Orbea : Laufey vs Occam SL vs Occam LT

Published on 23 August 2024

In this article, we offer a detailed comparison of the three Orbea mountain bike models:

• The Laufey
• The Occam SL
• The Occam LT

Whether you are looking for a versatile all-terrain bike or a high-performance mountain bike for your most demanding rides, this guide will help you make the best choice. Discover the features, performance, and benefits of each of these models to find the Orbea bike that best suits your needs.

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Orbea: A Long Basque Heritage

Laufey, Occam SL / LT: The Essence of Trail Mountain Biking

With these three models, the Spanish manufacturer demonstrates a keen understanding of the different uses of trail bikes. Indeed, it is not always easy to understand which type of mountain biking a specific bike is designed for. In response to the evolving practices, Orbea has segmented its offering with a playful and versatile hardtail MTB and a fully suspended model available in two versions for double the fun! Orbea makes no compromises, pushing the exploitation of its Occam frame to the maximum with these SL and LT versions to meet the demands of all riders, with bikes capable of riding on all types of terrain. They will be perfect companions for exploring mountain trails, dirt roads, forest tracks, or even more technical and rocky descents. Maneuverable and comfortable, these three bikes embody versatility and fun for a laid-back mountain biking experience.

Orbea Laufey: A Versatile and Fun Hardtail MTB

A Robust and Versatile Design for All Terrains

The Laufey is designed to be a versatile MTB that adapts to all types of terrain. It stands out with its robust aluminum frame that offers internal cable routing for a cleaner look. It features a diagonal tube protection as well as a rubber bumper on the rear base on the transmission side. Each tube is double or triple butted to reinforce the welding areas that are most subject to stress. The Laufey is equipped with a 140 mm travel fork to provide optimal comfort and includes a small storage space for tools in the diagonal tube.

Key Points: 

• Ultra-rigid aluminum frame
• 140 mm travel fork
• Lockr System: storage box in the diagonal tube
• 29” wheels and tires up to 2.6 inches

Who is the Orbea Laufey for?

The Orbea Laufey is ideal for cyclists looking for a versatile and playful MTB. With its lowered geometry, the Laufey is perfect for a mix of trail and enduro use. If you enjoy variety and exploring new horizons, this is the bike for you.

Orbea Occam SL: The Trail MTB with a Cross-Country Flair

A Trail Bike with Cross-Country DNA

The Occam SL is a full-suspension trail MTB whose DNA lies somewhere between an enduro MTB and a cross-country MTB. The Occam SL inherits some attributes from the Oiz (Orbea's XC model) and stands out for its versatility. Depending on the model, the Occam SL is available with an aluminum or carbon frame. It features internal cable routing, even for the rear suspension, thanks to Orbea's “Inside Line” technology. The front frame has an asymmetrical design that reduces weight while maintaining rigidity. With 140 mm of front and rear suspension travel, the Occam SL is perfectly balanced to tackle both demanding climbs and challenging descents. In its top-of-the-range M-LTD version, the Occam weighs 10.8 kg. A true lightweight considering the significant suspension travel. Finally, the frame is equipped with protections at the most sensitive points, such as the lower part of the top tube, the rear base on the transmission side, and the pivot point of the rear triangle base. For added practicality, Orbea has included a small storage space located in the top tube.

Key Points:

• “Fast trail” geometry
• 140/140 mm travel suspension with handlebar lockout
• Lockr System: storage box in the diagonal tube
• 29” wheels and 2.4-inch tires

Who is the Orbea Occam SL for?

The Orbea Occam SL is a trail bike designed for those who seek the lightness and responsiveness of a cross-country MTB while maintaining the adaptability to tackle the most technical terrains. Its modern geometry, with an open head angle and extended reach, offers excellent stability and agility, allowing less experienced cyclists to fully enjoy this bike in all conditions and on all terrains.

Orbea Occam LT: The Trail MTB with an Enduro Twist

The Best of Both Worlds

The Occam LT retains the Occam SL frame, but this time in a more powerful version, with increased travel and a construction suited to technical trails and challenging courses. The Occam LT is equipped with a 160 mm front suspension and 150 mm rear suspension. With this bike, Orbea focuses primarily on downhill enjoyment. The frame features a flip chip with two positions on the shock extension that allows for quick geometry adjustments, maximizing the bike's performance in both climbs and descents. While the Occam SL was equipped with a Fox 34 fork, the LT uses the stiffer Fox 36, which is better suited to rough terrain. These small details are further enhanced at the tire level, with knobbier models and reinforced wheels. Finally, like the Occam SL, the LT features a storage box in the diagonal tube.

Key Points: 

• “Fast trail” geometry
• 160/150 mm travel suspension
• Lockr System: storage box in the diagonal tube
• 29” wheels and 2.5-inch tires

Who is the Orbea Occam LT for?

The Orbea Occam LT is ideal for more experienced cyclists looking for a bike capable of accompanying them on the most technical trails and difficult courses. With its XXL suspension, the Occam LT presents itself as a downhill machine, ready to tackle any slope. Its identical frame to the Occam SL allows it to retain dynamism, particularly on climbs. Its geometry offers great versatility to adapt to a wide range of rider profiles. It's the perfect mount for exploring more challenging mountain sides!

Laufey vs Occam SL vs Occam LT: Which to Choose?

Now that we have reviewed the features of each bike, you will need to choose between a hardtail MTB or the full-suspension option. To help you, we offer a summary of the key points to consider.

In summary, the choice between the Orbea Laufey, Occam SL, and Occam LT will mainly depend on your cycling practice and the types of terrain you want to explore. The Laufey is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile hardtail MTB, while the Occam models will appeal to those who value lightness and performance with a bike that crosses various uses. The Occam SL is the most XC-oriented version of the Occam, while the Occam LT is the ideal companion for more technical and challenging mountain courses. But whichever you choose, the Occam doesn’t compromise on climbs. You will find in these Orbea models high-quality bikes, a commitment that the brand has pushed to the limit with a lifetime warranty on all its frames.