Orbea unveils its new urban electric bike, Orbea Diem. It uses numerous Shimano components and shows its difference with careful lighting, a daring frame and a premium range.
Initially designed as a fitness bike in 2008, then a city bike the following decade, the Orbea Diem is changing its skin again for the 2020s. Here it is an electric bike with a dynamic accent, right in the middle of the urban Optima in open setting and the real fitness Vibe.
Remarkable drawing
The Orbea Diem is also a premium electric bike, since it comes with the Shimano EP6 central motor as standard, or even the more responsive EP8 (torque of 85 Nm). The Basque VAE targets urban cyclists wanting strong assistance, while being design lovers.
The design of the bases and seat tube is original. // Source: Orbea
Integrated lighting with daytime running lights on the stem! // Source: Orbea
The lighting integrates the front luggage rack as standard on the premium model. // Source: Orbea
It must be said that the frame is unique in its kind, with stays welded to the diagonal beam, supporting the seat tube. The Diem’s frame is therefore unique, with a semi-open shape, allowing better step-over without compromising the design too much. And we feel that the designers take care of the work, even adapting the shape of the stand to that of the bases! The stem also accommodates the well-known Spin Block system, preventing it from hitting the frame.
A basque with Japanese energy
We are surprised by the shape, as well as the finesse of the front fork – in carbon – and that of the diagonal beam. This does have a battery, however fixed, with a capacity of 540 Wh. The energy even climbs to 630 Wh on the high-end versions. It remains available as an option on the base Orbea Diem model. There is also an extension, in the form of a 250 Wh external battery to attach to the frame.
Basic with Shimano EP6 engine, the Diem receives the EP8 at the top of the range. // Source: Orbea
SP connect, USB-C socket and plotter slot, the Diem is modern. // Source: Orbea
A small luggage rack 20 kg (30 optional). // Source: Orbea
Its recharge would last 4 hours with the 4 A charger provided, the autonomy peaking at 150 km with minimum assistance. No connectivity mentioned by the Basque manufacturer, but an SP Connect support integrated into the stem, as well as a USB-C socket, to recharge a smartphone for example. Well seen ! However, the firm has its own little tip for security, a location for an Apple Airtag type tracker is available to locate your bike in the event of theft.
Great equipment for the Orbea Diem
Still on the frame, the front lighting blends into the center of the handlebars and is very original, while a daytime running light strip surrounds the stem! The rear light imitates it, but more classic on the rear mudguard around the Vittoria e-Randonneur tires. This mudguard also accommodates a small rear luggage rack supporting 20 kg, MIK and QL 3.1 compatible.
For the standard front basket, you will need to access the most exclusive of the models, the Diem 10. Because the Orbea Diem offers three versions each with a different transmission, the most expensive Diem 30 being the only one to include a telescopic saddle (suspended 100 or 125 mm optional).
- Diem 10 (5,599 euros): EP8, 630 Wh, Enviolo Automatiq, Cues U8020 brakes, suspended saddle.
- Diem 20 (4,599 euros): EP6, 630 Wh, Nexus 5 hub, MT201 brakes.
- Diem 30 (3,799 euros): EP6, 504 Wh, Cues 9-speed derailleur, MT201 brakes.
At this price, the competition is called Riese & Müller Culture or Canyon Precede:ON. The three Orbea Diems share the offer of 4 sizes (S to XL) and three colors gray, white and green. A 30 kg luggage rack option allows you to personalize your Spanish electric bike, as does the choice of straight or curved handlebars. Available now for sale, the Diem can be purchased online on the official website, delivered to your home or in one of the 340 partner resellers.