Orbea Alma M50 (2022)

The Orbea Alma M50 is a ridiculously lightweight, smooth carbon-fibre mountain bike. It's made by premium Spanish brand, Orbea. The brand has been producing bikes since 1930. And they are well known for their high-end quality. The Alma is assembled in Spain too, so the build quality is superb.

This preview explains a little more about the Alma 50.

What is the Alma M50?

The Alma is a lightweight carbon fibre mountain bike that is designed to be versatile. And the M50 build is best described as affordable performance.

The Alma 50 is Orbea's cross-country mountain bike.

It's designed for riders who value a fast, light and nimble. And it's at home on smoother mountain bike trails, rail trails and even suburban bike paths.

For those wondering:

The 'M' stands for monocoque carbon. Anything in the Orbea range with an M has a carbon frame. If it has a 'H' then it's aluminium.

Who is the Alma M50 for?

The Alma M50 will suit new riders and those upgrading from an older mountain bike.

It's also for riders who prefer the feel and robustness of a mountain bike. You're not riding competitively, and you want a bike that can handle easier mountain biking, suburban bike paths and rail trails.

Essentially, you want something robust, versatile and not limiting.

The Alma M50 Build

Orbea uses a premium grade carbon to produce the Alma frame. There are many different types of carbon in the bike industry. The T800-grade on the Alma is much better than average.

To put this into content, our $7,000+ mountain bikes use the carbon level below this, T700. Which is still very good, but it gives you some idea of the exceptional value you're getting here.

The RockShox Judy front fork uses a plush air-spring to absorb impacts. Plus, the handlebar mounted controller lets you lock/un-lock the suspension without taking your hands off the bars.

Shimano Deore 12-speed parts use similar technology that Shimano's higher-end parts do. But they are much more affordable to replace.

Plus, the Alma M50's 12-speed drivetrain is also compatible with Shimano's new electronic gear upgrade (called Di2).

The front chainring is a smaller 32-tooth. For riders who are using the Alma M50 on bike paths and less mountain bike terrain, then consider changing the front chainring from 32-tooth to a 34 or 36-tooth. This will unlock a higher top-speed.