Cover » To China with my bicycle
A futuristic approach, design and performance make the new Orca a power-packed bicycle and frame in all of its assemblies. As a result of ORBEA’s experience and the user involvement in the design process, its key premises are innovation, comfort, lightness and quality.
SSN Tech (Size Specific Nerve Technology) provides 5 different solutions that adapt to power and physique development requirements for each user, whilst maintaining the specifications on a balanced and constant basis in all of its sizes.
A Toray M40J/M30S combination of just 740g pre-impregnated in the form of monocoque technology is ‘responsible’ for this. Weight/lateral strength/vertical bending stress are optimized in the quest for maximum performance: response speed, efficient pedalling and comfort.
The new Orca has won everyone over since its revamp: it has been awarded the Eurobike Award at its worldwide launch at the Friedichshafen 2006 Trade Fair. Excellent handling and stability, immediate response and the maximum downhill safety are the initial impressions perceived by all those who have ridden it, including professionals and recreational users.
Harmonious aerodynamics for an ultra-light frame. Testing in wind tunnels, stress trials on the cycle track, computer simulation, finite element analysis (FEA), repeated endurance tests, trials and interviews with users, professionals and enthusiasts of this sport - all to produce the finest bicycle on the market: ORDU, the fastest bike.
This has been achieved through the application of SSN (Size Specific Nerve) technology: 4 frames, 4 solutions. Each frame is individually designed, analysed and fine-tuned. The result is 4 fully-balanced frames that are compensated in weight/features for each user. Their mechanical properties are ideal, reaching optimum K/MCx ratio readings (rigidity/weight*aerodynamic coefficient).
Monocoque manufacturing technology and M30 carbon fibre ensure an excellent useful life and maximum performance on the road.
Is it because of its perfect balance between lightness and rigidity, or its “4 Points Triangle”, or its shape defined over years of accumulated experience, or is it love at the first glimpse of its spectacular and elegant lines…?
This was a hard question to answer for the engineers responsible for developing this frame. Yet we have not rested on our laurels. Whilst our great Absalon was notching up the most prestigious victories in the XC World Cup, we have continued to develop the “Alma”.
We have adjusted the structure, improved the details, proposed new designs, new assemblies, etc., all with a view to providing the best ride that is identical to the one used by the ‘ET’ of the MTB.
Copyright ORBEA 2008
