Orbea has expanded its urban ebike offering for 2021 with a bike that’s designed to be lighter in weight and lighter in assistance than your average flat-bar e-commuter.
Orbea has done this by using Mahle’s X35+ ebikemotion system, which is normally found on flyweight e-road bikes, like Scott’s Addict eRIDE.
Five good vibes
- At just 15kg the Vibe is one of the lightest urban ebikes around
- Integrated daytime running lights as standard
- 'Equipped' models come with rack, mudguards, kickstand and high-beam lights
- You can customise your bike using Orbea’s MyO online design tools
- The five model range starts at £2,099
Orbea was an original development partner for ebikemotion’s system, launching it on the original Orbea Gain. While the Gain was available in an alloy framed, flat-bar version, it was less of a dedicated urban bike and more a variant of the curly barred alloy Gain.
The new Vibe, however, is designed to be a commuter through and through, with a ground-up design based around ‘Orbea Urban geometry’.
This gives a slightly more upright position but combines swift steering and short (for an ebike) 435mm chainstays to make the Vibe feel nimble. Orbea has a similar non-ebike range, its fun and funky coloured Carpe, and I’ve got a test coming up soon on the £519 Carpe 20.
As well as the standard frame model, a mid-bar version (dropped top-tube) will also be available, although Orbea is at pains to say that both designs are unisex. The mid-bar version should make it easier to get on the bike if, for instance, you’ve fitted a child seat to the rear, but is only available in small, medium or large sizes.
Tyre clearance is also massively increased from its flat-bar Gain predecessor, with the Vibe now taking up to (and coming equipped with) tubeless 45c tyres.
Integration everywhere
Orbea’s latest design trend, across its entire road range, seems to be one of integration; from the premium Orca OMX down to the Vibe.
Here, the Vibe shares the same ICR Plus cable integration up-front as the brand's premium road bikes, using a clever stem that splits on its underside and channels the brake hoses and gear cables internally down the front of the head tube through proprietary headset spacers and then internally through both frame and fork.
It makes for a pretty premium looking urban bike and, when combined with the seamless join between the full carbon fork and alloy frame, a great looking front end.
The top headset cover also integrates a bright 60-lumen, 180-degree daytime running light, which powers up as soon as you power up the bike. At the rear, another daytime running light (designed in conjunction with Leyzne) is integrated into the seatpost.
The ebikemotion system itself is already pretty well integrated, with an internal 250Wh battery in the down tube and a charge port at the bottom bracket.
Orbea has done a lot of development around the alloy frame and its battery integration to the extent of developing a two-piece-forged bottom-bracket shell to provide the extra strength required to handle the weight of the battery, while allowing easy access for mechanics should the battery ever need removing or replacing.
Orbea has also designed new forged dropouts to hold the ebikemotion’s rear X35 hub motor in place. The development of the hydroformed tubing for the frame, along with these forged components, has meant a significant drop in weight over the flat-bar alloy Gain – with the new Vibe weighing in a claimed half a kilo less for the frame alone.
With a claimed complete weight for the XT-equipped H10 model of 15kg in a medium, it’s light for this style of bike – stepping up to around 17kg for the EQ version with its added extras: 'guards, rack and front light.
Orbea Vibe assistance
Ebikemotion systems are usually controlled by a flush-mounted single button on the top tube called the iWoc. However, for the Vibe, Orbea has turned to a different control system – the iWoc Trio.
The Trio is a bar-mounted control that sits on the left-hand side of the bar next to the grip, for easy access. From here you can turn the system on and off and control power levels, alongside visual readings on the power reserves through a series of different colour LEDs.
The ebikemotion’s 250Wh battery can be enhanced with a range-extending battery, providing an extra 208Wh of energy. We’ve consistently had results of around 58mi/93km from a standard setup, so the Vibe looks like a bike more than capable of rides way beyond a daily commute.
Orbea Vibe range
The Vibe range is a fairly compact one with five models in both standard and mid-bar frame designs.
Prices start at £2,099 and rise to £2,999 for the range-topping Vibe H10 EQ. As with most of Orbea’s ranges you can also customise it, with a choice of colours for both frame and fork, plus colour options on mudguards and accessories available, as well as optional extras: lights, kickstands, tyres, range-extending batteries and even Orbea designed luggage for the rear rack.
One accessory, the OC dual bag, is a waterproof pannier with a neat trick up its sleeve. The rack attachments on the bar can be unzipped and folded into the base of the bag, revealing a set of backpack straps to carry it off the bike.
Orbea Vibe geometry
| | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat angle (degrees) | 75 | 74.5 | 74 | 74 |
| Head angle (degrees) | 71 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 72 |
| Chainstay (cm) | 43.5 | 43.5 | 43.5 | 43.5 |
| Seat tube (cm) | 45.5 | 49 | 53 | 57.5 |
| Top tube (cm) | 50.7 | 53 | 54.7 | 57.1 |
| Head tube (cm) | 10.9 | 14.4 | 17.5 | 21 |
| Bottom bracket drop (cm) | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Bottom bracket height (cm) | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,008 | 1,035 | 1,065 | 1,091 |
| Standover - standard frame (cm) | 77.5 | 80.9 | 84.2 | 88.1 |
| Standover - mid-bar frame (cm) | 77.5 | 80.6 | 83.2 | N/A |
| Stack (cm) | 55 | 58.5 | 61.5 | 65 |
| Reach (cm) | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 |
Vibe H30
- Price: £2,099 / $2,699 / €2,299
- Frame: Orbea Vibe Top Bar Hydro 6061 Hydro-form aluminium 2021, ICR cable routing, forged bottom bracket, 135x9 QR, flat-mount disc, 700x40 maximum tyre, 1in 1/2 semi head set, 41x86,5 press fit bottom bracket, carrier and fenders compatible
- Fork: Orbea Vibe carbon fork, full carbon, 1-1/5, 700x40 maximum tyre, flat-mount disc mount, thru-axle12x100mm, long mudguard compatible
- Crankset: OC 42t, with chainguard
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in internal cable routing
- Handlebar: Alloy 31.8mm 12mm rise 700mm
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6o
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M4100
- Brakes: Magura MT30 hydraulic disc easy route connection
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore M5120 SGS Shadow Plus
- Chain: KMC X10
- Cassette: Shimano CS-M4100 11-46t 10-speed
- Wheels: Orbea thru-axle, tubeless-ready disc
- Tyres: Kenda K1052 700x45c reflective type + puncture protection
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Selle Royal Lift 1215 URN 278x145mm
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT+
- Control: Ebikemotion iWoc Trio
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Vibe H30 EQ
- Price: £2,399 / $2,999 / €2,399
- Frame: Orbea Vibe Top Bar Hydro 6061 Hydro- form aluminium 2021, ICR cable routing, forged bottom bracket, 135x9 QR, flat-mount disc, 700x40 maximum tyre, 1in 1/2 semi head set, 41x86,5 press fit bottom bracket, carrier and fender compatible
- Fork: Orbea Vibe carbon fork, full carbon, 1-1/5, 700x40 maximum tyre, flat-mount disc mount, thru-Axle 12x100mm, long mudguard compatible
- Crankset: OC 42t, with chainguard
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in internal cable routing
- Handlebar: Alloy 31.8mm 12mm rise 700mm
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6o
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M4100
- Brakes: Magura MT30 hydraulic disc easy route connection
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore M5120 SGS Shadow Plus
- Chain: KMC X10
- Cassette: Shimano CS-M4100 11-46t 10-speed
- Wheels: Orbea thru-axle, tubeless-ready disc
- Tyres: Kenda K1052 700x45c reflective type + puncture protection
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Selle Royal Lift 1215 URN 278x145mm
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT+
- Control: Ebikemotion iWoc Trio
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
- Kickstand: Ursus Mooi R90
- Carrier: Orbea Vibe luggage 15kg
- Rear light: Lezyne Fender Stvzo
- Front light: Lezyne Ebike Power Stvzo Pro E115 310 lumens
- Mudguards: Curana Apollo 55mm
Vibe H10
- Price: £2,699 / $3,299 / €2,999
- Frame: Orbea Vibe Top Bar Hydro 6061 Hydro-form aluminium 2021, ICR cable routing, forged bottom bracket, 135x9 QR, flat-mount disc, 700x40 maximum tyre, 1in 1/2 semi headset, 41x86,5 press fit bottom bracket, carrier and fender compatible
- Fork: Orbea Vibe carbon fork, full carbon, 1-1/5, 700x40 maximum tyre, flat-mount disc mount, thru-axle 12x100mm, long mudguard compatible
- Crankset: OC 42t, with chainguard
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in internal cable routing
- Handlebar: Alloy 31.8mm 12mm rise 700mm
- Grips: Brooks Comfort Cambium
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6o
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M6100
- Brakes: Magura MT5 hydraulic disc easy route connection
- Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100 SGS Shadow Plus
- Chain: KMC X12
- Cassette: Sun Race 11-51t 12-speed
- Wheels: Orbea thru-axle, tubeless-ready disc
- Tyres: Kenda K1052 700x45c reflective type + puncture protection TLR
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 Offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT+
- Control: Ebikemotion iWoc Trio
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Vibe H10 Mud
- Price: £2,899 / $3,399 / €3,199
- Frame: Orbea Vibe Top Bar Hydro 6061 Hydro- form aluminium 2021, ICR cable routing, forged bottom bracket, 135x9 QR, flat-mount disc, 700x40 maximum tyre, 1in 1/2 semi head set, 41x86,5 press fit bottom bracket, carrier and fender compatible
- Fork: Orbea Vibe carbon fork, full carbon, 1-1/5, 700x40 maximum tyre, flat-mount disc mount, thru-axle 12x100mm, long mudguard compatible.
- Crankset: OC 42t, with chainguard
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in internal cable routing
- Handlebar: Alloy 31.8mm 12mm rise 700mm
- Grips: Brooks Comfort Cambium
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6o
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M6100
- Brakes: Magura MT5 hydraulic disc easy route connection
- Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100 SGS Shadow Plus
- Chain: KMC X12
- Cassette: Sun Race 11-51t 12-speed
- Wheels: Orbea thru-axle, tubeless ready disc
- Tyres: Kenda K1052 700x45c reflective type + puncture protection TLR
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 Offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Kickstand: Ursus Mooi R90
- Mudguards: Curana Apollo 55mm
- Rear light: Lezyne Fender Stvzo
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT+
- Control: Ebikemotion iWoc Trio
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
Vibe H10 EQ
- Price: £2,999 / $3,499 / €3,299
- Frame: Orbea Vibe Top Bar Hydro 6061 Hydro-form aluminium 2021, ICR cable routing, forged bottom bracket, 135x9 QR, flat-mount disc, 700x40 maximum tyre, 1in 1/2 semi head set, 41x86,5 press fit bottom bracket, carrier and fender compatible
- Fork: Orbea Vibe carbon fork, full carbon, 1-1/5, 700x40 maximum tyre, flat-mount disc mount, thru-axle 12x100mm, long mudguard compatible
- Crankset: OC 42t, with chainguard
- Headset: Acros Alloy 1-1/2in internal cable routing
- Handlebar: Alloy 31.8mm 12mm rise 700mm
- Grips: Brooks Comfort Cambium
- Stem: OC1 31.8mm interface -6o
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M6100
- Brakes: Magura MT5 hydraulic disc easy route connection
- Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100 SGS Shadow Plus
- Chain: KMC X12
- Cassette: Sun Race 11-51t 12-speed
- Wheels: Orbea thru-axle, tubeless-ready disc
- Tyres: Kenda K1052 700x45c Reflective type + puncture protection TLR
- Seatpost: OC 27.2 Offset 0, for integrated light
- Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 25kmh
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT+
- Control: Ebikemotion iWoc Trio
- Charger: Ebikemotion X35
- Kickstand: Ursus Mooi R90
- Carrier: Orbea Vibe luggage (15kg)
- Rear light: Lezyne Fender Stvzo
- Front light: Lezyne Ebike Power Stvzo Pro E115 310 lumens
- Mudguards: Curana Apollo 55mm
