As we hinted at in our earlier European News And Rumors post, Orbea is introducing an updated Alma 29″er soon. Orbea is the brand that brought monocoque carbon frames to the 29″er category and is ready for an encore that includes 2 colors and 3 sizes for the updated version. We were forwarded a rendering of the general look of the bike shown below. Exact details will not be released until later.
This rendering appears to be overlaid on an image of a current Alma 29″er. We can’t really make out much for details for certain, but we expect many of the same bullet points to show up here as they do on the Alma World Cup 26″er. The semi-integrated head set-full 1 1/8th steer tube, Direct Route cable routing, and the signature “fender” molded into the down tube.
Word is that this bike will debut at the Mellow Johnny’s Classic May 29th with Georgia Gould of Luna Chix possibly using it in the race that weekend. A full presentation of the bike will be given then which will reveal the new Alma’s details. Stay tuned for any further updates.
Any idea why Orbea, among other company’s, don’t make a 29er frame in size small? So far I’ve only found Fisher and Salsa.
Standard answer always applies. “Lack of demand”.
The article say 3 sizes. Small, medium, large.
Before this one, the one size has been there for more than a half decade, I think.
To be fair, monocock construction doesn’t make it easy to keep production costs in check.
@ Sean-
On-One and Niner both make pretty well-sorted small geometries. Giant, Ventana, and Turner make small also. I’m sure there are many more. Your local shops may not think 29ers work for smaller people but I do, all 5″8″ of me.
HArd to leave out Fisher, whose S Superflies are being ridden to Worlds podiums by XS riders.
3 frame sizes! Fantstic! Now more have access to what is a superb frame. I’m glad they have kept the big downtube as its stiff and works great as a fender. And more fork clearance with that ugly extension. A good thing. Now let’s hope they have designed in some tyre clearance at the chainstays as that is the current models biggest failing…
LOL – ‘monocock’