Orbea Occam: dialing in the poppy, lightweight trail bike

[@koho]

"It's more fun to be underbiked than overbiked." That's a great insight.

[@andrewnordell5332]

That’s why hardtails rock!

[@camerondavis7291]

Because smaller bikes can be thrown around easier and are more playful

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It does depend on your own personal preferences too! But small bikes are often the most fun.

[@samysdefer]

Same with sex

[@collinricter115]

Jeff, I was waiting on this review before making the purchase but inventory levels were getting low and I decided not to wait. I bought the Occam yesterday and this video makes me feel even better about my choice. Thanks again, let Jensonusa know you deserve credit for the sale .

[@samphilx4]

I've had this bike for half a year and getting taught how to ride it lol. loving the content rn

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man! Congrats on the sweet bike.

[@dundundata7603]

The Occam is a great bike. M10 with Fox36 is a sweet build. The bike does everything well. I love how poppy it is, just wants to jump off everything.

[@l33america]

Which shock did you go with ?

[@joshdoesjoshstuff660]

Got the M10 and LOVE IT! Got it with the Fox 36 and heavier/grippier Minion DHF/R tires. So much fun on this bike on my flat texas trails, but also when I take it to parks. Exactly like you said!

[@radagascar1]

I'm thinking of getting that configuration too! How are the stock brakes?

[@l33america]

Which shocks did you go with?

[@bearlabrador2018]

Fantastic Occam videos Jeff, I’m in the UK and have just found and ordered an Occam M30 in the same colour scheme, can’t wait. By the way, I’ve never seen someone look so damn good on 2 wheels, incredible to watch. Cheers, happy riding.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Gi! And enjoy that bike! I was thoroughly stoked on that thing!

[@nikolaibrishimov703]

Thanks, Jeff! you are a unique presenter. The fact that you are foremost a rider makes the presentation very accurate and fair. I already waiting for my Occam H10. Thank you for the good mood. All the best!

[@Peanutdenver]

Your honesty about your projects and sponsors is cool Jeff. I'm waiting for your channel to blow up. You've got solid content and watching your vids is a nice little break from the madness of today's world. Best of Luck. Not that anyone cares, but I'm looking at a new trail bike and it's between Orbea Occam or the new Evil Following. Your thoughts if you see this comment...thanks.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man! I appreciate that. I haven't ridden a Following but I did look at the geo and it looks less aggressive than the Orbea. And it's shorter travel. I'd compare the Orbea Occam to the Evil Offering. I gotta get some time on the Evils before making any recomendations tho!

[@Peanutdenver]

@@JeffKendallWeed No worries you're welcome. I was looking for something really poppy and playful for the trails close to my home, shorter travel 29er(my Capra is a bit much for this as you'd imagine)for after work riding.

[@Britishnate]

Great review. This has been a bike I have been considering for a while and this really helps is gathering some good insight into how it rides.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Nathan! It's been a fun ride, a good compliment to the Ibis bikes!

[@egsurfer700]

Hope mine ships soon! Your videos are, by far, the most detailed and fun reviews on KZbin. Thanks Jeff!

[@mc7770]

Jeff, you sold it to me but I’ll wait for the 2021 model seen as we’re nearly into June already, that description you gave is great and would suit where I cycle beautifully😂👍👍👍😎

[@kylerobinson6102]

Man you are a good rider. I wish I could wheelie like that.

[@davefreeman9347]

Thanks Jeff first ever video I’ve seen of you, great honest review love the underbiked comment very true just ordered a Occam but there is a 3 month wait as I’ve elected for the custom paint job 👍

[@Getoutside2day]

Hey Jeff , I really enjoyed the footage you shared riding the Orbea Occam and with that being said, I ended up selling my Transition Scout and got an Occam myself. I just completed my build and got it out for a ride yesterday. It's an impressive bike. Love how it climbs and it's definitely a bike that I can ride longer days in the saddle. Cheers 🍻😎

[@churnstyle]

Sold, man. I was on the fence, but you sold me. Sounds EXACTLY like what I'm looking for. Awesome review bro.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man, it's a solid bike. I was lucky and got to ride the LTD high end version, but if I were buying one, the M10 might get my money since it's such a good deal. Would leave extra $$$ in the budget to set it up better for your style and region.

[@philipkelsey840]

Great unbiased review! I have the previous model M10 Occam and love it! It is a great all rounder!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Phil!!! Glad to hear the m10 has been a great bike for ya!

[@okayatbikes1909]

Thanks for this video! I’ll probably be choosing between an occam and a ripmo af for my next bike, so this was really helpful!

[@mastersau2]

what an awesome review and riding! plus a couple of really helpful insights... awesome riding and videos jeff

[@ap7731]

You mentioned you put the .8 volume spacer in the shock. How did the Occam then handle the bigger jumps and other man made stuff you mentioned?

[@MTBFreeks]

Just glad i am one of the first to view a Jeff KW video

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Cheers Freek!

[@StefsMTB]

Thanks for showcasing the Occam and giving a transparent review. I just bought one from Jenson that I've been eyeballing for over a year. I got the last H10 and like Collin Ricter said the stock is really low and needed to move on it. I had to choose between the Occam and the Ripmo AF but the Occam is the exact spec I was looking for. This is also my first soft tail and genuine trail bike.

[@micheandmikey]

You've got so much knowledge on bikes Jeff, it's fun to learn more and more, even after riding since a Nishiki took me down the Chuckanuts! LOL

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks! YES- if you've still got that Nishiki, I'm wanting to get some retro bike rides going soon!

[@kylesmith4686]

I agree with everything you said in this video accept for when you said it can be good for a couple bike park days. If you live by bike parks that are well maintained thats not an issue. The majority of bike parks have breaking bumps and will make this bike feel like its going through hell because of the lower travel. I love everything about my orbea and just hit 1000 miles on mine. Great bike and interesting company.

[@radagascar1]

Wouldn't an extra 10mm of travel slack out the HTA to 65.5 ish? I might go with that configuration for slightly more stability

[@superawesomefuntimego]

Love the feedback on the Occam Jeff! Jenson carries so many cool bikes it is tough to say which I'd like to see you check out next. I'd almost prefer to see you check out some bikes that seem to get a bit less coverage than the Yeti's, Santa Cruz and Ibis that seem to be in every review comparo. Maybe a Niner Rip 9 RDO, Norco Optic, Evil Offering. Regardless, I look forward to what you do.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Jason- stay tuned!!! I would love to try an Optic but they are sold out through next year, so no go there. Maybe an Evil tho!

[@RH-vp8gr]

I got the m10 with a 36 fork. Pretty much agree with the video. I’m really impressed with this bike and if I had to have one bike it would be this as a general all rounder. It climbs really well, corners are fun on this and beating a lot of times compared to my other bikes. Volume spacer in rear shock is 0.4 and this works well for me but I don’t huck much. I’d say if you’re doing parks, tough tracks, jumps, Dh stuff, you want 160 rear travel anyway, like a rallon. You can pick the occam up at a good price as well in most places.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on RH! Glad you're digging your M10!!!

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Awesome review. The Orbea Rallon and Occam are awesome bikes. I have the Ripmo v1, and the Orbea's are the only bikes I can feel comfortable with in terms of overall trail riding. I hope you can start reviewing Marin bikes. I'd like your take on the San Quentin and Hawk Hill

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Cliff! I'd love to try out both of those Marin bikes- stay tuned!

[@mountainlessmtb9940]

What a fun ride 🔥over biked 🤔that's me 😂keep making sweet videos and I'll keep watching 🤘

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha thanks man!!!

[@PedalingDave]

Really nice honest review! Some of the geo numbers mirror the Trek Remedy which I have in addition to the HD5 and really enjoy.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Dave!

[@christianclark8530]

Everything you just spoke about is a lot of levels above my understanding but I really enjoyed it all the same :-)

[@williamroberge3696]

I have the same wheels u switched to on my pivit trail.love them.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Bill!

[@vonrunner]

Great video and insight! Would be cool to see you ride/review some of your local manufactures, like the new Transition Sentinel or Kona Process.

[@chumpmtb2554]

Evil moved their HQ to Bellingham too, I believe. Would love to see Jeff shred an Offering

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man! I'm trying to try some Evil and Kona bikes ASAP. I really like the Transition range as well, but with working so much with Jenson USA, I need to focus more on brands that Jenson sells. Nothing says I can't ride a Transition, but I simply don't have enough time and resources to ride everything! I haven't even ridden half of the Jenson brands yet! One day I'll certianly try a Smuggler and Sentinel. And FYI, I do have a Transition DJ bike- the bank!

[@vonrunner]

@@JeffKendallWeed Nice, looking forward to it! Sounds like Jenson USA needs to start carrying Transition haha. So many great bikes to choose from nowadays though. Narrowed it down to Ripmo or Sentinel and then the wait times went through the roof recently!

[@jeffrogers2180]

Good job, man. Coherent and interesting.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Jeff!

[@TorrentUK]

Is there a plugin upgrade that will make me ride my M10 as well as you! Seriously, you can riiiide dude.

[@ojh7025]

Awesome review! Gonna miss watching you shred on that Occam. So far it's #1 on my short list. Just gotta get out and demo one now. Maybe try the Revel Rascal next? Thanks for all the info 👍

[@JeffKendallWeed]

RIght on OJH! Right now it's hard to find any bikes that are still in stock, so keep that in mind if you're shoppin! I actually have more interest in Revel's sister brand, Why Bikes. A nice ti hardtail with modern geo sounds really good!

[@elnoziya]

THANK YOU! It answers most of my questions :-)

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man!

[@Sanderson2Orr]

Jeff, I would love to see you on a Santa Cruz Bronson and hear about what you think. I ride the 2017 C version and may want to get the newer model next year. Your opinion would be helpful. Thanks, keep up the great work.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man- I'd be stoked to try some more SC bikes! I've never ridden a Bronson for more than a few minutes. Would be a very good competitor to the HD5!

[@willbros1499]

Jeff, you've ridden here in Northwest Arkansas, and I feel like this bike is as good as any for a "one quiver" bike, with the exception being someone who is truly going to race enduro and want to podium. Having ridden it, I didn't find anything that would make me want to move away from the Ripmo, because of how well it pedals with the DPX2 shock, and how I like the travel for the more gnarly trails. I didn't find a huge difference in the playfulness, but granted it was definitely a little more nimble, since my bike has the angleset. But...it would be in a solid second place for me, because in my mind the Ripmo is closer to the trail side, than it is a "big" bike that I would want to race at a BME event, for example. I think I could ride the Occam with a few changes to beef it up a bit, and be very happy on it here in NWA. I don't think there's anything you couldn't throw the Occam at in our area with the right changes, like you indicated. I think the only downside would be that you probably couldn't ride the most gnarly trails quite as fast as you could on a longer "enduro" travel bike.

[@stevoeldevo]

Another bike I'm curious to see tested is the Nukeproof Reactor 290. I'm planning on going to a 150 front/130 rear set up like the Yeti SB130 but the Reactor appeals because it's $1000 cheaper and can fit 2.6" tires, which my older spine appreciate. Thoughts?

[@NDemanuele1]

Another great video! I did demo the Occam recently. My LBS carries the brand. As you stated, it didn't grip, like Ibis bikes do. I felt it was balanced, meaning it climbed and descended well, but overall it was meh. I'm very happy with getting the Ripmo!...LOL. Over recent months, I demo'd numerous bikes and although I'm biased with Ibis, I was most impressed with Yeti's SB130 and the Salsa Horsethief. The SB130 climbed amazingly well at my local trails in sections where I had difficulty clearing and the Horsethief reminded me of a Ripley.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the feedback Norbert!

[@hunterwright386]

*loves back wheel*

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha thanks m an!

[@MountainBikingTrips]

I HAVE IT & I LOOOOOOVE IT :)

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on man!!!

[@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 🤔

[@johnbrooks1534]

You should do a review of the Orbea Rallon

[@blueridgeflyguy9551]

Jeff, where can I get one of those wrenches (with the rubber strap) for working on my shocks...looked awesome

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey Mike, I got that at an autoparts store. Or maybe Amazon? It's called a strap wrench.

[@soulifam]

hey, Jeff. Enjoy your vids. What is the wtb saddle on the occam in th vid? I own the M10 that came with a fizzari, AKA my butt hurts.

[@soulifam]

Got my answer. Thanks. WTB Pure.

[@Bobbytwigs]

Try a Norco Optic! Curious as to how it compares to an aggressive hardtail (Stylus) and a poppy trail bike like this one

[@elpina587]

You should try to get a Guinness world record of some sort your an amazing rider

[@burddog0792]

Couple things; M10 is listed as having a 140mm Factory 34 and it looks like HTA is 66 degrees with a 140mm. M10 with the 150mm Factory 36 would be a dream bike, especially the new 2021 model. Does Jensen offer the customization at all?

[@atlehauge352]

Hi, I enjoy your videos a lot. I've noticed you have tested both the Occam AND the Ripley AF. I have been looking around for a new trail bike for a time, and I think I am down to those two bikes as my favorites. Where I live they are about the same price point. So... which one would you reccomend?

[@colbyblasenak1770]

Jeff great review! This bike has been on my radar. Question for ya...I'm 6 foot 215 and was wondering if this bike could take my size as it's a smaller bike. I was looking at the m30 as its only 4k and you get the carbon frame and the shimano m7100 system...only thing is you get the 34 up front...so its 140/140. I love the looks and playfulness you are showing of the bike just dont want to break the dam thing...haha

[@pro353]

How tall are you and what size did you test? Great review! thanks

[@williamroberge3696]

Try serfas cosmos seat for comfort.i tried many myself.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Perhaps one day!

[@jfinn9827]

I'm 5'9 what would be a good size for me if I were going for the occam

[@kurtmccann137]

I’m building out an overforked occam with 160 in front. Curious if you think this will have any issues?

[@olivierhacking]

Did you end up doing it?

[@kurtmccann137]

Yes it works great bike becomes a beast

[@partypartida]

@@kurtmccann137 Did it's climbing ability suffer after changing to a 160mm fork?

[@kurtmccann137]

@@partypartida I can't really say because it is my wife's bike but I can say she rides better with this set up no doubt.

[@skiboot1]

I wanna see you ride a Rocky Mountain Instinct BC edition

[@JohnR-uv8ty]

Intense primer next!

[@dantribby199]

Give the Marin Rift Zone carbon 1 the JKW treatment!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I'd love to Dan, but they seem all sold out!!!

[@jamess.7261]

Great review, Jeff - how would you rate the Occam on climbing vs. the Ripmo?

[@URockMyWorlds]

Great video !! As always ! Just an advice : for 186cm / 90cm inseam, will you recommend the XL size?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thans Jeremie. I'm not sure, I'm 174cm and was riding a medium. I wouldn't have minded it being longer, so I'd guess an XL would be great, but I'm literally guessing.

[@skiMTB]

I know you're still a young pup... but I'm curious if you're gonna do something on e-mtb's?

[@dennispikephotography]

I haven’t been riding long enough or on enough bikes to notice some of the things you talk about (pretty much just my own budget hardtail and a specialized stump jumper i rented in Hawaii) Any tips on starting to pay attention to some of those things? Wheel stiffness and weight, for example. I’ve only really ridden one set of wheels. I don’t even know what to look for in a new saddle, so I’ve just been using stock, It’s comfy-ish? I guess it’s difficult to get certain concepts with such a limited frame of reference. I would love to hear you talk about some of that in more detail!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Dennis, thanks for the note! I'm at a similar spot in my moto career, I'm just an intermediate rider there and I don't notice a lot of the more detailed stuff. Just focus on riding more, there's no replacement for seat time! If you're happy with the parts you have, then run them for as long as you can- there's no rush to start having to deal with more wrenching than necessary.

[@dennispikephotography]

Jeff Kendall-Weed more of a statement of my ignorance than a note on your video. I kind of meant I’d like to hear more about it all, so I can learn! I’m enjoying the bit of wrenching I’ve been doing!

[@gabrielhardy5582]

awsome

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks!

[@matrustin]

Hi Jeff, I see that you’re riding a medium. How tall are you please? I am 178cm tall: according to Orbea website, it looks like I should get a Large one for the OCCAM 2020 (medium one on OCCAM 2019) Cheers

[@alf.quijano7582]

What size did you end up going with?

[@dantribby199]

Is it worth buying without the 36?

[@omerpeleg]

How come you don't compare it to the mojo?

[@williamroberge3696]

Heavier bike now make the frame flex more?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Before I changed parts out, everything was flexing. Now it's only the frame, and it's not even flexing a crazy amount, just enough that I notice it when pushing hard.

[@williamroberge3696]

Wow they been in business a long time.are you tempted to put a trust fork on it? Or leave it stock.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

No plans for a Trust on here, the Trust is the wrong size. Either too short (Message) or too long (Shout).

[@sebmour]

Totally underbike lover also. That's why I roll a hardtail :P

[@JeffKendallWeed]

YES! Just rode mine yesterday!

[@ambushell5778]

Hmm does Jenson have any Yetis? The SB140 looks like it would be a good match for your riding style..

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha yes they've got lots of yeti models! I was thinking an SB165 personally...

[@DRSpalding]

How much does the Occam weigh as you received it and how much after you changed parts out?

[@elnoziya]

I tested a couple of them. Occam H30, with pedals and low spec parts is 15.4kg. Occam M30 with pedals, DT Swiss, DPS and fox 34 is 13.4kg. So that's the range. No idea in pounds lol

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Dan, I weighed it with my Shimano pedals and it was pretty light, but I forget the actual number. I haven't weighed it since swapping stuff. I don't use scale weights much, I go off how the weight feels on the trail. For instance, my Chromag hardtail and Ripmo AF are the same weight on the scale, but the Chromag rides a little bit lighter.

[@williamroberge3696]

Ever ride a Scott Ransom??

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I haven't! I like the dudes at Scott though, and they are doing a great job of pushing the tech envelope.

[@alexandrecosson14]

What size is your Occam in? Because I hesitate between M and L I am 1m70 but I am only 15 years old so I can still grow.

[@akidone]

I‘m exactly your size and running M. Should not be bigger in my opinion as the dropper is nearly completely dropped into the frame.

[@alexandrecosson14]

@@akidone Thanks for your reply, I'll choose M

[@mickaelht598]

Cool video, just how is there so much noise in your microphone

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Sadly I formatted the SD card from my audio recorder early one morning while going out for a 6am ride. I had to use the audio from the camera, and in my warehouse in the pouring rain, the audio is a disaster.

[@mickaelht598]

@@JeffKendallWeed rip at least you know the reason and trybto make it better for the next one :)

[@muddyPL]

@@JeffKendallWeed Haven't noticed sound issues till your comments. Was too busy by watching review itself :D

[@dantribby199]

Any discount codes? 😎

[@pb8582]

My helmet visor is broken now I look like a xc rider... How can I deal with this...

[@JeffKendallWeed]

www.jbweld.com/

[@oogabooga4047]

great video but you got to work on background noise my guy. Should be able to get rid of that in post

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey man, unfortunately I formatted the SD card from my audio recorder and lost all my audio. I had to use the audio from the shotgun mic on my camera. I went through and spent a bunch of time with the parametric eq and the compressor, but couldn't get that echo down any more. My shop has terrible acoustics. The rain storm on the aluminum roof was so loud there was no way I could edit it further.

[@ArmTheCreative]

0:36 fuck life!

[@LL120]

Spend $5k on a bike... change everything out on the bike afterwards...🤔

[@JeffKendallWeed]

LOL watch the first vid on the Occam, it's just a loaner bike. All my personal bikes are set up with PNW cockpits, WTB saddles, I9 wheels, Shimano drivetains, and mostly Fox suspension. By swapping parts I'm familiar with onto the bike it makes it a more apples to apples comparison to my own rigs.

[@LL120]

@@JeffKendallWeed i'm just disgruntled because I can't justify spending the amounts some of these bikes go for 😉🤬

[@quiquekhan]

..

[@nickskelton242]

Evil following

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Nick, it's on the list!