Orbea Occam TR H10
The Occam TR
is a trail bike that clearly shares some of its DNA with XC bikes, making it an ideal partner for long days in the saddle when crossing ground is as important as tackling the descents. Its suspension remains active while pedalling (thanks to a rear pivot that’s concentric with the wheel axle) yet still provides a relatively stable platform that doesn’t wallow under power. This allows you to put the watts down on flatter rough trails, while also boosting traction on technical climbs. The Occam rolls fast on its 29in wheels and non-draggy tyres.
On less technical terrain, the relatively linear rear suspension lets the bike use its travel to the maximum. This can lull you into a false sense of security, should you wish to hit faster, bigger lines. Here, we’d definitely want to add a volume spacer or two to the shock to provide more ramp-up at the end of the stroke. You also start to find the limits of the Fox 34 fork at these higher speeds – there’s a bit too much foreaft chassis twang for those wanting a bike that sits at the more aggressive end of the trail bike spectrum.
Orbea haven’t gone crazy with the geometry of the Occam. Its 67.5-degree head angle and 74-degree seat angle sit it somewhere between a traditional XC bike and some of the more descent-focused trail bikes here. While the 450mm reach on the large size is fairly conservative, the 33mm BB drop is more contemporary.
The result is a bike that feels comfortable straight away, with few quirks to get used to, in terms of handling. While the stock TR H10 comes in at £2,799, Orbea’s online shop allows a degree of customisation, with the bike being sent to your local dealer for the final build. This allows you to change elements of the spec to suit your riding style and pocket. Ours came with top-end ‘Factory’ Fox dampers and upgraded DT Swiss wheels.
It’s fair to say that the Occam sits at the more XC end of the trail bike spectrum, but if you’re looking for an engaging, fun bike to ride all day long, then it’s a great partner.