Posted by Tom Kendall on 29th Feb 2024
The Orbea Occam LT isn't your average trail bike. With 160mm up front and 150mm rear travel and a slack 64° head angle, it pushes the boundaries of the category, hinting at its enduro capabilities. Throw in a spacious reach (480mm on a size large) and you've got a bike that begs to be pushed.
Climbing Prowess:
Despite its enduro leanings, the Occam LT shines uphill. The carbon frame and high-quality components keep the weight down, making it feel light and responsive. Even the coil shock, typically seen on downhill bikes, surprised me with its supportive and efficient pedaling platform. Climbing technical sections was a breeze thanks to the bike's lightweight maneuverability and excellent grip.
Descending Dominator:
The Occam LT truly comes alive on the descent. It's playful and poppy, encouraging you to hop over bumps and navigate tight corners with ease. Pumping and jumping sections that might feel tedious on longer travel bikes become exhilarating on the Occam. Yet, despite its playful personality, the bike remains composed and stable on steep terrain and challenging features like rock gardens. The coil shock plays a key role, keeping the bike tracking the ground flawlessly while offering ample airtime capabilities. Cornering is confidence-inspiring thanks to the supportive suspension and the bike's overall balance.
Component Kudos:
The Occam LT boasts a top-shelf build kit that elevates the riding experience. The lightweight yet stiff carbon frame provides the perfect foundation. The Fox 36 Factory fork with GRIP2 damper offers an unparalleled level of adjustability and plush performance, while the new SRAM T-Type XO drivetrain delivers smooth, crisp shifts, even under full power. The wireless feature adds a touch of modern convenience. The wheelset is light and strong, and the Maxxis tires provide excellent grip thanks to the 3C compound.
Overall Impression:
The Orbea Occam LT is a game-changer for the trail category. It's a lightweight rocket ship that climbs efficiently and descends with confidence, offering exceptional value for its impressive build kit. While it might not be ideal for super high-speed runs or demanding enduro courses, it excels in a wide variety of trail conditions. If you're looking for a playful, versatile trail bike that punches above its weight class, the Orbea Occam is definitely worth a closer look.
Bonus Points:
Incredibly lightweight: This is the bike's standout feature, contributing significantly to its playful and responsive nature.
Top-tier components: The build kit is impressive, leaving little room for upgrades.
Versatile: Handles a wide range of trail conditions, from flowy singletrack to technical climbs and descents.
To view the full range of Orbea Occam LT click here.
And to view the full range of Orbea Occam SL click here.
If you have any questions about the range please contact us on 01254 959345.
