With the new Orbea Rallon the sixth expansion stage of the enduro bike will be launched in model year 2022. Even if the Rallon is not the Basque company's highest-volume bike, it forms the central pillar of the portfolio on which the sportier fullys are based. To ensure that the Rallon with its 170/160 millimetre chassis continues to be successful in the Enduro World Series and at the same time meet the needs of every enduro rider, has been diligently optimised.
Same frame design with asymmetrical rear triangle
Visually, the sixth generation has changed little from its predecessor. Orbea continues to rely on its supported single pivot, with a pivot point in the rear wheel axle like Trek. The asymmetrical frame design with the exposed shock on one side has also been retained. The differences only become apparent when the predecessor and successor are placed next to each other.
Long and deep: the Rallon geometry 2022
With only three frame sizes and a very compact reach, tall riders previously had to make major compromises on the Rallon. This has been fundamentally changed in the current update. In frame size L, the reach has increased by a generous 30 millimetres to 485 millimetres. There will also be a fourth frame size, XL, so that taller riders should also be able to find the right enduro bike.
As Orbea chooses a very short seat tube across all frame sizes, telescopic seatposts with a lot of travel can be ridden. On the other hand, this gives the rider a wider choice of frame sizes. So if you prefer a long reach, you can also choose a larger frame. Conversely, a 200 mm dropper post can even be used in size S frames, with full retractability in the frame.
Angle update on the Orbea Rallon
Orbea has also reorganised the angles. The steering angle has been flattened by a moderate 0.5 degrees. Depending on the flip-chip setting, this is now between 64 and 64.5 degrees. For even more pressure on the front wheel and a relaxed climbing position, the seat angle is now a very steep 77 to 77.5 degrees. This moves the rider forwards and compensates for the nominally long reach.
Suspension: Better response and higher progression
In order to give the rear end more sensitivity and at the same time increase the end progression, the sixth stage of the Rallon comes with a revised gear ratio - higher at the beginning of the travel and lower towards the end. Thanks to the higher progression, the rear triangle should also work perfectly with an optional coil shock.
The wheel lift curve has also been minimally optimised. Interesting: The already rather low anti-rise value has been further reduced on the new Rallon. In the SAG range, this is now below 60 per cent and should make the chassis of the new Rallon react more sensitively, especially under braking and chain tension.
Useful details and tools on board
Like many modern enduro bikes from Specialized to Trek and Last, the new Rallon still has a luggage compartment in the down tube for storing small parts and spare parts. Access is via a flap under the bottle cage. In addition to the storage compartment, tools are now also on board. There is a reduced mini tool in the axle of the rocker and another Allen key on the lever of the rear thru-axle.
Four Rallon models, including one mullet bike
There will be a total of four models in three colours. With the exception of the cheapest model for 4299 euros (M20), the other three models will give you the option of configuring your desired bike in terms of colour and equipment using the My Orbea programme. The next most expensive model, the M10 with Sram GX gears, costs 5299 euros.
This is followed by the M Team version for 6599 euros, which is the only bike in the model range with a smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel as standard. The geometry of the Mullet-Rallon remains completely unchanged thanks to an interchangeable shock extension.
Like the M10 and M20 models, the top-of-the-range Orbea Rallon M LTD still rolls on 29-inch wheels and costs €8999. In size L with Maxxis Exo tyres, it weighs 14.8 kilos without pedals. All bikes have the identical carbon frame.
The new Orbea Rallon should be available from mid-October 2021. The first riding impression is available in BIKE 11/2021which will be available from Tuesday, 5 October.
