The Orbea Rise M-LTD – In our big “Best Light-eMTB of 2023” group test

The Orbea Rise M-LTD has already secured several awards both here at ENDURO and also at our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE. In our 2023 Light-eMTB test, the Basque trail bruiser takes on the competition with an updated motor and a fully revised platform, which makes it lighter than its predecessor. But can it keep up with the latest generation of light e-MTBS?

Ever since its release, the Orbea Rise has blurred the lines between Light-eMTBs and all round eMTBs. Despite employing a throttled version of the Shimano EP8 motor and 540 Wh battery – the biggest in this test – at 18.8 kg, the Rise fits seamlessly into our Light-eMTB test field. Orbea’s MyO online configurator allows you to customise the spec and finish of your bike and gives you the option to pick a smaller 360 Wh battery as well as an optional 252 Wh range extender to complement either of the batteries. Whichever capacity you go for, the Rise generates 150/140 mm of travel and the battery is permanently integrated into the frame, which means that it can only be charged on the bike. In our test configuration, the Rise costs €10,255, which makes it one of the most affordable bikes on test.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best Light-E-MTB 2023 – 8 bikes in review

The Light-eMTB Orbea Rise M-LTD 2023 in detail

The Shimano EP801 RS motor is essentially a standard EP8 with custom software, which limits the torque and allows for a wider range of adjustment options. The RS suffix stands for Rider Sinergy and identifies that the software has been specifically tuned for the Rise, reducing the maximum torque provided from 85 to 60 Nm. A minimalist, bar-mounted EN6000-L remote controls the motor and allows you to do away with a display altogether, showing the battery charge status via LEDs – albeit not as accurately as a display. If you prefer to have all the relevant data at hand while riding, you can either connect the remote to a Garmin device or regularly check the Shimano app on your mobile phone. Alternatively, you could just select a display from the MyO configurator when buying your Rise.

The spec of the Light-eMTB Orbea Rise M-LTD 2023

Thanks to the MyO configurator, we were able to adapt the spec of the standard M-LTD model to suit our own needs and preferences. For the suspension, we chose a FOX 36 Factory fork with the superior GRIP2 damper, which allows for countless adjustment options. At the rear, we picked a matching FOX FLOAT X Factory air shock. FOX also supply the Transfer Factory dropper post, which, at 175 mm , ensures plenty of freedom of movement. Shifting and braking is taken care of by a top-tier Shimano XTR groupset. The brakes are paired with a 200 mm rotor at the front and, unfortunately, a smaller 180 mm disc at the rear. We’d recommend upgrading the rear rotor to a bigger 200 mm disc for more power and better modulation. For the wheels, we went for Orbea’s in-house OQUO Control 32 Team alloy wheelset, which costs a whopping € 1,149 less than the Performance 30 Carbon wheels of the standard M-LTD model and worked a treat during our test runs. The wheels are paired with MAXXIS tires, with a Minion DHF in the thin EXO casing at the front, and Minion DHR II in EXO+ at the rear, both in the hard MaxxTerra rubber compound. We would have preferred tires with the softer MaxxGrip compound, at least at the front, as this generates more traction and only affects rolling resistance marginally. While we’re at it, we would upgrade the front tire to the tougher EXO+ version – and would strongly recommend running MAXXIS’ robust DoubleDown casing if you’re a heavy rider or like to get rowdy on the trail. That being said, none of these upgrade options are currently available in Orbea’s configurator.

Tuning tips: More robust tires front and rear with softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front | Bigger brake rotor at the rear

The geometry of the Light-eMTB Orbea Rise M-LTD 2023

The Orbea Rise is available in four sizes, S to XL, offering a suitable option for riders between 150 cm and 198 cm tall. At 474 mm in size L, the reach is the shortest in the entire test field, which, combined with the long 457 mm seat tube, restricts freedom of movement on the bike. Chainstay length is 445 mm across the board.

The Light-eMTB Orbea Rise M-LTD 2023 on the trail

Given that the Orbea Rise has already impressed us on several occasions in the past, we were already familiar with its upright, comfortable pedalling position. Despite the reduced torque, the EP8 RS motor packs a punch, feeling significantly stronger than other Light-eMTB motors in this test. Although it can’t quite keep up with the Forestal’s Bafang on very steep climbs, the Shimano leaves the other competitors behind in a cloud of dust. At the same time, the motor delivers its power evenly across the entire cadence range – albeit with a fair amount of background noise. With its powerful motor and efficient suspension, the Rise proved the best climber in the entire group test. Only on very steep climbs does it require you to actively weight the front wheel to prevent it from lifting.

Orbea’s MyO online configurator allows you to customise the spec and look of the Rise.

As soon as gravity takes over, the Rise impresses with predictable, intuitive handling, which makes it particularly suitable for beginners. However, experienced riders can benefit from the good-natured handling too, because the Rise bails you out when you get yourself into a pickle. That being said, rowdy rippers who like to play with the trail and pop off ledges whenever they can might be better off with a more playful bike. Despite falling into the same weight category as the Trek and Pivot, the Rise feels rather sluggish and surprisingly heavy, requiring a fair amount of physical effort on the trail. Compared to other bikes in this test, it feels more like a “full-fat” eMTB, which isn’t necessarily bad, because this ensures better composure overall. While the suspension might lack a certain “wow” factor downhill, it still performs incredibly well, working discreetly in the background without any unpleasant surprises. As a result, the Rise is an excellent all-rounder that cuts a fine figure on all types of trails, although the distinctive clunking noise of the Shimano motor comes with the package!

With its balanced and intuitive handling, the Orbea Rise is a strong all-rounder.

Conclusion

Using Orbea’s MyO online configurator, you can customise your Rise down to the smallest detail. With two battery sizes and an optional range extender to choose from, the Orbea has a massive range, filling the gap between Light-eMTBs and eMTBs. The Rise proved the strongest climber in the entire test field and also performs incredibly well downhill, where it convinces with intuitive handling, delivering tons of fun both for beginners and experienced riders. A well deserved Best Buy Tip!

Tops

• MyO offers countless customisation options
• Strong allrounder for all skill levels
• Best climber

Flops

• Battery is permanently integrated into the frame
• Some key components missing from the configurator

You can find out more about at orbea.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best Light-E-MTB 2023 – 8 models in review

All bikes in test: Focus Jam² SL 9.9 2023 (Click for review) | Forestal Siryon Diode | Haibike LYKE CF SE (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-LTD | Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01(Click for review) | SCOTT Lumen eRIDE 900 SL (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ (Click for review) | Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review)