Orbea was the original development partner for the ebikemotion ebike system and was also the first to bring a bike to market with its lightweight ‘just enough’ assistance model for e-road bikes.
Plenty of the Spanish brand's rivals have adopted the same system to make some of the lightest e-road bikes available thanks to the combination of rear hub motor and 248W/h internal battery.
Orbea has taken the Gain back to the drawing board for a complete redesign that brings its design in-line with the latest Orca OMX and OMR machines, and is offering carbon and 'hydro' (hydroformed aluminium) versions.
The 10 best features of the new Orbea Gain
- Aero-optimised design of the Orca adopted
- Tyre clearance upped to 40c
- Simple yet clever hidden cable ICR stem system
- Full integration of the ebike's wiring loom
- Integrated front and rear daytime running lights
- Digital e-system display now included
- MYO customisation on all models
- Road, flat bar or gravel build options
- Lightest model just 11.8kg (size large)
- Custom torque mapping provides more ‘bike’-like assistance
The similarities between the Gain and the Orca are most prevalent at the front end, where the bladed aero fork keys into the head and down tube for smooth integration, and sitting atop the head tube is the ICR stem system – which comes straight from the Orca range.
This clever stem has a split design where the lower half of the stem separates from the main body to create a cradle/channel for the gear and brake lines to run straight into the head tube and fully internally through the bike.
This also serves to allow a power line to run from the battery up through the stem and into the out-front mount, which now integrates a 60-lumen, 180-degree visibility daytime running light.
The out-front mount can be used with a Garmin, Wahoo or GPS of your choice via the correct insert (the Gain will come with most common interface inserts) or with a new and included head-unit made for Orbea by Cyclo.
This unit displays assistance level, distance, power, and range. The power delivery levels are controlled like all ebikemotion systems via a simple top-tube mounted button – called iWOC. Here you can cycle through power levels and have a quick reference to battery reserves via coloured LEDs that illuminate a ring around the button.
The back-end of the bike is more of a throwback to the previous generation of Orca models with its standard rear triangle (not the dropped stays of the latest Orca) and flowing top tube to seatstay junction.
Also, much like the older Orca, the Gain has a seat clamp rather than a hidden bolt. The clamp, like the out-front mount, also integrates a daytime running light. This red rear LED gives 12 lumens of power and a 180-degree visibility range.
Orbea claims that this new frame design and the carbon layup have improved the ride quality of the previous Gain, with a claimed 15 per cent less weight in the chassis yet a massive increase in lateral stiffness of 22 per cent.
Power rangers
Orbea has a close relationship with ebikemotion and it’s for this reason it was able to work with the e-power manufacturers on an Orbea-specific custom torque simulation algorithm.
The aim from the Orbea engineers was to create a power delivery that closely matched the reactions you’d expect from a standard road bike when it comes to pedal inputs – using the latest iteration of ebikemotion’s X35 Plus system. The engine maps between the modes of assistance have also been custom tuned to Orbea’s preferences – again to offer a more natural feel to the ride while still giving you ample assistance when you need it.
If it's anything like Scott’s latest take on the ebikemotion system, with its new Addict eRide, then we are confident we’ll be impressed.
Orbea also offers a range-extending battery that can be added to any model through its MYO custom program or via Orbea dealers. The piggyback battery adds 208W/h of extra energy – Orbea claims it adds 70 per cent extra onto the bike's range – making for 456W/h of available power.
We have a carbon Gain on order with Orbea and, as soon as it arrives, we’ll be putting it through its paces to see how it compares to the line-up of the latest lightweight e-road bikes.
Orbea Gain geometry
Geometry wise the Gain follows the Orca, but the ride position has been altered making it a little shorter in reach and a little taller in stack, pitching the ride position and handling, according to Orbea, to "a midway point between our Terra gravel bike, our Avant endurance platform and the racing position of the Orca".
The bike does however feature a lower bottom bracket to accommodate for the growth in tyre clearance, while shortening the chainstays of the previous Gain should make the bike feel more nimble and help to better centre the weight distribution of the down tube battery, which Obea claims will make for a more balanced and stable handling bike.
Orbea Gain Carbon geometry
| | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat angle (degrees) | 75 | 74.5 | 74.5 | 74 | 74 |
| Head angle (degrees) | 71 | 71.5 | 72 | 72 | 72.5 |
| Chainstay (cm) | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 |
| Seat tube (cm) | 45.5 | 48.5 | 51.5 | 54.5 | 57.5 |
| Top tube (cm) | 50.7 | 53 | 54.7 | 57.1 | 58.9 |
| Head tube (cm) | 9.5 | 12 | 14.6 | 17.2 | 19.6 |
| Bottom bracket drop (cm) | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Bottom bracket height (cm) | 26.5 | 26.5 | 26.7 | 26.7 | 26.9 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 986.14 | 1,000.98 | 1,021.50 | 1,040.60 | 1,048.97 |
| Standover (cm) | 70.8 | 77.1 | 78.573 | 81.95 | 87.268 |
| Stack (cm) | 52.5 | 55 | 57.5 | 60 | 62.5 |
| Reach (cm) | 36.6 | 37.7 | 38.8 | 39.9 | 41 |
| Fork Length | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
Orbea Gain Hydro geometry
| | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat angle (degrees) | 75 | 74.5 | 74.5 | 74 | 74 |
| Head angle (degrees) | 71 | 71.5 | 72 | 72 | 72.5 |
| Chainstay (cm) | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 |
| Seat tube (cm) | 46 | 48.5 | 51.5 | 54.5 | 57.5 |
| Top tube (cm) | 50.7 | 53 | 54.7 | 57.1 | 58.9 |
| Head tube (cm) | 9.7 | 12.2 | 14.6 | 17.2 | 19.6 |
| Bottom bracket drop (cm) | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Bottom bracket height (cm) | 26.7 | 26.7 | 26.7 | 26.7 | 26.7 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 988 | 1,002 | 1,017 | 1,036 | 1,050 |
| Standover (cm) | 75.2 | 77.6 | 80.3 | 82.9 | 85.6 |
| Stack (cm) | 52.5 | 55 | 57.5 | 60 | 62.5 |
| Reach (cm) | 36.6 | 37.7 | 38.8 | 39.9 | 41 |
| Fork Length | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
Orbea hasn’t skimped on the details either, with a much more secure compartment for the expensive battery, along with a new ‘hatch’ on the underside of the down tube/bottom bracket that is held in place with custom pattern screws – with a dedicated tool that comes with the bike and in the tool-kit of Orbea approved dealers/mechanics.
The ebikemotion speed sensor is now completely hidden in the driveside chainstay and the power-line hidden in the non-drive chainstay, though here the chainstay is a U-channel shape with a custom cover so you can still separate the power line from the rear hub to allow for easy wheel removal/replacement.
The down tube is only slightly oversized to accommodate the internal 248W/h battery and the down tube design has lost the bulge of the previous model. The bulge was there to accommodate clearance for standard bottle cage bolts. The new down tube incorporates captive threads and specific bolts for bottle cages without disrupting the lines of the design.
2021 Orbea Gain range
The carbon Gain is available in three different builds: one road-biased with standard 2x drivetrains and 30c tubeless road tyres, and either alloy Fulcrum wheels or new OC Carbon tubeless wheels from Orbea; a flat-bar version; and perhaps more interesting, a new gravel build with 1x drivetrains and 40c Schwalbe G-One tubeless tyres.
With Orbea’s MYO customisation programme you can mix-and-match components to meet your needs; so you could create a 2x gravel bike or a flat-bar e-gravel machine, or even a GRX-equipped road bike isn’t out of the question, replete with your own custom colour scheme if one of the three standard colours doesn’t suit.
The Gain Carbon range starts at £3,599 and tops out at £7,999.
Alloy ahoy
Alongside the new Gain Carbon, Orbea also has the Gain Hydro (as in hydroformed aluminium). The alloy range tops out at £3,399 for the Ultegra-equipped D20 and starts at £2,299 for the D50 with Shimano Claris.
Orbea Gain M10i
- Price: £7,999 / $9,299 /€8,999
- Frame: Orbea Gain Carbon OMR
- Fork: Gain OMR carbon fork
- Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC2 Road Carbon, reach 80mm, drop 125mm
- Stem: Orbea ICR -8º
- Shifters: Shimano R9170
- Brakes: Shimano R9170 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 9150 Di2
- Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 9150 Di2
- Chain: Shimano HG 901
- Wheels: OC2 Carbon 42 Tubeless Ready
- Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 11-30t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe ONE 700x30c
- Seatpost: OC2 Carbon 27.2 Offset 20
- Saddle: Fizik Antares R5 Versus EVO Regular
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: Ebikemotion Pulsar One monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain M20i
- Price: £5,299 / $5,999 / €5,999
- Frame: Orbea Gain Carbon OMR monocoque
- Fork: Gain OMR carbon
- Crankset: Shimano Ultegra R8000 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC2 Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm
- Stem: Orbea ICR -8º
- Shifters: Shimano ST-8070
- Brakes: Shimano R8070 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8050 GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8050
- Chain: KMC X11
- Wheels: OC2 Carbon 42 Tubeless Ready
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-32t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe ONE 700x30c
- Seatpost: OC2 Carbon 27.2 Offset 20
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: Ebikemotion Pulsar One monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain M20
- Price: £4,299 / $4,899 / €4,699
- Frame: Orbea Gain Carbon OMR monocoque
- Fork: Gain OMR carbon
- Crankset: Shimano Ultegra R8000 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC2 Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm
- Stem: Orbea ICR -8º
- Shifters: Shimano ST-8020
- Brakes: Shimano R8070 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8000 GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8000
- Chain: KMC X11
- Wheels: FULCRUM E-Racing 900
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-32t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe ONE 700x30c
- Seatpost: OC2 Carbon 27.2 Offset 20
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: Ebikemotion Pulsar One monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain M20 1
- Price: £4,299 / $4,999 / €4,599
- Frame: Orbea Gain Carbon OMR monocoque
- Fork: Gain OMR carbon
- Crankset: Shimano GRX RX810 40t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC1 All Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm, flare 12º
- Stem: Orbea ICR -8º
- Shifters: Shimano ST-RX810
- Brakes: Shimano ST-RX810
- Rear derailleur: Shimano RX812 GS
- Chain: Shimano HG 601
- Wheels: FULCRUM E-Racing 900
- Cassette: Shimano CS-M8000 11-40t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-ONE Bite, 700x38C
- Seatpost: OC2 Carbon 27.2 Offset 20
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: Ebikemotion Pulsar One monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain M20F
- Price: £4,199 / $4,799 / €4,599
- Frame: Orbea Gain Carbon OMR monocoque
- Fork: Gain OMR carbon
- Crankset: Shimano Ultegra R8000 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: Alloy 31.8mm 12mm Rise 700mm
- Stem: Orbea ICR -8º
- Shifters: Shimano SL-SR700
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8100 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8000 GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8000
- Chain: KMC X11
- Wheels: Fulcrum E-Racing 900
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-32t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe ONE 700x30c
- Seatpost: OC2 Carbon 27.2 Offset 20
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen,
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: Ebikemotion Pulsar One monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote1: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Remote2: Ebikemotion iWoc TRIO
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain M30
- Price: £3,599 / $4,299 / €3,999
- Frame: Orbea Gain Carbon OMR monocoque
- Fork: Gain OMR carbon
- Crankset: Shimano 105 R7000 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC2 Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm
- Stem: Orbea ICR -8º
- Shifters: Shimano ST-7020
- Brakes: Shimano R7070 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano 105 R7000 GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano 105 R7000
- Chain: KMC X11
- Wheels: FULCRUM E-Racing 900
- Cassette: Shimano 105 R7000 11-32t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe ONE 700x30c
- Seatpost: OC2 Carbon 27.2 Offset 20
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen,
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: Ebikemotion Pulsar One monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain M30 1x
- Price: £3,599 / $4,299 / €3,999
- Frame: Orbea Gain Carbon OMR monocoque
- Fork: Gain OMR carbon
- Crankset: Shimano GRX RX600 40t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC1 All Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm, flare 12º
- Stem: Orbea ICR -8º
- Shifters: Shimano ST-RX600
- Brakes: Shimano RX400 Hydraulic disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano RX812 GS
- Chain: Shimano HG 601
- Wheels: Fulcrum E-Racing 900
- Cassette: Shimano CS-M7000 11-40t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-ONE Bite, 700x38c
- Seatpost: OC2 Carbon 27.2 Offset 20
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: Ebikemotion Pulsar One monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain M30F
- Price: £3,599 / $4,299 / €3,999
- Frame: Orbea Gain Carbon OMR monocoque
- Fork: Gain OMR carbon
- Crankset: Shimano 105 R7000 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: Alloy 31.8mm 12mm Rise 700mm
- Stem: Orbea ICR -8º
- Shifters: Shimano SL-SR700
- Brakes: Shimano SLX M7100 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano 105 R7000 GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano 105 R7000
- Chain: KMC X11
- Wheels: Fulcrum E-Racing 900
- Cassette: Shimano 105 R7000 11-32t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe ONE 700x30c
- Seatpost: OC2 Carbon 27.2 Offset 20
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: Ebikemotion Pulsar One monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote1: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Remote2: Ebikemotion iWoc TRIO
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain D20
- Price: £3,399 / $3,899 / €3,699
- Frame: Orbea Gain Hydro 6061 Hydroformed Aluminium
- Fork: Gain Hydro carbon
- Crankset: Shimano Ultegra R8000 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC2 Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6º
- Shifters: Shimano ST-8020
- Brakes: Shimano R8070 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8000 GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8000
- Chain: KMC X11
- Wheels: Ready GR
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-32t 11-speed
- Tyres: Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance TLR 700x30
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 Offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Rear light: Lezyne Fender STVZO seatpost mounting 11 lumens
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: OC monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain D30 1x
- Price: £2,999 / $3,499 / €3,299
- Frame: Orbea Gain Hydro 6061 Hydroformed Aluminium
- Fork: Gain Hydro carbon fork, full carbon
- Crankset: Shimano GRX RX600 40t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC1 All Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm, flare 12º
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6º
- Shifters: Shimano ST-RX600
- Brakes: Shimano RX400 Hydraulic disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano RX812 GS
- Chain: KMC X11
- Wheels: Ready GR
- Cassette: Shimano CS-M7000 11-40t 11-speed
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-ONE Bite 700x38c
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 Offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Rear light: Lezyne Fender STVZO seatpost mounting 11 lumens
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: OC monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain D30
- Price: £2,999 / $3,499 / €3,299
- Frame: Orbea Gain Hydro 6061 Hydroformed Aluminium
- Fork: Gain Hydro carbon fork, full carbon
- Crankset: Shimano 105 R7000 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC2 Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6º
- Shifters: Shimano ST-7020
- Brakes: Shimano R7070 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano 105 R7000 GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano 105 R7000
- Chain: KMC X11
- Wheels: Ready GR
- Cassette: Shimano 105 R7000 11-32t 11-speed
- Tyres: Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance TLR 700x30
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 Offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Rear light: Lezyne FENDER STVZO seatpost mounting 11 lumens
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: OC monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain D40
- Price: £2,599 / $3,199 / €2,899
- Frame: Orbea Gain Hydro 6061 Hydroformed Aluminium
- Fork: Gain Hydro carbon fork, full carbon
- Crankset: Shimano Tiagra 4700 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC1 Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6º
- Shifters: Shimano Tiagra ST-4770
- Brakes: Shimano Tiagra 4770 Hydraulic Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Tiagra 4700 GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano Tiagra 4700
- Chain: KMC X10
- Wheels: Ready GR
- Cassette: Shimano Tiagra HG-500 11-32t 10-speed
- Tyres: Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance TLR 700x30
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 Offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Rear light: Lezyne Fender STVZO seatpost mounting 11 lumens
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT
- Display: OC monochrome ANT LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Orbea Gain D50
- Price: £2,299 / $2,899 / €2,499
- Frame: Orbea Gain Hydro 6061 Hydroformed Aluminium
- Fork: Gain Hydro carbon fork, full carbon
- Crankset: Shimano Claris R2000 34x50t
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in Internal Cable Routing
- Handlebar: OC1 Road, reach 80mm, drop 125mm
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6º
- Shifters: Shimano Claris ST-R2000
- Brakes: Shimano BR-RS305 Mechanical Disc
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Claris RD-R2000-GS
- Front derailleur: Shimano Claris FD-R2000-F
- Chain: KMC X8
- Wheels: Ready GR
- Cassette: Shimano HG50 11-32t 8-speed
- Tyres: Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance TLR 700x30
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 Offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Selle Royal Asphalt GR
- Front light: COB LED, 60-lumen
- Rear light: Lezyne Fender STVZO seatpost mounting 11 lumens
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT+
- Display: OC monochrome ANT+ LEV
- Remote: Ebikemotion iWoc ONE
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
