TERRA VISION

Here’s why Orbea’s new Terra multi-terrain machine will tick the boxes for adventurers, explorers and true gravel riders

Since Orbea launched the Terra in 2017, the gravel scene has evolved at an unstoppable speed. As a result, the celebrated Basque brand has designed a lightweight and customisable new model that’ll thrill gravel fans: a sporty bike that’s capable and comfortable on asphalt but still reactive, efficient and easy to ride on gravel. And all this without sacrificing the fun that comes from riding at speed. Here are six reasons you need the Terra in your riding life in 2023…

01. A WHOLE NEW DESIGN

Orbea’s motto for the launch of the Terra was ‘Gravel from the Ground Up’. It’s a project that started with a blank slate in terms of materials, geometry and components in order to come up with a bike that brought fun and capability.

The 2023 Terra’s design aims were to satisfy three types of cyclists: the true gravel rider, who relishes long days in the saddle and wants speed, comfort and efficiency no matter what surface needs to be traversed. Then there’s the explorer, who loves to get lost looking for new paths and backroads. And finally, the adventurer, who seeks out long routes while bikepacking or searching for offgrid routes away from well-worn trails.

02. HUGE ADAPTABILITY

The Terra can be completely customised for different terrain. Proof of its capacity is the ability to mount 700c wheels with tyres as wide as 45mm when you want speed and efficiency on bumpy roads. Or 650B wheels with tyres of up to 50mm if you demand durability, traction and extreme comfort, particularly recommended for light bikepacking.

In contrast to most gravel bikes, the Terra’s frame allows a wide range of brackets and tyres without sacrificing wheel arch. Its design, with asymmetrical chainstays, means you can choose the tooth configuration you want for a 1X or 2X drivetrain, where the small chainring can have a diameter as large as 34T.

03. TOP-LEVEL COMFORT

The gravel discipline means that today you’re riding on the road and trails, and tomorrow on dirt and gravel. It’s essential that your bike needs to be comfortable and provide the control you need in any of these situations. To pull this off, Orbea has meticulously adjusted the rigidity of the frame to maximise the rider’s comfort, regardless of the terrain that lies ahead. Its shorter seat-tube at a more relaxed angle allows an adequate flex of the 27.2mm seatpost.

The amount of material in the seat tube and bottom bracket has also been adjusted to provide just the right amount of rigidity. The Terra even boasts a specific, longer fork that helps absorb impacts and vibrations from a wide variety of terrain.

04. GRAVEL GEOMETRY

From this blank slate comes an entirely revamped geometry, making the bike longer and taller, and giving the rider an optimal position of precision and control in all six sizes that it comes in (XS to XXL).

The shortened 420mm chainstays optimise agility and acceleration, while the lowered 78mm height of the bottom bracket allows for greater stability and control on fast, uneven terrain. To make it more manageable, the new Terra has a longer reach, combined with shorter stems and an optimised head angle, resulting in a specific trail length for each size.

05. STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Lockr is what Orbea calls the storage space designed for the new Terra. A port in the frame lets you store a spare tube, pump, CO2 cartridge or tools. In addition to space for two bottle holders on all sizes, the frame has a wealth of anchoring points to meet your every demand: under the diagonal tube for accessories and on the through axles for any kind of fenders, ensuring a wheel arch of up to 35mm.

The wiring is another attentiongrabbing characteristic in the form of a clean, attractive and quiet solution that’s perfectly compatible with carrying bags on the frame or handlebars for light bikepacking adventures.

06. PEAK PERSONALISATION

Orbea’s meticulously thought-out personalisation is unrivalled. The Terra range has seven carbon models starting at £1,999 in three different base colours, and then there’s your choice of: a single chainring or double chainrings; electronic or mechanical drivetrains, Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo components; Vittoria or Pirelli tyres; ergonomic adjustments; and handlebars with a flare of either 12 or 16°. You won’t find such a variety in any other gravel bike. For more details, visit orbea.com.