The new Orbea Occam SL

The latest Orbea Occam SL is like the final nail in the coffin for recent trends in the market, proving that a trail full-suspension bike with 140 millimeters of travel at both ends doesn’t have to be heavy. And with the aluminum Occam variants, this new ride also comes at enticing price points. Modern features including the storage compartment in the downtube come standard. Similarly, Orbea unveils a new Occam LT featuring 160 millimeters of travel, which we’ll spotlight in a separate article.

Light enough for epic rides and with ample suspension to tackle technical trails. The allure of bikes with 140mm of travel is clear—they’re the Swiss Army knives of mountain biking. No wonder models like the Cube Stereo One44 (formerly Stereo 140) and the Canyon Neuron rank among the top-selling full-suspension rigs. And now Orbea throws its hat in the ring with the new Occam SL, presenting a serious challenge to German brands Cube and Canyon. The latest Orbea Occam SL isn’t just turning heads with its sleek design. Features such as the integrated storage compartment or mini-tool, a handlebar-lockable suspension system, and options for a custom paint job are unique to Orbea’s offering. Additionally, the top model’s weight is promising for riders looking to conquer long-distance tours and alpine crossings. (The Orbea Occam LT also boasts these features. More info on the LT version with 160mm can be found here)

Bike weight has recently been a source of frustration for many riders. With the shift from 26 to 29 inches, bikes have gotten heavier. Larger and wider tires, dropper posts, and thicker forks have undoubtedly improved bikes, but for trail riders, this has often meant dealing with uncomfortably higher weight. We already noticed this trend beginning to taper off during the unveiling of the new Canyon Neuron and the latest Cube Stereo One models in early 2023. Now, Orbea reaffirms this trend with the weight of the new Occam SL. The top-tier model tips the scales at less than 12 kilograms without pedals—an exceedingly impressive figure!
To hit such a low weight in the flagship model, the frame must be built as light as possible. For context: the previous Orbea Occam frame weighed in at 2300 grams without the shock. It’s expected that the new model has shed even more weight to break into these realms for a complete bike. The lightest Occam from the prior series weighed in at 12.2 kilograms. As soon as we get our hands on a frame, we’ll be putting it on the scales.

Staying true to the design principles of its predecessor, the Orbea continues to feature a threaded BSA bottom bracket, a Split-Pivot rear suspension, and an asymmetrical frame. However, new to the mix is the storage compartment in the downtube, the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), and a completely straight seat tube. The latter is particularly noteworthy as it allows for the installation of longer dropper posts, thanks to the unrestricted insertion depth. Additionally, there’s enough room within the frame to accommodate a water bottle.

All Occam models with the letter “H” in the model name feature an aluminum frame. Here, “H” stands for Hydro, indicating that these aren’t your average round tubes, but rather intricately crafted hydroformed tubing. Particularly on the mainframe, Orbea has mastered the welding to such an extent that the seams are almost imperceptible. At first glance, there’s hardly any discernible difference between the aluminum and the pricier carbon frames. Even though the aluminum options come at a more wallet-friendly price, they don’t skimp on features and include the same amenities as the carbon versions, including the storage compartment in the downtube. It’s clear, however, that with a lower price tag comes increased weight. Still, the aluminum frames convey a high-quality impression.

As always, we’re delivering in-depth insights into the nitty-gritty details. Unlike other media outlets, our cutting-edge and totally objective testing system allows us to provide information on the entire model family. The Occams start at a price point of €2,799. Simply click on the models below. There, you’ll find all the model-specific details, have the opportunity to double-check the geometry, compare it with competitor bikes, and see where the bike is currently in stock.

Of course, we’ve also got a complete buyer’s guide to all All-Mountain bikes ready for you. Plus, all the info on the Occam LT versions is available as well.