Orbea OCCAM M-LTD Review
- Price: $9,499
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29″ Carbon
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: Top-tier carbon fiber frame, combined with high-end components, capable of handling various challenging road conditions.
What we didn’t like about it: Expensive price tag, not suitable for beginners or budget-conscious riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Orbea OCCAM M-LTD boasts excellent geometry. Paired with top-notch components, it excels at tackling demanding road surfaces, providing an ultimate riding experience.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Orbea OCCAM M-LTD. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare several top bicycle models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
The Orbea OCCAM M-LTD demonstrates exceptional capabilities whether you’re climbing or descending. It offers a more relaxed riding experience compared to similar bikes, with efficient pedaling for all-day riding.
To put it to the test, I took the Orbea OCCAM M-LTD to the Deer Valley Resort mountain bike park, having booked nearby accommodations through IHG in advance. My route included drop jumps, steep and fast descents, as well as winding trails.
Climbing
When climbing, the Orbea OCCAM M-LTD’s lightweight carbon fiber frame and excellent suspension design made the ascent much easier. The bike’s rigidity is also impressive. I could feel the bike’s integration, minimizing power loss with every pedal stroke.
With a wide range of gear ratios, I could shift the rear derailleur to the largest freewheel, and I didn’t even need to lock the suspension to conquer steep uphill sections.
Furthermore, the Maxxis Rekon 2.4-inch wide, high-traction tires mounted on the Orbea OCCAM M-LTD provided exceptional grip. Combined with the excellent geometry, which evenly distributed my weight between the front and rear wheels, the bike hugged the ground, making my pedaling more efficient without any wheel slipping.
Overall, I found the climbing performance of the Orbea OCCAM M-LTD to be highly efficient. It offered strong support for ascending, giving me the confidence to tackle even steeper inclines.
Descending
Descending on the Orbea OCCAM M-LTD was exhilarating, making me want to go faster. First, the Fox 34 Float Factory front fork and Fox Float DPS Factory rear shock provided strong support, absorbing all the impact vibrations when landing from jump platforms, ensuring a smoother and safer landing.
Additionally, when descending rapidly on rocky terrain, the 29-inch large wheel diameter, coupled with the relaxed head tube angle, made it easy for me to navigate through rough sections. The larger wheels also improved the bike’s ability to clear obstacles, allowing me to ride directly down from some high steps, thus increasing my descending speed.
As I rode on winding trails, the powerful Shimano XTR M9120 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes exhibited strong and responsive braking. I could control my speed continuously on the trails. These brakes remained reliable, enabling me to slow down when needed and maneuver through the trails with ease.
Specifications
The Orbea OCCAM M-LTD is available in four frame sizes (S-XL) with internal cable routing, catering to riders with heights ranging from 4’11” to 6’6″, providing wide applicability. The internal cable routing keeps the frame clean and makes daily cleaning more convenient.
The dropper post design allows riders to maintain stability in their center of gravity between climbs and descents, ensuring continuous and efficient riding.
The protection stickers on the downtube reduce damage from flying rocks during rides, while the chainstay protector reduces chain slap noise.
Shimano’s top-tier drivetrain components offer precise and smooth shifting. The Shimano XTR M9120 brake components remain reliable even in adverse conditions.
Video
Other Versions
The Orbea OCCAM M-LTD features a lightweight carbon fiber frame and top-notch components. However, this bike comes with a high price tag, making it unsuitable for some riders.
To address this, we offer a full-suspension mountain bike with the same carbon fiber frame but with slightly lower-level components, making it more budget-friendly.
2023 Orbea OCCAM M30-EAGLE
The Orbea OCCAM M30-EAGLE features the same internal cable routing carbon fiber frame and 29-inch large wheel diameter, ensuring strong foundational performance.
For suspension, the Fox Performance Float 34 front fork and Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock offer robust support for tackling challenging downhill trails.
In terms of drivetrain components, the mixed SRAM GX and SRAM NX components provide crisp and precise shifting. The Shimano M6100 hydraulic disc brakes also offer strong braking performance, suitable for all-weather conditions.
Below, we will provide specific details of the 2023 Orbea OCCAM M-LTD’s specifications and some similarly priced full-suspension mountain bikes from other brands for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- Shimano XTR M9120 top-tier hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable performance in any conditions.
- The frame features a new two-part linkage design. Fewer parts mean fewer interfaces, greater rigidity, and lower chances of loosening.
- The relaxed geometry angles and 29-inch wheels provide stability and improved terrain clearance for downhill riding.
- Shimano XTR drivetrain system offers top-notch shifting experience with high efficiency.
- The dropper post design keeps the rider in the right position during transitions between climbing and descending.
- Orbea offers a lifetime warranty on the bike frame once the warranty period expires.
What don’t we like about it?
- The price is high, making it unsuitable for beginners or riders on a tight budget.
FAQ
- Are Orbea bikes good?
Yes, Orbea bikes are well-regarded for their high quality and excellent performance. Orbea is known for using top-tier components and materials in their bicycles. Orbea bikes are often praised for their exceptional handling, stability, and responsiveness, making them popular among both recreational and competitive riders.
- Where are these bikes manufactured?
All Orbea bikes are assembled at the Orbea factory located in the Basque region of northern Spain.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here, we provide you with a size chart. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’5″ | S |
| 5’2″ – 5’9″ | M |
| 5’6″ – 6’1″ | L |
| 5’10”- 6’6″ | XL |
Orbea OCCAM M-LTD Specs
Build
| Frame | Orbea Occam OMR. Concentric Boost 12×148 rear axle. pure trail geometry. internal cable routing. asymmetric design. 29″ wheelsColors: Ice Green-Jade Green Carbon View (Gloss); Metallic Mulberry – Black Mat; Infinity Green Carbon View (Matt-Gloss); Black (Black Matt) |
| Fork | Fox 34 Float Factory 140 FIT4 3-Pos-Adj QR15x110 Kashima |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float DPS Factory 3-Position Evol Kashima custom tune 210x50mm |
| Headset | Acros Alloy 1-1/8 – 1-1/2″ Integrated |
| Stem | OC Mountain Control MC10 Alu SL, 0º |
| Handlebar | OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon, Rise 20, Width 800 |
| Saddle | Fizik Antares R1 142mm |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer SL Factory Kashima Dropper 31.6 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR M9100 SGS Shadow Plus |
| Crank | Race Face ERA 32t |
| Shifters | Shimano XTR M9100 |
| Cassette | Shimano XTR M9100 10-51t 12-Speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-9100 |
| Chain Guide | Orbea OC chainguide |
| Brakes | Shimano XTR M9120Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | OQUO Mountain Performance MP30LTD Carbon |
| Tires | Maxxis Rekon 2.40″ FB 60 TPI Dual Exo TR |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Travel | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XTR | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | Shimano XTR M9100 | 1 × 12 |
| Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 SE | Click View | 135mm rear, 150mm front | Carbon | SRAM Code Silver Stealth | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| 2024 Juliana FURTADO X0 AXS RSV / Carbon CC | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Carbon | SRAM G2 | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| 2023 Yeti SB120 T3 X0 Transmission | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | SRAM G2 RSC | 1 × 12 Electronic |
2023 Orbea OCCAM M-LTD vs. 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XTR
Both of these bikes are excellent full-suspension mountain bikes.
Firstly, they both feature the Fox Factory Float 34 suspension fork. However, the former has slightly longer suspension travel, making it better suited for challenging downhill trails.
In terms of drivetrain components, they both use Shimano XTR M9100, the top-tier mountain bike drivetrain components. Therefore, they offer ultimate shifting performance with quick and precise gear changes.
However, when it comes to braking components, the former is equipped with the Shimano XTR M9120 four-piston brakes, which offer more powerful braking capabilities compared to the latter’s two-piston brakes, providing higher braking efficiency.
In conclusion, between these two full-suspension trail bikes, I would recommend the 2023 Orbea OCCAM M-LTD. It comes at a lower price point while offering superior component performance.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Worth Buying ? [2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Review]
2023 Orbea OCCAM M-LTD vs. 2023 Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 SE
When comparing these two bikes, the former, equipped with the Fox Factory Float 34 suspension, offers better support, making it more reliable when landing on drop platforms. On the other hand, the latter, with the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate suspension fork, provides better initial sensitivity, offering stronger vibration filtering when riding on continuous rough terrain.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former features top-tier Shimano components. Although it’s not the electronic version, its performance in terms of drivetrain efficiency and other aspects will be better than the SRAM electronic drivetrain components of the latter, and it corresponds to a higher level.
Lastly, the suspension design of the former bike enhances its climbing support, resulting in better overall performance. Therefore, I would lean towards recommending the 2023 Orbea OCCAM M-LTD because I value its overall riding performance more.
Learn More: Is Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 Worth Buying? [Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 review]
2023 Orbea OCCAM M-LTD vs. 2024 Juliana FURTADO X0 AXS RSV / Carbon CC
These are two full-suspension mountain bikes with different strengths.
The first one’s suspension design results in a lower feeling of energy loss during climbing, offering more efficient climbing performance and faster speeds.
On the other hand, the second one’s suspension design ensures better traction during downhill riding. Additionally, the use of the RockShox Pike Ultimate suspension fork provides excellent initial sensitivity, making downhill riding faster.
Regarding component selection, both of these bikes have opted for top-tier or near-top-tier component systems, maximizing the frame’s performance.
In summary, the choice between these two bikes can be based on your preferred style of riding.
Learn More: Is 2023 Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C Worth Buying? – [2023 Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C Review]
2023 Orbea OCCAM M-LTD vs. 2023 Yeti SB120 T3 X0 Transmission
When it comes to suspension choices, both of them feature the Fox Factory Float 34 fork. However, the first one has a longer travel, which performs better in intense downhill riding or when tackling drop platforms.
In terms of drivetrain components, the first one is equipped with Shimano drivetrain components, resulting in smoother and more seamless gear changes. The second one features SRAM gearing, which offers crisp and agile shifts. It’s worth noting that both of these are excellent top-tier drivetrain components.
Lastly, the geometry angles and suspension design of the second bike enhance its climbing performance, while the first one leans more towards being a versatile full-suspension mountain bike.
In conclusion, both of these bikes are solid choices, and the decision can be based on your personal riding preferences.
Learn More: Is 2023 Yeti SB115 T3 a Good Choice? – [2023 Yeti SB115 T3 Review]
Summary
Above is my review of the 2023 Orbea OCCAM M-LTD. In our view, this is a top-tier full-suspension mountain bike that offers riders the best and most exhilarating off-road riding experience. That’s why we’ve given it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension mountain bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at various price points, all of which are equally exciting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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