Issue #037, Review - February 22, 2019

Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 review

Orbea gives the rider a lot of options with the Rallon M-LTD. The custom configurator gives you your choice of colour and componentry. We received a bike with a beautiful custom ENDURO paint job and a top-end spec for this group test, but sometimes less might actually be more!

For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy

**Orbea** Rallon M-LTD I9 | 160/150 mm (f/r)| 14.18 kg | € 8,899

Those who have a hard time making decisions shouldn’t even look at the Orbea Rallon. You can configure the paint job in whatever combination you can think of using Orbea’s online configurator, giving you several million options, for free! But even with Orbea’s preconfigured colours, the Rallon looks really good. The asymmetric frame with its defined lines is a feast for the eyes. The top-end version of the bike we tested costs a whopping € 8,988 but leaves almost nothing to be desired. It comes with high-end ENVE M730 wheels, FOX Factory suspension consisting of a 36 FLOAT GRIP2 fork and a FLOAT X2 shock, and a SRAM XX1 gold drivetrain. Component porn wherever you look! The only negative is the Crankbrothers Highline dropper post, which was very hard to operate from the get go. Due to the relatively short seat tube, riders should be able to size up or down depending on personal preference. We received the bike in size XL for our test (our riders are all about 180 cm tall), but we’ve ridden a size L in the past.

The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 in detail

Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory GRIP2 160 mm
Shock FOX X2 Factory 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Code RSC
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle
Seatpost Crank Brothers Highline 150 mm
Stem Race Face Turbine R 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face Next R 800 mm
Hubs/Rims DT Swiss 240/ENVE M730
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/Aggressor 2.5″
Weight 14.18 kg
Price € 8,899

**Better than coil**
In the past, we tested the Rallon with a DHX2 coil shock. With the coil shock, the rear suspension didn’t recover quick enough from quick successive hits. With the air shock, we never had this problem, though it isn’t as plush as the coil version.

**Too short**
The chainstay protector is too short. Although the frame is protected at the front, we would have preferred a slightly longer version for added protection.

**Annoying**
Unfortunately, the internally routed cables aren’t wrapped in foam like they usually are, which resulted in noisy rattling.

**Practical**
Orbea’s storage bag is big enough for a spare tube. It fixes securely to the frame and is a much neater alternative to tape or a strap.

**Get low!**
Riding an XL frame, we felt better on the bike with the flip-chip in the X-Low setting. Due to the lower bottom bracket, you’ll feel more integrated with the bike and you won’t be pulled to the front as much in steep downhill terrain.

The geometry of the Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19

Size	SM	LG	XL
Seat tube	406 mm	444 mm	483 mm
Top tube	583 mm	611 mm	644 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	125 mm
Head angle	65°/65.5°	65°/65.5°	65°/65.5°
Seat angle	76°	76°	76°
Chainstays	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
BB hight	343/336 mm	343/336 mm	343/336 mm
Wheelbase	1187 mm	1217 mm	1253 mm
Reach	430 mm	455 mm	485 mm
Stack	615 mm	624 mm	637 mm

**Helmet** Giro Switchblade | **Goggle** ETHEN ZEROQUATTRO | **Jersey** ION Scrub_AMP | **Short** ION Scrub_AMP | **Shoes** Specialized 2FO Cliplite

The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 on the trail

The riding position on the bike is absolutely perfect. At 180 cm tall, our tester sits very centrally on the Rallon, slightly stretched but comfortable. Climbing, the bike is extremely efficient and thanks to the light, stiff wheels feels lively when accelerating. For the first test rides on the Rallon we had the flip-chip in the low setting, but after a few runs, we changed it to x-low. The frame being as long as it is (485 mm reach) we felt better integrated with the bike with the bottom bracket lowered. The overall balance of the bike is very good and the Rallon is intuitive to manoeuvre. Even in open corners, the front wheel had lots of grip. When the terrain becomes steeper and the obstacles bigger, the geometry instils a lot of confidence in the rider. Unfortunately, the bike can be quite harsh with an incredibly direct ride on rough terrain.

The Orbea Rallon is a good all-rounder, but it quickly reaches its limits in really demanding terrain.

This is partly due to the stiffness of the cockpit and the wheels, but also due to the short 150 mm travel at the rear. Although the bike uses the available travel efficiently, the rear suspension isn’t as plush or as sensitive as the competition. If you want to ride this bike really hard, you’ll have to do a few extra sessions in the gym beforehand. Quick direction changes require slightly more input with the size XL Rallon; If you like it playful, you’d be better reach for the smaller size.

**Tuning tip**: save your money on the ENVE rims and upgrade the dropper seat post instead

Conclusion

The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 scores points for its direct, balanced handling and the glamorous look. It climbs excellently and provides good feedback from the trail with its firm suspension. If you’re choosing between two frame sizes, you should think about whether you want a playful bike (smaller size) or a composed bike (larger frame). Spare yourself the € 2,000 ENVE upgrade; you’ll be getting better value for money and a more comfortable ride to boot.

Tops

Super comfortable climber
Predictable and good-natured on the descents
Tons of configuration options

Flops

Too stiff and direct with carbon rims
Rattling cables in the frame

Uphill

Downhill

Stability

Agility

Value for money

For more info head to: orbea.com