The Orbea Orca M30 is a stupendous bike. It’s at the top end of the mid-range and our impressions are overall more than positive.
The Orbea Orca M30 has arrived with a brand-new frame, so the new version is even slimmer and more aggressive than the previous one. The Basque company is not messing around because of the collaboration they have established with the pro team Cofidis.
The old carbon frame has been trimmed down to get a new light, responsive, and lively basis for this great bike.
The Orbea Orca M30 is a serious and an incredibly fast road bike that is intended for cycling enthusiasts who want to improve their personal records and build their fitness up to a completely new level. The Orca M30 has many positive sides but some downsides you should consider as well. So, keep reading to find out more!
Orbea Orca M30 Key Specifications
The Orbea Orca M30 is not short of spectacular in any regard. It’s got chrome all over the place and reliable and efficient mid-range components. So, let’s see exactly what’s been fitted on it and whether it sparks your imagination.
| Number of Gears | 22 |
| Frame Material | Carbon |
| Suspension | No suspension |
| Brakes | Shimano 7070 Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Quality Classes | Shimano 105 R7000 |
Now that we know the basics, let’s create a breakdown of the main features of the Orbea Orca M30 and see what’s good about it and what could be even better.
Orbea Orca M30 Main Features
If you are a rider who has absolutely fallen in love and you’re looking to upgrade from your entry-level aluminum bike or get a better mid-range road bike, the Orbea Orca M30 definitely has some features that will trigger your interest. Let’s see what those are.
Frame and Fork
The frame that the Orbea Orca M30 is built around is extremely lightweight, stiff, and durable. The weight of this frame is far under the 1kg (2.2 lbs) mark, which makes the whole bike very light. It’s got internal cable routing and it is EC/DC compatible and power meter compatible. Moreover, the frame comes in two colors, black-red and orange, both of which are really attractive and look inviting to ride.
The fork is a full carbon steerer with a standard narrow blade design which is not only light but very aerodynamic as well. All of this together means that you will be able to go fast both uphill and downhill!
Drivetrain
Both the crankset and the cassette are part of the Shimano 105 R7000 groupset. This makes them very durable and precise, so you will be able to ride thousands of miles before you need to replace them. The gear ration is a standard roadie 2×11, with an 11-28T range of cogs on the back and two big 50/34T rings on the crank. That’s a pretty traditional road bike approach that will definitely make you work your legs and go fast.
Components
As is the case with most mid-range road bikes, the choice of components for the Orbea Orca M30 is a tried and tested Shimano 105 R7000 groupset. Bike components do not come much better when it comes to the price-value ratio than the Shimano 105. Both shifters should work great and change gears quickly and precisely which will be important when you need it the most when you’re trying to beat a challenging KOM or your own route record.
Brakes and Saddle
A fast bike with aggressive geometry and aerodynamic features like the Orbea Orca M30 needs good stopping power as well. The Shimano 105 R7070 hydraulic disc brakes are in charge of providing it and they’re doing a great job.
Learn More: Brake Types Explained
You’ll have plenty of confidence on the steepest of downhills with these brakes and you’ll have to do minimal adjustments over time to keep them in good working order.
The standard Saddle on the Orbea Orca M30 is a Fizik Aliante R5. It’s a good and responsive saddle that is pretty suitable for a fast road bike. However, depending on your bone structure, you might or might not find its width comfortable, so this is a thing to consider.
Related: Best Bike Seats
Tires
The tires that the Orbea Orca M30 wears are the Vittoria Zaffiro 28mm tires.
That’s an upgrade from the previous models, as the 2019 model used to come with Vittoria Rubino 23mm tires According to many reviews, these tires were weak and prone to punctures. Thankfully the Zaffiro 28mm tires seem to be more durable and puncture-resistant.
Read Also:
Orbea Orca M30 Considerations
The Orbea Orca M30 is a stupendous bike. It’s a high-end of the mid-range and our impressions are overall very positive.
So, if you’ve made up your mind that your entry-level road bike is not going to cut it anymore and you need a bike that will allow you to easily keep up with the group you’re riding, the Orbea Orca M30 will be a good companion to you.
The carbon frame will transfer the watts you put out more efficiently to the wheels and its great looks will motivate you to ride more.
Personally, we dig the orange model more, but you definitely won’t go wrong with the black and red combo either!
The bike seems a little heavy. I’m looking at the 2022 orca m30 and it is reported at weighing over 9kg? Is this correct?
That seems to be the case, Mike. The high weight is mostly due to hydraulic disc brakes and entry-level wheels and tires. You could save around 1 kg with lightweight carbon wheels and higher-end tires and tubes. Cheers.
I bought a 2017 Orca M30 in 2018 for £1,300. The reviews were pretty much similar in that they loved the bike but were wary about the wheels and tyres Wheels were Vision Team 30 comp shod with 23mm Vittoria Rubino tyres. I never have had a problem with these but decided to up-grade fitting 23mm Vittorio G+ Corsa Clinchers. I am also up-grading the wheels to Vision Trimax 45 Carbon Clinchers. I think the up-grades are well worthwhile on a frame of this quality but I admit my choice is with consideration to a tight budget and the fact both the tyres and wheels are on fantastic offers in the UK at the moment. Tyres costing £60 the pair,the wheelset £420.
Notwithstanding the up-grades, which I would love to get informed feedback on, this bike is fantastic at the price and I have never had any problems with the original spec. An out an out quality racer; love it but don’t expect compromise for comfort.
Hi John, I agree with you. For the money, Orbea Orca M30 is a steal. Wheels and tires are the best upgrades you can make on any bike, and the first ones you should usually make, so you did well. I don’t think you made some massive weight savings with your choice, even though Vision Trimax is carbon, but I’m sure you can feel the difference in handling, acceleration, and feel on your rides. Have fun!