Orbea Rise M-Team in review – In our big 2022 eMTB group test

Orbea enter the race with the lightweight Rise M-Team which is tuned for uncompromised trail performance and maximum fun with its small 360 Wh battery and torque-limited Shimano EP8 motor. Is that enough to secure victory as the best all-rounder in our 2022 eMTB group test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

**Orbea** Rise M-Team | Shimano EP8-RS/360 + 252 Wh | 150/140 mm (f/r)
20.52 kg in size L | € 10,155 | Manufacturer’s website

When developing the Rise, Orbea’s engineers asked themselves one question: how much motor power do you need, to have fun on the trail? While the Rise shares the same Shimano EP8 motor as seven other bikes in this test, Orbea have tuned the motor software to reduce the maximum torque from 85 Nm to 60 Nm. While the E-TUBE app allows you to reduce the torque of any EP8 motor, with the Rise this process isn’t reversible. The 360 Wh battery is permanently integrated into the Orbea’s slim down tube and is much more svelte than counterparts fitted with the standard 630 Wh battery. Thanks to that torque-limited motor, the Rise achieves ranges comparable to that of a conventional eMTB all-rounder and outperforms the ROTWILD, which relies on a similarly-sized battery but a thirstier, unrestricted motor. For long rides, you can increase the Orbea’s range using the optional 252 Wh range extender, which fits in the bottle cage and adds an extra 1.6 kg. Our custom-spec test bike in size L hits the scales at 18.92 kg (without the range extender) and retails for € 10,155, which includes a range extender and LED dongle to replace the standard Shimano display. Unfortunately, the dongle winds around the dropper cable like a wild vine, making for a messy cockpit area but a rather clean handlebar.

The MyO configurator for a near-perfect spec – The spec of the Orbea Rise M-Team in detail

Orbea’s MyO configurator allows you to customise the finish and spec of the Rise. The suspension consists of a bling FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and FLOAT X shock, controlling 150/140 mm travel at the front and rear. One of our spec highlights are the MAXXIS tires in the sturdy DH casing. Unlike the DH anocrym suggests, the downhill casing isn’t just for downhill bikes! The extra weight and higher rolling resistance don’t affect the handling of the lightweight Orbea and allow you to run lower tire pressures for more traction, both up- and downhill. Overall, the Orbea offers the best tire combination in the entire test field! For an extra charge of € 19, you can upgrade the front rotor of the Shimano XTR brake to a bigger 200 mm disc – at the rear you’ll have to make do with the 180 mm rotor.

Although Orbea’s MyO configurator allows you to shave off quite a few grams, we recommend choosing exactly the same spec we chose – it doesn’t get any better!

**Energy drink for your eMTB**
The optional 252 Wh range extender can be stored in the bottle cage and boosts the battery capacity to a total of 612 Wh, providing enough juice for epic backcountry adventures.

**Reverse tune**
Behind the RS badge is a bog-standard Shimano EP8 motor. The only difference is that Orbea have detuned the motor to reduce the maximum torque from 85 to 60 Nm.

**Hell yeah!**
When we found out that Orbea were going to include the MAXXIS tires with the robust DH casing in Orbea’s MyO configurator, we almost cried for joy. The sturdy casing allows you to run low air pressures for more grip and traction.

**Golden lift**
The MyO configurator lets you choose the travel of your FOX Transfer Factory dropper post. On our size L test bike, we were able to insert the 175 mm model all the way into the frame.

Orbea Rise M-Team

€ 10,155

Specifications

Motor Shimano EP8-RS 60 Nm
Battery Orbea RS Custom 360 + 252 Wh
Display Shimano EN100 Junction
Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Factory 140 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer 175 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR M9120 200/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR 1x12
Stem Race Face Turbine 35 mm
Handlebar Race Face Next R 780 mm
Wheelset Race Face Turbine R 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI / Minion DHR II DH Casing 2.5"/2.4"

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 20.52 kg
Perm. total weight 138 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 117 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

modular battery concept with range extender

**Power imbalance**
In combination with the small 180 mm rotor, the powerful Shimano XTR four-piston brakes deliver inconsistent braking power, especially on long descents.

**Dongle dangle!**
The Rise is available with different display configurations. Here you can choose between a Shimano SC-EM800 color display or minimalist EW-EN100 dongle. Although both options make for a cluttered cockpit, the dongle provides an overall tidier look.

**50 shades of bling**
The FOX Factory 36 fork makes for a rather stiff front end. However, the GRIP2 damper offers countless adjustments and is far superior to the FIT4 damper on the ROTWILD R.E375.

**Softy!**
A generously-sized seat and chainstay protector ensures a quiet ride and prevents the chain from damaging any paint.

The geometry of the Orbea Rise M-Team in detail

The Rise is available in S to XL. The long 457 mm seat tube allows you to insert a 175 mm dropper post all the way into the frame. The 76.5° seat tube angle is pleasantly steep and doesn’t slacken out excessively as the dropper extends. In combination with the high front, this ensures an upright and balanced pedalling position that is comfortable even on longer rides. Despite the reduced torque, the Orbea delivers enough power to keep up with the other bikes with a “standard” Shimano motor on flat trails and moderate climbs, and outperforms the weaker Kenevo SL. However, with its firm suspension, the Orbea is less comfortable than the plusher FOCUS JAM².

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	565 mm	592 mm	619 mm	649 mm
Seat tube	381 mm	419 mm	457 mm	508 mm
Head tube	95 mm	105 mm	120 mm	140 mm
Head angle	66.0/65.5°	66.0/65.5°	66.0/65.5°	66.0/65.5°
Seat angle	77.0/76.5°	77.0/76.5°	77.0/76.5°	77.0/76.5°
Chainstays	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm
BB Drop	35/32 mm mm	35/32 mm mm	35/32 mm mm	35/32 mm mm
Wheelbase	1,180 mm	1,205 mm	1,229 mm	1,255 mm
Reach	425 mm	450 mm	474 mm	500 mm
Stack	604 mm	613 mm	627 mm	646 mm

**Helmet** POC Kortal | **Glasses** POC Devour | **Hippack** High Above The Lookout
**Jersey** POC Essentials DH LS | **Shorts** POC M’S Infinite All-Mountain Shorts
**Kneepad** POC Joint VPD System Knee | **Shoes** Crankbrothers Mallet E BOA
**Socks** POC Essential Mid Length Sock

Motor power ≠ trail performance: The Orbea Rise M-Team uphill

Uphill, the Rise impresses with its intuitive handling, making it easy to cruise along flowing trails, regardless of your riding skills. The torque reduction becomes evident when accelerating out of tight corners, where bikes with a standard Shimano motor have more punch. In all other situations, the motor responds sensitively and is easy to control. The efficient suspension and grippy tires help you negotiate steep climbs, even with the dropper post fully extended and when pedalling out of the saddle, provided your legs can compensate for the weaker motor. Although the Rise doesn’t accelerate as willingly as the Rocky Mountain on technical climbs, it generates plenty of traction on the rear wheel, while providing maximum control at the front, making it fun and easy to negotiate challenging sections.

The Rise doesn’t care about product designations, utilising all the advantages of downhill tires both up- and downhill.

**Left, right or just gapping?**
The lively character of the Orbea Rise allows for spontaneous line changes and encourages you to play with the terrain.

The Orbea Rise M-Team downhill – Handling is king

Downhill, the Rise positions the rider centrally between its 29” wheels and impresses with a playful character, encouraging an active riding style and spontaneous line changes. While the grippy tires instill beginners with lots of confidence, the firm suspension allows experienced riders to play with the terrain while offering enough reserves to bail you out on botched landings. No other bike in this test is more fun on flowing trails! On demanding technical trails, Orbea’s lightweight eMTB is easy to maneuver, whether you’re actively pushing through corners, bombing through rock gardens or cruising over obstacles at a leisurely pace. However, the Rise doesn’t feel as composed as the Norco Sight VLT C1 on fast downhill tracks. Nevertheless, the Orbea can take a beating and encourages you to ride fast with its precise and predictable handling.

Tuning tips: bigger brake rotors | choose exactly this spec from the MyO configurator, including the Maxxis tires with the robust DH casing and alloy wheelset

**Rise till dawn**
The efficient suspension of the Rise doesn’t wallow, even when riding out of the saddle. Despite the reduction in torque, the EP8 RS motor doesn’t feel particularly weak while the range extender allows you to embark on epic rides and exciting backcountry adventures.

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Application

Forest road

Flow trail uphill

Flow trail downhill

Technical single trail uphill

Technical single trail downhill

Downhill tracks

Conclusion

The Orbea Rise M-Team is a jack of all trades. The intuitive handling and excellent riding performance make it a great allrounder for both beginners and advanced riders. The modular battery concept enables long rides and exciting backcountry adventures while Orbea’s MyO online configurator allows you to click your way to a near-perfect spec – and all that at a fair price. Overall, the Orbea Rise delivers tremendous performance, securing the coveted Best Buy in our big 2022 eMTB group test!

Tops

the perfect all-rounder for all trails
extremely wide range of applications
near-perfect spec
modular battery concept

Flops

rear brake rotor is too small
untidy cockpit

You can find out more about at orbea.com

The test field