Orbea OCCAM H30 Review
- Price: $3299
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon 2.40″
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: The ability to support customization within a certain range, catering to the needs of a wider range of riders.
What we didn’t like about it: Lack of a water bottle cage, which may be inconvenient for riders who enjoy riding in remote areas.
Rating: (4.8/5)
Whenever I ride on forest trails, I can feel the tranquility of the woods. This feeling, mixed with excitement, keeps me wanting more. To share this joy with more people, we discovered the Orbea OCCAM H30. I am very excited to see how it performs on forest trails.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Orbea OCCAM H30. Additionally, we will compare it to several other top bike models in the latter part of this article. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
As a highly capable full-suspension forest trail bike, I had high expectations for the Orbea OCCAM H30. To put it to the test, I booked a flight and reserved a hotel on IHG, heading to Bike Park Ireland.
At Bike Park Ireland, I chose the Black Trail 26. This trail spans 582 meters and primarily descends, with a slight uphill section in the middle. The elevation drop is 72 meters. The trail is narrow, allowing for only one bike at a time. It is filled with gravel, fallen branches, and sharp turns. What surprises will these elements bring to my ride?
Forest Trail Riding
I started my descent on the Black Trail 26, constantly adjusting the Shimano Deore M6100 SGS Shadow Plus rear derailleur to adapt to different gradients. The 140mm front travel provided excellent suspension, and I didn’t experience excessive bumpiness during downhill sections.
Furthermore, when encountering steep downhill sections, I controlled my speed with the Shimano MT201 Hydraulic Disc brakes before soaring through the air. In mid-air, I adjusted my posture, found a suitable landing spot, and continued riding. This provided a thrilling experience.
During uphill sections, I shifted the Shimano Deore M6100 SGS Shadow Plus rear derailleur to the smallest gear ratio and stood up to accelerate. I also utilized the dropper function of the OC Mountain Control MC20 seatpost to lower its height, preventing any collision between my legs and the saddle.
I reached a section with continuous turns, which might intimidate some riders. However, with my extensive experience and adventurous spirit, I embraced the challenge.
I skillfully maneuvered the OC Mountain Control MC30 handlebar, executing agile turns. I continuously adjusted my speed using the Shimano MT201 Hydraulic Disc brakes to avoid any hazards.
The Maxxis Rekon tires provided excellent traction, allowing me to find the optimal point of power delivery and handle each turn with precision. It instilled a sense of confidence in me.
Is that all?
The Orbea OCCAM H30 is equipped with the Selle Royal 2058 DRN saddle, crafted from exceptional materials. It features a comfort-oriented geometric shape that provides excellent support in any position. I find it very comfortable to sit on, and even during bumpy rides, I don’t feel my buttocks becoming stiff.
Furthermore, the Orbea OCCAM H30 is equipped with the outstanding Maxxis Rekon, a lightweight off-road tire with a 60TPI casing. The special blend of compounds reduces rolling resistance, optimizes tread wear, and provides enhanced traction and grip. The EXO puncture protection effectively prevents tire punctures, ensuring my safety.
Specifications
The Orbea OCCAM H30 is a highly capable full-suspension forest trail bike. It features the Orbea Occam Hydro High Polished Triple Butted aluminum frame, which is extremely sturdy. The 29″ aluminum wheels offer excellent maneuverability, and the 140mm front travel provides exceptional suspension performance.
Additionally, the Orbea OCCAM H30 is equipped with a 1×12 Shimano Deore M6100 SGS Shadow Plus rear derailleur, ensuring smooth gear shifting. The Maxxis Rekon 2.40″ tires provide exceptional traction and grip. The EXO puncture protection further enhances rider safety.
It is worth mentioning that the Orbea OCCAM H30 supports customization within a certain range, catering to the needs of more riders.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, our understanding of this bike has deepened. It is an outstanding hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have their own performance or component requirements. Therefore, we explored other bikes of the same type for further investigation.
Orbea OCCAM H20 LT
The Orbea OCCAM H20 LT is impressive. Compared to the Deore groupset on the Orbea OCCAM H30, it features the superior Shimano SLX Race Face groupset, providing powerful performance and smoother gear shifting. Additionally, the Orbea OCCAM H20 LT has 150mm front travel, offering better suspension performance.
Geometrically, these two bikes are identical. However, the Orbea OCCAM H20 LT is $700 more expensive than the Orbea OCCAM H30. Therefore, if budget is a concern, I recommend the Orbea OCCAM H30. If you desire better components and enhanced suspension performance, the Orbea OCCAM H20 LT will be an excellent choice.
What do we like about it?
- The ability to support customization within a certain range, catering to the needs of a wider range of riders.
- Three color options, each with its unique characteristics.
- The Maxxis Rekon 2.40″ tire with EXO puncture protection provides a greater sense of security.
- Excellent climbing and descending capabilities.
What don’t we like about it?
- No water bottle cage, which prevents riders from hydrating promptly.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Can the components be changed on this bike?
It allows for component customization within a specified range.
- What’s the braking system on this bike?
The braking system on this bike is the Shimano MT201 Hydraulic Disc.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are just general guidelines, and the most accurate way to find your size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’5″ | SM |
| 5’2″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’6″ – 6’1″ | LG |
| 5’10” – 6’6″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Orbea Occam Hydro High Polished Triple Butted. Concentric Boost 12×148 rear axle. Pure Trail geometry. internal cable routing. asymmetric design. 29″ Asymmetric design. 29″ wheels. Linkage compatible with OC multitool. Colors: Glitter Anthracite-Metallic Red (Gloss); Metallic Dark Green-Lime Green (Matt); Leo Orange-Black (Gloss) |
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 140 QR15x110 |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance 3-Position Evol custom tune 210x50mm |
| Headset | Acros Alloy 1-1/8 – 1-1/2″ Integrated |
| Stem | Alloy 3D forged, 35mm interface, -7º |
| Handlebar | OC Mountain Control MC30, Rise20, Width 800 |
| Saddle | Selle Royal 2058 DRN |
| Seatpost | OC Mountain Control MC20, 31.6mm, Dropper |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore M6100 SGS Shadow Plus |
| Crank | Forged alloy, 32t, Boost |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-M6100 10-51t 12-Speed |
| Chain | Shimano M6100 |
| Brakes | Shimano MT201 Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Alloy, Tubeless, 29″, 29c, 32H |
| Tires | Maxxis Rekon 2.40″ FB 60 TPI Dual Exo TR |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Canyon Neuron CF 9 | Click View | Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29×2.4 black skin | Schwalbe Wicked Will 29 “x2.4” | 1 x 12 | Carbon | Shimano XT |
| Trek Top Fuel 7 | Click View | MAXXIS FORECASTER, Tire Size 29″ x 2.35″ | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | Shimano XT,SLX |
| YT Industries Izzo CORE 3 29 | Click View | Maxxis Assegai 29″ x 2.5″ | 1 x 12 | Carbon | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Ibis Ripmo AF GX | Click View | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 “x2.40” | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | SRAM GX Eagle,NX Eagle |
Orbea OCCAM H30 vs Canyon Neuron CF 9
The Canyon Neuron CF 9 features a carbon frame and carbon wheels, making it lighter in weight compared to the aluminum frame and wheels of the Orbea OCCAM H30. Additionally, the Canyon Neuron CF 9 is available in two wheel sizes, 27.5″ and 29″. The 29″ wheels provide better terrain clearance, while the 27.5″ wheels offer more agility and better maneuverability, giving riders more options.
Furthermore, the Canyon Neuron CF 9 is $700 more expensive than the Orbea OCCAM H30. However, the Orbea OCCAM H30 offers three color options. If you prioritize more color choices, the Orbea OCCAM H30 would be a great fit. If you have a sufficient budget and desire more size options for the wheel, the Canyon Neuron CF 9 would be the perfect choice for you.
Orbea OCCAM H30 vs Trek Top Fuel 7
The Orbea OCCAM H30 features 140mm front travel, providing a highly effective suspension compared to the Trek Top Fuel 7 with 120mm front travel. However, the Trek Top Fuel 7 is equipped with Shimano XT and SLX components, offering superior performance and a more precise and smooth Shimano Deore XT M8100 12-speed gear shifting.
With a stack/reach ratio of 1.32, the Orbea OCCAM H30 provides greater flexibility and a more comfortable riding experience compared to the Trek Top Fuel 7 with a stack/reach ratio of 1.29. If you prioritize a more comfortable ride, the Orbea OCCAM H30 would be better suited for you. If you desire components with superior performance, I would recommend the Trek Top Fuel 7.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 8 A Good Bike? [Trek Top Fuel 8 Review]
Orbea OCCAM H30 vs YT Industries Izzo CORE 3 29
The YT Industries Izzo CORE 3 29 features a carbon frame, which is very lightweight and can enhance riding speed. However, it is more prone to breakage when facing lateral impacts. On the other hand, the Orbea OCCAM H30 has an aluminum frame that is sturdier and offers greater strength, making it less prone to breakage.
The YT Industries Izzo CORE 3 29 is equipped with SRAM GX Eagle, which provides better performance compared to the Shimano Deore equipped on the Orbea OCCAM H30. However, the YT Industries Izzo CORE 3 29 has 130mm front travel, resulting in weaker suspension compared to the Orbea OCCAM H30 with 140mm travel.
In summary, if you prefer a lighter bike frame, the YT Industries Izzo CORE 3 29 would be more suitable for you. If you prioritize a sturdier bike frame and better suspension performance, the Orbea OCCAM H30 would be a better choice to meet your needs.
Orbea OCCAM H30 vs Ibis Ripmo AF GX
The Ibis Ripmo AF GX features an excellent 160mm front travel and 147mm rear travel, providing superior suspension compared to the Orbea OCCAM H30 with 140mm travel.
Additionally, the Orbea OCCAM H30 is equipped with the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork, while the Ibis Ripmo AF GX comes with the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork. The Bomber Z2 fork utilizes Marzocchi’s Rail damper, which has a low-speed compression lever at the top for quick and silent infinite adjustments. On the other hand, the Bomber Z1 fork uses the Grip damper, which offers a straightforward setup process.
Therefore, if you prefer a fork with an easy setup process, I would recommend the Ibis Ripmo AF GX. If you value silent adjustments, the Orbea OCCAM H30 would be the better choice for you.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripmo AF GX Worth Buying? – [Ibis Ripmo AF GX Review ]
Conclusion
This is our review of the Orbea OCCAM H30. This is our comprehensive evaluation of the Orbea OCCAM H30. This exceptional full-suspension trail bike delivers impressive performance during rides. Based on our evaluation, we give it a high rating of 4.8. If you would like to obtain more information about bicycles, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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