You'd think the Orbea engineers had leafed through our print editions very carefully! Around two years ago, EMTB author Christian Schleker wrote about the first minimal-assist eMTB, the 15-kilo Raven2 hardtail from Focus, in issue 1/2018:
"...a step in the right direction: more classic riding feel, less over-power, which only makes you lazy in the long run. (...) A real revolution would be a full-suspension version of the Raven2 weighing around 16 kilos, but that doesn't seem possible (yet)."
Orbea is now fulfilling this wish for our roving reporter and the entire bike community with the new Rise. The trail bike is said to weigh 16.2kg in its lightest configuration for 9900 euros. We weighed the Rise M-Team at 17.96kg in size L with more robust and slightly cheaper equipment, which is also suitable for enduro descents.
The newcomer thus joins the growing ranks of light e-MTBs. After the Fazua models Lapierre E-Zesty and Nox Helium and the Specialised Levo SLwill come for 2021 after the Red Deer R.X 375 Another lightweight e-trail bike was added. The idea: less E, more bike! The Orbea Rise is designed to appeal to both e-mountain bikers and classic (previously motorless) trail bikers. The concept of lightweight, sporty e-MTBs is not new, but it is really taking off in 2021.
How does the Rise manage these slim dimensions? Like all competitors in this category, a limited battery capacity saves pounds. Just like Specialized, Orbea relies on a permanently integrated battery with 360 watt hours in the down tube. Compared to a design with a removable battery, this should save over a kilo in weight. An additional battery in water bottle format is available for longer tours, which is also reminiscent of the Levo SL. However, the Orbea version has more energy at its disposal with 252 Wh.
The next item on the weight-saving agenda is the lightweight carbon fibre frame. Not only the front frame triangle, but also the rear triangle is made of carbon fibre. For the super-light 16-kilo top model, Orbea also relies on components that are more at home on classic trail bikes than on heavy E-MTBs: 34mm Fox fork, carbon components, Maxxis Rekon tyres.
The drive unit of the Orbea Rise
The key component of a minimal-assist bike is the motor. Orbea was also aware of this. With the EP8 RS, the Spaniards have created an absolute novelty: in co-operation with the component giant Shimano, a modified version of the new EP8 has been developed - exclusively for Orbea.
The Spaniards did not want to reveal exactly what changes were made to the drive at the presentation. One thing is certain: The mechanics and the housing are identical. This means that the weight of 2.5 kilos (EMTB measurement of the first series) remains the same. The difference is said to lie in the electronics and the software.
Orbea allows its EP8 RS a maximum of 60 Newton metres, while the classic EP8 delivers 85. The reduced power should ensure the necessary range on the one hand and make the ride feel even more natural on the other. Full power is only available at a sporty high cadence. Two riding profiles are also available for the EP8 RS. Profile 1 is the gentle, sporty mode, while Profile 2 provides more powerful assistance. All support levels can also be set via the app on the Orbea version.
Motor duel: Shimano vs Bosch - now in EMTB 5/20
The facts about the Orbea Rise
- Shimano EP8 RS motor, max 60 Nm (customised exclusively for Orbea)
- 360 Wh battery permanently installed in the down tube
- Optional additional battery with 252 Wh (1.4 kg, manufacturer's specification)
- Front suspension travel 140 or 150 mm, rear 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: from 16.2 kg (manufacturer's specification for the top model), 17.96 kg (size L, EMTB measurement, "M-Team" version with trail equipment)
- Four models from 5849 euros (16 % VAT), individually configurable equipment
The geometry of the Orbea Rise
The Spaniards' primary goal when developing the Rise was to create handling that contrasts favourably with the classic E-MTB riding experience. True to the motto: less E, more bike. For this reason, Orbea based the geometry on its non-motorised Occam trail bike. According to Orbea, the geometry of the Rise is identical except for one value. Only the chainstays are 5 millimetres longer. 445 instead of 440 millimetres. The values are modern, but not extreme.
Orbea Rise: Equipment and prices
As usual with Orbea, the equipment of the Rise can also be customised online. A different fork, different tyres or no carbon wheels? Every Rise buyer can choose these fine details. Four basic configurations are available. It starts with the Rise M-20 for 5999 euros, the top model Rise M-LTD costs 9899 euros (in each case with 19 per cent VAT).
Orbea is optimistic that the Rise will soon be available. The Spanish manufacturer is also affected by the delivery problems with the series motors of the new Shimano EP8. However, delivery of the bikes should definitely still take place in 2020. Orbea is currently planning for the end of November.
The Orbea Rise and the Shimano EP8 RS on the trail
A lively trail racer or a wild enduro bruiser? Climbing artist or flatland fanatic? We have already been able to subject the Orbea Rise to an initial practical test. How does the bike perform and does the customised EP8 motor deliver a completely new riding experience? The detailed ride report can be found in EMTB 6/20!
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
