Orbea Occam LT Ride Review

[@Windrunner11]

I cannot state it clearly enough how badly the internet needs more reviews like this. Huge kudos for actually talking honestly about the CONS of a bike instead of just rattling on about how its a bike that can "do it all, from shredding bike park laps to charging techy climbs". Such useful info, subbed

[@jitodiaz]

Occam H20 LT owner here and all I can say is you are buying quality and performance. Don't be afraid to buy a bike out of the Trek and Specialized bubble.....lol

[@iaroslavnykonenko2904]

Just bought two occams m10s for myself and my wife with great discount from Northstarbicycle in Calgary and can’t wait for next season to ride them. Great review as always. Hello from Alberta

[@nl3712]

THIS is how a bike review should be done. Excellent job.

[@mattstratts]

I really wish more people would subscribe to JKW - the amount of work he does to film, narrate, edit his films - deserving! So much more than just POV and some music. Very thoughtful cut and flow in his work

[@nl3712]

Agreed

[@johnglynn7795]

Jeff, Sawedee kap from Thailand. Thank you for sharing your experience on the Occam both at home and my backyard trails in Mesa, AZ. I have converted after 15 years and the young age of 64 to a Specialized Levo Gen 3. Love biking! Peace my friend...

[@burkebair]

I've always been curious about the Occam. So glad that you have ridden the Ripmo, SB130LR and Switchblade as well. I've owned the SB130LR and currently on a 2021 Switchblade and loving it. I've demoed a Ripmo a couple times and will be demoing it again soon to see if I want to try it for a season. Glad to hear your comparisons. Thanks Jeff and Logan for the great videos!

[@zoltanvincze6613]

I lately switched from a 2020 H20 to maxed out 2022 LT and couldn't be happier. I am more a n00b tour biker (60km+ trips) than a downhiller, but the H20 sometimes felt too much like riding a panzer, even for me: it rolls over everything, but hard to steer. The LT is like a dream, climbs like a dream, pretty playful and cries for being ridden on harder trails (wearing protective gear). Maybe because is a pretty short bike. Anyhow, if you are new to full suspension bikes, and don't known what to buy: pick an occam. You won't regret it.

[@VladPopa-y9g]

Hi! What size is your bike and what is your height?

[@Montezuma0]

I really wish Orbea did more demo events (outside of just large bike festivals) so I could actually try one. Companies like Ibis and Pivot do a ton of demos here in California.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Totally good point Ameen!

[@robertwaldren6206]

@cowboychicken1234 - If you still want to demo one, check with your local dealer. I don’t know if this is common, bu my local shop - North Rim in Chico, CA - has an Occam SL that I just rode and had a blast on. Not sure if they have an LT, but if I can ride one I’d like to. I currently ride a Ripley, and while my bike is a better build than the demo Occam I rode, the Occam really responded to spirited riding, just as Jeff said in the video. I liked it!

[@Montezuma0]

@@robertwaldren6206 Orbea did a local demo a few months ago and I ended up buying an Orbea Wild. It’s a great bike!

[@brettegbert6985]

I love your videos, so well done. I can tell you put alot of passion into each one. I just recently stumbled across your channel and I’m glad I did! In the last year I got back into moto and mountain biking after a long hiatus from each. Man am I glad I did, both are so fun! I noticed there was something familiar about your channel and then I realized you stayed at my house in socal during ur cal poly days nearly 20 years ago; you and a bunch of teammates for a race down there. My brother in law and sister also raced with you. I live in humboldt now and we have some pretty sweet mountain biking, hit me up to ride if ur ever there!

[@allankrogh6707]

I bought an orbea occam M10 2022. Am super happy with it. you make super cool videos.👍🏻👍🏻

[@mark1john]

LOGAN IS THE MANNNNN ... your riding style and skill is amazing Jeff but you and Logan put together brings us great content ... keep it up and someday ill get to ur skill level :)

[@GokkunGuru]

You seriously got the best ride style ever.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks One!

[@cwzotto]

you are so much fun to watch ride, thanks for the incredible review videos. I think its funny Im not any where near the level of rider you are but when I rode a buddies Occam a year ago the first thing I noticed is how noodely the frame felt. Glad to hear it wasnt in my head.

[@jeloneq7]

17:07 Whoa. What a shot. Also this review is super chunky, good stuff. Hope more companies will send you bikes for reviews.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Pete! That's my favorite 200' of trail in Sedona. One of the most consecutive bits of elevation loss in the whole region! Since I already had a big "first look" type vid, I took my time with getting the full review published- hopefully it goes over well with everyone!

[@jasonmurphy2885]

Amazing review! I would love to see you review an Orbea Rallon

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Great stuff Jeff hopefully you are keeping well over the pond 😜🚴🏿‍♂️👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👌

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man I appreciate that! It's quickly becoming spring here- things are good!

[@micheandmikey]

Great video Jeff, loads of information! Cheers!

[@maxuca74]

Had instaled a offset bushing on mine and put 10 extra mm on the front suspension Its a completley New bike

[@3xplorenz86]

What bushing did you fit?

[@maxuca74]

@@3xplorenz86 BURGTEC Titanium Offset Shock Hardware Multicolor 22 x 8.1 mm

[@roddas26]

The way you ride is God-like. Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿.

[@alejandronovelo1265]

Its not just the transparency but the sincerity in your reviews of the bikes. You saved me from an expensive mistake (The Rocky Altitude) and I found my true love❤ (my Orbea Rallon😍).

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh man I LOVED the Altitude- but I haven't yet ridden a Rallon. Hoping to get on a Rallon soon, as everyone absolutely raves about them, but availability has been tough!

[@davidz6576]

May I ask you why you consider the altitude a Mistake? I am currently looking into both those bikes and some more but would love to hear your opinions 😊

[@SwolePapi15]

@@davidz6576 havent ridden a Rallon but love my altitude, fantastic bike

[@davidz6576]

@@SwolePapi15 A Colleague from work rides and altitude and loves it aswell and does 50km+ Tours on it. So it seems a great bike, especially with the adjustability and so on

[@alejandronovelo1265]

The Rallon for me (6'2" size L) felt like the sweet spot between trail and enduro. I'm in the Bay Area with flow, root/rock gardens, steep climbing and sends, mud and sandy. The works. I've been able to progress on the Rallon and it's my go to for the long days (although my Scout gives me the best feedback and feel of the trail). The Rocky felt like too much bike for my skill level and multiuse trails. The Rocky was at home in Whistler. I was lucky to borrow from a friend. Im not there yet on big jumps, big drops, and fast corners which I think the Altitude's geo and suspension was intended for. Jeff and Steve are the few that articulate well where and who a bike is for.

[@michaelsteven1090]

"Honesty and transparency is very important"..Thankyou..subbed..👍🏻

[@vincedavis5326]

Thanks to you and Logan! A well done video.

[@NoBrakes23]

I really enjoyed how in depth you went on this review. After doing a ton of demos over the past several years, I've discovered I gravitate towards Weagle linkages. I really like DW, Split Pivot, and DELTA, but sometimes it is hard to get an understanding of how some of the, uh, let's say "Weagle-adjacent" designs will feel, (Especially with the lack of demos the past couple of years.) I was really appreciative of you comparing this to the Ripley AF and Ripmos.

[@_BlueHorseshoe_]

Sorry if I missed it, but what size frame is the Orbea in this video? Thx

[@tadejpeckaj1151]

Hey Jeff, I am thinking pf buying this one. I have ordered the Propain Spindrift in October and I am still waiting on it. And for a normal day out on flowy and semi-flowy trails the Orbe Occam seems to be a good choice. For the rougher, faster stuff, I will have the Propain (whenever it comes🤞).

[@rodrigopages1054]

you must definately try the slackR angle headset for integrated headsets from 9point8 !!!

[@cycling_plurality]

AWESOME. I have the non LT version. Interesting that you consider the 440mm CS's as short. I do agree it is very playful and easy to get off the ground, but didn't really consider the rear end to be all that short. Of course, I really wish I had your manual skills. SICK! I am actually relieved you think this bike might pair better to a DPX2 since the new coil version was giving me serious FOMO.

[@dohms92]

Awesome video! Love the review!!

[@johfo]

Hi Jeff and thanks for your brilliant reviews! You were talking about spring rates and mentioned 550 and 600. Was your bike fitted with the original spring, 450 for size M or had you swapped to a higher spring rate in this video? What's your total weight in the kit you used?

[@dtolios]

Cool vid 😎 Maybe look into sprindex coils?

[@duffyrides]

Wow Jeff. I really like how you are now able to compare this bike to others and share your opinion on the differences in varying conditions. Good stuff! Also would like to see you test ride the new SC Megatower ! As for Ebikes it would be cool to hear what you think pf the Specialized Kenevo SL vs the Orbea Rise ! Thanks again.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you Duffy! I'll try to do some SC bikes, but Transition and Revel are on the list first. Hopefully a Rise H30 shows up soon- and I'll have to rent a Kenevo at some point to try it out. Cheers!

[@duffyrides]

@@JeffKendallWeed sounds good, I’ll stay tuned ! Cheers

[@eightlivesdownmtb]

I have a 2020 Occam and it’s a very, very competent trail bike. The only gripe I, and everyone else who has one, have is the snaptactic ally shock bolt (of doom). Truly, truly disastrous.

[@BoonMountainBike]

pretty sweet video. My tire setup is also assegai in front and aggressor in the rear.

[@gbrox17]

Anyone go from a Ripley AF to Occam? Is the diff in travel very noticeable? Thanks.

[@elnoziya]

Loving your reviews!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks so much!

[@non_clemente]

I was really hoping this could be the replacement for my aging Banshee Spitfire V2, "a great pedaling trail bike that can do the occasional enduro race" but based on your review, this is more of an XC bike trail bike, which is great for epic rides but too scary on enduro races.

[@rodolforubio1824]

Nice review bro, I'm between this bike or the transition sentinel . I saw you testing also the sentinel. Now the million question which it's better on descend? Regarding stability on fast straight lines? Thanks man

[@AZMTB]

Nice dude.. like those Orbeas. I have a 550 pound spring, barely used at all if you’re interested. Actually I have two, a linear and a progressive one if you’re interested. I ended up getting a cascade link for my Megatower so I had to go to a 650.

[@GokkunGuru]

Great components on the build.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah, its all my regular stuff, and it's solid. The wheels are GREAT, and do help almost any bike feel more responsive and stout. I'm also totally used to the cockpit set up, so it means minimal adapting to go from bike to bike.

[@goodeggnogg7038]

just incredible riding!!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks egg nogg, I appreciate that!

[@Wabit01]

Would be really keen to hear your thoughts about coil vs air - seems to be a general push to coil right now, but never sure how much of it is marketing influence

[@th_js]

Coil is better. Better spring curve and less friction. Weight doesn't matter.

[@mikes.8305]

17:00. He talks about different shocks and feel briefly.

[@Wabit01]

@@th_js That’s a massively broad statement. This is why it would be great to get Jeff's deeper thoughts since he offers a very well rounded and unbiased opinion.

[@th_js]

@@Wabit01 Why would my opinion be biased? It's my opinion, not a fact. And everyone will always have their preferences, it's not so that if Jeff, or anyone else says that coil or air is better, everyone will agree.

[@Wabit01]

@@th_js oh I see. Anyway, moving on, it would be great to get Jeff’s deeper thoughts and well rounded opinion on the subject :)

[@rcederqvist5749]

You should try it with the Fox Float X👌

[@bengovich]

Thank you!

[@Jo3y]

Awesome vid! By any chance did you try the Propain Hugene as well? I'm pretty much doubting between Orbea, Propain and YT Jeffsy as my new bike..!

[@simonmccarthy6845]

Hey great review. Would like to know what colour that bike is. Looking at this bike and the myo customisation

[@Goblin1823]

Hello, good videos.. learning a lot… I’m on the fence narrow my desicion based on availability and budget. Occam LT H20 or Specialized Srumpjumper comp alloy??? Need guide…

[@inakiurkidi1918]

Excelencia vídeo mate! What about the weight to the lt? How many kilos it has? Thank you so much for sharing!

[@PMA1921]

Hi Jeff, how do you setup this bike ? How % SAG front and rear, rebound and compression ? How weight are you ?

[@chargedmtb7440]

Jeff. Appreciate your reviews. I’m looking at either a Mojo 4 or Occam because my go to weekday after work trails are super tight with lots of tight turns and are more XC oriented. But on the weekends I like to ride higher speed trails like Ashland and other higher speed flow style trails. I’m 45 yeas old 5’8” and 150lb. I like a quick and responsive bike but also like to haul ass an charge. I like to attack the trails and use body English an constantly pedal for speed. I’m leaning towards the mojo but concerned about going back to 27.5 after being on 29ers the last 4 years. I have owned many many bikes but and usually have a quiver of bikes but I’m looking to have a one bike quiver now. Between the the Occam and Mojo which bike due you think is a better bike. Or perhaps another suggestion ?

[@davidtalon8871]

Jeff, how do you think this bike would ride in Galbraith? I'm not really big in sending.. mainly ride single track

[@chrisseng9219]

Have you ever ridden the Fezzari DP ?

[@simonchaddock3694]

Nice vid jeff i have just bought a scott genius what do you think cheers

[@SpencerBaum]

Fantastic review! Definitely not my type of bike as I really like fast steep terrain and thus I prefer longer slacker bikes, but nonetheless a fantastic review! I'm curious, have you ever considered reviewing a transition? The sentinel looks like an amazing bike and I wonder how it would compare with the offering and sb130lr

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I'm working on it! The Sentinel would be ideal for a video, just gotta make some moves to get one in for a few weeks. Also working on some other cool brands that haven't yet seen the channel... Thanks Spencer!

[@motortiki]

@@JeffKendallWeed Can I second this request? I'm looking at buying a Sentinel, and while I'm sure it rides great in the PNW, it would be neat to see how it handles my local Hawes trails.

[@limwellsingson]

@@JeffKendallWeed can you also try and review the Santa Cruz Hightower V2? I considered the Occam LT and SB130 LR but Im leaning more towards the Ripmo V2 after watching your videos. However a lot of people say the Hightower V2 will give the Ripmo V2 a run for its money. I only trust one bike reviewer and that is you!cheeers!

[@refo1977]

Hesitating between Occam - Ibis Ripmo and Yeti Sb 130 prioritizing the best efficiency on steep climbs and looking for fun and safety on medium technical descents 🤔

[@gbrox17]

Give us an update on what you chose if you can because I’m in a similar situation!

[@refo1977]

I haven't made my choice yet but I ruled out Occam and it would be between Yeti and Ripmo...Ripmo is winning first 👍🏼

[@RedClay96]

what boots do you wear? super random but im looking for a pair to wear around the shop

[@the10rv]

Hey Jeff, excellent video as always! I was wonderin what are your thoughts on going 160mm in the front. It would slacken the head angle to 65ish degrees and would that make it more capable on rowdy downhill stuff, or would it take too much of the character of the bike? What are your thoughts? Thanks!

[@cuthbertallgood4326]

As a beginner riding in the AZ trails ( Hawes, McDowell, South Mountain) I take great offense when you say there's plenty of traction here. Makes me cry a little.

[@zagester]

Hi Jeff, u hav any wobbly tyre issue with the maxxis? I got this issue even though the beads are properly seated.

[@nl3712]

They are, in my experience, very sensitive to pressure.

[@zagester]

@@nl3712 u found any solution for it?

[@nl3712]

@@zagester on smooth trails, nice and soft works great. On the rockier stuff, i pump to what feels hard to touch and ignore actual pressure. This is particularly important for the rear, which needs to be at 2 bar in the rough stuff to avoid punctures. The front tire can much softer, as it doesn't snakebite or burp as easily. NOTE: i am referring to XC/trail tires (aspen, forekaster, rekon race etc) with Exo casing - 2.35 / 2.4 sizes on 29er wheels.

[@andybcardoso1978]

I have the rise h10 coming this summer . What saddle are you using? whats the best mtb saddle available?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Congrats! Ive been trying to get an H30 but it's been elusive... Anyhow, I've been enjoying the WTB Silverado on the Occam. The WTB Volt 142 is also good.

[@chargedmtb7440]

What was the stock weight ?

[@minimalistmusician]

Have you had any issues with the bike being creaky? I've got an m30 and it's super noisy. Been to my lbs lots and orbea sent new bearings.. that fixed it for about 5 rides and back to square one.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

My Rise is really creaky, but my Occam wasn't bad at all. This is the LT version with the updated upper link. Wonder if they changed something on the LT?

[@minimalistmusician]

@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks. After another trip to the LBS sounds like I'll be getting a new frame. Having moved production to Spain sounds like they're having some serious QC issues with 2022 bikes. There's all kinds of play between the frame and spindle and it's causing the bearings to wear real quick. My buddy has the 2022 LT and is having the exact same issue.

[@BlackSummit92]

Hey, any updates to your occam? Still making creaks?

[@minimalistmusician]

@@BlackSummit92 it was actually stolen before I could get it sorted and I wound up going with a different brand... they had agreed to warranty my frame though

[@priceandbar10]

Do you write down your voice over before doing it or go off the cuff?

[@Accuracy158]

But on paper this bike is just a tad longer and slacker than the Ripley AF with a 1mm BB difference (opposite of what's stated in this video but still very close)... The difference must really be coming from how the suspension works.

[@DennisBullock-q4g]

hi jeff Love your show I want u to know speed is important to me. what would be your idea Super Fast mountain Bike ??? thanks for your answer Jeff Fan Dennis Bullock

[@thatonetexan1390]

Yeti SB140 Orbea Occam Santa Cruz High Tower Specialized Stump Jumper Evo

[@MW-ud8zp]

I don't know if I missed it, but can you tell me what size it is and how tall are you?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I am 5'8" (174cm) and this is a size medium.

[@yoavmiller216]

You make me think that we should invent a new sport, doable with current technology, with a small tweek to fit this goal: How much air time can you get on a bit of trail, with a time limit for each section, and a penalty for the slowest rider? time aspect just for keeping it tight. What say you?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha the "airtime" feature is already live on a few ride recording/GPS aps. I refuse to use live GPS tracking features though, as it feels like a privacy invasion to me. The ap developers sell all that data to the government, and that can easily be used against us. Sedona recently had a big ball of drama after a bunch of locals got called out by the forest service for riding some non-sanctioned trails. They all said they didn't- then the Forest Service mentioned they had purchased all that data from Strava directly. My solution? Just don't use GPS tracking. I know the phone is pinging cell towers constantly, but that seems less risky than an actual ride recording ap.

[@NoBrakes23]

"...log hop opportunities..." Hopportunites?

[@corail53]

They just keep raising prices to a ridiculous level. Would love to get one but their percentage price increase is one of the highest of the industry right now.

[@eriksdodges853]

Dude you're a F-ing machine on one wheel!

[@Underpantz]

First, maybe.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha!

[@philanderson9550]

Jeff - Heard there was a rumor Orbea might offer the new linkage for the 2020/21 models to convert from the 140 rear to 150. It would be nice to have that option.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ah Phil, you just made me realize that I should have included the voice over bit about how I can't tell the difference of 10mm more rear travel. 10mm more fork travel? Sure. But 10mm of rear travel isn't significant IMO. I did notice that it is slightly more progressive, but the ~3-4mm more sag isn't that significant. Rear travel is rarely more noticeably than fork travel.

[@philanderson9550]

I've also added some custom offset bushings as well to my 2020 occam. I ended up only using one because the 10mm BB drop (with both) was a bit much with the BB already so low. Since I just bumped the fork from the 140 to 150, which bumped up the BB drop around 5mm, the offset bushing allowed me to add another half degree of slackness to the HTA (now 65 versus 66 before) while brining the BB back to the original height. Pretty happy with that configuration so far.

[@cleggycyclist]

you forgot the chapters

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Eventually they will be in there!

[@matt-g-recovers]

As long as no desert bullshit. I watch you for the terrain very disappointed to see Arizona