Eurobike rides: Orbea Orca

Stiff, light , good looking – and comfortable to ride, when the last incarnation of the Orca hit the streets back in 2006 I really liked it. This was one of the first bikes to demonstrate that the bike industry was really getting to grips with the possibilities carbon had to offer, and it sure was pretty too – which helps. So there's a lot riding on the 2009 makeover. What's different? Essentially the frame is lighter and stiffer. The dropouts, and headbadge (which also acts as a cable guide) are now made from magnesium which Orbea reckon makes for a sub-kilo frame in the mid-sizes, the previous incarnation that we rode had a frame weight bang on the 1Kg mark when we rode it back in '06. The carbon weave has been tweaked too to add extra stiffness. All the test bikes were in stealth black - lacking the distinctive inset paint job that made the original Orca so attractive, - the Orca is available in a number of different colourways including a very striking red and the original black and ivory combo. See more pics of the Orbea Orca