The Orbea Occam has evolved numerous times over last few years, graduating from the 120mm TR with flexible stays, to the 140mm 29er trail bike with a pivot concentric to the rear axle. Along the way, we’ve seen the introduction of that asymmetric front triangle, longer travel all-mountain versions, with subtle changes to the rear suspension platform throughout. For 2022, the Orbea Occam is back in two travel configurations; 140mm front and rear (like the 2020 Occam) and a new 150mm travel LT version. What’s more, you can now switch between the two.
2022 Orbea Occam
For 2022, the Orbea Occam doesn’t see much of an overhaul. The geometry, asymmetric frame design and ride kinematic remain largely unchanged, still running their Concentric Boost 2 suspension linkage wherein there’s a pivot concentric to the rear axle.
The claimed merits of the linkage are that the suspension is still able to remain active under braking. It’s still a 140mm travel 29er trail bike.
The news here is that, for 2022, Orbea have released the Occam LT, a 150mm travel option. It’s not the first time the Occam has seen 150mm rear wheel travel; the AM version of 2016 had as much, but that was delivered through a suspension design that used flex stays.
With 10mm additional travel in the front and rear, the bike is definitely more geared towards descending. The geometry is slightly slacker, with a 66.5° head angle versus the 66° HA of the 140mm. The seat tube is 0.5° slacker too at 76.5°, though that’s not something to get too hung up on given that you can likely counter that by pushing the saddle forward on the rails.
Both versions of the Occam are available in sizes S-XL with reach spanning a 425mm to 500mm range, covering rider heights of 150cm to 198cm. Chainstays come in at 440mm, consistent across the frame sizes.
Can you convert between the 140mm and 150mm travel versions? Yes! All you need to do is swap out the shock and fork. The shock’s eye-to-eye length is the same (210mm) – the LT just runs a longer stroke (55mm).
You might also be wondering whether you can boost the travel on your 2020 Occam to 150mm. Sadly, that’s not possible. Apparently there is a risk that the would come into contact with the frame. The new Occam has a slightly different top tube (sizes S and M) to accommodate this.
In keeping with the additional travel of the LT and its more aggresive geometry, the spec is tailored appropriately. While the 140mm Occam gets 2-Piston brakes with 180mm rotors, a FOX DPX shock and a FOX 34 fork, the Occam LT gets 4-piston brakes with a 203mm front rotor, the option to run a FOX X2 Air shock or the DHX2 Coil version, paired with a FOX 36 fork. The bikes’ differing intentions are reflected in the tires too; the 140mm gets a Maxxis High Roller and Rekon combo while the LT gets a Minion DHF and Dissector pairing.
Pricing & Availability
The 2022 Orbea Occam (140mm) is available in both OMR Carbon and aluminium (Hydro) complete builds. Pricing for complete carbon bikes starts at $4,299 USD, whereas the alloy options are much more affordable starting at $2,999 USD.
The Occam LT is only available with the OMR Carbon frameset; pricing starts at $4,599 USD.
