2023 Orbea

RISE M20

Foresight or good fortune? It’s hard to say which it was, but Orbea’s decision to use a detuned full power Shimano EP8 motor on the original Rise has clearly paid off. Because as the best lightweight e-bikes have shifted to ever-increasing power and torque numbers, the Orbrea Rise has been able to keep in step, and even lead the way. – Short of time? Click here to skip to the verdict – Four years on since the first Rise was released and Orbea has split the range in two. There are now two distinct categories: SL and LT. And let’s face it, some riders want the lightest e-bike possible, while others want an enduro bike with assistance. The 160/150mm travel Rise LT is definitely the latter. Frame and geometry One look at the dimensions of the new Rise LT and it’s pretty clear that it draws inspiration from Orbea’s enduro bike, the Rallon. The frame is full carbon and each of the four frame sizes are tuned to give the same flex response. In the low geometry setting you get a sub 64º head angle combined with a generous 476mm reach that creates space in the front end of the size L frame without it ever feeling too big to control. Also, the 443mm chainstays are pretty short for a full 29er, and 10mm shorter than the Whyte ELyte 150, so the bike still feels really dynamic and agile, as it’s really easy to pop the front up. Orbea achieved this tight rear centre measurement by eliminating the seatstay bridge. But, what’s interesting is that it hasn’t really reinforced the rocker link or suspension pivots to massively to compensate for the missing member. So the bike is actually pretty flexy, well at least the rear end is. More on this later. The Rise LT frame uses Orbea’s signature concentric suspension design, where the rear axle simultaneously pierces the seatstays and chainstays at the rear dropout to help separate how acceleration and braking forces impact the suspension response. It’s really similar to the ABP design on the Trek Fuel EXe, but because the shock on the Orbea is inline with the top tube, rather than the seat tube, it offers much better placement for a range extender or water bottle. With the asymmetric frame design and uninterrupted seat tube, even shorter riders can benefit from longer dropper posts. And while the Rise LT has other cool features – like the FLP tool storage in the suspension link and rear pivots – I’m not a fan of the headset routed cables, as they make basic maintenance way more complicated than necessary – it took Danny over two hours just to regrease the headset bearings when they started creaking. Orbea Rise LT need to know Full carbon frame, 150mm travel Custom Shimano EP801 RS motor Two battery options: 420Wh or 630Wh Fox 36 GripX fork with 160mm travel Optional 210Wh range extender for £399 Ample seat post insertion for longer droppers Shock eyelet …Continue reading »

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