above the rear axle, giving the seat stays a flatter angle. This gives them more vertical compliance than a steeper angle would.
The H30, above, is the mid-tier offering and retails for $2,099. It has the same fork but goes with a SRAM X9 2×10 / Avid / Mavic build. Same tires, an Orbea cockpit and Selle Royal Seta saddle.
The Alma H50 is the base model. All use the same frame, so you’re only getting down-spec’d parts on the various models. At $1,699, it’s still a bit above entry level 29ers from a few other major brands, but the frame should be plenty upgradeable over time and the spec is pretty decent: Shimano SLX 3×10 drivetrain and brakes, Mavic wheels, Hutchinson tires and Orbea Cockpit.
While the alloy models don’t have the elegant machined cable runs and fully Gore’d out system, they’re still pretty smooth looking. We’re waiting on close up photos on these and will update the post as we get them.
NOTE: We have both a carbon and alloy Alma going on test this month, culminating in Evan and Rob racing them at the 6 Hours of Warrior Creek in April, so look for a full review later that month.
