The Orbea Alma 2025 is a cross-country (XC) hardtail mountain bike designed for riders who prefer a lightweight and efficient ride. This bike has received some updates that make it more comfortable and capable on different terrains. In this review, I will go over the frame, geometry, components, ride quality, and overall experience.
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Frame and Design
The frame of the Orbea Alma 2025 is made from advanced carbon fiber, keeping it lightweight while maintaining strength. The frame weighs about 1,080 grams for a medium size with paint, making it one of the lightest in its category. Carbon fiber is used because it provides stiffness while also dampening some vibrations. This helps the rider feel less fatigue during long rides.
One of the main features of this bike is Orbea’s X-Fader technology. This design allows the seat tube to flex slightly, absorbing some of the bumps and vibrations from the trail. Hardtail bikes typically do not have rear suspension, so this small amount of flex makes a difference in comfort.
The frame has modern internal cable routing. This means the brake and shifter cables are routed inside the frame, giving the bike a clean look. It also helps protect the cables from dirt and damage. The Alma 2025 also supports both mechanical and electronic shifting systems, giving riders more options.
Geometry and Handling
The Alma 2025 has updated geometry to keep up with modern XC trends. The head tube angle is 67 degrees, which makes the bike stable on descents while keeping it agile for technical climbs. The seat tube angle is 75.5 degrees, placing the rider in an efficient pedaling position.
The reach has been slightly increased compared to previous versions. This allows for a more aggressive riding position without feeling cramped. The chainstays are kept short, which helps with quick acceleration. These changes make the bike feel balanced, whether climbing steep sections or riding fast on open trails.
Suspension and Compliance
The Orbea Alma 2025 is a hardtail, meaning it does not have rear suspension. Instead, it uses a front suspension fork to absorb impacts. Most models of the Alma 2025 come with a 110mm suspension fork, which provides enough travel to handle rough trails without adding too much weight.
Because this bike is designed for cross-country racing, the suspension is tuned to be efficient rather than overly soft. Riders who want even more efficiency can use a fork lockout feature. This makes the fork rigid, helping with pedaling efficiency on smooth trails and climbs.
Components and Build Options
Orbea offers different build options for the Alma 2025, depending on the rider’s budget and preferences. Higher-end models come with Shimano or SRAM electronic shifting systems, while more affordable versions use mechanical drivetrains. The bike is designed to work with both 1x and 2x drivetrains, though most XC riders prefer 1x setups for simplicity.
The wheels on the Alma 2025 are 29 inches, which is standard for modern XC bikes. These larger wheels roll over obstacles more easily and provide better momentum on long rides. The frame can fit tires up to 2.4 inches wide, allowing riders to choose between faster, narrow tires or wider ones for extra grip and comfort.
The cockpit (handlebars and stem) is integrated into some models, reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. However, this also means less adjustability compared to traditional setups. Some riders may prefer a separate handlebar and stem for easier customization.
Braking and Control
Braking performance on the Alma 2025 depends on the build option, but most models use Shimano or SRAM hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes provide strong stopping power and work well in wet or muddy conditions.
The bike is also compatible with dropper seatposts, which can be useful for riders who want more control on descents. A dropper post allows the rider to lower the saddle with the push of a button, making it easier to shift weight backward when riding downhill.
Ride Quality and Performance
The Orbea Alma 2025 is built for speed and efficiency. The lightweight frame, stiff carbon fiber construction, and efficient geometry make it a great choice for XC racing and fast trail rides. The ride feels responsive, meaning that when you pedal hard, the bike moves forward quickly without wasting energy.
On climbs, the bike feels efficient and easy to control. The steep seat tube angle helps keep weight forward, improving traction. The short chainstays make acceleration quick, which is helpful when navigating technical sections.
On descents, the 67-degree head tube angle provides stability, but since this is a hardtail, it requires more skill to handle rough terrain compared to a full-suspension bike. The X-Fader seat tube helps absorb some of the vibrations, but riders will still feel bumps more than they would on a full-suspension bike.
Who Is This Bike For?
The Orbea Alma 2025 is best suited for riders who want a fast and lightweight XC bike. It is ideal for racers or riders who enjoy covering long distances efficiently. If you prefer smooth trails and prioritize climbing speed over downhill comfort, this bike is a good choice.
However, if you ride very rough trails or prefer more comfort, a full-suspension XC bike might be a better fit. Hardtails like the Alma 2025 require good bike-handling skills, especially on technical descents.
Final Thoughts
The Orbea Alma 2025 brings modern updates to a classic XC hardtail design. It is lightweight, efficient, and built for speed. The X-Fader technology adds some extra comfort, and the updated geometry keeps the bike stable yet agile. Riders looking for a high-performance hardtail for racing or long-distance XC rides will appreciate what this bike offers.
Overall, the Alma 2025 is a well-balanced bike that delivers strong performance without unnecessary complexity. It is a great option for riders who want a simple, fast, and efficient machine for cross-country riding.