Orbea Occam TR 2016 - Enve, SRAM, Race Face, Maxxis 18

I can do a REALLY Long Term review, lol. I usually turn bikes pretty quickly but I really like this one. On my third set of tires, finally settled on Minion DHF 2.3 and Minion SS 2.3 rear for the desert. SBRDUDE1 has it nailed in every comment pretty much. It's on the fast end of the 120mm trail bike segment, meaning it can double as an XC machine with a tire switch or be your fun, lighter and stiffer than expected trail bike the rest of the time. Of course your results may vary based on terrain, but I've been happy in the deserts of UT and only wish for more when the trail gets really chunky and fast. I rode it last year for a week at Winterpark and ended up breaking my fork damper and damaging a rim, so I confirmed what I suspected: It's not a Park Slayer, Lol but it's good enough that I actually tried. =)

Hey guys - How about a long term review?

Well I have about 3200 miles on my Occam TR and I have to say that I'm very pleased. It closely compares to the Ibis Ripley LS but a little bit more plush in the back while being stiffer in turns and a bit snappier on the acceleration. I'm currently at 245lbs riding weight and it still holds me up just fine. I currently have the new Rallon on order in black and white that will be my AM rig and this model will be my XC/Trail whip. If you're looking for a capable bike with a solid warranty I'd give this one strong consideration. Hopefully this answers some of your questions. If you have any more feel free to ask.

So far I've been extremely happy with mine and running a 130mm fork was much better than the 120mm. I think the only main difference is that yours is a large while mine is an XL.

Hey there! Yeah, the Pike on mine is 130mm so it's probably similar. I just rode it yesterday for the first time and it feels like I have some volume spacer homework to do, both front and rear, but I won't be sure for another few rides especially since it was my first proper MTB ride in a few months. Ended up flipping the stem for higher bars but other than that it felt good!

I went RS instead of Fox because I already had the Pike and I wanted to give the Debonair a try.

Fair enough. I've spent some time on RS equipped rigs and the new dampers are pretty awesome. I like the wheels and would have gone M60 for mine but couldn't justify the price considering that my rims are still fine after over 3000 miles of abuse and weight almost the same as the M50. I eventually plan on getting a second wheel set for the nastier rides. I was thinking about the Roval Fattie SL when I have the funds.

Why did you go with Rockshox and not Fox for the squish?

Hi JMHV - Your bike looks great, have you had a chance to ride it properly yet, if so, what are your impressions of this bike, I am considering a new bike in the new year and am stuck between the Occam and a Transition Smuggler, although I think the Occam would be slightly better suited to my local riding.

It's funny you mention the Struggler because it's one of my favorite bikes. The spec, price, geometry and suspension are all dialed, but it's a different beast. And when I say beast it's a beast. The weight and the plusher suspension are perfect for rougher terrain, If you want a super-capable bike I think that's the one. If you want something quite a bit lighter, the Occam is going to be racier and more efficient. I built mine with a more "trail" spec than what comes standard, with wider riser bar, shorter stem, bigger tires. I actually have 2.3 Minion and Minion SS on there now because they're not any heavier than the Highrollers. Feel free to mssg. me if you want more details.

53735 - I built it up as a frame, I wanted to try the Monarch Debonair and I already owned the Pike, so that was the path of least resistance. It also meant I only had to Boost my rear wheel since the Pike is 100mm x 15mm. FWIW during the install of the rear shock I noted the mount allows about a degree of float to allow some deflection without binding. I haven't ridden THIS bike yet, but I have ridden the Occam and, like you, I didn't feel anything weird, just a great, playful damper feel. I am pretty excited!

JMHV - Was this a custom build or a new component spec for the Limited? I loved the glossy Orange, but these pics have me rethinking the matte blue. Very nice indeed.

I just demoed an XL in their TR Limited build, but with heavy DT Swiss X1700 wheels. Bike weighed in at 28.33 lbs with XTR pedals. Bike was surprisingly light and playful and IMHO more slanted toward XC but capable of Trail. More than 3 lbs could easily be shaved off the rig that I rode, which jives with the weights of the bike above. That's pretty darn light. I'm just not sure about the rear stays not having a bridge to help reduce binding on the shock. Glad to say that I didn't feel any wierdness in the rear. Dying to demo it again but with a lighter wheelset.

I can verify that with lighter tires and wheels this bike can delve into the XC weight rigs but still handle the chunk. I have 2 sets of wheels for my rig, a custom XC race setup from www.light-bicycle.com (1420g) and a set of Roval Sl Fatties (1570g). My weight with decent Schwalbe rubber is 26.2lbs.

I expected lighter, but then again it has real tires and a dropper.

That too bad Leo, I've felt that disappointment before too. It's risky to invest in a bike without riding it first. You probably noticed though that the 2016 Occam was completely redesigned with different geo and suspension than the one you had, and after testing a few I really like the feel of the changes. This bike is going to be great for me. Too soon to know if it will be up there near "best bike ever" but I should know in a few months. =)

In my experience, the worst bike i ever owned, I'm talking about occam 29er 2015. As soon as i rode it i knew was a mistake. Riding previously a giant anthem and trek remedy and Scott spark this one was disappointed. Lost a lot of money in couple months...

Bike of the Day November 12, 2015!

So dope!