Orbea RALLON M-LTD Review
- Price: $10,999
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29″ Carbon
- Gear: 1 x 12
What we like about it: It features a long and relaxed geometry, focused on fast downhill riding.
What we didn’t like about it: Expensive price tag, not suitable for beginners and budget-conscious riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Orbea RALLON M-LTD boasts an ultralight frame, combined with top-of-the-line Shimano mountain bike components, making it a powerful performer and the pinnacle of the mountain bike series.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Orbea RALLON M-LTD. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare several top bicycle models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The exceptional suspension tuning of the Orbea RALLON M-LTD, along with its stable geometry and premium components, provides remarkable capabilities for both climbing and descending rides.
To this end, I took the Orbea RALLON M-LTD to Windrock Park in Tennessee. I had booked accommodations nearby through IHG in advance. The route I chose included significant drops, winding and soft trails, as well as intense rapid descents with scattered rocks and tree roots.
Climbing
The Orbea RALLON M-LTD proved to be immensely helpful during climbs. The carbon fiber frame, crafted with unique techniques, is rigid yet lightweight, making my climbs easier. The excellent geometry stabilizes my center of gravity, allowing for a balanced weight distribution between the front and rear of the bicycle.
Furthermore, the Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.40″ wide tires on the Orbea RALLON M-LTD enhance ground contact, preventing pedal slippage and facilitating faster ascents.
When facing steeper inclines, the Race Face Era 32t crankset paired with the Shimano XTR M9100 10-51t 12-speed freewheel provided significant assistance. Utilizing the largest gears, I experienced a momentary lightness in my pedaling, helping me conquer these steep slopes with minimal effort.
In conclusion, I find that the Orbea RALLON M-LTD, as a long-travel full-suspension endurance mountain bike, maintains impressive uphill capabilities.
Descending
It’s the performance of the Orbea RALLON M-LTD during descents that I truly appreciate. Equipped with a Fox 38 Float Factory front fork and a Fox DHX2 Factory coil rear shock, offering 170mm and 160mm of travel respectively, it ensures a smoother landing from significant drops. The potent shock absorbers absorb all impacts, ensuring the safety of my landings.
Moreover, on steep and aggressive downhill sections, the spacious geometry coupled with the 29-inch wheels provides enhanced stability during descents. The large wheels have remarkable traction, allowing me to glide over small obstacles and potholes effortlessly. The rear coil-spring shock maintains excellent ground contact, stabilizing the rear wheel and enabling faster downhill speeds.
Lastly, the Orbea RALLON M-LTD’s shorter seat tube design ensures agility on winding trails. The Shimano XTR M9120 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes offer powerful stopping capabilities, with light brake operation. This lets me quickly reduce speed as I enter bends, enabling me to navigate the winding trails at a suitable pace.
Specifications
The Orbea RALLON M-LTD features a carbon fiber frame with internal cable routing, providing a cleaner and more streamlined appearance, while also making daily cleaning more convenient. The design of the silent cable guide reduces the noise caused by cables hitting the interior walls of the frame during riding, ensuring a quieter cycling experience.
The dropper post design allows riders to maintain stable weight distribution between climbs and descents, ensuring they remain in the optimal position for better continuity during rides.
The robust Fox suspension system ensures superior absorption of road vibrations even in intense riding conditions, delivering an exceptional downhill riding experience.
Lastly, protective stickers on the downtube and chainstay safeguard the expensive carbon fiber frame from damage during rides.
Video
Other Versions
The Orbea RALLON M-LTD boasts a lightweight geometry, excellent carbon fiber frame, and top-tier components, delivering top-level performance. However, the price of this bicycle is indeed quite high, making it an impractical choice for everyone.
To address this, we offer a full-suspension endurance mountain bike with the same carbon fiber frame but equipped with slightly lower-grade components, making it more accessible in terms of pricing.
2023 Orbea Rallon M10
The 2023 Orbea Rallon M10 features the same internal cable-routed lightweight carbon frame and equivalent suspension travel, ensuring that this bicycle’s performance is equally noteworthy.
In terms of suspension, the Fox 38 Float Performance front fork and Fox FLOAT X Performance rear shock provide robust support, suitable for handling large drop landings and aggressive downhill riding.
The drivetrain features the SRAM GX Eagle, ensuring efficient transmission. The shifting operation is precise and responsive, using high-end mountain bike drivetrain components.
Lastly, the braking system incorporates the Shimano XT M8120, offering sensitive and linear braking. This is an unquestionably reliable and powerful braking system.
Below, we will provide a detailed list of specific parameters for the Orbea RALLON M-LTD and other brands of full-suspension endurance mountain bikes with similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- Hydraulic disc brakes that deliver reliable performance in any challenging conditions.
- Internal cable routing for a cleaner appearance and easier cleaning in daily use.
- Excellent geometry paired with 29-inch wheels for enhanced stability and better terrain traversal during downhill riding.
- Efficient transmission capability of the Shimano XTR M9100 drivetrain, precise and responsive shifting.
- Dropper post design ensures continuous positioning adjustments between climbs and descents for better riding continuity.
- Top-tier Fox suspension system with strong support, capable of handling intense riding situations.
What don’t we like about it?
- Expensive price, not suitable for beginners and budget-conscious riders.
FAQ
- Where is this bike manufactured?
Orbea is a bicycle manufacturer based in Mallabia, Spain. It is part of the Mondragón Corporación Cooperativa and is the largest bike manufacturer in Spain.
- Can this bike accommodate a chain guide?
It has an ISCG05 mount on the frame. Most upper chain guides on the market are compatible.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here we have a sizing chart for you. Of course, it doesn’t always have to be followed, and the best way to find the perfect size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’8″ | S |
| 5’2″ – 6’0″ | M |
| 5’6″ – 6’3″ | L |
| 5’10” – 6’7″ | XL |
Orbea RALLON M-LTD Specs
Build
| Frame | Orbea Monocoque Race Carbon. Advanced Dynamics 160mm suspension technology. 29″ wheels.Concentric Boost 12×148 rear axle. Pure Enduro geometry. Internal cable routing. ISCG05Hanger Standard: UDHColors: Metallic Mulberry (Gloss)-Black (Matt); Golden Sand- Black (Matt); Jade Green Carbon View (Gloss)-Stone Silver (Matt); Wine Red Carbon View ( Gloss) |
| Fork | Fox 38 Float Factory 170 Grip2 QR15x110 Kashima |
| Rear Shock | Fox DHX2 Factory 2-Position Adjust SLS Spring Cr 230x60mm |
| Headset | Acros Alloy 1-1/8 – 1-1/2″ Integrated |
| Stem | OC Mountain Control MC10 Alu SL, 0º |
| Handlebar | OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon, Rise 20, Width 800 |
| Saddle | Fizik Taiga Kium rail |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer Factory Kashima Dropper 31.6 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR M9100 SGS Shadow Plus |
| Crank | Race Face Era 32t |
| Shifters | Shimano XTR M9100 |
| Cassette | Shimano XTR M9100 10-51t 12-Speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-9100 |
| Chain Guide | e*thirteen CL52 30-36t black |
| Brakes | Shimano XTR M9120Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | OQUO Mountain Control MC32LTD Carbon |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.40″ WT FB 120 TPI 3C Maxx Terra Exo+ TR |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Travel | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO | Click View | 150mm rear, 160mm front | Carbon | SRAM Code RSC | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Trek Slash 9.9 XX1 Flight Attendant | Click View | 160mm rear, 170mm front | Carbon | SRAM Code RSC | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Santa Cruz MEGATOWER XX AXS RSV / Carbon CC | Click View | 165mm rear, 170mm front | Carbon | Code Ultimate Stealth | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Pivot Switchblade Team XX Eagle Transmission | Click View | 160mm front | Carbon | Code Ultimate Stealth | 1 × 12 Electronic |
Orbea RALLON M-LTD vs. Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO
Comparing the Orbea RALLON M-LTD and the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO, both are top-tier full-suspension endurance mountain bikes. They offer similar levels of suspension performance.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former comes equipped with the Shimano XTR M9100 drivetrain, while the latter features the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS, both of which are top-notch drivetrain options. However, the former’s shifting operation is smoother, whereas the latter’s shifting is crisper, especially with the convenience of electronic shifting tuning.
Regarding the braking components, the Shimano XTR-level brakes on the former offer a more balanced braking feel, while the SRAM Code RSC brakes on the latter provide a more aggressive braking experience.
Ultimately, these two full-suspension endurance mountain bikes are both top-tier offerings, allowing you to choose based on your personal preferences.
Orbea RALLON M-LTD vs. Trek Slash 9.9 XX1 Flight Attendant
They both boast the same suspension travel, but the former’s Fox front fork offers stronger support, making it better equipped for landing after significant drops. On the other hand, the latter’s RockShox suspension is more suited for consistent small bumps.
In terms of drivetrain components, the Shimano drivetrain on the former provides a more delicate and smooth operation, while the SRAM drivetrain on the latter is more direct and crisp.
However, in terms of suspension and geometry design, the former excels more in climbing, whereas the latter provides greater stability during downhill rides.
Therefore, if you’re seeking a bike with enhanced climbing capabilities, the Orbea RALLON M-LTD is the better choice. Conversely, if you prioritize downhill performance, the Trek Slash 9.9 XX1 Flight Attendant shines.
Learn More: Is Trek Slash 9.9 XTR Worth Buying? [Trek Slash 9.9 XTR Review]
Orbea RALLON M-LTD vs. Santa Cruz MEGATOWER XX AXS RSV / Carbon CC
Between these two bikes, each has its advantages.
In terms of suspension systems, both bicycles feature the Fox Factory Float 38 front fork, providing robust support. However, the former’s coil rear shock offers better ground adherence.
For drivetrain components, they utilize top-tier Shimano and SRAM mountain bike drivetrains respectively, both offering efficient transmission and powerful performance.
Regarding the braking components, I prefer the Shimano XTR M9120 brakes on the former. I appreciate its linear operation and the design of its brake lever.
Ultimately, both of these bikes are solid choices, but the former comes at a more affordable price.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz MEGATOWER XX1 AXS Worth Buying? [Santa Cruz MEGATOWER XX1 AXS Review ]
Orbea RALLON M-LTD vs. Pivot Switchblade Team XX Eagle Transmission
Let’s take another look at these two bikes. Firstly, I prefer the frame design of the latter as it appears more aesthetically pleasing. However, in terms of suspension components, the former comes with the Fox 38 Float Factory front fork, which has a thicker diameter and longer suspension travel compared to the Fox 36 Float Factory on the latter. This means the former will have a more powerful downhill riding capability.
In the drivetrain department, the Shimano components on the former offer a smoother and lighter operation, while the SRAM drivetrain on the latter feels more robust.
Regarding the braking components, both bikes utilize the same Shimano XTR M9120 components, providing strong performance that remains reliable even in challenging conditions.
In conclusion, either of these two bikes is a solid choice.
Summary
The above is my riding review of the Orbea RALLON M-LTD. In our opinion, it is a powerful and top-tier full-suspension endurance mountain bike that holds its ground against any other bike of its kind. This is why we’ve given it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension endurance mountain bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes with various price points, all of which are equally interesting. Feel free to explore our other reviews as well.
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