Orbea Alma M20

That feel starts with Orbea’s X-Fader technology, a shaped seat tube engineered to act as a micro damper, soaking up the energy-sapping vibrations that cause fatigue on long rides. It took thousands of kilometers of trail testing to dial in, and the result is a few precisely tuned millimeters of vertical compliance that smooth out chatter without dulling the explosive acceleration and sharp handling that hardtail riders chase. The advanced carbon construction carries that same obsession with balance. A size medium painted frame weighs just 1,080 grams, with an optimized rear triangle using flattened chainstay and seatstay profiles to boost vertical compliance while resisting lateral flex, so power goes to the rear wheel instead of getting lost as flex. The Powerspine design reinforces the lower frame to handle torsional and lateral loads, delivering the kind of instant power transfer that makes acceleration addictive. Tire clearance is generous at 2.4 inches, adding grip and a smoother ride without sacrificing the bike’s racing intent.

Geometry on the Alma M20 is tuned for riders who want control without compromise. A 67 degree head tube angle and generous wheelbase add stability and confidence on descents, while a 75.5 degree seat tube angle keeps pedaling efficient on steep climbs. A shorter seat tube leaves more dropper post exposed for better compliance, and a lower standover height gives riders more room to move the bike beneath them when sprinting or cornering. Up front, the RockShox SID SL Select RL fork delivers 110mm of travel with DebonAir+ technology for a supple, consistent feel, and a 2-position lockout lets riders switch quickly between an open setting for descending and a firm mode for efficient climbing.

Orbea also focused on making performance simple to live with. The integrated carbon handlebar and stem weighs just 265 grams and routes up to three cables internally for a clean cockpit, while the Squidlock remote puts dropper post and suspension control within a thumb’s reach, without ever leaving the grips. A lightweight MP10 dropper post offers full adjustability rather than fixed positions, and a discreet service window on the downtube keeps maintenance simple. Smart Clips even allow a bottle cage to be mounted to the seat tube without metal inserts, so nothing gets in the way of full dropper post insertion.

Rounding out the build, a Shimano XT M8250 SGS drivetrain delivers smooth, precise shifting with dependable performance across technical terrain, while alloy wheels with a tubeless-ready 28-hole, 29 inch front and rear setup offer a durable, confidence-inspiring foundation for everything from race day to…