I think I'm an sl type guy. Fits my style perfectly. Not opposed to a black diamond but rarely do them. I swear nearly every review you post I add another bike to my wish list 😅
I have the previous generation Occam that came standard with 140mm rear travel and the option of a 140 or 150mm fork. I chose the 150. It’s a Fox 36. While I understand the SL and LT gives you more options I still think the 140 rear paired with a 150 front is the perfect all-round trail bike. For me the SL seems a little under-gunned and is too focussed on light weight and the LT is comprised by weight and it’s very close to the Rallon.
Great comparison. Can’t wait to get my LT from said bike shop. For those who are skeptical of headset cable routing, I’ve had it for a year and it’s not that bad. Not ideal but not a deal breaker. Don’t let it stop you from buying a bike you want. It is quiet and it’s cool how isolated the rear brake line is.
Hello, is the LT suitable for everyday use on flat terrain (commuting to work, recreational /family short [up to 35km] trips without performance goals), I'm asking because I love weekends downhill rides and in this respect, the LT seems to be perfect. I can't decide between SL or LT ;)
Great review! Thank you! I'm leaning towards the SL, but I have a question regarding sizes. I'm aware that Orbea sizes tend to run smaller than other brands, especially American ones. For someone tall like me, 1.90cm (6.2 ft), who prioritizes speed and responsiveness over stability, would it be better to opt for the "L" size and adjust the seat to the far back, and also get a 30mm raised bar, or should I go for the "XL"?
I avoid giving out specific size advice over the internet. It’s a crapshoot. You should go check out our what size bike should you ride video. I’d always recommend a demo or at least a test ride.
@bikersedge I understand, and that's what I wish I could do. The issue is that shops where I live don't stock XL sizes because they're harder to sell. Therefore, I can't compare and need to make a decision based on feedback from experts or others with similar height. Thanks anyway for your response!
I still have the Rallon, and can't believe how well it climbs! It descends incredible too, making the Farm Bike park far more enjoyable. But it's supposed to do that. Sounds like Orbea drips their magic climbing sauce on all their bikes.
I honestly feel like it’s getting really close. I might be crazy but I thought the suspension on the LT felt more supple and forgiving. The bike felt more poopy and fun too. I think the Rallon is pretty purpose driven. It’s designed to race enduro and might have the edge there. If you want a good capable all arounder I’d go with the LT.
Orbea Occam SL or RM Element? I have an SB130 and NS Synonym(think Spur) Need a bike that fits in between for traveling. I ride pretty hard, not as fast as I once did, but ride pretty chunky stuff. I love pushing little bikes hard on xc style bikes and gravel bikes. Your reviews are the best and your feedback is kind of gospel. Thanks
I think both of those will be much closer to a Spur than an SB130. Not sure there's a ton of middle ground between those two bikes though. If you're wanting something that still pedals like a Spur, those would both be great options. You're not going to get too much more capability out of them though.
Thanks for the feedback. I have my sb130 LRd in the back with an X2 but still 150 upfront. I might need to drop it back down to a float x and put some less aggressive tires on it to bring it back to light trail bike status. The search for that perfect bike will always continue
Brilliant content as usual, kudos to you for the reviews (you are my preferred source when searching for clarification / bike reviews). How does the SL compare to the former occam with the 140/140 configuration? As per your comment about the feeling of the SL, would you place the Spur between the two of them? I have a 2020 Occam but think I am a bit overbiked for the stuff I ride and thinking of ways of "marathonizing" it... or just get myself a Spur frameset+fork. Any thoughts I can use? Many thanks in advance! Cheers!
I have a 2020 occam I got from you guys and have loved it. I have wanted to drop some weight though since I do like the climbs. I also really love descending and don't shy away from rougher sections (I love Jacobs, zen, American fork canyon type trails.) Which way would you go? What is more similar to the 2020 h2o model. Literally love my bike just want lighter. Would the SL fit that or is it more nervous then the 2020 was through the rough stuff ( I remember people saying that but I have never really noticed.)
I think the new SL is closer to the old version than the LT is. I think with the Sl could ride quite a bit like the old one with a couple of tweaks. A different cockpit setup could help. Burlier tires could also help, but then you aren't saving as much weight. There's also a lot more to the climbs than just weight. Geo and suspension probably factor in more than sheer weight.
@@bikersedge I am really torn between this one or going more toward an xc style like the oiz. I have heard really good things about that bike but just so unsure if I want to fully shift that way or not.
We don’t carry specialized so I’m not too familiar with the Stumpy. The Ripmo is quite a bit more “trail” than the LT. it will climb better buts it’s not even close on the DH. The LT descends like a bigger, burlier, more capable bike.
Great review, thank you. I'm about to pull the trigger on an LT but cant decide on size. At 183 cm im at the top end of large and the low end of XL, what size did you have?
Just watched this review again, your reviews are honestly the BEST in the business! Love the edits and style. Such a great shop! QQ- How would you compare the Element to the Occam SL?
Hey thanks! That's an interesting comparison I hadn't really thought of before. I think of the Element as an XC bike that's been "trail-ified" while the Occam SL is a trail bike that's been "XC-ified." The Occam SL is going to ride bigger even though their geometries are similar. It's going to come down to the suspension feel.
Similar but different. The LT feels a bit more capable, plush and descent focused to me than the HT3. The HT3 offers a bit more balance between uphill and downhill. It's been a minute since I've ridden the HT3, though.
you sad the SL with 140mm is comparable to a 120mm bike. i came from a OIZ 120mm and i can say that i feel the different travel and the different steering angle....
Of course. But really the Oiz rides a bit more like a 100mm bike. At the end of the day the Occam is still a 140mm trail bike but it rides more like most of the other 120mm bikes than it does the 140mm bikes.
@@FiloZack86 most other 140mm bikes (thinking of the SB140, Hightower, Sensor) ride quite a bit bigger. Meaning they descend more capably, offer more traction, suspension feels deeper, handling feels more stable, etc. on the flip side, the Occam SL climbs a heck of a lot better than all of those bikes too. It climbs closer to bikes like the Ripley, Spur, Tallboy.
Great review. How would you compare the old LT to the new one? I have the 2022 LT. Great bike, i always wish it was a little bit rowdier. Is the new one worth a change?
I never rode the old LT. I only got to ride the standard version. If it’s any help the previous standard version sits in the middle of the new LT and SL.
Not sure. We don't carry Evil so I'm not too familiar. The offering is quite a bit steeper, shorter and has less travel so I'd imagine it falls closer to somewhere between the SL and LT.
I don't think that 125 to 145mm rear travel Trail bikes make sense. Either get a 120mm rear travel bike or get a 150mm rear travel bike. Ibis has got this figured out with the 120mm Ripley and 150mm Ripmo. Either go for the Downcountry or for the All-mountain. The middle or the road Trail bike gives you the worst of both worlds. In addition, the front fork should always have 10-20mm more travel than the rear. Also, the front tire should always be more grippy than the rear tire. What happens on the front of a bike is always more important than what happens at the rear. The 140/140 Occam SL sounds like an afterthought. They just dumbed down the LT. The geo, tires, and travel just don't seem right. If Orbea had a 120/140 travel Downcountry bike, 77* STA , 65* HTA, Forekaster front, and Rekon rear, that would be the short-travel Trail (Downcountry) bike I would want. Something that is light, pedals efficiently, and rolls fast, but has the geometry and enough fork travel that it doesn't go lame on the descents.
Going from 120 to 150 is a huge jump in travel and obviously weight. The LT is way too heavy at 34lbs for anyone interested in longer rides that involve descending and climbing. I have a 130/130 travel YT Izzo at 27.5 lbs and it middle of the road purpose is right on point. I see the SL being exactly such a bike.
@@bikersedge that is huge weight difference. No wonder these two bikes are completely different. And unless one is focused on descending, the SL is the obvious choice.
@@bikersedge I understand, and perhaps my attitude comes from years of XC racing, where I value weight and pedaling efficiency more. I stand corrected, there is no obvious choice. Only personal choice. 😀
@@tombeck129 totally get it. I have worn Lycra once an I don’t need to do it again. It’s nice to have lots of good options for all the types of riders.
Always great reviews and comparos. Good stuff.
Hey thanks!
I think I'm an sl type guy. Fits my style perfectly. Not opposed to a black diamond but rarely do them. I swear nearly every review you post I add another bike to my wish list 😅
Sounds like it might be right up your alley.
Why not get the bike but have suspension to swap out?
Like go back and forth between the two? You could I guess. A lot of the difference comes from how they’re built up rather than sheer travel amounts.
I have the previous generation Occam that came standard with 140mm rear travel and the option of a 140 or 150mm fork. I chose the 150. It’s a Fox 36. While I understand the SL and LT gives you more options I still think the 140 rear paired with a 150 front is the perfect all-round trail bike. For me the SL seems a little under-gunned and is too focussed on light weight and the LT is comprised by weight and it’s very close to the Rallon.
Great comparison. Can’t wait to get my LT from said bike shop. For those who are skeptical of headset cable routing, I’ve had it for a year and it’s not that bad. Not ideal but not a deal breaker. Don’t let it stop you from buying a bike you want. It is quiet and it’s cool how isolated the rear brake line is.
Super quiet and clean for sure.
A few years ago I bought a bike you recommended. I still love it. Thanks again.
I love hearing comments like that! What did you get?
@@bikersedge Ibis Ripley AF in Pond Scum Green. It's perfect.
@@mogulmayhem nice. Very fun one.
@@bikersedge and People compliment the color regularly, ha
@@mogulmayhem I had an AF in Pond Scum. I agree it is a beautiful color, and the pics didn't do it justice.
Love it!
Same here!
I adore my 2020 Occam, climbs like its ass is on fire and descends like it too. Sad to be selling it :/
Stumpjumper evo and Trek fuel ex do internal frame storage on their alloy frames but it is sort of rare for sure.
Sweet. Wasn’t aware of that.
Hello, is the LT suitable for everyday use on flat terrain (commuting to work, recreational /family short [up to 35km] trips without performance goals), I'm asking because I love weekends downhill rides and in this respect, the LT seems to be perfect. I can't decide between SL or LT ;)
I mean it would work. It’s certainly not ideal for that though. That said neither is the SL.
Thank you very much for this review!
Hope it was helpful!
Always the best reviews. I'm going with the LT. Just get me to the top so I can have fun going down the trail
Bingo. That’s my style for sure.
it depends how many trail you want to do... with SL maybe you can do 1 or 2 more....
LT sounds pretty perfect.
Agreed.
Yeah, other than the goofy ass headset cabling, nice bikes. I’m so glad that my Rallon has normal cable routing. Great reviews!
I’d prefer they didn’t do it. Some folks seem to like it though.
Great review! Thank you! I'm leaning towards the SL, but I have a question regarding sizes. I'm aware that Orbea sizes tend to run smaller than other brands, especially American ones. For someone tall like me, 1.90cm (6.2 ft), who prioritizes speed and responsiveness over stability, would it be better to opt for the "L" size and adjust the seat to the far back, and also get a 30mm raised bar, or should I go for the "XL"?
I avoid giving out specific size advice over the internet. It’s a crapshoot. You should go check out our what size bike should you ride video. I’d always recommend a demo or at least a test ride.
@bikersedge I understand, and that's what I wish I could do. The issue is that shops where I live don't stock XL sizes because they're harder to sell. Therefore, I can't compare and need to make a decision based on feedback from experts or others with similar height. Thanks anyway for your response!
@@MTW2012 I’m also 6’2” and found the XL to be a great fit. Just know that body proportions factor in more than just overall height.
I still have the Rallon, and can't believe how well it climbs! It descends incredible too, making the Farm Bike park far more enjoyable. But it's supposed to do that. Sounds like Orbea drips their magic climbing sauce on all their bikes.
They’ve certainly got a way of making bikes climb.
We LOVE the farm bike park 🤤
Hey, have you tried the SC HighTower? How would you compare it against the Occam LT? Thanks for the feedback! 👋🏻
I sure have. The LT feels a bit more DH-biased than the HT. The HT feels a bit more serious and sporty. It feels quite a bit stiffer too.
@@bikersedge thanks man! 🙏🏻 To clarify, you mean the HT feels stiffer or the Occam?
@@18HughendenRoad HT
Great review! Parade Rim is such a great place to test these bikes- good choice.
How would you compare the LT to the Rallon ( the 2022 Rallon that is)?
Thanks for another great review!
I honestly feel like it’s getting really close. I might be crazy but I thought the suspension on the LT felt more supple and forgiving. The bike felt more poopy and fun too. I think the Rallon is pretty purpose driven. It’s designed to race enduro and might have the edge there. If you want a good capable all arounder I’d go with the LT.
@@bikersedge What do you think about the climbing performance ?
@@aemedias3974 I don’t think the LT and Rallon are too dissimilar there. The SL certainly climbs way better than both of them.
@@bikersedge Thanks for your answer, I think I will stay with my Rallon 🙂
Water bottle wrong side.
Nah. Left is the correct side so you can still cover your back brake while drinking.
Anyone know why the steerer tube looks so massive? Looks cool.
Love your reviews! I would like to see a Fezzari review.
Hey thanks! With us being a bike shop and Fezzari being direct to consumer, I don't think the stars will align on that one.
Ahh… Yeah that makes sense
Is this the H20 or H30?
These are both carbon builds. M Teams
Sounds like they picked up some things from propain bikes with customization of the colors and the headset routing.
Orbea has been doing custom for a long time. Probably the better part of 15 years.
Give me a 140mm 36 and the gravity tires on the SL and you've got a goldilocks, IMO
Nice middle ground there.
Hey guys, great stuff! Just curious as to what trails y'all are hitting? Heading to Utah soon for a bike trip. Thanks!
Hey thanks! Most of this is in St George. Zen, paradise and a few others.
Seems like they've modeled these two pretty closely to the Stumpjumper options
You’re not wrong.
Great review! Parade Rim, Zen, Barrel Roll are such a great places to test these bikes.
Some of me favorite trails.
Another great review! How would you say the SL compares to the V5 Tallboy?
Thanks! When I said I’ve ridden 120mm bikes that descend more confidently than the Occam I had the Tallboy in mind.
Great review on bikes that are DOA thanks to cable tourism. Stop it, Orbad!
I’d prefer they routes them normally but I can see the merits. It’s super quiet and clean.
The LT has got my vote.
Same!
Great video ! 👍
SL would be my pick but I have the Spur so .. 🤣
LT all day!
Got the ripley for sale for the occum sl lots of big endurance races this summer!
Nice!
Great video. Like both bikes. What were the trails ridden in the desert parts of the video? Thanks!
A handful of different trails in St George, UT.
Orbea Occam SL or RM Element? I have an SB130 and NS Synonym(think Spur) Need a bike that fits in between for traveling. I ride pretty hard, not as fast as I once did, but ride pretty chunky stuff. I love pushing little bikes hard on xc style bikes and gravel bikes. Your reviews are the best and your feedback is kind of gospel. Thanks
I think both of those will be much closer to a Spur than an SB130. Not sure there's a ton of middle ground between those two bikes though. If you're wanting something that still pedals like a Spur, those would both be great options. You're not going to get too much more capability out of them though.
Thanks for the feedback. I have my sb130 LRd in the back with an X2 but still 150 upfront. I might need to drop it back down to a float x and put some less aggressive tires on it to bring it back to light trail bike status. The search for that perfect bike will always continue
Brilliant content as usual, kudos to you for the reviews (you are my preferred source when searching for clarification / bike reviews). How does the SL compare to the former occam with the 140/140 configuration? As per your comment about the feeling of the SL, would you place the Spur between the two of them? I have a 2020 Occam but think I am a bit overbiked for the stuff I ride and thinking of ways of "marathonizing" it... or just get myself a Spur frameset+fork. Any thoughts I can use? Many thanks in advance! Cheers!
Hey thanks! I think the former Occam sits right between the new SL and LT. I'd put the Spur on the more XC side of the SL.
@@bikersedgeBrilliant. Many thanks for the info, now I know what to do I guess ;-) Cheers! 😅
I have a 2020 occam I got from you guys and have loved it. I have wanted to drop some weight though since I do like the climbs. I also really love descending and don't shy away from rougher sections (I love Jacobs, zen, American fork canyon type trails.) Which way would you go? What is more similar to the 2020 h2o model. Literally love my bike just want lighter. Would the SL fit that or is it more nervous then the 2020 was through the rough stuff ( I remember people saying that but I have never really noticed.)
I think the new SL is closer to the old version than the LT is. I think with the Sl could ride quite a bit like the old one with a couple of tweaks. A different cockpit setup could help. Burlier tires could also help, but then you aren't saving as much weight. There's also a lot more to the climbs than just weight. Geo and suspension probably factor in more than sheer weight.
@@bikersedge I am really torn between this one or going more toward an xc style like the oiz. I have heard really good things about that bike but just so unsure if I want to fully shift that way or not.
My bank account is going to suffer, but how to resist ? Love the color !
The color is great.
Nice review. How does the LT compares to Stumpy Evo or Ripmo ?
We don’t carry specialized so I’m not too familiar with the Stumpy. The Ripmo is quite a bit more “trail” than the LT. it will climb better buts it’s not even close on the DH. The LT descends like a bigger, burlier, more capable bike.
Great review, thank you. I'm about to pull the trigger on an LT but cant decide on size. At 183 cm im at the top end of large and the low end of XL, what size did you have?
I’m 6’2” and rode an XL
@@bikersedge thanks so much for the reply. I'm 6'1" and leaning towards an XL with 35mm stem
Just watched this review again, your reviews are honestly the BEST in the business! Love the edits and style. Such a great shop! QQ- How would you compare the Element to the Occam SL?
Hey thanks! That's an interesting comparison I hadn't really thought of before. I think of the Element as an XC bike that's been "trail-ified" while the Occam SL is a trail bike that's been "XC-ified." The Occam SL is going to ride bigger even though their geometries are similar. It's going to come down to the suspension feel.
Thx!
@@bikersedge
Trek has been doing frame storage on alloy Top Fuels for a couple years.
Good to know!
the biggest myth on the basic h30 bikes = weight
Not sure what you mean.
@@bikersedge can u linke me something. ?
h20 vs h30 weight. etc. 👏👏
@@Friederich.87 I don’t have actual weights on those.
@@bikersedge a myth. noone does
What's up my friend, in a comparison between this occam sl and the epic 8 evo, which one handles better for you. greetings from sinaloa mexico
Hi. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it happen. We don’t carry specialized so I won’t be able to get an epic for review.
@@bikersedge Thank's man. I appreciate your response.
@bikers edge ,does all sl occam come with carbon frames?
No. The H models have alloy frames.
Would love to see a comparison of the lt vs the sb140LR
I’d have to think the SB140 sits between the SL and LT both in climbing and descending performance. It’s been a minute since I’ve ridden it though.
Thanks for this review for explaining the difference
Glad you liked it!
Another great review!! How would the LT compare to the Revel Rail29? Thx!
Thanks. I have to think the LT is WAY more capable on the DH. Doesn’t climb quite as well.
@@bikersedge lots of great options out there for us Mtber’s.. appreciate the reviews!
How would you compare the Higtower v3 to the LT?
Similar but different. The LT feels a bit more capable, plush and descent focused to me than the HT3. The HT3 offers a bit more balance between uphill and downhill. It's been a minute since I've ridden the HT3, though.
Another awesome video, love the work keep it up.
Hey thanks!
you sad the SL with 140mm is comparable to a 120mm bike. i came from a OIZ 120mm and i can say that i feel the different travel and the different steering angle....
Of course. But really the Oiz rides a bit more like a 100mm bike. At the end of the day the Occam is still a 140mm trail bike but it rides more like most of the other 120mm bikes than it does the 140mm bikes.
what is the difference you felt compared with other 140mm? thanks for your answers!@@bikersedge
@@FiloZack86 most other 140mm bikes (thinking of the SB140, Hightower, Sensor) ride quite a bit bigger. Meaning they descend more capably, offer more traction, suspension feels deeper, handling feels more stable, etc. on the flip side, the Occam SL climbs a heck of a lot better than all of those bikes too. It climbs closer to bikes like the Ripley, Spur, Tallboy.
thanks for the answer! and keep going with your beautiful review! hallo from Italy! :)
@@bikersedge
Great review. How would you compare the old LT to the new one? I have the 2022 LT. Great bike, i always wish it was a little bit rowdier. Is the new one worth a change?
I never rode the old LT. I only got to ride the standard version. If it’s any help the previous standard version sits in the middle of the new LT and SL.
@@bikersedge thanks!
@@bikersedgeHello , with the standard version you mean the eagle from 2022? Or which one ?
@@guillerdg1683 I mean the previous model before it had an LT designation
@@bikersedge thank you for answering I appreciate that
That's what the Orbea Rallon is for. The Knar!
I personally think the LT goes as hard as the Rallon.
@@bikersedge I would have to agree. The 2024 Occam LT is basically the old Rallon anywyay
Occam LT or ripmo v2?
The LT goes harder. The Ripmo is a bit more pedaly.
LT vs Offering ?
Not sure. We don't carry Evil so I'm not too familiar. The offering is quite a bit steeper, shorter and has less travel so I'd imagine it falls closer to somewhere between the SL and LT.
I don't think that 125 to 145mm rear travel Trail bikes make sense. Either get a 120mm rear travel bike or get a 150mm rear travel bike. Ibis has got this figured out with the 120mm Ripley and 150mm Ripmo. Either go for the Downcountry or for the All-mountain. The middle or the road Trail bike gives you the worst of both worlds.
In addition, the front fork should always have 10-20mm more travel than the rear. Also, the front tire should always be more grippy than the rear tire. What happens on the front of a bike is always more important than what happens at the rear.
The 140/140 Occam SL sounds like an afterthought. They just dumbed down the LT. The geo, tires, and travel just don't seem right.
If Orbea had a 120/140 travel Downcountry bike, 77* STA , 65* HTA, Forekaster front, and Rekon rear, that would be the short-travel Trail (Downcountry) bike I would want. Something that is light, pedals efficiently, and rolls fast, but has the geometry and enough fork travel that it doesn't go lame on the descents.
I mean if you watch the review you’ll see the SL rides like most of the 120mm trail bikes.
Going from 120 to 150 is a huge jump in travel and obviously weight. The LT is way too heavy at 34lbs for anyone interested in longer rides that involve descending and climbing. I have a 130/130 travel YT Izzo at 27.5 lbs and it middle of the road purpose is right on point. I see the SL being exactly such a bike.
@@tombeck129bikes like the Izzo, Stumpjumper, and Occam are the epitome of Trail Bikes.
wheres the tacky chan review??
10/10. 5 stars. Boom - reviewed.
@@bikersedge 👍👍 thanks!
Occam LT or Trance X
Very different. The LT rides way bigger and harder. Quite a bit slower on the climbs too.
@@bikersedge good point thank you. Struggling with the purple on the x ugh
Orbea shouts out the weight of the SL, but whats the weight of the LT?
Orbea has a pretty magical scale. Our bikes came in at 27 for the SL and 34 for the LT with the heavier duty tires.
@@bikersedge that is huge weight difference. No wonder these two bikes are completely different. And unless one is focused on descending, the SL is the obvious choice.
@@tombeck129 different strokes for different folks. I’ll take the LT all day. Not too concerned about weight.
@@bikersedge I understand, and perhaps my attitude comes from years of XC racing, where I value weight and pedaling efficiency more. I stand corrected, there is no obvious choice. Only personal choice. 😀
@@tombeck129 totally get it. I have worn Lycra once an I don’t need to do it again. It’s nice to have lots of good options for all the types of riders.