FIRST LOOK: Orbea Rallon
The Orbea Rallon had an impressive overhaul, and it means Orbea has brought their enduro machine straight to the head of the class.
Words: Ryan Walsch
Photos: Ryan Walsch and Tim Bardsley-Smith
With the launch of a completely redesigned Orbea Rallon in late 2017, the Spanish company has gone all out building an eye-catching and purpose-built enduro weapon. Orbea has created a 29" specific enduro bike that is designed to tame descents, remain agile in the rough yet climb with ease, a plan that sounds too good to be true.
We will be onboard the 5th iteration of the Rallon M10, $6799 and the first tier of three carbon models. In addition to these three models, Orbea’s custom bike facility My-O will paint, build and dispatch to your local dealer should you want to change color and specs but we will go into that more in issue 167.
Slacker, longer and lower than previous models, the numbers remain sensible. The subtle asymmetrical mainframe and linkage sport a flip chip adjustable 65.5 – 65-degree head angle, short 435mm chainstays, and a steep 76-degree seat tube angle. On paper, the Rallon looks like it might be just more than your average 29-inch plow.
The M10 has a 160mm Fox Performance 36 up front and matched very well with the Fox Factory DPX2 rear shock and 150mm travel that due to the frame design has an easily accessible lockout lever should you ever need it.
Our first ride found us not using the climb mode on the DPX2 at all, the trail offering had all the support needed despite our saddle being pushed back on the rails.
SRAM GX Eagle’s massive 500% range has already been proven along with offerings from RaceFace, DT Swiss and Maxxis. We look forward to testing this bike in the slacker position and on some more technical descents, throwing bike park jumps and caution to the wind before the full review in issue 167.
