More motor power, more battery capacity: The arms race of e-MTB manufacturers sometimes turns e-mountainbikes into powerful but also heavy lumps. For many users, this is too much of a good thing. The developers of the minimalist RS drive from Orbea are convinced of this. And behind their latest offspring, the Hardtail UrrunThere is yet another downsizing idea behind this. This is because the Spaniards also see a surplus of suspension travel and off-road capability in many cases. The majority of all e-MTB riders are therefore at most travelling on easy terrain. Everyday use and gravel road tours therefore outweigh the use on rough trails. And this is precisely where the Urrun e-hardtail comes into its own. The lack of suspension at the rear reduces the price, weight and maintenance requirements.
One Weight specification for the e-bike hardtail we were unable to elicit from Orbea. However, a test bike is already on its way to the EMTB test lab. There will be more on our channels soon!
The Orbea RS drive unit
Orbea also uses the same motor for the Urrun modified Shimano EP8 which the Spaniards will return at the end of 2020 in their lightweight E-Trailbike Rise have introduced. On the hardware side, the EP8 RS is identical to the Shimano drivetrain. So the motor does not save weight. However, according to Orbea, the software has been completely re-tuned. With Maximum torque of 60 Newton metres the drive should feel very natural and be particularly efficient. The smaller battery with 540 watt hourswho has already been Aluminium Rise is used. It is fixed in the down tube and cannot be removed for charging, storing or changing the battery on tour. If you need more reserves for extra-long tours, you can use the Range extender operate. The additional battery (499 euros) provides 252 watt hours of energy and fits into the bottle cage.
The facts about the Orbea Urrun e-bike hardtail
- Motor: Shimano EP8 RS, max. 60 Newton metres
- Battery: Firmly integrated into the down tube, 540 Wh
- Optional: additional battery in water bottle format with 252 Wh
- Aluminium hardtail frame
- Clean look thanks to polished weld seams
- 29-inch wheels
- 120 mm suspension fork
- Two models for 3799 and 4799 euros
- Five sizes S to XL
- Three colours: leo orange, borealis blue, black glitter
Orbea Urrun: Models and prices
Orbea offers the new light hardtail in Two equipment variants on. The models cost 3799 and 4799 euros respectively. Even if Orbea is not entering the entry-level price range for motorised hardtails, the Spanish company is still pushing the price regulator for lightweight e-MTBs downwards. If you look at the equipment and workmanship of the e-bike, it is not above the price level of classic e-hardtails.
The Urrun 10 comes for 4799 euros with Fox 34 Performance suspension fork, Shimano XT gears and MT5 brakes from Magura. The 29er wheels are fitted with Maxxis Rekon wheels in 2.4 mm width. A telescopic seat post is also included in the package.
The Entry-level model Urrun 30 for 3799 euros Shimano's Deore ten-speed drivetrain, the MT30 brakes are from Magura. Comfort is provided by a Marzocchi Z2 suspension fork with 120 millimetres of travel. The missing dropper post can be retrofitted in the online configurator for an additional charge.
As usual, certain components can be selected via the MyO Configurator for online orders to the individual preferences can be customised. The Urrun comes with various seat post variants and display options. The range extender, a kickstand or a front headlight can also be added.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
