Alma M20

The 2025 Orbea Alma represents a deliberate shift in cross-country hardtail design, stepping away from the pursuit of absolute minimum weight to prioritize technical capability and rider endurance. Built around the distinctive X-Fader frame concept, this generation visually isolates the seat tube from the bottom bracket junction to introduce vertical compliance without sacrificing torsional stiffness. It is a modern race bike tailored for marathon riders and aggressive cross-country racers who want the direct power transfer of a rigid frame but need enough composure to survive rough, modern courses. By standardizing around a longer-travel fork and a larger seatpost diameter, Orbea positions the Alma as a highly adaptable platform. It suits riders who value momentum, traction, and long-distance fatigue management over the nervous, twitchy handling of traditional featherweight hardtails.

$3,499

Build

Size

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Airpark Bike Co

Size M

$3,059

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Stack	618.5mm
Reach	435mm
Top tube	594mm
Headtube length	100mm
Standover height	797mm
Seat tube length	410mm

Fit and geometry

The Alma’s geometry reflects a thoroughly modern approach to cross-country handling, built specifically around a 110mm-travel fork. A relaxed 67-degree head tube angle and a low bottom bracket work together to lower the rider’s center of gravity, creating a deeply stable sensation on fast descents. This slack front end prevents the nervous, over-the-bars feeling common on older race bikes, allowing for more aggressive line choices.

To maintain sharp pedaling dynamics, Orbea pairs this stable front end with exceptionally short 425mm chainstays and a steep 75.5-degree seat tube angle. This combination keeps the rider’s weight centered and forward during steep, technical climbs, ensuring the rear wheel maintains traction without the front end wandering. The cockpit setup leans toward an efficient, attacking posture, often featuring a negative-angle integrated stem on premium builds. Despite the racy positioning, the generous stack height provided by the longer fork keeps the fit from feeling overly punishing, striking a balance between aerodynamic efficiency and long-distance comfort.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Orbea Alma Carbon, Boost 12x148, Internal cable routing.

Fork

Fox 34 Float SL Performance 110, Grip, Remote Push to Lock, QR15x110

Groupset

Shift levers

Shimano XT M8100 I-Spec EV

Rear derailleur

Shimano XT M8100 SGS Shadow Plus

Cassette

Shimano CS-M7100 10-51t 12-Speed

Chain

Shimano M7100

Crankset

Shimano XT M8120 34t; Crank Length: S: 170mm, M: 170mm, L: 175mm, XL: 175mm

Bottom bracket

null

Front brake

Shimano M6100 Hydraulic Disc

Rear brake

Shimano M6100 Hydraulic Disc

Front rotor

null

Rear rotor

null

Wheelset

Front wheel

Oquo Mountain Performance MP28PRO

Rear wheel

Oquo Mountain Performance MP28PRO

Front tire

Pirelli Scorpion Sport XC H 2.40" 60TPI ProWall/TLR

Rear tire

Pirelli Scorpion Sport XC H 2.40" 60TPI ProWall/TLR

Cockpit

Stem

OC Mountain Performance MP21, -6º; Stem Length: S: 60mm, M: 75mm, L: 75mm, XL: 90mm

Handlebars

OC Mountain Performance MP30, Width 760

Saddle

Prologo Akero RS steel rails

Seatpost

OC Mountain Performance DP-MP10, 31.6mm, Dropper

Grips

OC Lock On

Builds

The Alma lineup spans six models, from the entry-level M50 to the flagship M LTD. Notably, Orbea uses the exact same carbon frame across the entire range, meaning buyers of the most affordable builds get the same structural foundation and compliance as those purchasing the top tier.

The M-Pro build frequently emerges as the sweet spot for privateer racers, featuring a SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission that delivers crisp electronic shifting under load. However, the Shimano M6100 brakes specced at this level are a known weak point, prompting many to utilize Orbea’s MyO customization program to upgrade to XT brakes or add carbon Oquo wheels straight from the factory.

A significant structural update across the board is the move to a 31.6mm seatpost diameter, which vastly expands compatibility for long-travel dropper posts. Frame details prioritize long-term ownership, including a threaded bottom bracket, internal routing accessed via a convenient down-tube service window, and flush-mounted bottle cage inserts that prevent interference with internally routed droppers.

M50

$2,299

M30

$2,799

M20

$3,499

Selected

M-Pro

$4,399

M-Team AXS

$5,899

M LTD

$8,399

Reviews

Critics widely agree that the Alma trades a fraction of traditional hardtail harshness for a highly capable, composed ride on technical trails. Testers noted that the bike feels remarkably stable at speed, with one reviewer likening its raw, tactile connection to the trail to a "stripped-out rally car" (Singletrackworld). The X-Fader frame design drew significant attention for its ability to manage rider fatigue. While some found the compliance subtle, others reported that the bike effectively "fluttua" (Pianetamountainbike) over roots and high-frequency chatter, delivering a "docile feel" (En) that helps maintain momentum on rough ground.

Reviewers praised the bike's descending manners, noting that the relaxed front end encourages riders to stay off the brakes through steep sections. However, this stability comes with minor tradeoffs. A few testers observed that the stock high-volume tires and aluminum wheels on mid-tier models slightly dull the bike's instantaneous acceleration in tight singletrack. Additionally, a recurring criticism centered on the braking specification; multiple reviewers found the entry-level Shimano brakes on mid-range builds underpowered for the speeds the chassis encourages, strongly recommending an upgrade for aggressive riders.