News: Orbea Rallon RS

Less Motor, More Mountain Bike: With the Rallon RS, Orbea presents an e-MTB concept that clearly positions itself against the current market trend. Instead of a power arms race, the new Rallon RS deliberately focuses on minimal motor assistance and maximum connectivity. What’s behind this study?

Technically, the Rallon RS stands out primarily due to its system integration of existing concepts. The motor, suspension, dropper post, and controls don’t operate in isolation but continuously exchange data. All electronic components are powered by the central main battery of the E-MTB system. This is a holistic approach.

Orbea, together with TQ and Fox, developed a communication system that is unique in its depth. It’s particularly unique that three companies in this competitive industry have come together to pull in the same direction. Until now, component networking was only possible for Sram, who manufacture all parts themselves with their drivetrains and electronic Flight Attendant suspensions.

At the Orbea Rallon RS, motor data such as cadence, power output, or speed directly impact the suspension tuning, while the position of the dropper post determines whether the shock works open or firmer. Simultaneously, the motor adjusts its support according to the riding situation and terrain—like preventing interference when descending on technical terrain. The system is controlled via the RS-HMI Control, a central remote unit on the handlebars, without needing to take your hands off the bars.

Despite having a lot of travel, the Rallon RS should feel more like an efficient XC or trail bike uphill rather than an enduro. The TQ HPR40 motor delivers up to 200 watts of peak power and 40 Nm of torque—deliberately much less than current full-power systems. DJI and Bosch motors push with over 700 watts, offering a completely different experience.

The support mainly bridges the gap to lighter, purely mechanical bikes by compensating for additional weight and higher rolling resistance. This makes it possible for the Rallon RS with just over 17 kilos to feel like a bike with 11 kilos or less. With the 17 kilos, weight-wise, it’s not far off from classic enduros without motors, which have also been getting heavier lately.

Nor are new uphill flow dimensions or motorized climbing sections being explicitly introduced. The result is a consistent, natural pedaling feel where climbs still require personal effort and feel correspondingly “earned.” Due to the low motor power, Orbea promises to squeeze up to 2000 meters of range from the small 290 Wh battery. Optionally, there’s the TQ Range Extender with an additional 180 Wh capacity.

Orbea positions the Rallon RS clearly as a forward-thinking project. The goal is not to optimize existing e-MTB concepts, but rather to revisit fundamental questions about the synergy between motor output, suspension, and the riding experience. The insights gathered here are intended to contribute to future bikes that will also be produced in larger quantities.

With this, Orbea presents a potential alternative to the current power escalation: less focus on numbers, more focus on integration, ride feel, and control. Whether this approach will prevail in the market remains open – however, as a thought-provoking concept for the industry, the Rallon RS is highly relevant. We look forward to testing this bike in practice.