New Orbea Alma cross-country MTB gains flexy seat tube
Orbea's XC hardtail is built to reduce fatigue thanks to localised compliance.
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Orbea recognises hardtails aren't the weapon of choice for modern XC courses but believes they still have a place. Owing to this, the new Orbea Alma has had a serious revamp focusing on reducing fatigue at the pointy end of cross-country competition.
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Orbea's efforts in minimising fatigue throughout an XCO event have resulted in what the brand dubs its X-Fader technology. Generally, X-Fader is designed to promote compliance within the rear end of the frame but notably, and most obviously, the seat tube.
2025 orbea alma st kink.jpg, by Liam Mercer
The distinct kink in the seat tube is shaped to absorb vibrations not only in the name of comfort but also in control. As a result of the X-Fader tech, we're told that the bike features a few millimetres of compliance within that seat tube.
It's not all about the seat tube, however. The whole frame benefits from a meticulously designed balance of compliance and stiffness to improve comfort and control without sacrificing efficiency. This can be seen in the flattened seat and chain stays, which are shaped to boost vertical compliance while retaining lateral stiffness.
2025 orbea alma hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
As seen on the Laufey, the Alma also benefits from Powerspine, a design that stiffens the downtube, bottom bracket, and chainstay to improve power transfer. Made from advanced carbon construction, Orbea claims a medium frame without hardware weighs 1,080 grams.
Although larger tyres are becoming more popular in the cross-country scene, the Alma boasts space for up to a 2.4in rear tyre, citing the bike can now offer even more comfort and more grip.
Built with a 110mm travel fork, Orbea has kept the Alma's handling sharp and lively while making it more capable on the descents. It features a 67-degree head angle, a 75.5-degree seat tube angle and a 430mm chainstay. A medium frame size benefits from a 435mm reach.
2025 orbea alma stem.jpg, by Liam Mercer
As with many modern XC bikes, the Alma prioritises integration, which is evident in its single-piece handlebar and stem. The brand states that, in addition to a clean look, it has managed to reduce weight, improve steering accuracy, and allow for better internal cable routing. Although headset-routed cables aren't for everyone, Orbea has built the bike with a neat Merida-esque service window on the downtube to simplify cable maintenance.
2025 orbea alma st.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Built with a 100mm travel MP10 dropper post as standard, the Alma can accommodate longer-travel droppers. It's got mounting points for a bottle cage on its unique seat tube – made possible through 'Smart Clips'. These take the place of moulded-in bottle bosses, resulting in an unobstructed seat tube, allowing for longer travel droppers. When not in use, the Smart Clips can be removed.
As expected from Orbea, the Alma can be put through its My0 custom colour and spec configurator. Prices then start at £2,700 and go up to £8,500.
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