Orbea unveils new enduro bike

The Spanish mountain bike manufacturer has a new enduro bike rolling onto the trails. Short chainstays, a steep seat angle and an adjustable steering angle as well as 27.5-inch wheels and 160 millimetres of suspension travel are the technical highlights of the new "Rallon".

The new Orbea "Rallon" has hardly anything in common with the old "Rallon R3". The new suspension system, which was developed together with the "Technological Research and Studies Center" in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, offers 160 millimetres of suspension travel, whereas the previous model was still equipped with 150 millimetres. The result is a dynamic suspension system that adapts to the trail characteristics.

The rear triangle, which is supported by a high pivot point, should respond very sensitively to subtle bumps and brake holes. The shock absorber is tuned to the kinematics in such a way that progressivity only kicks in on the last ten percent of the stroke in the event of big hits, allowing the suspension travel to be used as effectively as possible. In addition to good downhill properties, the rear suspension is said to be very drive-neutral.

In addition to the extra suspension travel, the "Rallon" also gets a plus in wheel size. Next year, it will be rolling over the world's trails with 27.5-inch wheels instead of the previous 26-inch wheels. This promises even more off-road reserves without losing agility. To maintain this, the Spaniards have trimmed the rear legs of the "Rallon". Despite the larger wheels, the chainstays have been shortened by five millimetres to 420 millimetres.

The adjustable steering angle from 66.5 to 66 degrees is clearly aimed at the enduro sector. Nevertheless, the "Rallon" should also climb well. This is ensured by the upright steering angle of 75 or 74.5 degrees.

The adapted angles are also in line with the trend in terms of top tube length. This is eleven millimetres longer than the old "Rallon R3" and promises a smoother ride, which is also due to the longer wheelbase.