Orbea Rise LT – In our 2024 light eMTB comparison test

The Orbea Rise LT is one of the most popular e-mountainbikes currently available on the market, and everything indicates that the latest generation will be no exception. With its full-power 85 Nm motor, 160/150 mm of travel (f/r) and countless customisation options through Orbea’s MyO configurator, the Rise covers a massive spectrum of uses, and remains under the mystical 20 kg weight barrier. Is that enough to secure victory in our test?

The new Orbea Rise LT sets new standards, combining an 85 Nm Shimano EP801 motor and 420 Wh battery, without breaking the mystical 20 kg mark. Both the spec and look of the new Rise can be customised down to the smallest detail using Orbea’s practical MyO configurator. You can choose from different batteries, motor hardware and components, as well as countless finishes and decals, meaning that everyone will be able to find their perfect Rise. Orbea also offer an SL version with less travel, which generates 140 mm of travel both front and rear. Our test bike relies on a full carbon frame and retails at € 9,989, tipping the scales at just 19.3 kg despite the trail-orientated spec and 29″ wheels front and rear.

Click here for an overview of this comparison test: The best light eMTB of 2024 – 9 of the most exciting bikes in direct comparison

What sets the Orbea Rise LT apart from the competition?

Mountain biking is becoming increasingly diversified, and riders’ demands are becoming more and more individualised. That’s exactly where Orbea’s in-house MyO configurator comes into its own, offering countless options to customise the motor system, spec and look of your bike. For our test bike, we picked the Rise LT M-Team model and made some fine adjustments to the spec to create the optimal configuration for our needs. We decided to do without a display and instead use a Garmin to view the motor data. The only drawback: the standard Shimano EN600-L remote is a little outdated, and not the best option in terms of ergonomics, and the battery can’t be removed for charging.

The FOX Factory suspension delivers top performance on the trail and offers countless adjustment options. The FOX 36 fork comes with the new GRIP X damper, which delivers a tremendous performance despite being quite loud on the trail. The Float X air shock harmonises wonderfully with the fork, and perfectly suits the Rise’s intended use. Shimano XTR four-piston brakes with 200 mm GALFER rotors ensure powerful, reliable deceleration, although the GALFER discs are pretty noisy and take some getting used to – though this didn’t bother us too much. Shifting is taken care of by an electronic Shimano DEORE XT Di2 drivetrain, which delivers an impressive performance in all situations. However, the automatic mode is a mere gimmick, as it can’t keep up in sporty riding scenarios and quickly reaches its limit in complex trail situations. It’s great that Orbea use a long, 230 mm FOX Transfer Factory dropper post with adjustable travel, which can be fully inserted into the frame. Orbea rely on their in-house components for the OQUO MC32 Team alloy wheelset, which is rather soft and therefore dents easily. However, we would still choose this over a carbon wheelset. The rims are paired with MAXXIS tires, with an ASSEGAI in the soft MaxxGrip rubber compound and EXO+ casing at the front and Minion DHR2 in the harder MaxxTerra rubber compound and robust Doubledown casing at the rear. This is the perfect tire combination for this bike.

Orbea also nailed it with the details of the Rise. There’s a small multi-tool hidden in the shock mount that’s cleverly held in place by magnets, as well as an additional Allen key in the rear thru-axle, which can be used to adjust the flip chip, for example. However, unlike the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL, the Orbea doesn’t have all the tool bits needed for the whole bike. Other details, like the generously sized chainstay protector and charging port, are of high quality and do their job reliably.

The Orbea Rise LT on the trail

With its full-fat, 85 Nm Shimano EP801 motor, the Orbea Rise LT grinds its way to the trailhead without hesitation. Only the MERIDA and the Cannondale, which use the same motor system, can keep up with the Orbea. The compact, upright pedalling position ensures even weight distribution and enables long days in the saddle. If you want to find out more about the Shimano EP801 motor’s characteristics, you should read our detailed motor comparison test before you get too excited about the RS badge on the Orbea’s Shimano drive – it might not mean what you think!

When gravity takes over, the Orbea Rise LT behaves like an authentic all-round ace. Whether you’re riding rough bike park tracks, fast flow trails or tight singletrack sections, the Rise delivers the perfect mix of agility and composure, with its balanced, integrated riding position making it extremely easy to ride. It combines all the positive characteristics of its rivals into one bike, positioning itself between the super composed YT DECOY SN and the nimblest bike on test, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL. The Rise’s suspension is also some of the best in this test, and the rear end generates a lot of traction without feeling lifeless. This allows you to pop off ledges without batting an eye and to generate speed by pumping through berms, yet at the same time it bails you out of botched landings. Nevertheless, the Rise lets you know at all times what’s going on beneath you, and implements steering input directly and precisely. Despite the slurping fork and the motor’s metallic clunking noise, the Orbea Rise LT rolls right at the front of the pack, and converts all sorts of trails into a playground.

With the help of Orbea’s in-house MyO configurator, you can customise the spec and look of your Rise LT down to the smallest detail.

Who should take a closer look at the Orbea Rise LT?

With its harmonious overall concept, predictable handling and trail-orientated spec, the Orbea Rise LT is the perfect all-rounder. It negotiates all sorts of trails without breaking a sweat, and it’s suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. The MyO configurator allows you to customise the spec and look of your bike down to the smallest detail, to suit your preferences and riding style. The powerful motor, flexible battery concept and low system weight round off the overall harmonious package, leaving behind the underpowered competition in a cloud of envy-dust.

Our conclusions about the Orbea Rise LT

The Orbea Rise LT ticks all the boxes. A powerful motor, flexible battery concept, low system weight and great, customisable spec. On the trail, it impresses with excellent all-round qualities and intuitive handling, which make it perfectly suitable for long days in the saddle. With its holistic concept, the Orbea Rise LT is one step ahead of the competition, and marks a new generation of light eMTBs. Throw the fair price into the mix, and the Orbea Rise LT not only secures our Best Buy Tip, but also the coveted Best in Test – felicidades!

More information can be found at orbea.com

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The test field

Click here for an overview of this comparison test: The best light eMTB of 2024 – 9 of the most exciting bikes in direct comparison

All bikes in test: Cannondale Moterra SL1 | GIANT Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0 V2 | Mondraker Dune RR | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K | Orbea Rise | Santa Cruz Heckler SL XX AXS RSV | SCOTT Voltage eRide 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL | YT DECOY SN

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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Mike Hunger