Orbea confirms downhill team – new bike in the works?
Spanish bike brand, Orbea, has announced a new gravity and freeride team venture in the wintery depths of the off-season.
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Partnering with FMD Racing, the new team will ride Orbea downhill and freeride bikes – while providing a feedback loop and input for future frame development. The new team has a big name and possibly even bigger ideas: Orbea FMD Racing – The Gravity Cooperative.
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Orbea FMD Racing – The Gravity Cooperative, by off-road.cc
The strategy is to take the Orbea brand beyond enduro, into the downhill and freeride segments.
“We both aim to push boundaries not only in racing but also in showcasing our shared potential to the public. This long-term project represents an exciting and unified vision. Orbea FMD Racing marks the beginning of a new chapter for both brands,” says Tony Seagrave, FMD Racing Team Manager.
What bikes will the team ride?
Orbea FMD Racing – The Gravity Cooperative, by off-road.cc
Fans of the Spanish brand and downhill/freeride mountain biking will be curious about the frames Orbea FMD Racing – The Gravity Cooperative rider will be on. Orbea’s current portfolio doesn’t have any dual-crown downhill or freeride bikes, with the longest travel option being its Rallon enduro model, at 167mm.
Interestingly, an Orbea Wild e-bike did run at last year’s Fort William UCI World Cup event, with the battery removed, rear suspension at 200mm and a dual crown fork fitted. It shows the potential of Orbea’s most robust chassis for possible development into more robust applications.
Although the exact frame for Orbea FMD Racing – The Gravity Cooperative riders aren’t yet confirmed, there is excitement that it could herald a new era for long-travel product development at the Spanish brand.
With established success in enduro, XCO and elite-level marathon stage racing, Orbea’s technical expertise in dual-suspension frame design could add value and product diversity in the downhill and freeride segments.
Expect more details about the Orbea FMD Racing – The Gravity Cooperative team roster and bikes, as winter thaws to spring.
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