Split Personalities - New Orbea Occam SL and LT Dissected

[@KingLuff]

This is the best review on the internet for the new Occam, thanks!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Wow, thanks!

[@marksandoval5361]

I think more bike companies should produce Split Personality bikes. One version would have more a Downcountry climbers build with a lighter components, lighter faster tires, and less travel. While the other version comes with a beefier descenders build and more travel. I think Orbea has got the right idea.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We agree, when there’s limited compromises as on this Occam, it seems like a great idea!

[@francescofoschi8941]

I had the older orbea occam (not LT version) and I really loved that bike, incredible pedaler and quite confident on the descents. Unfortunatelly my friends are bike park aficionados so I needed to sell my occam to get a rallon which is great bike. However, there is something about a great pedaling and agile trail bike that the modern enduro bikes simply can't give you. Onestly this new LT version looks like a very well thought out bike and a real all rounder.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing! The LT is a great all rounder for sure.

[@AlanPina-nn5sz]

Man, Orbean is killin' it! That SL is the "do it all" dream bike! 😍

[@ChapeLu]

I wonder if I could change the shock mount on my 2023 LT to this and have a flip chip, they look very simillar. Already converted my fork to 160mm and would love to have an option to adjust geo on the fly.

[@jamesspurrier8311]

New Loam Wolf jersey design is 👌🔥

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you! Check out the webstore to get yours 🤘🏼

[@elgeffe503]

This guy is good at reviewing bikes 👌

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!

[@petewill87]

how does this bike descend compared to the Trek Fuel Ex, Canyon Spectral, and Stumpjumper Evo? I have the Fuel Ex currently

[@ChampyOnPC]

Not many cuts, were you nervous?

[@RaffaeleStanghellini-dl5ms]

In this test, the Lt is M-Team or M-10? Thank you

[@Cartsp70]

The M ltd is £9999!!!! And the difference is……. It’s got a gold seat post !! 😂

[@rockyshoresstudios4987]

My go to bike show, reviews from multiple riders with scores are so awesome and help with such an expensive purchase. You guys rock!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you so much! We’re happy to be of assistance.

[@topchoice1621]

Occam LT looks great

[@TheLoamWolf]

It sure does!

[@Slinkylinky179]

I really like how well thought out this is with all the details. The snappy pedal vs aggressive trail on the same bike is a great idea. The little allen key hiding in the bike is also great as well as the downtube storage. Also the bike coming from the factory fitted with what is essentially ridewrap is also a nice tough. Obviously, not a fan of headset cable routing, but you can't get them all right. My partner has the current gen alloy occam and it is really a stunningly good bike for the price. Very efficient climber. I've kind of got my eye on the new LT now tbh

[@TheLoamWolf]

They’re certainly doing a good job and the difference between the two models is notable and worthwhile. Headset routing is still definitely not something we’re fully on board with, but Orbea’s solution is pretty well executed at least.

[@Cartsp70]

I think people get carried away with a “ do it all trail bike” trust me unless you’re on a proper enduro bike with at least 160mm the bike park will definitely not be as fun , if that makes sense, what I’m trying to say is that when it comes to gnarly trails drops n jumps etc you want to feel comfortable , as in the bike soaks up and dampens the trail , just my opinion but for eg riding SC 5010 at a bike park is fun but on the 170mm travel SC Nomad is better because you can relax a bit more because it soaks up the trail and gives you more confidence. That’s just my opinion though 👍🏾

[@RaffaeleStanghellini-dl5ms]

Whict code color is orbea sl in this video

[@stefaneckl5331]

Do you guys think the ocean LT is enough to go into the bikepark sometimes? Is it capable to do some jumps and drops up to 3 meters ? Thanks for this great review

[@TheLoamWolf]

We’d happily run the Occam LT in the park, though Orbea would likely recommend you go up to the Rallon for 3 meter drops, in case things go wrong.

[@mtb_3930]

Is there something weird with the audio sound?

[@TheLoamWolf]

For the first couple minutes. All good after! Sorry about that.

[@gollz365]

Get rid of the headset cable routing (nice as it may look) and that LT would be the perfect bike 👌 I love my 2021 occam and have plans to stick a 210x55 coil on it to bring it in line with last year's LT.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sounds like a good plan, hope you enjoy!

[@overseer_grimal]

So based on the geo numbers it is the same frame, just different features. So technically you can convert SL to LT and vice versa

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes, that’s exactly the point!

[@Cartsp70]

So in other words- there’s no point 😂

[@billymartyn5573]

For my trails I need SL 130/140 and LT 140/150. Edit: wait a minute… the bike is not able to be converted by changing the fork, shock and a link or two? I can see that’s enough components to justify owning a new bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

There’s more to a bike than the travel numbers. We wouldn’t rule the Occam out in either guise!

[@michaeledwards5241]

What glasses are you rocking?

[@TheLoamWolf]

POC Devour. They’re excellent, but very expensive.

[@michaeledwards5241]

@@TheLoamWolf I’m a Poc fan boy and was going for the aspire ones but will give these a look 😎

[@SpencerBaum]

What's going on with the audio?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sadly we had some issues with the receiver for the first couple of minutes, but it gets better after!

[@nagval7592]

Merida ксьати тоже пошла по этому пути со своими One-forty и One-sixty имея одну и ту же раму но разные вилки и амортизаторы вы получаете разные байки!

[@thewrx2600]

nice set of bikes, but a bit akward that they made the LT a 150/160, guess it will depend on the geo if that travel is adequate. The lockout cables front and back, are nice but its a bit of cable overkill. Maybe we could have an AXS type controller for our remote lockout or suspension adjustments one day.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Travel certainly felt adequate for its aggressive trail / light enduro intentions, it can take a hit! Wireless remote lockout would be awesome for sure - like Flight Attendant/Live Valve, but user operated. Surprised it’s not already common.

[@biker944]

Cool

[@G00glieS]

Who needs a full lockout on a bike like this?

[@TheLoamWolf]

On the SL it makes quite a lot of sense we reckon. 140 capability with lower travel efficiency.

[@COMOMTB]

That was my initial thought as well but I know there are a ton of people in the Midwest where they have a lot of short punchy climbs that would use this feature a lot. Even on a 140mm bike

[@LCNismo]

Who still runs cable derailleurs? Axs xx1 or nothing!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Cables still work pretty damn well.

[@bpisan]

That’s a trail bike. Please stop trying to call it XC.

[@stephangauthier911]

So they've tweaked their original, unreliable design...

[@TheLoamWolf]

What was unreliable with them previously?

[@gollz365]

What was unreliable about the previous model? I have a 2021 occam and it's a fantastic bike. 3 years in I've never had a single issue with it

[@stephangauthier911]

@@gollz365 we've been a couple with trouble with the aluminum frame. It flexes.and ends up warping the shock mount and main pivot. Also, shit wheels. I have the 2021 as well. It's in the shop as we speak for a new frame

[@BoxCarBoy12]

@@stephangauthier911 Yep the top shock bolt was aluminum and bent/broke easily, and I could see how it could cause the issues you saw in a chain reaction. After swapping in the steel version that Orbea sells on their website, I've had no issues with my H30 and I routinely ride black trails.

[@stephangauthier911]

@@BoxCarBoy12 After 2 broken bolts, they're changing my frame. Bike rode packed and never worked well. What was causing the bolt to snap was the frame design that warped the flaps holding the bolt. In 2022, they reinforced them. I've also got the stock wheels with a shitty hub. It can only fit sunrace/sram cassettes when they provided deore shifters and derailleurs.