Orbea introduces carbon 29er
April 7th, 2006 by Tim GrahlOrbea was one of many companies with new gear at Sea Otter, finally introducing the carbon fiber Alma 29er hardtail frame to the public.
The new Alma 29er is almost certainly the lightest big wheeled frame currently available with a weight of approximately 1300g for a medium size. As with the 26” version, the bonded carbon fiber 29er frame uses in-molded rear dropouts and a unique four-point rear triangle that is said to offer a noticeable level of vertical compliance while retaining maximum drivetrain efficiency. The massive down tube combats lateral and torsional flex and also acts as a pseudo-fender.
Mud clearance with a 2.2” wide Bontrager tire seemed quite adequate, and Orbea claims the chainstays are also quite short for a 29er frame (unfortunately, I was not able to verify the measurement). Early versions showed up with removable studs for rim brakes, but later versions are said to be arriving disc-only for a cleaner look.
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I’m thinking that the rear DOESN”T provide adiquate clearance with those tires. The picture looks like it’s tight and I know with my aluminum Orbea it’s tight. I wonder?
Also a big ol bummer about no brake bosses in the rear. Now that I’ve critized the bike I think I want one:)
The pictures on cyclingnews.com show plenty of clearance with XR Bontragers mounted which are the biggest 29′er casing out there right now.
The real problem with the Alma 29″er is that the entire first production run of size large only has been pre-sold! Next size runs in medium and XL are already getting pre-ordered. You’ll be lining up for an event in ‘07 at the earliest by the time you get aboard one of these.
I’m one of the lucky 100…I guess…was under the impression that the first run were mediums, not the large as reported above. Does anyone have a top tube measurement? I’m 5′9 and ride a size18 26in bike.
This will be a nice bike. I built an alum Orbea 29er this past Spring at 1600 grams(frame) for a Large. Used all custom components and the weight is about 22 lbs. Super quick and responsive. I love the way it goes up hill. Current tires are Bontrager 1.85(Salsa tubes) but have other pairs depending on weather. Hubs are DT Swiss Hugi with Velocity rims. Orbea was great to work with on this project.
1ST TED:
I enjoy reading your post on here but i disagree with you on the photo’s of the rear tire clearance(repectfully of course) In the photos the front to rear clearance is great just like a alum Orbea but the side to side still looks close. I run Jones on my aluminum Orbea and the tire rubs the frame under flex ALOT. (Frame flexes mostly on steep grade climbs)
I’m still in serch of an aggresive tread pattern that isn’t a 2.+” in a 29″ size. That could solve my issues.
Update: this year’s Alma 29er will be medium/18in, not the large reported above, large to follow next year. Lord of the little ring, care to share that buildsheet (22lb 29er)?
Love to see this bike have sliding drops for the mack daddy single speed !!!!!!