Orbea has stripped it of some (though not all) of the aero bells and whistles the previous Orca had, instead choosing to prioritise light weight, handling and responsiveness.

It marks a contrast to the current trend of developing road racing bikes to combine aerodynamic efficiency with lightweight performance.

The 2022 Tour de France contained 23 climbs categorised as second category or above – with six HC ascents and summit finishes. There were also 16 category-three and 22 category-four ascents.

Maria Victory

While the new Orca has been the subject of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modelling and wind tunnel testing, Orbea’s road product manager Joseba Arizaga claims aero features were only built in if they didn’t negatively affect ride quality.

A horse for the course

• Price: £11,999/$11,599/€10,999
• Frame: Orca OMX
• Fork: Orca OMX
• Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200
• Power meter: Yes
• Wheels: Oquo RP 35 LTD
• Seatpost: OC carbon, 27.2mm
• Customizable: Yes

The Orca comes in two-frame specifications. The top-tier OMX frame uses high-modulus Toray T1100 carbon to help it hit its claimed 750g weight (in a size 53), while retaining the stiffness the brand’s pro riders will need.

The previous Orca OMX frame weighed a claimed 830g in a size 53, representing an 80g saving.

This weight incorporates its lacquer coating, paint and hardware (including seatpost clamp assembly and hanger), while the OMX fork is said to weigh 360g with an uncut steerer.

The OMR-spec frame weighs 1,040g, including paint and hardware, utilising ‘intermediate modulus’ Toray T800 carbon that’s said to improve compliance and comfort.

Orbea says it retains the same stiffness-to-weight ratio as its lighter sibling, albeit at a heavier overall weight.

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All the teams are on their brands’ top-tier groupset, with the exception of Team Coop-Hitec Products, who appear to be riding Shimano Ultegra. As we pointed out in our Shimano Ultegra review, it’s not much of a sacrifice because the internals are the same, Ultegra just weighs a little more.

The Tazer employs the brand’s signature JS Tuned suspension system, which uses two short, counter-rotating links. 

Maria Victory

The new bike is Intense’s first aluminium bike in six years. The American brand says it harks back to its roots, with the hydroformed 6061 T6 alloy frameset bringing the durability and aesthetics of its original bikes to the Tazer Alloy.

Intense Tazer Alloy Expert

• Fork: DVO Diamond E3, 160mm
• Shock: DVO Topaz E3 Air
• Motor: Shimano EP600
• Battery: Shimano Steps 504Wh
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore
• Brakes: TRP HD-M843 Trail EVO
• Wheels: WTB ST I30 TCS 29in (front), WTB ST I35 TCS 27.5in (rear)
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.6in (front), Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.8in (rear)
• Price: £4,499/$6,499/€4,999

Safety features include a GPS tracker, available through the Ultima app, and the Neutral gear setting that locks the cranks when the bike is stationary.

Intense says the new Tazer Alloy shares a similar geometry to the carbon-fibre framed bike, with head angles remaining similar around the 64-degree mark.

There are subtle geometry differences between the models, with the Tazer Alloy Pro featuring a 64.6-degree head angle and the Expert a 64.8-degree head angle for a large-sized frame.

Reach measurements appear up-to-date, with the Pro 465mm and the Expert slightly longer at 467mm. Chainstay lengths remain the same across the models and sizes at 450mm.

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