First Ride Review: 2026 Orbea Terra Gravel Bike – Aventura, Aventura!

New design language, revamped geometry and a gigantic storage compartment. Orbea are calling their 2026 Terra gravel bike “adventure-ready” – and we’re taking their word for it. We grabbed the new Orbea Terra, headed straight for the Basque wilderness, and gave it a proper bikepacking shakedown. Get a cortado and find out just how much adventure DNA really flows through the Terra´s veins.

With some brands, you couldn’t care less where they’re based or who owns them. Orbea aren´t one of those. Their headquarters sit in the heart of the Basque Country, surrounded by local suppliers. Their bikes are painted and assembled right there, too. But what really sets them apart: Orbea is an employee-owned co-operative. That means everybody who works there can buy shares, vote on how profits are used, and even see what their colleagues earn. The maximum wage gap? Six-to-one – from entry-level production to top-level management.

But all this isn’t just a social badge of honour, it translates into real-world benefits. Chief among them? Flexibility. Orbea don’t just offer pre-configured builds. You can tweak almost every aspect of your build to suit your taste, from the paint job to cockpit dimensions, crank length and wheelsets. This level of customisation is rare – and particularly valuable on a bike like the 2026 Terra. We’ll come back to why that is later.

Dare To Go Square – the 2026 Orbea Terra Frame Design

Time for the traditionalists to brace themselves: the 2026 Terra takes a big step away from classic frame silhouettes. The seat stays now meet the seat tube much lower down – a common sight in today’s gravel scene. In combination with the rounded seatpost that should provide additional flex and comfort. The previously asymmetric chainstay is gone. Nevertheless, the tire clearance has been boosted to a generous 50 mm. Up top, the newly ovalised top tube keeps things looking sleek and tidy, with a more elegant and slender profile than its chunky predecessor. So far, so smooth.

Things start getting truly adventurous when you look closer at the tube profiles. The fork legs and seat stays start oval, but then transition into more angular and squared off shapes. This new design language is most obvious on the downtube. Just below the bottle cage, the previously slim carbon tube transforms into a rather bulky block. According to Joseba Arizaga, Road Product Manager at Orbea, there are two ideas behind this, the first being storage capacity. The squared-off profile creates a spacious compartment that easily accommodates a tube, multitool and – non-negotiable in the Basque Country – a waterproof jacket. The second touted benefit is vibration damping. The mix of different shapes is designed to absorb harsh frequencies and add a welcome dose of calm to the ride feel.

Reach for Comfort – The Updated Geometry of the 2026 Orbea Terra

The biggest update from the previous model is the geometry. Although, with Orbea’s extensive customisation options – including various spacer configurations and handlebar-stem combos – it’s hard to pin the geometry down. That said, the 2026 Terra clearly nudges the platform further into adventure territory. A longer reach paired with a shorter stem is designed to deliver sharp, responsive steering and nimble handling on rough descents and twisty trails. As standard, Orbea spec the Terra with relatively narrow, minimally flared bars.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Terra offers a slightly more upright riding position – a welcome tweak for long-distance bikepacking or your daily commute. But don’t mistake comfort for softness: we’re talking relaxed ergonomics, not a flexy frame or spongy ride. Stability comes from elsewhere. An extended wheelbase and longer chainstays are designed to boost straight-line-stability and uphill-traction, especially on steep climbs. And on that front – spoiler alert – it delivers.

All in all, the geometry changes are moderate. The 2026 Orbea Terra doesn’t aim to replace your mountain bike, nor does it push the “long reach, short stem” philosophy as far as, say, the Mondraker ARID. We’re looking forward to seeing how this setup handles the steep slopes and the cow-dung-dotted descents of the Basque backcountry.

	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Top Tube	535 mm	547 mm	561 mm	573 mm	585 mm	596 mm
Seat Tube	410 mm	440 mm	470 mm	505 mm	540 mm	575 mm
Head Tube	110 mm	132.5 mm	153.5 mm	175 mm	198 mm	218 mm
Head Angle	69°	69.5°	70°	70.5°	70.8°	71°
Seat Angle	74°	74°	74°	74°	74°	74°
Chainstay	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
Wheelbase	1,031 mm	1,041 mm	1,052 mm	1,061 mm	1,072 mm	1,081 mm
Reach	386 mm	392 mm	400 mm	406 mm	412 mm	417 mm
Stack	535 mm	558 mm	580 mm	602 mm	625 mm	645 mm

Beauty Lies in the Details

According to Orbea, the new Terra frame uses vertically compliant OMR carbon and drops a few grams from the previous model, now weighing just 1,040 g in size M (unpainted), down from 1,130 g. More importantly, it’s said to be torsionally stiffer, which should improve both handling and power transfer. The fork gains a little weight due to the added mounts, now tipping the scales at 425 g instead of 400 g.

Mounts are something the 2026 Terra has in abundance: fork legs, top tube, and a plastic-protected down tube offer plenty of real estate for bags, bottles, or whatever your next escape demands. The LOCKR storage compartment is particularly spacious – with some strategic folding, it’ll even swallow a lightweight down jacket. The hatch itself is now larger, making tool access less of a knuckle-busting affair. It locks securely and, even after 350 km of rocks and roots, it stayed silent and rattle-free. Hallelujah.

Planning on taking the 2026 Terra on wet commutes as well as dusty escapes? If so, you’ll be pleased to know it comes with mudguard mounts. Another highlight is the external, asymmetrical seatpost clamp, which is easy to access and secure. It holds a 27.2 mm post, and you can swap in a dropper if needed. Like most modern gravel rigs, the Terra also features a UDH mech hanger.

Pick and Mix – Terra 2026 Build Options

The 2026 Terra comes in a range of builds. You can choose between SRAM’s latest 1x XPLR groupsets and Shimano’s 2x GRX options. The bars, stem and seatpost are all supplied by Orbea’s in-house OC brand, available in carbon or aluminium. Almost all components can be tailored to your needs – whether you’re speccing for long-distance comfort or dialled-in performance. A different handlebar width, a seatpost with more setback, a more upright stem – or a different wheelset – can completely transform how the bike rides. By the way, the wheels come from OQUO. The brand, whose name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, is part of the Orbea group but operates as an independent manufacturer, with development and production based just outside Bilbao.

You get a choice of three colourways: Acid Gum, Fantasy Purple Carbon View, Caramel C.View, or Nickel Met Cinnamon. Orbea clearly think you can do better, though – these colourways are basically an invitation to play with the MyO custom colour configurator. There, you can mix and match matte or glossy paint, choose the colours of the logo and decals – and ultimately turn the Terra into your Terra. Right, enough time spent picking a paint job. Let’s ride.

Model	Price (€)	Groupset	Cassette	Brakes	Crankset	Wheels	Tyres	Seatpost	Handlebar
Terra M21e Team 1X	5.999	SRAM Force XPLR AXS, 1×13	SRAM XG-1371 10–46T 13-Speed	SRAM Force	SRAM Force XPLR Dub Wide 40t	OQUO Road Control RC30Team	Vittoria Terreno T30 fine loose Gravel Endurance G2.0 700x45c	OC Performance XP10 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 0	OC Gravel GR10 Carbon, Reach 70, Drop 110
Terra M20i Team	5.799	Shimano GRX Di2 RX825	Shimano ULTEGRA R8100 11–34t 12-Speed	Shimano RX820 Hydraulic Disc	Shimano GRX RX820 31x48t	OQUO Road Control RC30Team	Vittoria Terreno T30 fine loose Gravel Endurance G2.0 700x45c	OC Performance XP10 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 0	OC Gravel GR10 Carbon, Reach 70, Drop 110
Terra M31e Team 1X	4.199	SRAM Rival XPLR AXS, 1×13	SRAM XG-1351 XPLR 10–46t 13-Speed	SRAM Rival	SRAM Rival 1 XPLR Dub Wide 40t	OQUO Road Control RC25Pro	Vittoria Terreno T30 fine loose Gravel Endurance G2.0 700x45c	OC Performance XP10 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 0	OC Gravel GR31, Reach 70, Drop 110
Terra M35 Team	3.999	Shimano GRX RX820/RX610	Shimano HG710 11–36t 12-Speed	Shimano RX410 Hydraulic Disc	Shimano GRX RX610 30x46t	OQUO Road Control RC30Team	Vittoria Terreno T30 fine loose Gravel Endurance G2.0 700x45c	SP 0.2 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 20	OC Gravel GR31, Reach 70, Drop 110
Terra M20 Team	3.699	Shimano GRX RX820	Shimano HG710 11–36t 12-Speed	Shimano RX820 Hydraulic Disc	Shimano GRX RX820 31x48t	OQUO Road Control RC25Pro	Vittoria Terreno T30 fine loose Gravel Endurance G2.0 700x45c	SP 0.2 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 20	OC Gravel GR31, Reach 70, Drop 110
Terra M30 Team 1X	2.999	Shimano GRX RX822 SGS, 1x	Shimano CS-M7100 10–51t 12-Speed	Shimano RX410 Hydraulic Disc	Shimano GRX RX610 40t	Alloy, Tubeless, 700c, 21c	Vittoria Terreno T30 fine loose Gravel Endurance G2.0 700x45c	SP 0.2 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 20	OC Gravel GR31, Reach 70, Drop 110
Terra M30 Team	2.999	Shimano GRX RX610	Shimano HG710 11–36t 12-Speed	Shimano RX410 Hydraulic Disc	Shimano GRX RX610 30x46t	Alloy, Tubeless, 700c, 21c	Vittoria Terreno T30 fine loose Gravel Endurance G2.0 700x45c	SP 0.2 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 20	OC Gravel GR31, Reach 70, Drop 110

Fiesta Not Siesta – First Ride on the 2026 Orbea Terra

With the 2026 Orbea Terra on test, we went straight for the top shelf: the drivetrain consisted of the shiny new SRAM Force XPLR groupset, and we rolled on OQUO Road Control RC30 Team wheels. Up front, we had a 40 cm OC Gravel GR10 carbon handlebar paired with a 100 mm stem on a size L frame. The high-end M21eTeam build tips the scales at just 8.1 kg.

At 186 cm tall, the riding position initially felt compact – not cramped, just a bit perched. If you’re coming from a racier gravel bike or even the previous Terra, you might feel a bit ‘on top’ of things at first. This isn’t a bike that instantly sweeps you off your feet. But it doesn’t take long before it clicks.

From the first proper pedal stroke, the 2026 Terra turns the abstract idea of torsional stiffness into real-world acceleration. The Terra surges forward with every push and… Hang on! Wasn’t this supposed to be a chilled adventure bike? I just wanted to sip cortado and watch cows. But the Terra has other ideas: the steering is razor sharp, the handling nimble, and it begs you to go fast.

Give Me a Break Please! – The Traction of the 2026 Orbea Terra Is Impressive

On the first steep climb, the 2026 Orbea Terra pulls off its signature move: I brace myself for the rear wheel to spin, but it never happens. Instead, the Terra digs in and powers confidently through gradients well into double digits. I expect the front end to lift, but the bike stays grounded, glued to the terrain and always under control. Even when climbing out of the saddle, it’s surprisingly difficult to get the rear to lose traction.

That’s down to more than just geometry and frame stiffness. The OQUO Wheels with the 45 mm Vittoria Terreno T30 tires definitely play their part, at least in dry conditions. SRAM’s Force XPLR drivetrain serves as the perfect backdrop to this traction masterclass, and thanks to the 10-46 t cassette, there’s always a granny gear available for when your legs start to burn.

At times, I almost wished for a little wheelspin – just so I’d have an excuse to stop. But even on 15% gravel chutes, the 2026 Terra refuses to give in. The extended wheelbase, longer chainstays, and frame’s impressive torsional stiffness score a 10 out of 10 here.

Once at the top, I’m rewarded with a rough, boulder-strewn descent. Jagged rocks stick out where the rain has stripped away the soil and grass. Buzzing from the climb, I drop in – and get properly rattled. The 2026 Terra is no magic carpet. The frame soaks up small vibrations well, but bigger hits are passed on through to your hands largely unfiltered. Whether it’s down to the frame, the wheels, or the stiff and narrow carbon handlebar is hard to say, but the front end isn’t overly compliant.

I could’ve done with a bit more support from the SRAM Force hoods, too. After my sweaty effort on the climbs, I found myself slipping and sliding. Things got worse after a herd of curious cows licked all the salt off them.

May the Force Be With You – Braking and Steering precision

Back on tarmac, the 2026 Terra shows off its road manners. The OQUO Wheels hold the speed nicely and there is zero wobble or distress. The steering feels direct and intuitive, the bike holds its line beautifully, and the overall control is superb. SRAM’s Force brakes are the cherry on top, offering one-finger power with excellent modulation.

By definition, adventure means not knowing what’s around the next bend. But in the Basque Country, there’s one thing you can count on: the next downpour is never far away. Within minutes, the rain soaks the ground – and washes away my faith in the Vittoria Terreno T30 tires. They’re out of their depth on wet grass and muddy trails. To be fair, the Terreno T30 is essentially a rebranded Terreno Dry: confident in the dry, sketchy when it gets slick. For an adventure bike, we’d love to see more capable all-round tires fitted as standard.

Tuning tip: Go for 50 mm tires with better grip in the wet, and consider a more compliant cockpit for long-haul comfort.

The longer the ride and the heavier the legs, the more you come to appreciate the relaxed geometry of the 2026 Orbea Terra. Ultimately, it’s not better aerodynamics but less fatigue that makes the difference between finishing and throwing in the towel. The Terra reached its traction limits during the final slog through the deep sand on the beach of San Sebastián. But it held one last pleasant surprise: the ovalised top tube makes the 2026 Orbea Terra surprisingly comfortable to carry.

Racer or Explorer? – Who Is the 2026 Terra For

From racing and bikepacking to fast-paced commuting, the previous Terra covered the full gravel spectrum. The new Orbea Terra shifts the focus slightly, leaning more towards off-road capability, comfort and control. But don’t be fooled by its composed exterior – there’s still a serious race bike hiding beneath the surface. It just doesn’t look like it at first glance.

The 2026 Terra is built for endurance events but will also win over bikepackers, gravel newcomers and daily riders alike. Its composed handling inspires instant confidence, its agility invites you to push harder into the corners, and the torsional stiffness turns every hard effort into grin-inducing acceleration. The SRAM Force XPLR is a nice bonus, but the 2026 Terra remains a highly capable machine even with a SRAM Rival XPLR or mechanical Shimano GRX groupset. Just don’t expect it to replace your MTB – or to pamper you like a plush gravel sofa.

Verdict

The latest version of this Basque gravel bestseller offers far more than a simple facelift. Thanks to its overhauled geometry, impressive torsional stiffness, and comfortable riding position, the 2026 Orbea Terra is a punchy and agile endurance gravel bike that’ll put a smile on your face from the first kilometre to the last. Fit it with wider, more aggressive tires, and that smile will only get bigger.

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Words: Nils Hofmeister Photos: Iván Arribas, Nils Hofmeister