Gotta hand it to you JOM, you are a rare breed in the industry-- one who actually spends more than just the "bro-time coffee shop group ride test loop" to test a bike. Putting a test bike through the paces in a race environment obviously, yields the best test results. Hats off to you, your channel, and an insightful review for your viewers!
Thanks Will! I have never been impressed by those fluff / paid reviews which offer no legitimacy whatsoever in my opinion. The same can be said for the "click bait" reviews. How someone can ride a bike for an hour or two and call it a review is beyond me. Please spread the word about my channel, it would be nice to grow the follower base!
I have the 2019 aluminum version of this bike, with a complete rival 1x set up and hydro disc. 700 miles into it so far and I love it! It's at 24 lbs loaded with 2 bottles and a top tube bag.
Absolutely great review, really a model for other TH-cam reviewers. Having the options described and the real world test on the Dirty Kanza makes this a classic. Thank you.
Thanks so much Graham, I really appreciate your feedback and kind words about the effort I put into these reviews. I have two more complete bike reviews in the pipeline...
Awesome Orbea Terra bike review,extremely thorough review and then some. The 2019 model is even better.For me it's my favourite brand of Gravel bike.Its Super sexy.Cheers
Honestly, this is a great review. I'm starting to feel the itch for a gravel bike. And I'm not a huge Orbea fan (even being a Spaniard...). But, man.... this bike has catch my attention. Your opinion has been very helpful to me. Thanks.
Yeah, thank you. The only problem is that just this week I'm riding a shiny new road bike. And my wife isn't as enthusiastic about more bikes than I am... But I've already designed my Orbea Terra on the web.... :-(. My city has got lots of MTBikers but no cyclocross or Gravel, and Gravel bikes are more appealing to me. I´ll be watching your channel for inspiration.
I am late to the show but this is a great review. I am able to buy a 2021 Terra second hand which is still the same frame and this review was all I was hoping for, except the tire clearance. But then again, where I live there are no trails like in this video. I will also add 650 wheels!
Mate... even though the school of hard knocks tells me to say otherwise, this is a seriously good review. It's just about the best bike review I seen on TH-cam, even though I'm emotionally scared by an Australian Mother. You covered all the bases as far as handling, feedback, versatility. Good use of appropriate video segments while describing what you are actually talking about. High marks for not only using multiple wheel sets, but using multiple wheel sizes and different tires. You've cut across the flaw that with certain reviews of using what comes with the bike must stay with the bike (eg. Giant tubeless tires are less than "good" but the TCR with anyone else's tires is actually REALLY REALLY GREAT..." Well done. And lets face it, if a Kiwi tells an Aussie "well done", you've done f**king well...
Thanks James, I really appreciate the feedback, especially coming from a Kiwi haha! I'm quite fond of Kiwiland, been far too long since I last visited. I have two more gravel bike reviews in the pipeline that I plan to do in this style.
Great review bud , unbiased and that's what I like , nice bikes just got back in the saddle today on the Farley 9.6 after twisting and pulling the knee ligaments , bloody head winds on Brecon Beacons 😂 a 2 hour ride wasn't as bad I thought it was going to be , keep up the great reviews it's helps a lot when parting with the cash on what's good or bad I appreciate it atvb Steve
Great review. Lovely bike. A friend has one and Im tempted but I dont really need a new gravel/cross bike. That looks like a savage event also, strong work man!
I could be wrong, but this looks like the Ocala area of FL. Post-Irma might have been the big clue. Love that area of FL, definitely my favorite place to go in FL!
Thank you for the video 👍🏻. I've been considering my options now for about 13 months Orbea Terra 20 2x or Canyon Grail CF SL 80. Both are right at the top of my price range tbh. I can only have one bike to do road , lanes and trails, I do want to do some touring if and hopefully when the current world situation is safer. But I would really appreciate and value your thoughts. I can find pros and cons for both. Stay safe 👍🏻👍🏻🚴🏻♂️🚴♂️
@@pipapo4947 I bought a Ribble CGR SL in the end as they didn’t put the prices up when everyone else did. Flag I got it though I love it. Ribble Customer service is completely pants to be honest, but the bike is great.
Wow! I have been trying to spec out a bike for this years Dirty Kanza, and came across your video! Do you still recommend this bike? I have been thinking of either this one, or the Specialized Diverge, or the 3T Exploro.
Hi Jamie, I've not ridden the other bikes you mentioned. Yes, I still recommend this bike. Luck, experience and favorable weather have a lot to do with everything, but I did ride my fastest time at DK200 aboard the Orbea.
Hi Gravel cyclist, i really like the Terra. I see you are on the Small frame at 5' 10" . i just make the small size criteria at 172 cm height but would have little or no clearance on standover height. Wondered what you thought please?
My Orbea Orca also has a "Made in Spain" sticker, but my understanding is that just refers to the painting and assembly (which is done by hand in the Basque country). Like essentially every other company, their carbon frames are developed in-house but manufactured in Asia (China I think for Orbea). I think their aluminum frames might still be made in Spain, but not really sure. Great review BTW. Curious how you think the Terra would work as a 'cross bike?
Both carbon and aluminium frames are designed in the Basque Conutry. They still have a factory in the Basque Country where the aluminium frames are made. However the carbon frames are made in Asia. Regards.
It's a beauty! Unfortunately, the lack of (mudguard?), headlight and rear rack mounts precludes it from consideration for Me. I believe, all adventure / gravel bikes must be equipped with these. And preferably, top tube mounts for a bento box, as well.
Great review. I. Almost ready to push the button and order one of these. Interested to know how you managed to get the wide lightning hub to fit the 100x12 thru axle? Cheers
Graeme, I have all of the axle types that were available for American Classic wheels. Thus, I swapped in the 12mm axle for the front disc hub, good to go!
Hey Jom another great review. I know you’ve reviewed the Am Classic 700/29 Race wheel set in the past. Is it still a front runner in today’s market and would you recommend it to double up for a gravel/ road set up. Many thanks. Darren.
Hi Darren. The Race 29'er uses a lot of traditional componentry - external spoke nipples, 3x spoke patterns, etc, but it has been my go-to wheelset at Dirty Kanza for the past two years, and a whole lot of other events. It is light, strong and reliable. I highly recommend it... in fact, I just procured a set of the rare 27.5" version which I plan to do a race or two on in the future. Yes to gravel on this wheelset, you won't be disappointed.
Do you think is worth having some mudguards for this bike? In my region doesn't rain that much, but I'm looking for a removable mudguard. Could you, please, recommend any? I've never used them in my road bike. Thanks.
Gravel Cyclist, thank you very much for the review. One of my doubts about this bike is the tyre clearance. I understood that the maximum clearance is 40 mm. Do you think that that is enough? I love the bike, but I doubt if I would need more than 40 mm
@@nekovolta2 I rode Dirty Kanza 200 on the Terra and set my best time. That should give you an idea. 40mm is not enough if you're going to ride MTB trails on the bike, but you could run a little wider with 650b. Remember, this isn't an MTB. Good luck!
@@GravelCyclist I know... And that's what I thought. But although you are not searching for a single track, sometimes you are just exploring and find a path that was not so convenient. I read that for gravel you should focus on bikes that admit clearance of 700x45 mm, just in case. I love the Orbea Terra, but that's my main concern with the bike, that I could need more clearance.
You answered your own question... "I see you did it but they only recommend 40mm". Manufacturers always play it safe... from memory, clearance was tight, but I had no problems. You would have to be careful if you ever rode mud. Good luck!
@@ximhernandez1940 I rode 650b x 42mm on that bike, 45mm should fit. Please look at my review closely, I showed examples that are close to what you have asked in the video.
Gravel Cyclist thank you for your answer, I watched your review in full and noticed that you rode 42mm i 650b wheels, just asking if you think could be clearance for more in that size of wheels. Thank you again!
@@ximhernandez1940 You are welcome. That review was a long time ago, definitely look at the tyre clearance photos, I am confident you will have no issues. Good luck!
Roughly how tall are you if I may ask? I know dimensions differ with individuals and geometry but I'm being told to size down which I hear is common. Im 5'8 and normally ride a medium TIA
Effective top tube is the only measurement I generally care about. I never look at those recommended size charts. Size small Terra is 543mm on the top tube, fit me like a glove. I also prefer a shorter headtube. I'm 5'11 but that doesn't have much bearing as sizing is a personal thing. You can raise and lower the seatpost to account for inseam and so on. I prefer the smallest bike I can get away with, and use a setback post and most times, a 110mm stem. Works well for me, I set my fastest Dirty Kanza 200 time on this bike. Good luck!
Between 5'10 and 5'11". Bike setup is a personal preference. The bike fit me superbly and I am on the appropriate size for me. I prefer an aggressive position, which isn't for everyone. Note, I raced Dirty Kanza 200 on this bike.
If you're talking about American Classic wheels, I have several of those, all are still going strong! With that said, I've got some sweet wheel reviews in the works, including two new setups from Enve and I9 :)
Gotta hand it to you JOM, you are a rare breed in the industry-- one who actually spends more than just the "bro-time coffee shop group ride test loop" to test a bike. Putting a test bike through the paces in a race environment obviously, yields the best test results. Hats off to you, your channel, and an insightful review for your viewers!
Thanks Will! I have never been impressed by those fluff / paid reviews which offer no legitimacy whatsoever in my opinion. The same can be said for the "click bait" reviews. How someone can ride a bike for an hour or two and call it a review is beyond me. Please spread the word about my channel, it would be nice to grow the follower base!
I really liked the review, IMO represents one of the best bicycle reviews I've ever seen on TH-cam. Thanks!
I have the 2019 aluminum version of this bike, with a complete rival 1x set up and hydro disc. 700 miles into it so far and I love it! It's at 24 lbs loaded with 2 bottles and a top tube bag.
Absolutely great review, really a model for other TH-cam reviewers. Having the options described and the real world test on the Dirty Kanza makes this a classic. Thank you.
Thanks so much Graham, I really appreciate your feedback and kind words about the effort I put into these reviews. I have two more complete bike reviews in the pipeline...
Awesome Orbea Terra bike review,extremely thorough review and then some. The 2019 model is even better.For me it's my favourite brand of Gravel bike.Its Super sexy.Cheers
Honestly, this is a great review. I'm starting to feel the itch for a gravel bike. And I'm not a huge Orbea fan (even being a Spaniard...). But, man.... this bike has catch my attention. Your opinion has been very helpful to me. Thanks.
Thank you Oscar, good luck choosing your next bike!
Yeah, thank you. The only problem is that just this week I'm riding a shiny new road bike. And my wife isn't as enthusiastic about more bikes than I am... But I've already designed my Orbea Terra on the web.... :-(. My city has got lots of MTBikers but no cyclocross or Gravel, and Gravel bikes are more appealing to me. I´ll be watching your channel for inspiration.
Excellent review. As others have said, you can speak with authority having ridden it for so long in such demanding conditions. Thanks!
Great review and as always in real conditions. Thanks a lot you rules. Cheers from Portugal.
Thank you Pedro I would LOVE to ride in Portugal someday in the future.
You're welcome. If you came to Portugal just tell me, it will be an honour receiving you in my country. Gravel rules. Yours in Health PMaia
Thanks for the review! Considering getting one and the fact that you can fit 650b wheels represents a "plus" in the decision process. Thanks!
You are welcome! Good luck with your decision.
I am late to the show but this is a great review. I am able to buy a 2021 Terra second hand which is still the same frame and this review was all I was hoping for, except the tire clearance. But then again, where I live there are no trails like in this video. I will also add 650 wheels!
Good luck, 650b wheels work great on this frame / fork, and you can run some wider tire / tyre casings.
Overlooked this initially- but after searching, this bike ticks off a lot of the desirable qualities... 👍🏼
Mate... even though the school of hard knocks tells me to say otherwise, this is a seriously good review. It's just about the best bike review I seen on TH-cam, even though I'm emotionally scared by an Australian Mother. You covered all the bases as far as handling, feedback, versatility. Good use of appropriate video segments while describing what you are actually talking about. High marks for not only using multiple wheel sets, but using multiple wheel sizes and different tires. You've cut across the flaw that with certain reviews of using what comes with the bike must stay with the bike (eg. Giant tubeless tires are less than "good" but the TCR with anyone else's tires is actually REALLY REALLY GREAT..." Well done. And lets face it, if a Kiwi tells an Aussie "well done", you've done f**king well...
Thanks James, I really appreciate the feedback, especially coming from a Kiwi haha! I'm quite fond of Kiwiland, been far too long since I last visited. I have two more gravel bike reviews in the pipeline that I plan to do in this style.
Great review bud , unbiased and that's what I like , nice bikes just got back in the saddle today on the Farley 9.6 after twisting and pulling the knee ligaments , bloody head winds on Brecon Beacons 😂 a 2 hour ride wasn't as bad I thought it was going to be , keep up the great reviews it's helps a lot when parting with the cash on what's good or bad I appreciate it atvb Steve
Awesome review and you have a new subscriber. :) I like reviews when the bikes are truly tested which was obvious in yours.
Thank you Tamas!
Great review. Lovely bike. A friend has one and Im tempted but I dont really need a new gravel/cross bike. That looks like a savage event also, strong work man!
Thanks man now I have an idea about gravel bikes.
I could be wrong, but this looks like the Ocala area of FL. Post-Irma might have been the big clue.
Love that area of FL, definitely my favorite place to go in FL!
Close... I live in Gainesville most of the year and do a bunch of filming around there... and other areas :)
Awesome review. Subscribed.
Thanks!
Thank you for the video 👍🏻. I've been considering my options now for about 13 months Orbea Terra 20 2x or Canyon Grail CF SL 80. Both are right at the top of my price range tbh. I can only have one bike to do road , lanes and trails, I do want to do some touring if and hopefully when the current world situation is safer. But I would really appreciate and value your thoughts. I can find pros and cons for both. Stay safe 👍🏻👍🏻🚴🏻♂️🚴♂️
same thoughts here😅
@@pipapo4947 I bought a Ribble CGR SL in the end as they didn’t put the prices up when everyone else did. Flag I got it though I love it. Ribble Customer service is completely pants to be honest, but the bike is great.
Glad not Flag 🙈
Wow! I have been trying to spec out a bike for this years Dirty Kanza, and came across your video! Do you still recommend this bike? I have been thinking of either this one, or the Specialized Diverge, or the 3T Exploro.
Hi Jamie, I've not ridden the other bikes you mentioned. Yes, I still recommend this bike. Luck, experience and favorable weather have a lot to do with everything, but I did ride my fastest time at DK200 aboard the Orbea.
Hey having your front cables routed like that touching the actual frame like that did it cause a bunch of scratches on the paint?
I used some clear mylar frame protectors.
@@GravelCyclist Nice that's geniuses
Hi Gravel cyclist, i really like the Terra. I see you are on the Small frame at 5' 10" . i just make the small size criteria at 172 cm height but would have little or no clearance on standover height. Wondered what you thought please?
You need to speak to a qualified bicycle fitter, I cannot provide fitting advice. Fitting is very personal, sorry.
@@GravelCyclist Thanks yes you are right. Thanks for the great videos.
@@breakingwavespictures9553 Good luck!
My Orbea Orca also has a "Made in Spain" sticker, but my understanding is that just refers to the painting and assembly (which is done by hand in the Basque country). Like essentially every other company, their carbon frames are developed in-house but manufactured in Asia (China I think for Orbea). I think their aluminum frames might still be made in Spain, but not really sure. Great review BTW. Curious how you think the Terra would work as a 'cross bike?
Hey Richard, I don't partake in cyclocross but I don't see why it wouldn't work.
Both carbon and aluminium frames are designed in the Basque Conutry. They still have a factory in the Basque Country where the aluminium frames are made. However the carbon frames are made in Asia. Regards.
It's a beauty! Unfortunately, the lack of (mudguard?), headlight and rear rack mounts precludes it from consideration for Me. I believe, all adventure / gravel bikes must be equipped with these. And preferably, top tube mounts for a bento box, as well.
Hey man, what's the widest size of tyres you could probably fit in there ?
Great review. I. Almost ready to push the button and order one of these. Interested to know how you managed to get the wide lightning hub to fit the 100x12 thru axle?
Cheers
Graeme, I have all of the axle types that were available for American Classic wheels. Thus, I swapped in the 12mm axle for the front disc hub, good to go!
How does this bad boy stack up to the RLT 9 RDO.? Great channel keep up the good work
Hey Jom another great review. I know you’ve reviewed the Am Classic 700/29 Race wheel set in the past. Is it still a front runner in today’s market and would you recommend it to double up for a gravel/ road set up. Many thanks. Darren.
Hi Darren. The Race 29'er uses a lot of traditional componentry - external spoke nipples, 3x spoke patterns, etc, but it has been my go-to wheelset at Dirty Kanza for the past two years, and a whole lot of other events. It is light, strong and reliable. I highly recommend it... in fact, I just procured a set of the rare 27.5" version which I plan to do a race or two on in the future. Yes to gravel on this wheelset, you won't be disappointed.
Do you think is worth having some mudguards for this bike? In my region doesn't rain that much, but I'm looking for a removable mudguard. Could you, please, recommend any? I've never used them in my road bike. Thanks.
Hey Oscar. I have little to no experience with mudguards, sorry.
Gravel Cyclist, thank you very much for the review. One of my doubts about this bike is the tyre clearance. I understood that the maximum clearance is 40 mm. Do you think that that is enough? I love the bike, but I doubt if I would need more than 40 mm
You should be fine provided you don't encounter sticky mud.
@@GravelCyclist And for comfort? What about if you are in "broken paths" and similar. 40 mm is enough?
@@nekovolta2 I rode Dirty Kanza 200 on the Terra and set my best time. That should give you an idea. 40mm is not enough if you're going to ride MTB trails on the bike, but you could run a little wider with 650b. Remember, this isn't an MTB. Good luck!
@@GravelCyclist I know... And that's what I thought. But although you are not searching for a single track, sometimes you are just exploring and find a path that was not so convenient. I read that for gravel you should focus on bikes that admit clearance of 700x45 mm, just in case. I love the Orbea Terra, but that's my main concern with the bike, that I could need more clearance.
@@nekovolta2 If you need more clearance, check out the Otso Waheela C and the new Niner RLT 9 bikes.
Is it possible to fit 42mm tyres in a 700C wheel in this bike? I see you did it but they recommend only 40mm.
Thank you for your review!
You answered your own question... "I see you did it but they only recommend 40mm". Manufacturers always play it safe... from memory, clearance was tight, but I had no problems. You would have to be careful if you ever rode mud. Good luck!
Gravel Cyclist do you think is possible to fit 45mm tyres in 650b wheel in the Orbea Orca??
@@ximhernandez1940 I rode 650b x 42mm on that bike, 45mm should fit. Please look at my review closely, I showed examples that are close to what you have asked in the video.
Gravel Cyclist thank you for your answer, I watched your review in full and noticed that you rode 42mm i 650b wheels, just asking if you think could be clearance for more in that size of wheels.
Thank you again!
@@ximhernandez1940 You are welcome. That review was a long time ago, definitely look at the tyre clearance photos, I am confident you will have no issues. Good luck!
bike id at 5:53 on the left??
Could be an early Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey?
Roughly how tall are you if I may ask? I know dimensions differ with individuals and geometry but I'm being told to size down which I hear is common. Im 5'8 and normally ride a medium TIA
Effective top tube is the only measurement I generally care about. I never look at those recommended size charts. Size small Terra is 543mm on the top tube, fit me like a glove. I also prefer a shorter headtube. I'm 5'11 but that doesn't have much bearing as sizing is a personal thing. You can raise and lower the seatpost to account for inseam and so on. I prefer the smallest bike I can get away with, and use a setback post and most times, a 110mm stem. Works well for me, I set my fastest Dirty Kanza 200 time on this bike. Good luck!
Haw tall are you?? Tank you very much for the great review as always
About 5'11". Please remember, my fitting should not have a bearing on yours. Fitting is very personal. Good luck!
Buen reportage...
How tall are you? on size S looks you have a lot of saddle to handlebar height
Between 5'10 and 5'11". Bike setup is a personal preference. The bike fit me superbly and I am on the appropriate size for me. I prefer an aggressive position, which isn't for everyone. Note, I raced Dirty Kanza 200 on this bike.
I'm 5'6" (168cm) can you advise on sizing - I'm thinking XS. I'm normally a 51/52 on Cannondales - any help would be appreciated!
Any link to this bike at Orbea?
www.orbea.com/gb-en/brands/terra/
Hi, please do a test Giant Revolt 1, 2017?
Giant needs to send me a bike for that to happen!
Orbea is so hot right now
That's a good handle, Biopace Man.
Gravel Cyclist Thank you. I just found your channel. Great content!
r u still using ur old wheelset? hehe
If you're talking about American Classic wheels, I have several of those, all are still going strong! With that said, I've got some sweet wheel reviews in the works, including two new setups from Enve and I9 :)
Gravel Cyclist can u spare some for me? 😅
I hav the ridley x-trail a20 and nice bike. 👌
When are you going to review No.22 Titanium gravel ?
No. 22 would have to send me a bike for that to happen.
planet "yrf" :D
"Or-Bay"
i have a FEELING this bike MADE IN CHINA OR TAIWAN - not SPAIN !!!!!!!!!!