Optically, the new Rallon is a real eye-catcher. However, various details of the frame are already familiar from other brands, which is entirely forgivable. The monocoque frame has 150 millimetres of suspension travel and is supported at the dropout by a split pivot, which decouples the effects of braking on the suspension. The shocks are absorbed by an X2 air shock from Fox. These details alone mean that expectations of the Iberian enduro twentyniner are high. But the equipment is not bad either: Sram X01 Eagle gears, Race Face components and premium wheels from DT Swiss are just some of the luxuries.

Somewhat dazzled by the looks, the tuning of the X2 shock brings you back down to earth. In addition to the air pressure, high and low-speed compression as well as high and low-speed rebound are probably a little too much for most people to adjust. But even for bikers with suspension experience, such dampers are always a nice challenge. The possibility of equipping the bike with the coil spring shock is an option worth considering.

First up...

Although the Rallon is predestined to be transported to the next descent by cable car, it should also be able to climb. The first seat test is positive, and this remains the case after the first few meters of altitude. The seat angle is very steep at 75.5, which is not necessarily an advantage. However, Orbea has tuned the frame geometry well so that pedaling is surprisingly easy. As bulky as the Rallon may seem, it rides lightly, with a lot of propulsion and hardly any pedal impact on the suspension system.

However, easy asphalt climbs are by no means the only reference for a climbing test. Especially on steep terrain, it climbs amazingly well and offers plenty of traction. If you have the strength and technique, you will also enjoy this bike on more difficult climbs. In addition to the advantages already mentioned, the chassis also offers an ideal level of shock absorption and support when overcoming obstacles.

...but then really down!

As already mentioned, the Rallon is predestined for destroying a lot of vertical meters downhill. The 1217 millimeter long wheelbase and the 65.5 or 65 degree steering angle also promise a lot of smoothness. Surprisingly, the Rallon is very maneuverable and playful. Tight bends, whether narrow or flowing, are easy with the Twentyniner - sometimes almost too easy. Flattening the steering angle to 65 degrees calms the bike down a little, but its agile character remains.

The Rallon M team also likes fast bumps. On the one hand, the 29-inch wheels already offer good rollover behavior, and on the other hand, the suspension can handle a lot, provided it is set up correctly. Then the X2 shock responds finely to the fast bumps and offers plenty of end progression. The suspension travel is still fully utilized. For moderate use, it is worth opening up the high-speed compression a little and increasing the negative travel slightly to ensure optimum use of the travel.
Thanks to its suspension, the bike also performs well in rough terrain, except on very steep descents. There it doesn't provide the confidence we would have expected.

Conclusion: Orbea's enduro bike "Rallon" is a great success - both visually and technically and is probably one of the best of its kind uphill. Probably to the detriment of its downhill characteristics. There it performs very well, but not super. Touring bikers looking for an extremely potent bike with pronounced climbing power will find the Rallon the perfect vehicle.

Specifications

Manufacturer: www.orbea.com, www.amsler.ch

Test report published in issue 01/2018 of Ride Magazine.