2024 Orbea Occam Review: yesterday's enduro is today's trail bike

[@JCaleb3718]

I really liked how you compared this bike to the other bikes during the last segment. I've ridden a few of those you compared it to, as demos, and it really helped give me context for what to expect with it. Thanks for the great content.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks so much for the nice note, Caleb! Yeah if I have time while writing/editing, I’ve been trying to include a few fun comparisons. Thanks again!

[@ervin7178]

Really pumping out these reviews, and this one especially was very well done.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Erv, I had a ton of GoPro footage we never even used. Orbea got me this loaner a while ago- like December- but I prioritized all the deadline bikes. Stay tuned for more videos coming soon!!!

[@davidd.611]

Great pictures, nice riding! I‘m following for years but your vids are even getting better. Keep the good stuff up. David from Germany

[@andreslovato4415]

The videos just keep getting better and better! Thank you for your time and effort Jeff! I’d love to see the Commensal Meta V5 Ohlins Edition make it on to the list of legendary bike reviews. Maybe one day! Thanks again and looking forward to what you have in the works! Cheers!

[@chefdtwisteddishes1824]

I really appreciate these videos . Although, clearly, you are a advanced rider than most, you explain things very well to a wider audience. I also really appreciate the honest bike reviews and the inclusion of comparing other bikes to the individual review. Great job!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks so much, D! The videos are honest and genuine, but I also try hard to make them fun to watch even if you have zero interest in actually buying/riding the bike in question. I’m a horrible tester since I’m not exactly the average buyer or rider, but am so grateful that so many folks still enjoy watching all the vids! It’s so fun to put these together! Thanks again.

[@jeangreco8714]

+1 for the no nonsense headsets ! I was recently on the market for a new bike, and had to spend some time looking for last year's model that was identical but without the cable routing headset. It is in fact a deal breaker for me. Thanks for talking about it ;)

[@danielgrafik]

As always, nice review. Headset cable routing is deal breaker for me, recently de-selected a frame for it, it's so annoying to work on by yourself. Also, am I the only one that has a weird render-issue with the video from @14:15?

[@RobertFullStop]

Yep, video file is corrupted.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the heads up on the error! There was a surprise export issue from Premier, and I didn’t notice… doh! To be honest, the headset routing has not been noticeable other than traveling with a bike and getting it set up. it is not something I deal with on a day-to-day basis by any means

[@danielgrafik]

@@JeffKendallWeed Maybe it's just, but I've been playing around with stem lengths and spacers a bit... cable routing would make that way harder to do, than it needs to be.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

Please no more headset cable routing. Industry take note.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Agreed

[@TheMTBRider96]

It’s worse than a plague Ruining great bikes

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I certainly don't love it, but on the day-to-day, it's not a big deal.

[@stephenlord599]

Absolute deal breaker .. it shows a total lack of consideration for maintenance in the design and who wanted wicks to channel water into the headset ? Just something simple like a quick lowers service has completely changed to on the bike or the whole headset assembly is more work than a lowers service.

[@elgeffe503]

I have this same version on my Rise and it's especially dreadful

[@DontWorryImAPilot]

Lots of folks complaining about headset cable routing. I agree. I don't love it. Whichever bike I end up getting end of this year (if that's when I decide it should happen) will have in-frame routing, external, or headset-turned-external routing. That Raaw Jibb looks pretty awesome and has external cable routing. I won't let it dissuade my choice, but the first time I have to work on cables that go through the headset they're coming out and being strapped to the frame. Then, I'm going to post a bunch of pictures to social media with the most disgusting cable management while tagging the brand.

[@MTBBradley]

Dude, your pumping out content! Mad props and THANK YOU

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note Bradley! Lucky to have such a great team with Reilly and Logan helping me out!

[@mckayflake1590]

Intro song from the Pinkbike field test from a couple years ago. Classic

[@pbandjosh]

I love my prior gen Occam for the playfulness and geo. I don’t push it hard enough to notice the flex as much. Headset routing on high end road bikes is ok for me. On MTB it’s a deal breaker. Shame!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right? The Occam is super playful! Very confused someone else here claimed it was too sluggish for them 😂

[@skylermurphy1609]

How would you compare to the new Hightower??

[@postro11111]

Nice intro! Loved it!

[@rekamniar]

Orbea now. Rocky Mountain next. Cant wait for the new RM bikes to be reviewed

[@JeffKendallWeed]

That new instinct looks amazing!

[@PuffinPass]

Sounds like a great bike, too bad about the headset routing, that is where you lost my interest in the bike along with the proprietary headset spacers.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

*only a few spacers are the silly type, then you can go to regular ones. But it's a bit frustrating, the rest of the bike is so good! Does it matter much? eh... not until it's time to travel, swap a housing, swap fork/stem, etc. Then it's a few extra steps, though not as bad as I envisoned. I just wish it weren't so ugly. It's straight up designed to look good only from the side, like you see in photos on the internet. I would honestly prefer zip ties and external routing though... Just easier.

[@PuffinPass]

@@JeffKendallWeed That is a weird way to design a bike, I wonder if this is the "Instagram effect" starting to creep its way into bike design a bit.

[@olik136]

@@PuffinPass it is probably a standard-creep thing. Bikes are expensive and to justify that they keep adding gimmicks (like the in-frame storage or headsets with cable routing or mounts for lights...) from time to time those gimmicks turn out to be a good thing, like the dropper post, but 90% of those additions fade out after a few years.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Cables through the headset: WHAT SADISTIC DESIGNER THOUGHT OF THIS.

[@YongPark-g3h]

The ones who doesn't ride or work on their own bike.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Alas, these are more common with European bikes... Thankfully, folks are being vocal about this. I wanted to cut Orbea some slack, since the rest of the bike is really good, but I also want to be transparent that headset routing is not as good as either internal tube-in-tube or even old school external routing.

[@stephenlord599]

A designer went to art college not a. Engineer

[@stephenlord599]

@@JeffKendallWeed the issues are not only direct issues - it impacts many areas of maintenance on the bike. Direct includes replacing brake hose to change headset bearing .. but indirect can mean far more like deferring a fork service as it now became more hassle or not replacing a dropper outer (that’s worn prematurely due to routing from headset) or deferring changing frame bearings etc The overall effect is it leads to lack of what was routine maintenance by making so many previously quick and simple things incrementally more complex.

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

I'd love to see a Nukeproof on the channel (mainly because I think my Nukeproof Reactor Factory Carbon 27.5 w/ my favourite Vittoria Mazza Enduro tyres is absolutely brilliant), but since the company is in disarray, how about a Propain Tyee CF👍! Keep doing what you do 👍‼️

[@PuffinPass]

Doubt it will happen since Nukeproof, Ragley and Vitus are all part of CRC/Wiggle and is in bankruptcy sale right now.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Alas Dan, I probably won't do any Nuke Proofs, thanks for watching mate!

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

@@JeffKendallWeed Any Propains? 👍

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Eh, not many folks are asking about them... Canyon didn't get many clicks, so I'm not too willing to take that risk with Propain. I'd rather do a Hightower, an Enduro, a Commencal, Trek Slash, Forbidden, new Sight/Optic, etc etc etc.

[@laurynasjagelo5075]

@@JeffKendallWeed You've done the Marin's trail bike with positive feedback; perhaps a review of their burlier alpine trail C2?

[@tstigge]

Thanks for the great review! Is there any chance you could review Michelins new wild enduro racing line tires?

[@zoomzoomgt]

Was in the jenson website. They dont or cant ship to canada....for some reason

[@Eric.V.]

Great video! I still love my Rallon and its lack of headset cabling goofiness😎👍

[@JeffKendallWeed]

The Rallon is a great bike! The 2023 is basically the same as this just with better cable, routing. I actually recommended a good friend to get one the other day, as the geometry better fits someone who is 6’,1” as opposed to an Ibis Ripmo.

[@Eric.V.]

@@JeffKendallWeedI’m also 6-1” and it suits me just fine! Are we gonna see you do any more motorcycle/bike adventures?! 😎

[@jayvkman]

@@JeffKendallWeed Rallon would be 170/160, but the same HTA indeed. I love my Rise and Rallon. The RF Turbine R wheels they come with tho, not so much, had to true them a couple times.

[@17even]

I have the last version Occam LT (from Jensen) and I love it. Its only a year old with the 150/150 Fox set up but 7i'm a bit heavier and taller so I need a size large. Not sure if upgrading to the '24 unit is worth it or just bump up to the new Rallon. I'm also considering the Ari Lasalle Peak. They actually look very similar. IDK. Lol

[@LawrenceMacMacster]

Jenson is probably the only place I'd buy a Orbea from in north America, idk I've heard horror stories about warranty claims but Jenson is all good..

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh man, Ive heard the opposite about their warranties. Something about links on Rise frames, I never experienced it, but several folks had positive stories. Orbea is a much bigger company than many think, so it's quite likely quite a few of those bad examples came from smaller distributors.

[@olik136]

Interesting to hear- being in Europe, I have the same problem with most of the other brands on this channel. Orbea bikes are very common here, but surprisingly mostly in the street bike and hardtail segment.

[@CCW230]

Orbea has been great for me in the Netherlands. Local dealer can easily obtain any backup part I fancy. Like the horrible plastic derailleur hanger mount on my 2022 LT..

[@rantingwrench]

Thank you for this. If influencers and athletes take a stand against headset cable routing, maybe manufacturers will stop doing it. It benefits literally nobody, aside from probably saving product managers 10c per bike, at the cost of crap functionality and long-term maintenance.

[@hugoverlaine3626]

that intro song is from the pinkbike enduro field test

[@spy1948]

thought my computer broke at 14:14

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah there was a weird export error and a couple of sweet shots got mumbled somehow- total bummer. First person to notice was Logan, about 30 mins ago... I have it re-exporting now for the Facebook version at least. Thanks for the heads up!

[@audiophizile13]

Still would like to see the hightower compared to all these bikes as it directly competes as well. And no headset routing :)

[@ostankovalex1176]

As for Rear Axle being lose on split pivot desings. I've had 2 treks and borrowed 1 from a friend. I've never had this issue at all.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I hope to try a trek soon and see if the same thing happens for me on their implementation of this identical design.

[@SpencerBaum]

Looks like a great bike! Sadly for orbea, I'll never buy a bike with headset cable routing.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It's a great ride! The headset routing isn't a huge deal on the day-to-day, but if I had the choice, I'd probably skip the headset routing. Even old school full external would be easier, though tube-in-tube NON HEADSET routing is often truly the easiest.

[@SpencerBaum]

@@JeffKendallWeed that's definitely one of the reasons I love my spire. Tube in tube dropper and derailleur cables, and external brake hose!

[@alejandromoranbarroso5494]

Hello. As my first full sus which one do you recommend me. Occsm LT or something like the Rallon 2024 or the Strive? I like a capable bike that will allow me to progress in enduro mtb with confidence... But I want something funny and playful, and all rounder for alpine routes and climbing. But it has to be capable enough for enduro tracks and even ocassional bikepark riding... The problem is that the occam lt is a very capable trail bike whereas the Rallon and Strive are very efficcient and polivalent enduro bikes ...

[@gunshipanropace2gunshipand119]

Hopefully sometime in the future i could ride bikes of this magnitude

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Stay at it!

[@orestisvas7277]

hey jeff, grate stuff as always. i have a question, i am having a lot of treble as i progress keeping my feet on the pedals, i have five ten shoed and good DMR pedals but my rear foot mainly keeps moving about. Would you have any tips or planning to make a video that includes this topic? Thank you and keep riding

[@Frank-i-e]

Jeff, I have a question. I have the SL version and I seem to get some play in the rear that I’m unsure where it’s coming from. Since the start I got some rotor rub, take the wheel off in the back, take it out put it back in and the rubbing is gone until maybe another 2 miles into the next ride. Sometimes it stops for a bit then comes back. I thought maybe the UDH was causing the play since it’s plastic so got a Wheels MFG but it did not get rid of it. Do you have this issue as well? I’m unsure if it’s a nature of the beast. I’m a pretty easy rider. It will even make noise when I’m coasting at times or say coasting but rocking the bike side to side as if I were sprinting but during a coast. Everything is torqued properly with a snap on digital wrench. I can’t figure it out. Bike only has 9 miles of riding and been that way since I got it. Only way to stop it is take the wheel out, re torque the axle and it’s gone. Until the next sideways root hit or something of the sort. Hopefully you have some insight.

[@bouzouki2006]

Hello, Jeff. May I ask you what's the song title of the intro music (from 00:47 to 01:00 in your edit)? Thanks!

[@mikaeljohansen6498]

This occam m30 2025 or the Hightower 3 R build? Same price at 3400usd.

[@tmsmaster6634]

You sad that you were able to adjust the headset angel from the pivot switchblade. What did you used for that?

[@bcyclist15]

Would you pick the 2021 Occam with the Fox 36 150mm, or 2020 Orbea Rallon? I mostly ride local trails, bikepark 1-3x per year. I like playful reactive bikes

[@griffinridesbikes2point0]

As a person who has ridden afew of these "all around" bikes i hate them and this marketing. I now ride a spire in an xl and i dont miss anything about my old bike. Especially on chill trails i think they are more fun on big bikes.

[@snat6299]

Can you switch out the headset for a normal set up? Or is it a PITA?

[@Fulltilt1973]

What is a hop in a wheel?

[@64Spokes]

A mild flat spot caused by a hard rim strike

[@Sirmellowman]

hey just a heads up the video bugs out at around 14:22

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the heads up there was a surprise export error. I have a better version up on Facebook now.

[@Bench_mark_113]

I am on the previous gen Occam, would you say it's a worthy upgrade??

[@pietrozanini2802]

What pressure do you used on the rallon ( fork and shock) ?

[@323johnnybravo]

I was thinking about getting a trail bike but um yeah my 2021 Megatower is right in line with modern trail bikes. No need !

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ha! I need to try a hightower, those VPP bikes work great.

[@djean53]

So Ripmo still hard to beat after all these years?

[@zwingler]

Propain Tyee 6, Aluminum frame has normal cable routing, carbon has headset cable routing. I was happy at first thinking i was gonna buy the carbon option but headset cable routing was absolutely a deal breaker for me. We just do not need it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for sharing your feedback!

[@jasonmurphy2885]

How is the cascade link working on your ripmo v2s? Is it hitting your frame and causing wear?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah it tops out slightly with the Float X, so I went back to my X2, which clears slightly better.

[@ridecrashrepeat3207]

That is a great bike that has improved over the years.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Totally! The latest version is SO GOOD! They got the Large and XL sizing down great, too. Orbea is doing a lot of things right.

[@DB-sd3cw]

​@@JeffKendallWeeddo orbea got that dig bick energy now?

[@backyarddiver86]

Wo2!!

[@pats569]

hey, how tall are you if you ride frame size M? greetings 🤙

[@JeffKendallWeed]

174cm, which is 5 foot, 8 inches.

[@pats569]

Thanks I'm 176 and the L frame seems a bit big to me. That's why I'm thinking about taking M instead

[@samphilx4]

Cannot comprehend the headset cable routing trend.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

My gut feeling is that an OEM salesman gave many many many brands a good deal on these headsets and claimed “everyone” was doing them… but I agree they seem to create more problems than they fixed. At the end of the day, it’s not something that would make her break my enjoyment of a bike though.

[@a8f235]

14:15 to 14:31 the video freezes for some reason.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

😢

[@cliffordrichardc]

Wish see ibis

[@TylerCloke]

What country is that?! Epic riding

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I don't pedal and tell, sorry Mr Cloke!

[@TylerCloke]

Wasn’t asking for trails but fair enough. Must be a small country 😈 LOL

[@DL-iq5zo]

1010 - the only reason why I decided not to buy the 2024 Orbea Occam LT !!!!!

[@badagaioo]

Your previous review of the Occam was one of the main factors influencing my decision to purchase it. I was seeking a balanced bike that could provide enjoyable pedaling while also handling rough terrain effectively. I opted for the H30 version and gradually upgraded it to an LT version. However, I never quite connected with the bike. It felt sluggish and unresponsive, despite adding a Fox 36 fork and a DPX2 rear shock. I experienced frequent OTBs, constant bottom-outs, and other issues that I suspect were due to the suspension's anti-squat curve. After nearly a year of struggling with it, I decided to purchase a Sentinel V2 frame and transferred all my components over. Surprisingly, with the exact same specifications but a different geometry and behavior, I found myself much happier. Additionally, reports of Orbea's recent behavior with some retailers/clients, as highlighted by Mossie Rides Bikes, don't cast them in a positive light.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

You thought a sentinel (like 3 degrees slacker) would be less sluggish than the Occam?

[@badagaioo]

@@JeffKendallWeed for my type of terrain it worked wonders. I'm mostly riding steep and rocky trails and even though I'm not beating any koms on flatter terrain I feel much safer on the sentinel.

[@backyarddiver86]

You still selling lmnt?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yep! Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.

[@cleggycyclist]

Headset routing im out. Proprietary spacers im out. KISS

[@TheMTBRider96]

Am I the only one that no matter how good the bike is, how good value it is, if it comes with a cable headset routing I will never buy it?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Probably not the only one! Your feedback on videos like this will help convince manufacturers to make better choices… however, I am being 100% transparent when I say I don’t notice the cable routing, except for when I am traveling with the Bike.

[@TheMTBRider96]

yeah, i bet you don't notice that until you need to play with spacer height, work on the bike or travel, and that's enough @@JeffKendallWeed

[@AORNova]

Day 99367 of waiting for JKW to scare himself on a Shadowcat 😂

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Man, I dunno... it's a steep head angle 27.5 bike. I'm not real fond of 27.5 bikes, nor steep head angles. Id rather ride these 29ers TBH.

[@AORNova]

maybe a chance to channel your inner @aliclarkson... or turn the tamer trails into fun rides@@JeffKendallWeed But valid point, it's a unique bike config option in the world of slacker, 29er tanks right now!

[@mr.tryhard322]

as a person who lives on a ranch part time and carries a pocket knife, who the fuck exposed us bro?

[@snokefilmmedia]

This cable routing is idiotic. The cables will lead water into the headset/frame, and the cables block mounts for bar-mounted lights. Just an awful trend through and through.

[@kingflynxi9420]

Headsets used to be sealed :(

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Agreed that headset cable routing is not in the future. However, I will say it is a very minor thing in the big picture of living with this bike for three months.

[@snokefilmmedia]

@@JeffKendallWeed Well, if I only rode my bike in dry weather, daylight only, and never serviced it myself, I guess I might consider it :)

[@travishealey]

If you need someone to build you wheels to handle your abuse, let me know!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks! I'll do a social post at some point about how these wheels refused to die... They did take a LOT of smacks!

[@llorensbf]

headset cable routing = instant discard, no matter how good the bike is. Unfortunately I think we are the minority acting like this, so headset routing will continue to be present :(

[@JeffKendallWeed]

My gut feeling is headset routing will fade away quickly

[@llorensbf]

@@JeffKendallWeed hope so!

[@burkebair]

Any bikes that breaks bones goes in the trash!

[@mrpachuco696]

Lt rider

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Cheers amigo!

[@TheJeffro520]

Literally nobody wants headset cable routing

[@anthonyjacques8337]

4:25 better mot crash there