Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph Review
- Price: $11999
- Frame: Carbon
- Tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.60″
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: Excellent integrated setup, the ability to convert to a 750Wh battery, and more range to take you further.
What we don’t like about it: The non-removable battery may cause some trouble with charging.
Rating: (4.9/5)
Electric bicycles are increasingly becoming a popular mode of transportation, replacing traditional bikes for commuting. But can e-bikes also replace traditional bikes for off-road adventures?
To find out, I got my hands on the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph, and I’m excited to test its performance in off-road riding.
In the following analysis, we will examine the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph.
Additionally, we will compare it to several other top bike models in the latter part of this article. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
To thoroughly test the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph, I booked a flight and reserved a hotel through IHG, arriving in Ax-les-Thermes.
In Ax-les-Thermes, I chose the Black Hard trail, a 2.0-mile route with a continuous downhill slope and a 1615FT altitude drop. The trail consists of grassy sections and wooded areas, with some uphill stretches.
The road is narrow, with some tight spots between trees, and there are loose gravel and branches along the way, which significantly impact the ride.
Off-road Riding
In the early morning, there was a thick fog on the mountain, reducing visibility as I began my ride on the Black Hard trail. The grassy sections were damp due to the fog.
Thanks to the Maxxis Minion DHR II tires, equipped with impressive wide side knobs, the bike had excellent stability and grip.
The 3C Maxx Terra compound provided strong traction and grip, giving me confidence that the wheels wouldn’t slip. Additionally, the 3C Maxx Terra is a triple compound that adapts well to dirt and gravel in wooded areas. It was convenient not having to change tires for different sections of the trail.
Downhill
During downhill sections, I controlled the bike with the OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon handlebar. The Bosch 250W 85Nm mid-drive motor provided ample power, making my ride effortless.
With 160mm rear travel and 170mm front travel, the bike effectively absorbed shocks. Riding over loose gravel, I smoothly descended from higher points without experiencing significant bumps.
For uphill sections, I adjusted the Shimano XTR M9100 SGS Shadow Plus gears to the lowest ratio. This allowed me to obtain more power without compromising the motor and battery, making the uphill journey easy.
On the winding forest trails, the OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon handlebar was highly responsive. Leveraging my experience, I found the optimal power output for every corner.
The bends on the Black Hard trail posed no challenge for me. Of course, I was always ready to use the Shimano XTR M9120 Hydraulic Disc brakes to prevent accidents.
Is that all?
I sat on the Fizik Terra Aidon X1 saddle and found it extremely comfortable during my ride on the Black Hard trail. The gradual transition from the nose to the wings allowed me to balance and adjust my position smoothly. I could constantly change my posture for turns or prepare for impacts on the gravel surface ahead.
Furthermore, the dropper on the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph lowered the seat height when I stood up to accelerate, preventing any thigh interference with the saddle.
And the 750Wh battery upgrade I installed played a significant role, eliminating any worries about running out of power.
Specification
The Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph features the Orbea Wild OMR carbon frame, which is lightweight and enables fast riding speeds.
It is equipped with the BOSCH Performance Line CX-R BDU3741 motor, powered by the BOSCH Powertube 625Wh Horizontal battery (upgradeable to 750Wh), allowing the bike to cover long distances.
Additionally, it comes with Maxxis Minion DHR II tires with 3C Maxx Terra compound, providing strong traction and grip. The bike is equipped with Shimano XTR M9120 Hydraulic Disc brakes, ensuring responsive and effective braking.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Ability to upgrade to a 750Wh battery for extended range.
- Powerful BOSCH Performance Line CX-R BDU3741 motor.
- Wide saddle and rear chainstay protector for frame protection and noise reduction.
- High-end GRIP2 damper in the FOX 38 front fork offers ample adjustability.
What don’t we like about it?
- A non-removable battery may cause some inconvenience when charging.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- How do I choose the battery size for this bike?
You can choose the battery specifications through the Myo configurator, with options of 750Wh and 625Wh.
- What is the braking system of this bike?
Its braking system is Shimano XTR M9120 hydraulic disc.
- How to choose the right size?
The size chart is as follows:
These sizes are only general guidelines and the true fit may vary from person to person. The easiest way to find your size is the best way to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’9″ | SM |
| 5’2″ – 6’1″ | MD |
| 5’6″ – 6’5″ | LG |
| 5’10” – 6’9″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Orbea Wild OMR 2023, 160mm travel, 29″ wheels, Concentric Boost 12×148 Colors: Cosmic Carbon View (Matt-Gloss); Halo Silver – Tanzanite Carbon View (Matt) |
| Fork | Fox 38 Float Factory 170 Grip2 QR15x110 Kashima |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float X2 Factory Trunnion 2-Position Adjust Kashima custom tune 205x65mm |
| Headset | Alloy 1-1/2″, Black Oxidated Bearing |
| Stem | OC Mountain Control MC10 Alu SL, 0º |
| Handlebar | OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon, Rise 20, Width 800 |
| Saddle | Fizik Terra Aidon X1 145mm |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer Factory Kashima Dropper 31.6 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR M9100 SGS Shadow Plus |
| Crank | e*thirteen e*spec Direct Mount 34T Boost |
| Shifters | Shimano XTR M9100 |
| Cassette | Shimano XTR M9100 10-51t 12-Speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-9100 |
| Chain Guide | e*thirteen Plus Bosch CX Gen4 32-38t |
| Brakes | Shimano XTR M9120Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | OQUO Mountain Control MC32LTD Carbon |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.60″ 120 TPI FB 3C Maxx Terra Exo+ TR |
Electric Components
| Motor | BOSCH Performance Line CX-R BDU3741 |
| Battery | BOSCH Powertube 625Wh Horizontal |
| Remote | BOSCH System Controller BCR3100 |
| Charger | Bosch Charger 4A (110V) BPC3410 |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS | Click View | Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.50” | 1×12Electronic | Carbon | SRAM GX Eagle AXS,e*thirteen |
| Giant Trance X Advanced, E+ Elite 1 | Click View | Maxxis Minion DHF 29X2.50″ | 1×12Electronic | Carbon | SRAM GX Eagle AXS,X01 Eagle AXS |
| Pivot Shuttle SL World Cup XTR | Click View | Maxxis Rekon 29″ x 2.4″ | 1×12 | Carbon | Shimano XTR |
| Kellys THEOS F100 SH 29″/27.5″ 825Wh | Click View | SCHWALBE Nobby Nic Evo Super Trail 62-622 (29×2.40) | 1×12Electronic | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 |
Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph vs Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS
Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph features an 85Nm motor. Compared to the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS with a 50Nm motor, the 85Nm motor can handle more weight.
Additionally, the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph comes with a 625Wh battery, which can be upgraded to 750Wh. This offers a larger battery capacity than the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS’s 360Wh, resulting in a stronger battery life.
Furthermore, the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS has a 1×12 Electronic drivetrain, which provides precise and quick shifting. However, it can be troublesome to shift while wearing gloves during winter, leading to potential misfires.
In contrast, the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph offers more direct shifting.
In summary, if you are looking for a bike with longer battery life, the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph would better suit your needs. If you prefer a bike with precise shifting, the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS would be a great choice for you.
Learn More: Is Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX Worth Buying? [Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX Review]
Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph VS Giant Trance X Advanced, E+ Elite 1
The Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph features more capable 29″ wheels, providing better traction and performance. On the other hand, the Giant Trance X Advanced, E+ Elite 1 comes with more flexible 27.5″ wheels that are made of aluminum.
Although they are not as lightweight as the carbon wheels on the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph, aluminum wheels are less prone to breaking when facing lateral impacts.
In terms of battery capacity, the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph offers a larger 625Wh battery (upgradeable to 750Wh) compared to the 400Wh battery on the Giant Trance X Advanced, E+ Elite 1.
Therefore, if you’re looking for longer battery life, better traction, and lighter wheels, I would recommend the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph. However, if you prioritize sturdier wheels, the Giant Trance X Advanced, E+ Elite 1 would be the ideal choice for you.
Learn More: Is Giant Trance X E+ 2 Pro 29er Worth Buying? [Giant Trance X E+ 2 Pro 29er Review]
Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph vs Pivot Shuttle SL World Cup XTR
The Pivot Shuttle SL World Cup XTR features 140mm of front travel, which is less than the 170mm on the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph, resulting in a slightly weaker suspension effect.
Additionally, the Stack/Reach Ratio of the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph is 1.33, which is higher than the Stack/Reach Ratio of the Pivot Shuttle SL World Cup XTR (1.3). This indicates greater extension and a more comfortable riding experience for the Orbea model.
The Pivot Shuttle SL World Cup XTR has a head tube angle of 64°, providing a more stable ride. On the other hand, the Pivot Shuttle SL World Cup XTR’s head tube angle of 65.5° offers slightly more agility.
In summary, if you prioritize better suspension performance, the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph is highly suitable. If you prefer a more stable riding experience, the Pivot Shuttle SL World Cup XTR would better meet your needs.
Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph vs Kellys THEOS F100 SH 29″/27.5″ 825Wh
The Kellys THEOS F100 SH 29″/27.5″ 825Wh boasts a larger 825Wh battery capacity, providing a powerful riding range. It also features a 1×12 Electronic drivetrain, ensuring more precise shifting.
However, it comes with 150mm of front travel and 140mm of rear travel, resulting in a slightly weaker suspension effect.
On the other hand, the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph comes with a 625Wh (upgradeable to 750Wh) battery, offering a slightly weaker riding range.
However, its 1×12 drivetrain allows for more convenient shifting even while wearing gloves. Additionally, it features 170mm of front travel and 160mm of rear travel, providing a lighter suspension effect.
Therefore, if you prioritize better suspension performance, the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph is highly suitable. If you desire a bike with longer battery life, the Kellys THEOS F100 SH 29″/27.5″ 825Wh can be your top choice.
Summary
Above is our full review of the Orbea WILD M-LTD 20mph. It is an excellent full-suspension electric endurance bike. Based on our evaluation, we give it a high score of 4.9.
If you would like to find more information about bicycles, feel free to explore our related tests.
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