2023 Orbea Oiz Review | A Superb Example Of A Modern XC Race Bike

[@BriV1000-n7f]

I have a 2023 and really love it overall. I love the squid lock feature I use it a ton. I installed a Wolftooth 2X lever for the dropper. I got use to it after only a few rides. I've run the Oiz over some really rocky east coast trails I had previously done on a Trance. I've had no trouble and actually faster on most, up and down. Agreed about the bottle cage issue, I have a large frame. Having 2 bottles was one of the big reasons I started looking at the bike. I ended up finding a cage with enough plastic that I could drill a new hole to set it low enough to fit 2 regular bottles.

[@oliverklimek4041]

Hi Will! Great review, as always! You show ever the pros and cons, Very good! Best regards from Germany, Oliver

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thank you Oliver, it's much appreciated! [Wil]

[@bpisan]

This new Oiz and the previous gen are the sexiest XC frames IMO. I tried a ‘22 Oiz TR and ended up super disappointed in the ride which broke my heart. It seams on paper the ‘23 addresses those issues but it came a little too late as I found a ‘23 Epic Evo that is everything I wanted the Oiz TR to be. If I could have my cake and eat it I’d go for this Oiz in a custom build - Ditch the Squidlock and role with a real dropper remote. The only hitch is the headset routing, hard to get over that.

[@lio220]

Hum hum, what were you expected about the OIZ 22?

[@bpisan]

@@lio220 I was expecting that the “TR” model would be more capable on steep and rocky than it’s name implies. Not trying to ride enduro WC courses or anything but I think that in the case of the 22 geo, just slapping a 120 fork on it didn’t help it to be that much more capable.

[@mr2law]

Fantastic review. Thanks.

[@BriV1000-n7f]

The Orbea side mount bottle cages allow for a regular bottle on the seat tube and an xl bottle on the down tube.

[@jeffster7]

I JUST PURCHASED COLA BEAR FOR

[@RichardlFrey]

I got my Orbea Oiz M20 XL in march this year and ridden it about 1.200 km yet. This far im pretty happy how it rides, allthought im not fully sold on the sram gx shifting. Somehow im not able the adjust the rear mac so there is not ratteling in all of the gears. Concerning the bottle situation: im running fidlock bottles because i allready have this system on my road bike and i can fit a 750 ml on the down tube and a 450 ml bottle on the seat tube. I tried using traditional bottle cages with a 500 ml bottle on the seat tube and they dont even fit on a xl frame.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks for the feedback on the bottles mate, that's good to know! I'm guessing the shock and pivot locations are in the same position regardless of the frame size, so the bottle clearance is probably the same too. [Wil]

[@jeroenberger9064]

Sram… yup, that’s why I bought the M30 which comes with Shimano and opted for the carbon Raceface wheels. The only difference between the M20 and M30 is the groupset.

[@Fst105]

Love orbea’s design, excited to see how it performs this year

[@bikemike1118]

What I don’t like with Orbea…they keep holding on to pressfit bb ! Thumbs down

[@melch1]

Ah, but the Occam is threaded​@@bikemike1118

[@BriV1000-n7f]

@@bikemike1118 My 2023 Oiz frame is threaded.

[@bikemike1118]

@@BriV1000-n7f …congratulations

[@esavirtanen6418]

How would the Oiz compare the to the Canyon Lux Trail if I'm looking for a capable and fast XC bike?

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi guys, great review! Inna month i will have a 2023 oiz, since stock is with rekons race tires, what combo you will suggest for agressive XC and techy XCM routes? Ardent race/rekon race? Scorpions RC M and H? fasttacks f/r? aspens? Conti Crosskings? Mixed surfaces but mostly dry, loose over dry and rocky. Thanks a lot

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

I actually quite like the Rekon Race for hardpack XC riding. If you're riding loose and rocky conditions, consider fitting a Rekon up front for a bit more bite. I've been using Rekons front and rear on the Cervelo ZFS-5 and have been really impressed with the amount of grip given they're still quite fast tyres. [Wil]

[@SergioAlbertoRodasMinchez]

Awesome review as always! How do you compare this m10 against the spark rc? I am between these 2 bikes, one of my biggest concern, is that this orbea has a regressive rear suspension, do you really notice that? How much different is this regressive susp vs the progressive spark? Thanks in advance

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks for the feedback mate! Regarding the regressive leverage rate; it's worth acknowledging that this is done in conjunction with a small volume air shock that is tuned accordingly. In the case of the Oiz, I found the end result to offer sufficient progression and only ever bottomed out the shock once through testing, though it was on a dirt huck-to-flat :-) Not sure if you've seen this already, but I put together a detailed comparison between the Spark vs Oiz in the review: flowmountainbike.com/tests/orbea-oiz-review-2023/ Hopefully that helps answer your question! [Wil]

[@XCRiders]

How does it compare with the 100mm 2021 m-team you reviewed so glowingly??

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

It's a significant improvement in most respects. Plusher, more controlled at speed, and just more fun to ride too! I went into quite a lot of detail about how the new Oiz compares to the previous version in the written review if you fancy checking it out; flowmountainbike.com/tests/orbea-oiz-review-2023/ Let me know if the review helps to answer your question, but just shout out if there's anything specific you'd like to know. [Wil]

[@jessezarate6571]

Awesome review, as always, but as for sizing. I see you are 175cm. I am 170 and reach on small looks 42.5 (quote nice for me), but every shop is saying Medium to ride (when I thought small). seat height at 70.5cm pretty much. Would you assume with dimensions a touch under yours, a small to perform well?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback mate! Tricky to say on the sizing as you're right in the middle. Your saddle height is similar to mine, so you'll have no problems in that regard. The more important aspect will be the reach, which is 425mm on the Small and 450mm on the Medium. Both frames have exactly the same stack height of 596mm - so the front end positioning will be identical. If you found the cockpit to be too long on the Medium, a shorter stem could help bring that in. You may have the opposite issue on the Small, where you might need a longer stem to open it up. This will of course affect the handling, and this is what your decision could come down to - whether you want the longer wheelbase and stability of the Medium, or the shorter wheelbase and agility of the Small. If you can swing a leg over either size for a demo or even a short ride around the block, I think you'd get a pretty good idea of which you'd prefer. Looking at things like the reach, stack and effective top tube length of both sizes compared to your current bike and others you've ridden before is also a good way to compare things. Hope that helps mate! [Wil]

[@stevenbrideau3741]

I'd love if you could review Kona Hei Hei

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

I'd love to test one out - Kona is welcome to send us a bike if they're keen for us to review one! [Wil]

[@ps3narciso]

hi! i am curious how this oiz compares to the bmc fourstroke lt,the 120 mm version to be precise. i curently own an epic evo custom build for a couple of years now and i think it’s time for a new bike.keep up the good work

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks for watching and for the question mate! We're super keen to test out the BMC Fourstroke, but unfortunately they're not available in Australia (at least, not easily anyway). Looks like a ripper bike though! [Wil]

[@marksandoval5361]

To bad the Oiz didn't come with an adjustable headset so that the bike could be slacked out to 65* HTA. I would love to have a very light XC bike with progressive geo to use as a very fast Trailbike.

[@lio220]

When you switch the damper in smooth position it changes the fork angle

[@MrFrescocotone]

Fantastic review. How is it compared with Epic Evo?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate! The Epic EVO is a little plusher and more trail-oriented, and it's obviously a lot cleaner without the remote lockout. The Oiz is the better pedalling bike of the two, even in the fully open mode, and the Squidlock is a great tool for climbing and racing duties. If you like an efficient bike and you've got some races on the calendar, the Oiz would be the logical option. [Wil]

[@matthiasvanmaercke3306]

could you compare this to a epic evo? Wondering if i would miss the lock-out on a evo.

[@aaronclark280]

Great review! How was the lateral stiffness of the rear triangle? Compared to the Pivot Mach 4 SL? I recently rode that bike and it was great but the rear end was flexy.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate! Difficult to say as I haven't tested the Mach 4 SL on home trails just yet. We're hoping to chase one down as I'm chomping at the bit to spend more time on that bike. That being said, if you've found the rear end of the Mach 4 SL to be flexy (laterally I'm assuming?), I suspect you're going to have a similar experience on most XC bikes with frames below the 2kg zone. They're all quite lightweight and slender. Out of interest, what are you currently riding? [Wil]

[@aaronclark280]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin well ironically I have an 2023 Oiz M-LTD XX that just shipped from the motherland yesterday (ordered in April). I sold off a 22’ Trek Top Fuel with same 120 travel but it was a tank and not for me. I’ve been riding a spare Kona Honzo Carbon HT since. I’ve had light racey fully’s that were stiff. (BMC 4stroke, Scott Spark RC, Pivot 429sl). All very stiff rear ends. I’ve always assumed that the stiffer the better for forward acceleration and to avoid DH ping ponging. But the recent Mach4 test suggested it was solid performing. We will see shortly when I take possession of the new whip. Thanks

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Whoa that'll be a ripper bike! Let us know how you go when you receive the new Oiz. Regarding chassis stiffness, I think there's been a trend in the last couple of years towards building more compliance into frames, rather than producing the absolute stiffest thing possible. Back in the day, some of the German print magazines that used to place test bikes onto various jigs to measure stiffness values, and would then rate the bikes accordingly, with stiffer = better. Of course as we know, that's not always the case when it comes to real-world ride quality. Some give in the frame can allow it to contour to the ground more easily, which often produces more grip on rocky terrain and less fatigue overall. After all, when the bike is leaned over, your suspension is far less effective since the forces aren't being transmitted directly into the dampers. That's when your tyres, wheel flex and chassis flex really come into play. Of course if things are too flexy you might get tyre rub, and the bike can feel vague when riding through through fast, hard-packed berms. At the end of the day it'll come down largely to rider preference, and also rider size and weight too. The forces generated from a 60kg rider are pretty different to an 85kg rider, even though we expect the one bike to perform for both. A pretty big though interesting discussion that one! [Wil]

[@aaronclark280]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin thanks. Yes Size Latge bikes behave differently than Medium and Small frames. I’m 75kg on size L. Maybe it’s not fair but standing still I force power into the drive side crank and watch the rear end twist under that power. Stiff bikes want to go forward and flexy one contort laterally. I’ve never liked that feel on the trail but despite that the pivot rode well so I’m open to learning. The Orbea is gonna be sick!! Thanks for the fun dialogue! Cheers

[@joaovictorgoncalves6217]

What to chose, OIZ, spark or epic evo?

[@JDPhader]

Is the color matte Metallic Night Black? Thanks

[@fowoow]

As an oiz owner, did you have any issues with the linkage? My oiz seems to eat away at the shock axle in the linkage. Absolutely love the bike though!

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

No specific issues with the linkage so far, though our test bike did have a very tight fit with the lower shock mount. It took a fair bit of wiggling to free the shock when I was shortening up the cable, but it seemed to go back in a little easier. [Wil]

[@sandycarmichael31]

As a rise owner, there is a well known issue with the upper linkage (similar UFO platform but another pivot at the rear axle) around the shock running dry, making noise and needing a regrease, so maybe TLC on the linkage might solve the issue?

[@viccc903]

Is this good for jumps too ?

[@rslgb]

I'm afraid Kona have made a XC/trail bike since 2016 and up date since 2020? All bikes mentioned here are a few years behind, however all these bikes including the hei hei are going over board on top tube length, rane it in or kill this sector.

[@jamesturner9858]

How does it compare to the Trek Top Fuel?

[@ekaponkrobtong6824]

Sorry for being out of topic, what model of Fox shorts are you wearing on the trail?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Those are the Fox Flexair shorts mate! Great fit on those, and the fabric is super durable considering how stretchy and breathable they are. [Wil]

[@ekaponkrobtong6824]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Thanks Wil. Greetings from Thailand!

[@costman71]

What is the riders height? how did the M size feels, especially since it has longer reach than the previous one?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hullo mate! Loads of info about sizing and geometry in the full review here; flowmountainbike.com/tests/orbea-oiz-review-2023/ Hopefully that helps to answer your questions, though just shout out if you've got any others! [Wil]

[@laxplaysu91]

the reach is 25mm longer but the seat tube angle is 2.5 degrees steeper. A degree change in seat tube angle changes the reach by approximately 1cm.

[@christofferosterberg5185]

I got a 2023 M10, but I'm not sure if the squidlock works as it's intended. How big is the difference between traction and open mode? I've fiddled with the tension and if I tighten it, it's almost locked out, but If I loosen it it's almost like open mode?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

There is no difference between the Medium and Open modes with the fork (it stays open in the Medium setting), however the shock will be noticeably firmer in the Medium mode. It will feel firmer, and you will notice the shock riding higher in its travel also, which shifts your weight balance on the bike. However, the shock can still operate as normal since it is only the compression damping that is increased - if you hit a descent with the Squidlock in the Medium setting, the suspension will still work, it'll just feel a little firmer. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@christofferosterberg5185]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Thanks! 😀

[@polinae11202010]

does orbea the only one who uses push to unlock actuation on their bikes?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

No, there are quite a few brands that use the push-to-unlock configuration from Fox. The Canyon Lux World Cup CFR Team we tested had a 2-position lockout with the push-to-unlock setup; kzbin.info/www/bejne/haa1Yn5pocZ8p7M [Wil]

[@yuriivorobei5901]

@FlowMountainBikeKZbin I'm interested how is new Orbea Oiz comparing to the Canyon Lux Trail?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Great question! They're fairly evenly matched in terms of suspension travel and geometry, though the Lux Trail does have a considerably longer front end. I found it benefitted from a short stem, especially since the seat angle is on the slacker side. On the trail the Orbea feels like a more contemporary and cohesive package due to its much steeper seat angle. In the open mode, the suspension is notably plusher than the Lux Trail and I found it to be more supportive on rougher and faster descents. It's for sure the better technical climber too thanks to the very usable Medium suspension setting and its steeper seat angle. It's an awesome bike for racing and just general XC ripping. The Lux Trail is still a fantastic XC bike, and despite the way that Canyon jerry rigged the existing Lux rear end onto a new front triangle, I found I was able to make it fit me well with a shorter stem and the saddle shunted forward. Still, I can imagine there would be a few updates for the next generation model. Hope that helps mate, though just sing out if you've got any other questions! [Wil]

[@yuriivorobei5901]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Hi Wil! Thank you for the detailed response! I asked this question because I own Lux Trail 7 for the few months. And thought I'm completely happy with this bike I still interested how it's relative to the competitors. Beside Lux Trail I considered Spark RC, this new Oiz and Epic Evo. But I wasn't satisfied with the delivery times local dealers gave me for neather of those bikes (for the size and models I wanted). In addition with Epic Evo I would need buy a new damper and rear shock with remote because I actively use this feature. You are absolutely right about the front triangle at Lux Trail. I'm 180 cm tall and my optimal size for most bikes including regular Lux is L. But for the Lux Trail between M and L I've chosen the M one as far as I wanted bike more manuverable on the single track and applyable better for the XC than trail at all. But nevertheless I've changed stock stem to longer 80 mm -17 dg and flat 740 mm hanlebar. This is ideal for me. Regarding the suspension I've heard that Lux Trail is noticably less plush comparing to Spark RC and especially Epic Evo. And now you are telling me that Orbea is plusher as well)) What onestly was expectable. I'm XC guy who used to ride hardtaisls a lot and I've nothing to complain with my Lux Trail. Of course I noticed Lux is more tight than 4-link trail bikes. On the steep rocky terrain the rear wheel doesn't wrap all the ground details as gently and pumps a little bit) But this suspension is ideal for the purpose when you need to climb as well as go down. By the way, regarding the suspension Middle mode, I played with barrel roll adjustment for the rear shock and catched the position when in the Middle mode Fox shock still open but becomes much more tight comparing to the Open. This position completely prevents rocking when you're pushing hard on the climbs. But unlike the Orbea this adjustment isn't out of the box.

[@kennethpetersen4948]

​@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin hi Wil ! Thanks for comparing the oiz and lux trail. I assume by the age of the post that it was the old trail lux you compared to. Did you have a chance to try the updated lux trail and then being able to compare the 23 oiz and the 24 lux trail ?

[@Paganiproductions84]

i own a m30 team wheels in a 2021 Orbea Alma M30 Much better than the stock wheels it came whit

[@MalachiJoy-w2c]

1557 Christiansen Meadows

[@bramweer6117]

How does it compares to Canyon?

[@eric44707]

I’m picking a xc race bike for my son. Please help. Oiz m21, mach4 pro xtr, spark or epic expert? 4-5k range. He’s 15yrs old 5’10” 137lbs

[@alvarosouza8563]

Is he a beginner or has some experience at competitive levels?

[@eric44707]

@@alvarosouza8563 this is he second year racing for nica. He is all in though. He has an alloy stumpjumper that he rides normally and raced with last year. It 37lbs though.

[@alvarosouza8563]

@@eric44707 If your focus is performance in disciplines such as downhill or enduro, Mach 4 is the best choice, but if it is XC, in my opinion the Epic Expert fits very well, good price and already equipped with top of the range equipment

[@supersetho2310]

I’m not sure if you are still looking for a xc bike but I’ve ridden a Scott spark for 3 years and have loved it.

[@MaryVega-j9v]

Lizzie Terrace

[@ArlyneTootle-c1b]

Schmitt Club

[@MichaelClark-f3p]

Pedro Common

[@NoraLaura-l1k]

Shanel Drives

[@notpablo8369]

BH Lynx please🫶

[@williammorris4419]

Actually thats pretty heavy.

[@arlynangalich5465]

Promo-SM

[@daveeh2930]

hate to ask for the price 😂

[@wallacemarty]

If you have to ask you can't afford it.

[@daveeh2930]

@@wallacemarty difference between affording it and getting ripped. huge mark up on bikes atm. since a price isnt attached to it, must be pretty ridiculous.

[@daveeh2930]

@@wallacemarty your prb right, i dont think id be so wreckless to go out blow money on a bike without getting a price first, haha

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Not sure if you watched the whole video, but there is a chapter that specifically discusses pricing; 2:06 - Orbea Oiz Price & Specs There's further information about the Oiz M10 that we tested in the full review: flowmountainbike.com/tests/orbea-oiz-review-2023/ And we also have a big range overview article that has the pricing and specs for all 11 models: flowmountainbike.com/post-all/orbea-oiz-2023/ Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@daveeh2930]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin legend

[@johnykryll]

Way too much cash for the spec, pass this one

[@lennart8996]

9k mid tier spec :D