When it comes to the current light trend, nobody can fool the Spaniards. Orbea has already ridden the light wave with the Rise when it was barely recognisable as a timid crease in the sea of E-MTB models. Just like the Rise, the Orbea Urrun is aimed at a sporty target group. Not those riders who want to be shuttled up mountains in power mode with as little energy input as possible, but active riders who prefer a lightweight bike. If you are prepared to pedal a little harder, the 19.8-kilo Urrun can achieve impressive ranges and easy sprints over the 25 km/h limit.
The Orbea Urrun is light despite Shimano EP8 hardware
First and foremost, the Spaniards will have been thinking of ambitious touring bikers. After all, the Orbea Urrun is not a real trail raider. For a hardtail in frame size M, the geometry is quite expansive. Reach, stack, standover height and seat tube are generously dimensioned. In addition, the stem is very long at 70 millimetres. This means you sit rather high and stretched out on the Urrun. It's no wonder that the E-MTB scores with this design, especially in terms of smoothness, but it still doesn't feel sluggish on winding trails. The sporty Spaniard cuts a fine figure in uphill mode. The long stem puts enough pressure on the front wheel, but thanks to the moderately short chainstays, the front wheel can also be lifted to overcome steps and other obstacles. The low-profile Maxxis Rekon tyres contribute to the range, but fail early on loose and damp terrain.
The EP8 RS provides powerful support and enough power for steep climbs. The Shimano drivetrain delivers its full power in the basic Boost mode setup even with low rider input. Compared to the new minimal assist drives from Fazua and TQ the throttled Shimano is a little rougher - the ride feel and modulation are not the best in turbo mode, but are significantly better in trail mode. In terms of its overall characteristics, the e-bike motor is more similar to conventional drives than the new quiet pedals. However, it runs out of breath at high cadences, which takes away some of its liveliness. In terms of weight, it loses out to the competition, which is designed exclusively as a light drive. In addition, the battery is generously equipped with 540 watt hours for a light eMTB, although it cannot be removed for charging. Seen in this light, the 19.6kg total weight of the Orbea is more than acceptable.
The Orbea Urrun 10 at a glance
- Range of use: Tour and everyday use
- Suspension travel: 120 mm
- Price: 4799 Euro
- Weight: 19.63 kilos
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Motor: Shimano EP8 RS, 60 Nm
- Battery: permanently installed, 540 Wh
- Optional range extender: 252 Wh, 1400 g, 499 euros
Stylish aluminium chassis with carbon look
Orbea has put a lot of effort into the stylish aluminium chassis of the Urrun. The cabling for the display and shifter disappears directly into the handlebars, while the brake and gear cables are hidden in the headset. The welded seams are so skilfully polished that you might think the Urrun is encased in carbon fibre.
The Orbea conveys confidence on the downhill: a wide cockpit, good Magura e-brakes and the potent Fox in performance version are well suited to a hardtail. Only the stroke of the dropper post is a little short at 120 millimetres. The frame of the Urrun is very stiff. This does have an impact on steering precision, but impacts are passed on to your arse rather abruptly when seated.
The Orbea Urrun is ready for everyday use
In addition to use on moderate terrain, Orbea is certainly targeting cross-over bikers with the Urrun, who use the bike not only for sport, but also for everyday use or as a trekking vehicle. If you want to fit mudguards and pannier racks, you will find the appropriate mounting options on the frame, and the matching Lezyne lights can be ordered directly with the purchase. One disadvantage in everyday use is that the battery is permanently integrated and cannot be removed for charging. A range extender with 252 extra watt hours is available for the 540 watt hour battery for extensive long-distance use. With almost 800 watt hours, you should no longer have any range problems. The additional battery weighs 1400 grams and costs 499 euros.
The geometry data
The valuation
Conclusion from Josh Welz, EMTB editor-in-chief
A light bike aimed at long distances - that's no contradiction. The throttled Shimano of the Orbea Urrun only sucks gently on the permanently integrated 540 watt-hour battery. This enables impressive ranges even without a range extender. The frame finish is top class, the equipment is functional. Short-legged riders are better off choosing a smaller frame size.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
