Orbea Oiz M20

Orbea Oiz M20 – Carbon XC full-suspension bike with upgraded components

You can really tell just by looking at the Orbea Oiz that the developers had fun making this incredibly precise cross-country full-suspension bike even better. The Oiz kicks off the new season with a completely redesigned frame, without losing any of its DNA: efficient power transfer, low weight, precise control and a suspension system that literally lets you fly uphill whilst still offering astonishing reserves of power on the descents. One obvious innovation: the rear shock is now integrated into the top tube, giving the design an even more elegant and streamlined look. Cleverly placed reinforcements around the seat tube provide targeted stiffness. The top-of-the-range model in the series breaks the magical 10-kilo mark for full-suspension bikes! The suspension is generally designed for 120 millimetres of travel, but can also accommodate a 130-millimetre fork – which extends the Oiz’s range of use into the downcountry sector. The suspension’s response supports an aggressive XC riding style: firm at the start for efficient pedalling, supple in the mid-range, and progressive at the end to prevent bottoming out.

The M20 version of the Oiz is fitted with an outstanding Fox Factory suspension fork. Thanks to the gold-coloured Kashima coating, the suspension components respond with exceptional sensitivity. In typical Fox fashion, the suspension characteristics can be finely tuned to suit any riding style; furthermore, with a stanchion diameter of 34 millimetres, the fork ensures confident control on any terrain. Further upgrades compared to the Oiz M30 include a Shimano XT 12-speed groupset and a set of lightweight Oquo Mountain Performance wheels, fitted with high-grip Maxxis Rekon Race tyres in a 2.40-inch width. As always, Orbea completes the bikes with its own in-house OC components, which are precisely tailored to each model. Just look at the organically shaped handlebar/stem combination, or the reliable telescopic seatpost.

World Cup-proven carbon frames

Orbea carbon frames have long been among the best on the market. The Oiz is available exclusively with a carbon frame, either in OMR quality or as the high-end OMX variant. The M20 features the OMR carbon, which is slightly less labour-intensive to manufacture than the OMX variant. All in all, this results in a weight difference of around 160 to 180 grams. However, the sporty geometry is identical on both versions. The well-thought-out frame design allows for the fitting of two bottle cages, which can be crucial on long rides.