New Orbea Occam LT 2022 first ride review – More travel = more fun?

Two is better than one. Orbea have unveiled two brand-new bikes in just one week and two versions of the new 2022 Occam. Spanish manufacturer Orbea is on a roll, presenting yet another novelty with the updated version of their popular trail rocket, the Occam. The 2022 model will be available in two versions, the ‘classic’ 140 mm model and a more capable LT version, which offers 150 mm travel at the rear. We tested the Occam M10 LT 2022, which is the more capable downhill-oriented version.

Fancy an adventure? Just one week after unveiling their brand-new Rallon enduro rig, Orbea are launching their next trail weapon, the 2022 Occam, which will be available in two versions in the new season. With its 140 mm travel, the “normal” Occam should be the optimal companion for epic days in the saddle and exciting trail-scouting expeditions. If you’re a mean shredder who loves to ride bike parks from time to time, you should take a closer look at the LT model, which has 10 mm more travel. A few weeks back, we travelled all the way to Spain to test the Orbea Occam M10 LT 2022, which retails at € 5,399. If that’s too much (or not enough) for you, don’t worry, because the new Occam range includes several models and build kits, with prices ranging from as little as € 2,399 for the entry-level Occam H30 alloy version up to a whopping € 7,999 for the bling M-LTD flagship model.

The new Orbea Occam LT 2022 in detail

Like its predecessor, the completely-revised Occam comes either with a carbon or alloy frame (Hydro) and has big 29” wheels as well as some very clever and practical new features. The most striking one is the integrated mini tool, which has four small Allen keys, from 2–5 mm, and is cleverly integrated inside the main pivot of the rocker link. Here it’s securely held in place with magnets that prevent it from moving and rattling but also make it difficult to get out. Moreover, there’s a 6 mm Allen key hidden inside the rear thru-axle. Unfortunately, Orbea didn’t think about a T25 key, which comes in handy when you have to tighten a brake rotor or a SRAM component, so you still have to carry another mini tool on your rides. Unlike the new Rallon, the new Occam doesn’t have a storage compartment under the bottle cage, which means that you’ll have to use a hip-bag or backpack to store all your trail essentials – what a shame.

All cables are neatly routed through the frame and securely clamped at the ports. Only at the transition from the main triangle to the swingarm, the brake line and shifter cable run on the outside of the frame. However, external cabling sections feature an additional sheath to protect the frame and prevent rattling. The chainstay protector is sufficiently cushioned and extends over the entire length of the chainstay, effectively preventing chain slap and paint chips – excellent!

The spec of the new Orbea Occam 2022 and the MyO configurator

MyO stands for “My Orbea” and allows you to customise the spec and look of your bike. Using the configurator, you can pick key components such as the suspension, brakes and tires and customise the look of your new Occam choosing from countless colour schemes and decals – there’s over a million possible combinations! However, Orbea will only charge you extra for some of the components, while all available colour schemes and decals are free of charge.

Our test bike: The Orbea Occam LT 2022 M10

Our test bike retails for € 5,699 and already comes equipped with a bling FOX Factory suspension, which consists of a 36 GRIP2 fork and DHX Factory coil shock, both controlling 150 mm travel. If you order your Occam with a coil shock, you’ll be able to select the suitable spring rate directly from the configurator. Alternatively, you can spec your Occam with a FOX Float X air shock.

Shifting is taken care of by a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain with a 10–51 cassette while Shimano XT four-piston brakes with a big 200 mm rotor at the front and smaller 180 mm disc at the rear do stopping duties. However, the smaller rear rotor doesn’t live up to the potential of the LT model, overheating too quickly and resulting in a spongy and rather undefined bite point. On long descents, this can cause arm pump and fatigue. In the MyO configurator, you can also upgrade to bling Shimano XTR brakes, but the marginal weight advantages aren’t worth the extra €299 in our opinion.

All other components are supplied by RaceFace, including a robust Turbine R30 alloy wheelset and 780 mm NextR carbon handlebars. For the tires, you can choose between two different combinations: MAXXIS Minion DHF/Dissector with EXO casing and MaxxTerra rubber compound or MAXXIS ASSEGAI/Minion DHR2 with robust DH casing. Mean shredders and heavy riders should pick the latter, because the robust DH casing offers better puncture protection and more stability, allowing you to run lower pressures for more grip and performance. Unfortunately, the robust DH casing is also very heavy. We strongly recommend MAXXIS’ DoubleDown casing, which is a compromise between the flimsy EXO and heavy DH casing – but unfortunately this isn’t available in the MyO configurator at the moment – what a shame!

Orbea’s own-brand OC2 dropper post is available in three lengths with 125, 150 or 170 mm travel. For an extra € 199, you can upgrade to a FOX Transfer Factory dropper post with fancy Kashima coating. That being said, we had no issues with the stock dropper, which delivered smooth operation in combination with the Shimano remote. All in all, the M10 build-kit of the Occam LT and its configuration options are top-notch, offering great value for money and delivering a real bad-ass mini shredder at a very fair price.

All other available Occam 2022 models

Orbea also offer preconfigured build options, which can be ordered as is or customised using the MyO configurator. Carbon models are priced between € 3,699 (M30) and € 7,999 (M-LTD). In the Hydra alloy range, prices range between € 2,399 for the entry-level H30 model and € 3,399 for the H10 high-end alloy version. With some models, you can choose between a ‘normal’ 140 mm version and bulkier 150 mm LT model. The ‘normal’ Occam comes equipped with a lighter fork (i.e. FOX 34 instead of 36) and lighter tires with a shallower profile.

The geometry of the new Orbea Occam LT 2022

The new Occam is available in four sizes, S to XL, offering a suitable option for riders between 150 cm to 198 cm tall. Our test bike in size L has 474 mm reach and 627 mm stack, which make for a central and very balanced riding position and thus ensure easy handling. However, at 457 mm, the seat tube is far too long, unnecessarily restricting the freedom of movement and making it difficult to choose the frame size based on your desired reach. On the biggest XL size, for example, Orbea combine a 500 mm reach with a massive 508 mm seat tube. At 76.5°, the seat tube angle is relatively steep and makes for a rather compact pedalling position. Chainstays are 440 mm across all sizes.

The new Orbea Occam LT 2022 on the trail – our first riding impressions

The steep seat tube angle makes for an upright and rather compact pedalling position that weights the front wheel and keeps it tracking even on very steep climbs, ensuring precise and effortless steering. Despite generating good traction on the front wheel, the position puts only little pressure on your hands, making the Occam suitable for long days in the saddle and exciting tours. When sprinting out of the saddle, the bike accelerates willingly and only bobs marginally. With the shock in ‘fully open’ mode, the rear suspension generates good traction, even on technical climbs.

Going downhill, the riding position is central with the weight evenly distributed between the front and rear wheel. As a result, the Occam is intuitive and easy to control. While the agile and playful handling makes it easy to negotiate tight corners and tricky trail sections, the suspension ensures sufficient traction and good control in open corners and high-speed trail sections. As a result, the Occam LT feels extremely capable and always wants to punch above its travel numbers, encouraging you to switch into race mode – and sometimes even to feel a little overconfident!

When the going gets rough, however, the coil shock lacks progression and blows through its travel, quickly bringing you back to the real World. Although it feels like the Occam LT could swallow up any obstacle, sooner or later the 150 mm rear suspension will inevitably reach its limits. Therefore, the Occam is an excellent companion for fast and playful trail laps. Rowdy shredders with a soft-spot for steep, rough trails and bike parks as well as riders who are looking for a more capable and confidence-inspiring bike, should take a look at the bigger sibling of the Occam, the Orbea Rallon.

Conclusion

With its agile and intuitive handling, the new Orbea Occam LT 2022 is an excellent companion for fun trail laps and long tours. With its many configuration options and countless designs, the MyO configurator allows you to build a mean mini shredder with a unique look. However, the long seat tube restricts the freedom of movement and choice of sizes, limiting the fun factor of the Occam, especially on steep trails.

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Words & Photos: Peter Walker