Orbea Alma carbon 29er not coming out anytime soon?
February 10th, 2006 by Tim GrahlI posted a press release out of Orbea last week about the Alma carbon 29er that’s due out in the spring.
However, my source with Orbea is saying there’s no way it’s gonna happen. The 26 inch version of the Alma isn’t even ready yet and, although there’ll be one at Sea Otter, the 29 inch version won’t be around until the 2007 line at the absolute earliest.
What bugs me the most is that if this is true and Orbea knows it, then they’re just playin’ me and everyone else just to get the internet chatter going.
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If they just want to throw in that teaser, it’s a stupid one. Tease marketing works in some cases, but not this one. If the hype created skyrockets the demand for a carbon hardtail, yes, everyone will be ready to buy one when it’s here, but what if they wait so long that they’re beaten to it by Trek, Giant or another brand?
Then Orbea created a market for others by showing their commitment. Like giving away market share. And no share is as valuable as market share…
Cloxxki: I agree, this is not going to play well for Orbea. By the time they get around to it, several other manufacturers are going to be in the game and Orbea’s potential will have been wasted!
On-One’s scandium hardtail is one that will take a huge bite out of the pie, as an example.
Trek is asleep at the wheel! They make a carbon TT frame for Lance that’ll only be seen underneath pro sponsored athlete’s and they won’t make an OCLV hardtail 29″er which wouldn’t sell in huge numbers, but I’d bet twice as many as that TT bike!
I’m saddened by this news about Orbea! Such a beautiful frame, and by the time it comes out- if ever- it’ll be old news.
Orbea was never in this for the money of course. The cancelled the XL size which is a very good seller over the whole market.
A big bike sold in small sizes.
I don’t think this is a marketing tease, because the alma is ready. I know through a very reliable source that the luna chics have already recieved their almas and they are just in short supply state side because of it’s popularity in Europe. I just think it’s all in due time and what’s wrong with a little hype?
Hello,
I’m in France and i know of several people who received the 26 alma they bought.
I will try to get some inside news on this.
Isn’t there aluminum frame at 1600 grams plenty light? You really think another 150 grams is that big of a deal? I’m not really a fan of that much carbon on a mtn bike anyways. I say give em a break and just skip lunch if you really need to lose another 150 grams or so…