Following the release of the new Orca earlier this week, Spanish bicycle manufacturer Orbea has unveiled the new Avant, which is aiming for the title of best budget road bike.

The big news about the new Avant is that the frame material has been completely changed, with aluminum replacing the former carbon. All five Avant models have aluminum frames, but carbon forks are used for a more supple touch when cornering.

The move to alloy has also brought prices down, making the Avant much more affordable than before.

Components are provided by Shimano throughout the entire series, from the 105 groupset to Tiagra and Clarisse. Three of the five models are equipped with disc brakes, and two options (Shimano 105 and Sora) are available for those who prefer rim brakes.

The three disc brake models, H30-D, H40-D, and H60-D, use the same internal cable routing as the Orca, with the cable entering the frame under the stem.

This year, the Avant gets a sleek new look with the transition to aluminum. The sloping top tube kinks toward the seat tube, like Canyon's Inflite and Specialized's Diverge.

The finishing kit includes Orbea's own wheels, the R1800 for rim-brake models and the Corsa for disc models, with Selle Royal and Prologo saddles available.

Prices range from €899 (£799) for the cheapest rim-brake model (H50) to €1,699 (£1,499), so there are plenty of options for those seeking a hassle-free endurancelide.

The Orbea Avant is available now from Orbea (opens in new tab).

Avant H30-D

Shimano 105, disc brakes, €1,699 / £1,499

Avant H40-D

Shimano Tiagra, disc brakes, €1,299 / £1,199

Avant H60-D

Shimano Claris, disc brakes, €1,099 / £999

Avant H30

Shimano 105, rim brakes, €1,199 / £1,099

Avant H50 [31

Shimano Sora, rim brake, €899 / £799