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Light and livelyE-MTB Orbea Rise on test

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 16.02.2021

Light and lively: E-MTB Orbea Rise on test
Light and lively: E-MTB Orbea Rise on test
The Orbea Rise is the next candidate for a new e-era. The idea: E-MTBs should finally ride on the trail just like motorless bikes. Does the concept work?

Xabi Narbaiza is a mountain bike enthusiast. One who is also happy without a motor on his bike. He admits that he struggled for a long time to accept e-MTBs as part of his sport of mountain biking. With the Wild FS, Orbea created a successful E-MTB for racy trails under Xabi's direction some time ago. But he still hasn't really warmed to classic e-MTBs. At least that's the feeling you get when you hear him rave about his latest project. "Less E, more bike" is the fitting slogan behind the Orbea Rise. A project close to the heart of Xabi, the sporty, obsessed Spaniard.

The Rise is a challenge to powerful, battery-packed E-MTB bikes. But also to classic trail mountain bikes without a motor. It strikes the same chord as a Levo SL from Specialized or the brand new Rotwild R.X 375. Regardless of whether you want to call them light e-MTBs or minimal-assist bikes, the new class is united by one core competence: they are light. The Rise comes in the classy, trail-orientated Team configuration at 17.96 kilos in size L. The top version, designed more for fast tours, is even said to be over a kilo lighter. How do the Spaniards manage this low weight?

You can find a detailed driving report with all the facts and lab results as a PDF in the download area below. The PDF costs 0.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in EMTB. We don't charge for them, but the opposite is the case: we do charge for them - tens of thousands of euros every year.

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The look and feel are reminiscent of a trail bike without a motor, but the EP8 RS provides a powerful boost. However, the slim 360 Wh battery needs to be kept to a minimum when tackling longer tours. The look and feel are reminiscent of a trail bike without a motor, but the EP8 RS provides a powerful boost. However, the slim 360 Wh battery needs to be kept to a minimum when tackling longer tours. The "RS" sticker indicates this: The Orbea is fitted with a special version of the Shimano EP8. The motor delivers a maximum of 60 Newton metres. The "RS" sticker indicates this: The Orbea is fitted with a special version of the Shimano EP8. The motor delivers a maximum of 60 Newton metres. Is this really an e-MTB? Yes, this slim down tube contains a battery with 360 watt hours - but it cannot be removed. Is this really an e-MTB? Yes, this slim down tube contains a battery with 360 watt hours - but it cannot be removed. A good solution: the charging socket is sealed, the fastener sits firmly and rattle-free. The optional additional battery is also connected to the system via the port. The range extender (252 Wh) fits into the bottle cage. A good solution: the charging socket is sealed, the fastener sits firmly and rattle-free. The optional additional battery is also connected to the system via the port. The range extender (252 Wh) fits into the bottle cage. Smartly connected: An Orbea app makes the motor data visible on Garmin devices - including an exact percentage battery level display. The idea behind it: The Rise is delivered completely without a display. If you want, you can add a classic screen in the configurator. Smartly connected: An Orbea app makes the motor data visible on Garmin devices - including an exact percentage battery level display. The idea behind it: The Rise is delivered completely without a display. If you want, you can add a classic screen in the configurator. 180-millimetre brake discs are too small, even on a lightweight E-Trail bike. It is currently not possible to order larger discs in the configurator. According to Orbea, however, this is set to change. 180-millimetre brake discs are too small, even on a lightweight E-Trail bike. It is currently not possible to order larger discs in the configurator. According to Orbea, however, this is set to change.

Downloads:

E-MTB Orbea Rise (pdf)

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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