Over the past three years, Orbea has gained substantial traction in the crowded South African bicycle market. Cycle Lab, the sole retailer of Orbea, has played a pivotal role in distributing Orbea’s high-performance bicycles across the country, ensuring that South African cyclists have access to the brand’s top-tier mountain bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes and eBikes.
Paid partnership with Orbea South Africa
According to the 2024 South African Mountain Biking Survey, presented by Garmin, Orbea has enjoyed growth in mountain bike, gravel bike and eBike segments since 2022.
Orbea stats in South Africa
| Orbea in SA | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTB | 2.84% | 1.80% | 0.84% |
| Gravel | 2.36% | 1.53% | – |
| eBike | 4.37% | 1.34% | 2.72% |
“Orbea is a classy brand with strong international credibility. We have been focused on offering models that are most appropriate for South Africa as well as getting the Orbea brand better known in the country with a multi-layered marketing strategy,” said Taryn Henstock, Marketing Manager MoreCycle, the division that imports Orbea in the MoreCorp group.
“We were fortunate from a timing perspective that the Speed Company Racing team won the Cape Epic on Orbea Oiz bikes shortly after we started to bring Orbea into the country. A great way to showcase the racing pedigree of the brand! We then introduced Orbea Month last year in March. It’s such an active month in this country with both the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Absa Cape Epic being held in March. A good time of year to celebrate the Orbea brand with competitions, specials and in-store activations,” added Henstock.
“Also in 2024 we started to form ambassador relationships with key members of the South African cycling community. Currently, those include Dr Craig Uria (top Veteran marathon mountain bike racer and bike-fit expert), Catherine Colyn (leading female gravel and road racer), Joel Stransky (Springbok rugby legend), Samuel Cleary (current SA and African Junior XCO champion), and Josh Paul (current SA Youth Road champion and Youth Champion of the 2024 Cycle Lab Schools Series).
For those unaware, the Spanish brand, situated in the Basque region, was established in 1840 and initially made weapons. In 1930, after World War 1, Orbea switched to making bicycles. It was saved from bankruptcy in 1970 when the staff formed a co-operative. Although now part of a co-operative group, Orbea is still co-owned by more than 180 of its staff members.
The bicycles are designed at the Orbea HQ and manufactured in Portugal (lower-end models) and Taiwan (high-end models). After initially gaining international recognition with the Basque Euskaltel-Euskadi team at the 2003 Tour de France, Orbea now sells in more than 60 countries and is respected as a premium brand.
The success of Speed Company Racing in the Absa Cape Epic, one of the most challenging mountain bike races in the world, has had a significant impact on the visibility and reputation of Orbea in South Africa. Sponsored by Orbea, Georg Egger and Lukas Baum (pictured below) have consistently impressed with their exceptional performances at the Cape Epic, winning on debut in 2022 and finishing second in 2023.
On the XCO front, the Orbea FOX Factory Team, packed with champions and podium chasers, is a powerful force on the UCI World Cup circuit; while the Pump for Peace team, headed up by Ariane Luthi, relays its own motivational stories through its racers, Faranak Partoazar (IRA), Tumelo Makae (LES) and Unathi Nxumalo (RSA), who are on board Orbea Oiz bikes.
Orbea Mountain Bikes
Orbea’s mountain bike lineup, available through Cycle Lab, includes models like the Orbea Oiz, Orbea Alma and Orbea Onna, catering to a wide range of riders. These Oiz full-suspension bikes are built with advanced carbon fiber technology, providing lightweight yet durable frames that flourish on South African trails.
Orbea Gravel Bikes
For gravel riders, the Orbea Terra range, available at Cycle Lab, offers a versatile solution for those seeking adventure on mixed terrain. The Orbea Terra featuring wide tyre clearance, disc brakes and a stable geometry that can handle long-distance gravel rides and challenging conditions.
Orbea eBikes
Orbea’s eBikes, including the Orbea Rise (super-light eMTB) and Orbea Wild (full eMTB), as well as the Orbea Gain (eRoad Bike) model ranges, are also available at Cycle Lab and proving to be excellent options for the growing eBike market. The Orbea Wild was named eMTB of the Year in 2023 by both Pinkbike and eMTB Magazine.
Orbea Road Bikes
The Orbea Orca range is renowned for its lightweight frame, aerodynamic design, and superb handling. Available at Cycle Lab, the Orbea Orca is designed for both competitive cyclists and Weekend Warriors. Winner of the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour Women’s title, Pia Grunewald, achieved her stunning victory on an Orbea Orca.
For more on Orbea, visit the brand’s global website here. To upgrade your riding and racing, see the range of Orbea bikes on the Cycle Lab website here.
