$1,417.89

The Orbea Oiz OMP looks and performs almost identically to the OMR. That’s because the geometry is the same, the suspension is the same, and the critical features are the same. This is a great thing. The OMR is a World Cup ready race bike. The OMP puts you in the same place, but with lower-modulus carbon. The result is a big cost savings, a small weight penalty, and greater durability.

Both bikes are built as monocoques. That is, the main triangles are molded in one piece. The stays are two pieces: right and left. This is to maximize strength and minimize weight. The OMP uses a simpler layup and simpler compacting on the inside of the frame. But after that, the bikes are the same.  

The big innovation for 2017 is the decision to go with Boost spacing for the rear wheel. The 6mm extra of width allows for a laterally stiffer rear end as well as providing more space to fit a 2.4” tire.

The rear suspension has been simplified for a more sophisticated contact with the ground. As you can see from the image, there is no pivot by the rear axle. Fewer bolts mean less weight and less to go wrong. They’re able to manage this feat with slender UFO seat stays that can take up the smallest vibrations, meaning that the suspension doesn’t need to engage for every pebble and root on the trail. But once that small threshold is overcome, they recommend 15mm of sag, you have 80mm of suspension. The suspension is progressive for the first 60mm, then steepens at the end to limit bottoming out. Keeping the suspension active also is thanks to cartridge bearings at the shock pivot, a molded carbon-fiber pivot link, and a steel bolt holding it all together.

When the bike rolls, the big wheels make the rolling easier. But big is relative, and smaller riders often find 29” wheels too big. As a result, the Small is only offered with 27.5” wheels, the Medium comes either with 27.5” or 29”, and the Large and Extra Large with 29” only. Each frame is designed to maximize agility. The smaller wheels are paired with shorter stays to keep the wheel tucked as closely as possible to keep the ride scooty.

And keeping the bike working well and smart are the details Orbea works so hard to master. The head tube is designed for 1 1/8” to 1 1/2” steerer tubes, providing great torsional stiffness and minimal weight gain. There’s a direct mount for the front derailleur, making it easy to choose either a 1x (34-tooth max) or 2x drivetrain (38/28 are the biggest rings). You can even run a triple cranks if you want). The rear brake caliper is secured to a direct post mount because it’s simpler, lighter, and virtually eliminates chatter caused by harmonic vibrations. The mounting point is for 160mm rotors, though an adapter can be employed so you can use 180mm rotors. The bottom bracket is the light, stiff, and internal BB92.

Cables run internally, and they can accept either electronic or mechanical shifting. You can even hook up iCD shocks to get electronic control over your damping. If you go electronic, the battery will reside in the 31.8mm seatpost. And if you want a dropper post as well, that cable can be run internally, too. And it’s all covered by a lifetime warranty.

The Orbea Oiz OMP rocks the rough and rules the steep.