Orbea

Alma H30 Complete Mountain Bike

In today's world of warring wheel sizes, countless acronyms, and mind-boggling variety, the Orbea Alma H30 Complete Mountain Bike is a refreshingly simple change of pace. But just because this aluminum hardtail is simple doesn't mean it's not incredibly capable. You see, Orbea pulled out all the stops to build the H30 with components that will last for real riding, without sticking you with a shock-inducing price tag. Whether it's laps with friends on your favorite trails, or throwing on a number plate for some midweek racing, the Alma H30 is up for it.

Orbea borrowed heavily from its carbon fiber Alma when it came time to design the Alma Hydro frame. The Alma shares the same tight handling geometry that makes the carbon version so popular, as well as Orbea's signature lines. Where the difference lies is in the Alma Hydro's triple butted 7005 aluminum tubeset. Basically, each tube is thicker at the ends than in the middle, which not only saves weight, but works in conjunction with Orbea's tube forming, providing plenty of compliance to smooth out the trail. The size medium and large Alma roll on 29-inch wheels, while the small runs on 26-inch wheels, providing more responsive handling for smaller riders.

Suspension duties are handled by an Evolution Series Fox 32 fork, which provides 100mm of air-sprung travel to smooth out the trail. It employs an open cartridge damper, which provides adjustable compression and rebound damping. Mavic X119 wheels keep the Alma rolling, and they are light enough for spirited climbing, while still offering ample toughness. And they're wrapped in Geax AKA tires, which are widely popular for their fast-rolling, grippy tread pattern.

The drivetrain is a Shimano blend, which features a double chainring crankset, SLX shifters, and front derailleur, and Shadow XT rear derailleur. By combining a new-school double with the 11-36t cassette, you get quick, crisp shifts, and plenty of range to tackle the hilliest trails, without wasted overlap between gears. Braking is handled by Formula C1 hydraulic disc brakes. Rounding out the cockpit is an assortment of Orbea items for the handlebar, stem and seatpost. And the Selle Italia saddle gives you a comfortable perch to sit on mile after mile.

The Orbea Alma H30 Complete Mountain Bike is available in four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the color Black/red.