Written by Epic Cycles staff member and brand ambassador Molly Weaver
Bike choice is a big part of any ultra race, even more so when heading into an event where the terrain is mixed and mountainous. There’s always some compromise in any bike you take as the surface transitions from the road to the rough stuff, and the balance between speed, comfort, and capability is a tricky one to strike.
The Bike
The gravel bike vs hardtail vs full sus debate is always rumbling on, but for me this one was an easy call!
Having raced the Atlas Mountain Race before I have a good insight into what we’ll be tackling under wheel, and for this edition I’ll be riding the Orbea Oiz M-Team XTR. This is a full suspension MTB, with 120mm travel front and rear, and for me it’s the perfect bike for the job.
It rides like an absolute dream, handles beautifully, and constantly reminds me that comfort is king. I know I’ll enjoy the Atlas Mountains more with some added bounce, and at the end of the day you can’t ask for much more than that! Fun is fast after all.
Frame: Orbea Oiz Carbon OMX, Fiberlink, Boost, BSA, SIC, UFO, I-line shock
Shock: Fox Float SL Factory 120mm Remote Push-lock Evol Kashima custom tune
Fork: Fox 34 Float SC Factory 120 FIT4 Remote-Adj Push to Lock Kashima
Groupset: Shimano XTR 12-Speed
Wheelset: OQUO Mountain Performance MP30TEAM Carbon
Tyres: Vittoria Mezcal 29×2.35″
I haven’t made too many changes to the original spec of the bike, but a few tweaks are needed when heading into multiple days and nights in the remote deserts of Morocco.
What I’ve added:
- Lightweight Profile TT bars
- A dynamo hub built into the front wheel – thanks to Tom at Epic for this one!
- A bottle cage adaptor to move it down and allow for more water carrying capacity
- Side loading bottle cages
What I’ve changed:
- I’ll be using alloy handlebars and seatpost in place of carbon bars and the dropper
- Swapped to Ergon GA3 grips
I’ve spent the last few months exclusively riding the Orbea Oiz, from off-road adventures to endurance rides on the road, to get really familiar with the fit and feel. This is important ahead of any significant ride, but particularly when faced with multiple days and nights of pushing the bike and body to the limit.
So far it’s been the perfect companion over every kilometre we’ve travelled together, from tarmac to trail centres, and I’m excited to see how the Oiz performs in its first ultra.