Orbea Optima

[adanadawn]

I think the Optima may be a new model from Orbea? In any case, I hadn't noticed it before but it's in stores now.

I've been trying to help my wife find the right ebike. The problem is that because of back problems, most ebikes are just too heavy for her. Even with walk assist, she's likely to find herself in a situation where she needs to push the bike around, and she can't do that at 50 or even 45 lbs.

Then I noticed the Optima and had her test ride it. We've ordered one in her favorite color (light blue) and soon it will be in our garage.

As far as I can tell, the Optima is the same battery and motor as the Gain, but in a step-through frame. Compared to my F30, it has beefier tires, a broader, cushier seat, and a more upright body position, making it significantly more comfortable. It also has fenders, a rack, lights, and walk assist. I rode it myself and, aside from being more comfortable, it felt indistinguishable from my F30. I'm stoked because after so much searching I feel I've found the perfect ebike for my lovely wife.

 

[Solom01]

Sounds great, and it seems like it can use the same range extender battery? If so it could allow her to use higher power kevels without range anxiety and you could use it on your bike when she's not using it.

 

[Marci jo]

Thanks for your post. I'm in a similar position. Ebikes are so fabulous but lifting these beasts is such a challenge for me. Even trying to maneuver one to a better starting position while waiting at a stop light is kind of a pain. So many are in the plus 50 lbs, even over 60 lbs. So far my nimble Trek Dual Sport Plus at 45 lbs is not so bad. Trek is merging many of the bikes into the Allant line up.

Please post what you find as a range and also the weight of the Optima. I'm always keeping my eye out for the next ebike.

 

[adanadawn]

Sounds great, and it seems like it can use the same range extender battery? If so it could allow her to use higher power kevels without range anxiety and you could use it on your bike when she's not using it.

From outward appearances, it looks like the range extender should work on the Optima. The staff at Mike's Bikes had no idea of course. They spent 15 trying to figure out how to operate the lights. But it's not their fault that Orbea is so miserly with support info.

Her bike should arrive by end of November so I'll post more after we've got it. My very imprecise guess, just based on lifting it, is that it weighs about 38 lbs. The fenders, rack, lights, chain guard add weight not on the F30. Fenders are plastic, rack is probably aluminum.