Things are getting kinky over at Orbea. Last updated in 2020, the Orbea Alma most recently gained a slight kink in the top tube. This kink led to razor-thin, flat seat stays, granting the rider some comfort while navigating bumpy terrain. All without taking away from the snappy, pure feel of the hardtail that riders crave.

Now, the Spanish bike manufacturer just dropped another update to its classic race hardtail, and it’s a head-turner. In addition to that kink in the top tube, the 2025 Orbea Alma has a huge kink at the bottom of the seat tube and could have both hardtail and short travel full suspension users looking to update their rides.

Photos: Orbea Play Long Live the Hardtail

Hardtails have always been about pure, unfiltered connection to the trail—every pedal stroke, every line choice, every subtle shift in terrain. But with that purity comes trail chatter, fatigue, and the demand for a steady hand. With modern tech, Orbea’s latest Alma takes all the best aspects of a classic XC hardtail and dials in the ride feel, giving riders a smoother, more controlled experience without losing that razor-sharp responsiveness.

X-Fader Tech

At the heart of the new Alma is Orbea’s X-Fader technology, which acts as a micro-damper to reduce vibrations and absorb energy-sapping impacts. The frame flexes just enough to take the edge off rough trails.

At the same time, a redesigned rear triangle with flattened chainstays and seatstays should enhance compliance without sacrificing power transfer.

The Alma’s Advanced Carbon frame construction plays a key role in this balance. The medium, painted frame weighs just 1,080 grams, keeping things light for XC races. A bump in tire clearance to 2.4″ adds grip and comfort, smoothing the ride.

Geometry: Hardtail Handling Meets Modern Capability

Orbea fine-tuned Alma’s geometry for modern XC performance, blending nimble handling with capable descending. The 67° head angle and 75.5° seat tube angle (paired with a 110mm fork) should keep the front end planted on climbs and stable at speed.

Integration: Minimalist, Functional, and Packed With Features

Orbea sweats the details, and Alma’s integration game is strong. The 265g integrated carbon cockpit keeps things clean and lightweight, routing up to three cables internally through SIC (Seamless Internal Cable) integration.

The cockpit comes in a 760mm width, with a -17° stem angle in 75mm or 90mm lengths, and includes an integrated computer mount.

The 419g OC MP10 Dropper offers 100mm of infinite adjustment for dropper fans, not just preset positions. It’s compatible with all saddle rail systems, keeping things flexible for rider preferences and weight-weenie carbon posts.

The MP10 Dropper comes paired with Orbea’s Squidlock remote, which integrates dropper control with a three-position fork lockout, so riders have everything at their thumb without shifting their grip.

Attention to detail continues with Smart Clips, which allow full insertion of a dropper post while accommodating a bottle cage—no awkward metal inserts are required.

Plus, a new service window on the downtube makes cable maintenance a breeze.

Personalization: Get the Pro Treatment 

With five build options (M-LTD to M50) and Orbea’s MyO customization program, riders can customize their Alma exactly how they want it—both in terms of build specs and colorway. 

Speaking of colors, Alma comes in three factory options:

• Cobalt Blue (Gloss) / Carbon Raw (Matte)
• Seaweed Carbon View (Matte-Gloss)
• Mars Red (Matte) / Wine Red Carbon View (Gloss)

Orbeabikes.com