Orbea gives the Enduro classic Rallon a completely new frame. The Basque company is using carbon fibre in the enduro segment for the first time on the new bike. As with other high-quality Orbea MTBs, the colours of all frame segments and decals can be selected for the Rallon. This service, called "MyO", should only take two to four weeks and is free of charge. The equipment can also be customised in the MyO programme can be configured online.
The asymmetrical frame
The Spaniards have built the frame asymmetrically to keep the standover height as low as possible - this is particularly important with the large 29er wheels. This also makes it easier to access the shock. This is controlled by a single-pivot link, which gives the shock 150 millimetres of travel. In order to be able to better tune the damping of the shock absorber, the developers have paid particular attention to a consistent transmission ratio of the rear triangle.
But not only is the main frame asymmetrical, the view between the legs is also surprising: The shock on the new Rallon is twelve millimetres to the right of the virtual centre, while the bottle cage is five millimetres to the left. This gives the carbon frame a high level of stiffness and the reservoir does not get in the way of the water bottle.
The engineers at Orbea have deliberately trimmed the new bike for speed: At 65.5 degrees, the head angle is slack for a 29-inch bike and can be lowered by another half a degree using a flip chip. The chainstays are modernly short at 435 millimetres. At 455 millimetres, the reach in L is not extremely long. Three frame sizes are available: S/M, L and XL.
The models of the Orbea Rallon 2018
The Rallon will only be available with a carbon frame. The Basque company offers three different models, others can be customised. The frame can also be purchased separately for 3500 euros. All models have Fox suspension. You can choose between the Fox Float DPX2, the Float X2 and the DHX2 steel spring damper. All shocks have been customised with Fox for the rear end of the Rallon and have a platform function.
The top model Rallon M-LTD is available from dealers for 8,000 euros and weighs just 12.5 kilos without pedals. The equipment leaves nothing to be desired: Fox 36 Float Factory suspension fork, Fox DHX2 rear shock and Sram Eagle gears. DT Swiss carbon wheels and high-quality Race Face parts complete this classy enduro MTB.
The mid-range Rallon M-Team model does without the carbon wheels and the steel shock and thus costs "only" € 6600. The DT Swiss EX1501 wheels with 30 mm rims are reserved for Rallon customers for the time being. The add-on parts also come from Race Face.
The entry-level bike is the Orbea Rallon M10 for 4500 euros. Here, the new Fox Float DPX2 and the Fox 36 Float Performance suspension fork provide damping. The gears are shifted with the Sram GX Eagle and the brakes with the Shimano XT. The tyres are DT Swiss E1900 wheels, also in an exclusive 30-millimetre version. The add-on parts are made of aluminium and come from Race Face.
Ride test Orbea Rallon M-Team
We have already had the opportunity to test the Rallon M-Team in the Pyrenees. The riding position is extremely comfortable thanks to the steep seat angle (76 or 75.5 degrees) and 35 mm stub stem. The Rallon climbs surprisingly well, even though our test bike in size L weighed 14.2 kilos (with DHX2 shock and 400 mm spring, pedals, bottle cage and an extra portion of sealant and dirt).
With the Fox Float X2 air shock, the rear suspension remains calm when climbing and only bobs minimally. It then pumps slightly when pedalling. This is where the platform comes to the rescue and noticeably firms up the rear end. With the steel shock, the rear end bobs noticeably when seated and also pumps more when pedalling than with the air shock. The platform is not quite as effective as with the air damper, but can completely eliminate the bobbing when seated.
Downhill, you sit very centrally "in" the bike, which is not least due to the strong BB drop (35 millimetres in the lower position). The handling is very balanced once you get used to the bike. The smooth ride and potent rear end are particularly impressive on the straights. Together with the air shock, this creates a fluffy and comfortable riding experience. The steel damper impresses with its extremely sensitive response behaviour and good feedback at maximum speed. If you ride a little slower, the rear end with the steel shock creates a somewhat wooden ride feel. The new Fox 36 Float RC2 fork works very harmoniously with the rear triangle. With the 2018 fork, Fox was able to further improve the response behaviour with a new air chamber.
The equipment proves to be sensible: the Sram Eagle changes gears reliably, the Race Face seatpost works perfectly. The Maxxis DHF tyre on the front convinces on the loose ground with plenty of grip and good damping. Only the grips are too thin and hard and the Sram Guide brakes are a little weak on long descents. In addition, the chain on our bike sometimes rattled when riding hard.
Test summary of the Orbea Rallon 2018
With the Rallon, the Basques have put a capable enduro MTB on the tyres that impresses with its top rear suspension and balanced handling. A worthy successor to Orbea's multi-award-winning test bike.
