Alma M50

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.

$2,299

Build

Size

Inventory

Jenson USA

$1,874

Airpark Bike Co

$2,124

Contender Bicycles

$2,299

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

RockShox Judy Silver TK 110 Remote 15x110 Boost

Groupset

Shift levers

Shimano Deore M6100

Rear derailleur

Shimano Deore M6100 SGS Shadow Plus

Cassette

Shimano CS-M6100 10-51t 12-Speed

Chain

Shimano M6100

Crankset

Shimano MT512 32t; Crank Length: S: 170, M: 170, L: 175, XL: 175

Bottom bracket

null

Front brake

Shimano MT201 Hydraulic Disc

Rear brake

Shimano MT201 Hydraulic Disc

Front rotor

null

Rear rotor

null

Wheelset

Front wheel

Alloy, 26c, 28H, TLR

Rear wheel

Alloy, 26c, 28H, TLR

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

Alloy forged, -7º; Stem Length: S: 60, M: 70, L: 70, XL: 90

Handlebars

Alloy, 31.8mm, Flat, 740mm, Sweep 9

Saddle

Selle Italia Model X Greentech

Seatpost

SP04, Alloy, forged head, 31,6mm, Setback 0

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

Selected

M30

$2,799

M20

$3,499

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.