In the absence of immediate competition, Orbea is touting its new Alma 29er, which weighs about 1300g in medium size, as the lightest big-wheeled frameset currently available. The bonded carbon fiber 29er frame uses in-molded rear dropouts and a special four-point rear triangle that apparently offers first-rate compliance while retaining maximum drivetrain efficiency. There's also a chunky down tube, which besides keeping lateral and torsional flex to a minimum, acts as a faux-fender. (Click on thumbnails!) / More
