Spain's biggest bike brand, Orbea, have a uniquely simple approach to their road range. Consisting of just three models, it starts with the aluminium Aqua, steps up to the Onix, and stops at the Orca. There are 21 variants of the Orca, starting with the Bronze (£1,889/US$2,499) and rising up to the Gold level GDi2 at £8,199/US$9,999.
The Orca Bronze 105 (£1,979/US$2,499) has an overall weight of 8.5kg (18.7lb), suggesting a reasonably light frame. The chassis itself blends bold structural lines and neatly crafted touches; the seat tube junction is angular, while the box-section angular seatstays create an unusual look. In contrast to the futuristic styling, straight external cable routing is in place of the current fashion for hiding wiring wherever possible.
The Orca's dimensions are straight-down-the-middle, parallel 73-degree angles and it has a wheelbase of less than a metre. We expect the straight blades of the carbon fork to keep the steering precise.
Gearing is taken care of by Shimano 105 kit, and Orbea Pro brakes have been tasked with bringing things to a halt. This particular bike is equipped with a Shimano R500 wheelset and Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres, but there are different options available through the Orbea website.
Orbea have opted for a 3T cockpit, including the brilliant Ergonova bar
There will be a full review of the Orbea Orca Bronze 105 in Cycling Plus issue 277, on sale 25 June.
