Viva Orca 700C - Text Review

The Orca 700C uses an 18.5-inch mild steel frame with TIG welding. The frame is rigid with a rigid steel fork (no suspension) in both the multi-speed and single-speed variants. The frame height and geometry suit riders roughly between 5′10″ to 6′2″. Design is fairly utilitarian with double-wall alloy rims, mid-width 700C × 35c tyres (Hartex or Ralson) giving a balance between rolling resistance and cushion. The paint and decal work are decent, colour options like Military Green, Dark Blue, Bluish Grey in the multi-speed version add a touch of style.

In the multi-speed version, the Orca offers a 21-speed drivetrain: triple chainrings in front (3) × 7 cogs at rear. This gives a decent gear range, allowing easier pedalling on inclines as well as a faster gear for flats and descents. The shifters are “Shimano-compatible” rather than full Shimano branded in all parts, which means cost savings but possibly some trade-offs in shift crispness or durability.
Performance on tarmac is acceptable; gear shifts are usable, though under heavy load (climb + full load) one notices some flex or lag in shifting. The chainrings are steel, which is durable but heavy; acceleration isn’t lightning fast. “For its price, the Orca 21-speed lets you climb with less strain and roll with confidence.” The single-speed version gives simplicity and lower maintenance, but loses the benefit of gears for hilly terrain.

Comfort is decent given the price. The 35c tyres offer more cushion than very skinny tyres, helping absorb small bumps. The rigid fork, however, means you feel more of the road than you would with front suspension. “Tyres try their best, but the road still speaks up with every pothole when there’s no suspension.” The saddle is a PU saddle—basic, functional, comfortable for shorter rides, but likely less so for longer rides (over 1-1.5 hours) unless upgraded. Handlebars are flat/hybrid, offering good control; reach is moderate. Ride height allows decent visibility. For many city-commutes, the comfort is acceptable; for serious touring, some component upgrades may be needed.

One of the stronger points of the Orca models is braking: Both front and rear are disc brakes. In the multi-speed version, it lists front dual-disc and rear disc (I believe that means dual piston or dual rotor/double disc at front?)—though this may be inconsistent in sources; what’s consistent is both ends have disc brakes. Steering is handled via a rigid fork, double-wall alloy rims, and relatively wide tyres (35c), so it’s stable. “With disc brakes grabbing well and tyres gripping decently, steering feels confident even in wet patches.” Brake lever feel is average—mechanical disc (most likely) with moderate lever pull; there's some modulation but not premium responsiveness.

The wheels use double wall alloy rims which increase stiffness and strength versus single-wall rims; good for durability and less likely to deform under load. Tyres are 700C × 35c (Hartex or Ralson) – wide enough to give comfort and grip, somewhat narrower than mountain-bike tyres so rolling resistance is lower. Spokes and hubs are basic/entry level but adequate. “The wheels aren’t carbon wonders, but for what they cost, they hold up, track straight and handle road bumps without drama.”
The saddle is PU-material, basic quality; it works for casual rides or commutes, but lacks features like gel padding, cut-outs or advanced ergonomic shaping. For longer rides, changing to a more premium saddle would help reduce fatigue. Similarly, pedals are standard caged type, acceptable though not premium.