A light eMTB with proven drive technology from Shimano and yet really light. This is how Orbeas Rise made a name for itself at the end of 2020. After the Aluminium version Orbea is now following up with the next major update.
The new Orbea Rise E-MTB at a glance:
- Motor: Shimano EP801 RS or EP6 RS max. 60 Nm
- Frame: Aluminium or carbon (2.2 kg in size M, manufacturer's specification)
- Battery: 540 watt hours or new 360 watt hour battery, permanently installed
- Optional: additional battery with 252 Wh (1.5 kg)
- 29 inch wheels
- 140 mm suspension travel, option of 150/140 mm
- Three aluminium and four carbon models from 5299 euros
- Available from the end of 2022
- From 15.95 kilograms (manufacturer's specification)
Orbea Rise: New with Shimano EP801
Central to the new Rise is Shimano's refreshed motor, the EP801. This also eliminates the switch-on button in the frame. The e-bike is simply switched on using the new wireless EN600 remote. As the EP801 RS, the new motor, like the EP8 RS in the previous Rise, has been optimised by Orbea on the software side for the new light e-MTB. Orbea calls this concept Rider Synergy - RS for short - which uses its own software and reduced power to save battery and increase the service life of the components.
Like the normal EP801, the motor in the new Orbea Rise is also compatible with Shimano's new Di2 groupsets and allows you to use the Free and Autoshift features of these groupsets. You can shift gears without pedalling. When the cranks are stationary, the motor simply rotates the chainring independently until the next gear is engaged. However, this only works as long as the bike is rolling. In the RS version, the EP801 can also be fine-tuned even more extensively via the app. In addition to the previous three configurable support levels, up to 15 speed levels are possible. This is real added value, especially for a light eMTB that wants to save battery power.
The new battery for the Orbea Rise: 360 watt hours and another 300 grams lighter
Orbea has also designed a new battery for the Rise. The developers say that they have learnt a lot about battery development over the last two years and present the new 360 watt-hour battery, which is said to be 300 grams lighter than its predecessor. The scales on which the battery is presented before our eyes show 1898 grams. 21,700 cells and a new design should also make the battery more efficient and more resilient. The rounder battery shape makes the down tube of the Orbea Rise a little slimmer, and the larger battery with 540 watt hours (2775 grams) now also fits in the carbon bike. This was previously reserved for the aluminium version.
Smaller details: The Orbea Rise now charges with a faster charger with four amps and relies on the in-house steering stop as well as additional seals on the rear triangle for more durability. The shock rocker has also been redesigned and now uses fewer parts. This makes the rocker lighter and more stable, while a tool integrated into the rocker is a smart extra. Sporty riders will be pleased with an update to the Garmin-compatible Orbea app. The exact battery level can also be read in per cent here. Good when it matters on tour.
Orbea Rise 2022: models and prices
The entry-level price for the new Rise E-MTB is € 5299 for the cheapest aluminium bike. The new EP6 motor from Shimano is used here as the EP6-RS, which is slightly heavier than the EP801 with magnesium housing due to the cheaper aluminium housing. However, the performance data of both drives is identical.
The carbon model is available from 7000 euros upwards, while Orbea relies on wheels from the new Premium house brand Oquo and suspension from Fox and gears from Shimano. As usual with Orbea, some details of the equipment can be customised in the configurator, including the battery size. The carbon models can even be customised with a paint finish at no extra charge. The top model M-LTD is said to weigh just 15.95 kilograms with lightweight equipment.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
