ORBEA RALLON E-TEAM REVIEW

October 19, 2026

The Orbea Rallon is a platform serving a dual purpose – can it be the fastest Downhill bike and Enduro bike on the market, with the same main frame? With World Cup DH race-winning performance baked into the chassis, the Rallon E-Team was always going to be a riot on the descents, but could it climb well enough too?

We were excited to hit the trails and see how it would stack up against the best enduro mountain bikes on the market on the day-to-day.

We’d like to extend a huge thanks to the supporting brands who kitted us out and made this series possible. Without their financial support, this eight-bike comparison test would not have happened. Go and show them some love!

Fidlock covered our hydration needs with their excellent TWIST bottle system and neat hip packs. The system allowed us to maximize the hydration capacity on each bike, which was helpful for those long testing days.

Peaty’s provided their Monarch Pro Mushroom Thin grips and new Monarch saddles to give consistent touch points across the bikes. Their cleaning and lubrication products helped to keep the bikes running smoothly throughout the testing.

iXS kitted out our testers with their gear and protection. The Trigger X helmet is amongst our favorites here at TLW, so we were glad to have the opportunity to wear it as we attacked the trails, and their apparel was comfortable and helped us look good.

Pirelli equipped all of our bikes with their new Emperor Hardwall Super Soft and Black Sting DH Wall Soft tire combo. These burly tires offered excellent traction and control to help us push these bikes to the limit.

ABOUT THE ORBEA RALLON E-TEAM

Developed to serve the duality of DH World Cup racing and Enduro riding – with a bit of bikepark thrown in the mix – the Orbea Rallon chassis is highly adaptable. The aggressive design delivers inspirational performance, but the Rallon is not the easy-going ride for the faint of heart.

ORBEA RALLON E FRAME & SUSPENSION

Orbea built the Rallon mainframe to be convertible between a World Cup-worthy downhill bike and a shorter-travel enduro or bikepark bike, using a replaceable aluminium member they called the Gravity Link. With this link and some part swaps, the Rallon frame can be configured as a 200mm MX-wheel DH bike or 170mm Enduro bike with a choice of MX or 29” wheels and a 180mm fork. Though you might assume the Rallon to be overbuilt and extra-stiff to handle DH levels of abuse, there is sufficient flex built into the chassis to retain comfort and traction in rough terrain.

Not only does the Gravity Link allow for the conversion between different travel and wheel sizes, but it also features a four-way flip chip for geometry and suspension progression, plus threads to attach a custom-built weight for more stable handling dynamics.

Adding to the adjustability of the impressive Rallon platform is an angle-adjustable headset, and Orbea offers the choice between a Short (442mm) or Long (450mm) chainstay length when ordering on the MyO bike configurator. We opted to go for the “Long” chainstays and MX wheel setup for our test bike, and couldn’t have been happier.

While it feels strange when set up as a downhill bike, the LOCKR internal frame storage and FLP (Fully Loaded Pivot) multi-tool boost enduro functionality. There is a bottle cage mount, though the space inside the front triangle is limited. As such, we were thankful for the Fidlock Twist 550 Compact bottle to maximize the available hydration on-the-bike, with their Hip Belt with 1.5L Hermetic Bladder joining for the bigger days in the saddle.

Orbea gave the Rallon the full high-quality treatment, with generous protection; a neat replaceable downtube cover shielding the Gravity Link; and double-sealed suspension pivots. The effective internal cable routing that avoids the headset was a pleasure to use during our brake swapping. The frame features incredible dropper post insertion, happily slamming a 240mm Fox Transfer on the size Large.

Orbea gives the Rallon a lifetime warranty, giving peace of mind when pushing hard on the descents.

ORBEA RALLON E GEOMETRY

The Orbea Rallon features considerable geometry adjustability and a purposeful geometry set in its neutral configuration. The balance on the small to extra-large size range can be tuned with the choice of the Short (442mm) or Long (450mm) chainstay lengths. Actual chainstay lengths vary depending on which chainstay you chose, head tube angle position, wheel size and flip chip setting. For the settings we chose, the chainstay length ended up being 447.9mm.

We settled on the slack head tube angle, high and linear flip chip position, and opted to test the long chainstay on our size Large test bike.

The Reach figures are well within the acceptable range, with the size Large coming in at 480.4mm and accompanied by a 645.4mm Stack height. The 63.7° Head Tube angle and 79.3° Effective Seat Tube angle were well selected, and the 351mm BB height sat well.

For our chosen configuration, the Front Center : Rear Center ratio came in at 1.84, giving a fine blend of handling characteristics.

ORBEA RALLON E BUILD KITS

Orbea offers the MyO configurator for the Rallon, which allows riders to customize everything from the bike wheel size to the frame color and the part spec. This is the most extensive customization in the mountain bike market, and it is impressive that Orbea is able to offer this premium service without a significant price increase as a result.

The Rallon E is offered in a choice of three base build specs ranging from the £4,749 / $5,953 E10 to the decked-out E-LTD at £8,799 / $11,024. There is a frame only on offer for £3,999 / $4,404 with Fox Factory Float X2 shock.

We tested the £6,199 / $7,717 E-Team, which is likely the build we would opt to purchase. During the testing period, we exchanged its brakes for the excellent Hope GR4 to finish their review, experimented with the Fox Live Valve Neo DHX coil shock, and switched our original MY25 Fox 38 for the latest and greatest. We also added the STFU Trail chain dampers to reduce chain noise.

The Fox Factory 38 and Float X2 suspension combination offered excellent adjustability, with performance worthy of the aggression the Rallon chassis inspired. They were accompanied by the Fox Transfer Factory dropper post in a full 240mm drop.

The only bike on test to be spec’d with Shimano, the XT M8100 mechanical drivetrain we tested was a solid performer, though we have concerns over the chain management of the M8200 you would receive if you bought a Rallon now – those STFU guards may be demanded. The Shimano XT M8200 brakes with Galfer rotors were dependable, if not our favorite aggressive brake choice. The OC Carbon bar and alloy stem are neat, with the integrated spacers giving a clean and futuristic look.

Rounding out the specs was an OQUO MC32 Team alloy wheelset, with quality alloy rims and DT Swiss 350 hubs – now shipping with the DEG DF freehub. These would be wrapped in a set of Radial Gravity Schwalbe Magic Mary and Tacky Chan tires as standard. However, as with all of the bikes in this year’s Enduro bike shootout, we replaced them with control tires from Pirelli. The new Pirelli Emperor Hardwall Super Soft front tire in 29×2.4” and Blacksting DH Wall Soft rear tire in 27.5×2.4” offered dependable performance across all of the test bikes.

With the Pirelli control tires fitted, the total weight of the Orbea Rallon E-Team in size Large came in at 36.0lbs (16.3kg), or 37.1lbs (16.9kg) with the optional BB weight fitted.

THE DIRT

We received the Orbea Rallon E-Team at the start of the year, giving us plenty of time to take it onto a wide variety of terrain and experiment with various configurations and part swaps. As a result, we felt as if we got a deep insight into the character of this exciting enduro machine.

SETUP AND FINISH | We didn’t just find a setup of the Orbea Rallon and call it good. Instead, we experimented with all geometry configurations, suspension spec, and even alternative drivetrains during the test period. Our testing concluded with us selecting the best all-round setup for our local terrain, which has a fine blend of flat-out downhill tracks, tight and technical enduro trails, and some bikepark flow thrown into the mix.

We embarked on two interesting spec journeys during our test, with the Fox Live Valve Neo DHX and a Ratio Components Mech giving some insight into two different elements of the Rallon’s performance.

As we will cover in climbing and descending ride impressions, the Rallon was not a bike that prioritized pedaling efficiency in its design. As a result, the Fox Live Valve Neo was nothing short of transformational for its character, giving a boost of efficiency when it was demanded but without detriment to the descending performance at all. The only drawbacks we found were a slight weight penalty, and the offsetting weight reduction of your wallet required to obtain the system.

The Ratio Components mech mirrored the concerns that we would have for a rider opting to purchase a Shimano XT M8200 drivetrain-equipped Rallon. The Ratio mech had minimal clutch effect, and allowed for significant chain-induced feedback on the rear end during the frequent slap-down events that occur on our local Tweed Valley trails. The absence of a derailleur clutch on the new Shimano drivetrain would likely deliver an even more pronounced chain flail.

Focusing on the stock suspension spec we tested, Fox Float X2 proved to be a worthy shock to control the rear end of the Rallon. It was not a fussy bike in terms of setup, sitting happy between 28% and 32% sag to give a balance of handling characteristics, especially in the linear progression setting.

The fit of the size Large Rallon E was comfortable for our 5’10” to 6’2” test crew. The mid-length reach and relatively steep seat tube angle placed the rider nicely upright for the climbs, helping to offset the relative lack of pedaling support when the climbs got steeper. The longer rear end length option gave a very nicely centered position between the wheels for up and down the hill.

As with all of the test bikes, Robert set the front Pirelli Emperor Hardwall Super Soft tires to 25psi and the Blacksting DH Wall Softs in the rear to 27.5psi for his 220lbs (98kg) kitted mass, whereas Graham opted for 21psi front and 23psi rear for his 155lbs (70kg). The Pirelli tires arrived with our crew only a couple of weeks before the Enduro Group Test kicked off, so we were relieved to find that their performance was genuinely impressive. When pushing a bike like the Rallon to its limits, the tire spec is essential, so we were relieved that the Pirelli tires supported the hardest charging we could muster.

While we had the Rallon for a long testing period and took it on some big days out, we didn’t quite subject it to the kind of punishment that it would endure should it be our only bike. Impressively though, it remained tight and ran quietly throughout testing, requiring next to no maintenance. Working on elements such as the Gravity Link were an absolute pleasure, with all hardware feeling reassuringly solid with tight tolerances. The Lockr storage hatch and FLP multi-tool were well executed, as was the cable routing. This is a seriously high quality frame, backing the Rallon’s stunning looks.

CLIMBING | The Orbea Rallon is essentially an Enduro-fied DH bike, and as such, the climbing performance was a secondary consideration. That said, Orbea was able to equip it with a comfortable climbing position, and made the shock lockout lever easy to reach.

However, reaching for a lockout lever is not what we would suggest. Instead, we would highly recommend saving up for the Fox Live Valve Neo suspension system, which complimented the Rallon better than any other bike we have tested. Transforming it from a bike that would get you up the hill eventually, to a bike that you were inclined to lay down some watts on, the Fox electronic suspension damper system and the Orbea Rallon were a match made in heaven.

For the riders not interested in the complexity or price of the Fox Live Valve Neo system, the Orbea Rallon is not going to inspire uphill PRs. But combining the climbing position with select use of the lockout for the smoother climb sections, the Rallon will get you up the hill with reasonable effectiveness. Unlocked, hard pedaling efforts would generate significant suspension movements, and even when seated and spinning smoothly, it didn’t generate the most forward drive for a given input. The relatively long rear end length helped to maintain sufficient weight on the front end for steeper winches.

DESCENDING | Orbea did it again with the Rallon, creating an enduro bike with animalistic, inspirational descending capabilities. Dropping into a trail, it felt as if there was no option but to grip on for dear life, leave the brakes open, and brace for intense G-forces. Every time we hopped on board the Rallon, there was an unavoidable soundtrack of heavy metal, and the rocks, roots and corners on the trail began to shake in fear of the abuse they were about to receive.

While we concede that it is not sustainable for every ride to be a maximum-attack session of tire ripping abuse, it was a lot of fun when we were up for it. That’s not to say that the Orbea Rallon was ineffective or unrideable at a reduced aggression level – it still offered good balance and reasonable suspension sensitivity. The rear end provided enough flex to keep the tires tracking, and the geometry retained enough agility to not entirely kill the enjoyment on mellower sections of trail. But you get the impression that if the Rallon could talk, it would be yelling “don’t be a p**sy” every time you dragged brakes or avoided an inviting trail gap.

The suspension package, geometry and chassis characteristics all pushed towards downhill levels of capability and confidence, yet retained enough energy, support and agility to be effective in tighter and slower paced enduro trails. In the bikepark, it preferred more of a speed-focused approach than a slow BMX-inspired pop and play, but you could configure it with a shorter rear end and run the progressive suspension settings to improve its playful tendencies.

The Orbea Rallon was a machine that exuded high quality notions on the trail. However, depending on the configuration, there was either a medium or large level of chain noise in the roughest of slap downs. We believe an OChain and SRAM T-Type drivetrain would help to mitigate this, especially when combined with the STFU chain damper and perhaps some increased frame protection on the underside of the chainstay. The Orbea Rallon’s rear end feels to be notably hollow, though, likely amplifying any chain noise produced when things get crazy. You likely won’t be able to hear that chain noise over the heavy metal in your head, though.

THE ORBEA RALLON E PERSONALITY

The Orbea Rallon E is an aggressive and purposeful enduro bike for downhillers, providing its World Cup DH capability in a package that can still get up the hill under its own steam, albeit benefiting greatly from an active shock lockout system. Balanced, composed and highly capable, it is a descending animal across the spectrum of gravity-fed terrain. The suspension is sensitive yet supportive, and it’s highly precise with a slight hint of forgiveness for off-cambers and rough terrain.

WHO IS THE ORBEA RALLON E FOR?

The ideal Orbea Rallon E rider is going to be someone looking for a self-shuttle DH bike, or an enduro machine that inspires maximum attack and aggression.

Buy this bike if you prioritize descending beyond your limits.

Consider another bike if you are looking for a more mild-mannered, well rounded enduro bike.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Judas Priest summed up the Orbea Rallon perfectly with “We blaze with scorching heat, obliteration’s everywhere” in Freewheel Burning. Every time we dropped in, it demanded maximum attack, and the trail below us received a devastating level of obliteration. For some, that’s going to inspire the very best of times, while others may wish for something that keeps it a little more chilled.

Price: £6,199 / $7,717
Weight: 36 lbs | 16.3 kg
Website: Orbea.com

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