Raising the Bar for XC and Marathon Performance

Improving a bike that already leads the market is no easy task, yet Orbea has achieved exactly that with the all-new Oiz. By rethinking every aspect of the bike from the ground up, the brand has created what may be the fastest and most capable full-suspension XC and Marathon bike available today.

The latest Oiz represents a complete evolution of Orbea’s world-beating race platform, combining outstanding efficiency, increased capability and outstanding durability to meet the demands of modern cross-country racing.

The profile of the XC or marathon rider has changed significantly in recent years. Today’s riders are more focused than ever on performance while looking to tackle increasingly technical terrain. Whether riding for fun or competing in local events, marathon races or at the highest level of World Cup competition, riders are demanding a bike that maximizes every watt of effort.

Since its introduction in 2005, the Orbea Oiz has consistently set benchmarks within the XC category. Across multiple generations, it has introduced innovative technologies such as flexing chainstays, the Squidlock control system and Orbea’s patented I-Line technology. Each advancement has helped establish the Oiz as one of the most respected and decorated bikes in its class.

With the latest generation, Orbea has refined every key aspect of the platform to deliver the most advanced Oiz yet.

Targeted Stiffness for Maximum Efficiency

The newOiz is the result of one of the most ambitious development programmes in Orbea’s recent history. Over three years of engineering and testing were dedicated to creating an entirely new frame designed to improve performance in every area.

A major focus was increasing frame stiffness without adding weight – and not just a marginal improvement.  Independent tests have show a remarkable 35% increase in stiffness, which translates directly into a noticeable increase in responsiveness, climbing ability and pedalling efficiency.  Using advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Orbea’s engineers meticulously evaluated every tube profile, junction and structural component to optimise the bike’s performance before it ever reached the trail.

The manufacturing process has also been refined, with a redesigned bottom bracket area, which is now lighter while maintaining exceptional strength and rigidity through improved bonding techniques and refined carbon layup methods.

One of the most notable changes is the new suspension linkage. Smaller in size yet significantly stiffer than before, it now uses forged aluminium construction with strategically placed internal cut-outs, reducing weight by 30% compared to the previous design. A newly developed bridge further reinforces the seatstays, helping maintain precise rear-end alignment under load.

Frame shapes have also been refined to improve carbon compaction and reduce excess resin usage, enhancing the overall stiffness-to-weight ratio. A distinctive winged top tube contributes additional structural rigidity, while carefully engineered chainstays and seatstays maximize torsional stiffness without unnecessary weight gain.

At the core of the frame is Orbea’s Powerspine design, running from the head tube to the bottom bracket. This structure optimizes power transfer during explosive efforts such as sprints and accelerations, ensuring rider input is translated directly into forward momentum.

The result is a bike that climbs more efficiently, corners with greater precision and descends with increased confidence. Reduced frame flex also allows the suspension to operate more effectively, improving traction, control and impact absorption on demanding terrain.

Race-Tuned Suspension

The new Orbea Oiz remains firmly positioned as a modern 120 mm XC platform, delivering 120 mm of travel front and rear. Riders seeking additional capability can also opt for a 130 mm fork configuration.

Orbea has retained the Oiz’s proven regressive suspension kinematics, which prioritise support early in the travel. This design reduces unwanted suspension movement during pedalling, improving efficiency while maintaining excellent traction and comfort.

A compact-volume rear shock provides controlled progression through the travel, helping prevent harsh bottom-outs while delivering a smooth and predictable ride feel. The result is a suspension system that balances race-ready efficiency with impressive trail capability.

The Oiz’s Chainstay length has been slightly reduced from 432 mm to 430 mm, increasing responsiveness and acceleration. A steeper seat tube angle positions riders further forward, improving climbing efficiency and front-wheel traction, while the head angle has been relaxed slightly from 67° to 66.8°, delivering greater stability and confidence at speed.

Orbea’s patented I-Line technology continues to route cables directly through the top tube to the rear shock, reducing friction and improving long-term reliability.

The Squidlock II system also returns, integrating suspension and dropper-post controls into a simple two-lever setup. Riders can quickly access three suspension modes without removing their hands from the handlebars, ensuring maximum control in any race situation.

At just 1,700 grams for a size medium frame with shock, the new Oiz ranks among the lightest full-suspension XC frames available.

However, Orbea’s objective was never simply to reduce weight. The development team focused on creating the fastest and best-performing race bike possible. Multiple carbon layup configurations were developed and tested to find the ideal balance between stiffness, precision, ride quality and low weight.

Interestingly, riders from the Orbea FOX Factory Team consistently preferred the final production layup over an alternative prototype that was nearly 50 grams lighter, demonstrating that ultimate performance extends beyond weight alone.

The resulting frame combines advanced materials, innovative engineering and premium manufacturing processes to deliver uncompromising race performance.

At the top of the range, OMX carbon offers the lightest and stiffest option for competitive racers, while OMR carbon provides the same structural integrity and ride characteristics with an outstanding balance of performance and value.

The new Orbea Oiz is equipped with a range of high-performance OC components and practical race-focused features.

An integrated carbon cockpit in most models combines the stem and handlebar into a single unit to reduce weight and optimise rider positioning. Multiple dropper-post travel options allow riders to tailor the bike to their specific needs.

Additional features include:

• Integrated frame-mounted multitool
• Dual bottle cage compatibility across all frame sizes
• Reinforced bearings for improved durability
• Spinblock steering protection system
• Rear Post Mount brake configuration
• Reliable threaded bottom bracket design

The Spinblock system helps prevent damage to the frame and paintwork by limiting handlebar rotation during crashes, while the rear Post Mount brake design provides improved compatibility with a range of rotor sizes and delivers consistent braking performance.

The new Oiz has already been tested extensively by the Orbea FOX Factory Team in XCO World Cup competition and by the Klimatiza Orbea Team in marathon racing. According to the team, the new Oiz delivers a level of confidence and predictability rarely seen in an XC race bike. The increased stiffness and refined chassis provide greater control through technical terrain, making it easier to hold chosen lines while maintaining race-winning efficiency.

The result is a bike that not only continues the Oiz legacy but pushes the boundaries of what riders can expect from a modern XC and Marathon race machine.