Orbea Rise LT – In our big 2025 trail bike comparison test

The Orbea Rise LT generates 160/150 mm of travel (front/rear) and relies on a powerful Shimano EP801 RS motor, with Orbea’s extensive MyO configurator rounding off the overall package by offering countless customisation options. In our sister magazine’s light e-MTB comparison test, it secured two awards. But can it also hold its own against traditional analogue bikes?

Orbea achieved what many eMTB manufacturers can only dream of: an e-mountain bike with a full-power motor, a surprisingly low system weight, and a flexible battery concept. Combined with the Rise LT’s outstanding ride characteristics, this extraordinary concept secured Orbea not only the test victory in the light e-MTB comparison test of our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE, but also the Best Buy Tip in the same test, which is down to the outstanding price-performance ratio. In the configuration we tested, the Rise LT costs €9,989, which outs it right between its electric competitors, the Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD and MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL in terms of price, and yet makes it more expensive than many non-motorized bikes in this test. Tipping the scales at 19.7 kg (size L) it’s also the heaviest bike in the test field alongside the MERIDA. But how does the Rise LT perform on the trail? Find out here!

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

The Orbea Rise LT in detail

The dual-tone paint job on our test bike evokes thoughts of summer and sandy beaches – though our testers weren’t entirely convinced by the colour choice.

One of the standout design features is the clean cable routing: all cables run neatly through the first spacer in the headset and only reappear shortly before the component where they’re needed. Very tidy! However, the complex cable routing system might look great but makes it harder to service the bike. Storage space for trail essentials is rather limited on the Orbea Rise LT, with the bottle cage being the only real option for carrying a water bottle. On longer rides, you’ll have to stow away food and spares in a hip pack or backpack. That being said, the bike scores points with two cleverly integrated tools: a magnetic multitool hidden in the shock mount, and a 6 mm Allen key conveniently stored in the rear axle for quick adjustments on the trail. But more on that later. A generously sized chainstay protector keeps the bike quiet on the trail, while a small fender prevents dirt and small rocks from accumulating in the gap between the swingarm and the frame.

The spec of the Orbea Rise LT

A quick glance at Orbea’s website is enough to make every customization freak drool: the extensive MyO configurator allows you to personalise both the spec and look of the Rise LT down to the smallest detail. From paintwork and cockpit to suspension and drivetrain, almost everything can be configured to match your personal preferences.

At the heart of the Rise is a Shimano EP801 RS motor, which delivers 85 Nm of torque and reveals the bike’s electric nature. Apart from the “RS” badge, its virtually identical to the standard EP801, both in terms of looks and performance. The motor draws its power from a 630 Wh Orbea RS Custom battery, which is permanently integrated into the downtube. If you’re after a lighter setup, the MyO configurator also allows you to pick a smaller 420 Wh battery. Whichever battery you choose, you can expand the capacity with the optional 210 Wh range extender, which retails at €449, and fits neatly into the bottle cage, boosting the total capacity to 840 Wh in combination with the bigger 630 Wh battery. However, the motor reduces its power output slightly when you connect the range extender. The drive system is paired with a Shimano EN600 L-Remote, which uses LEDs to display the assist mode and battery level. While minimalistic both in terms of design and functionality, it doesn’t feel particularly premium in terms of aesthetics and ergonomics. For more detailed riding data, we used a Garmin device, which can be conveniently mounted on the standard handlebar mount. If the exposed position of the Garmin isn’t to your liking, the Shimano STEPS SC-EN600 color display is available as an option in the configurator – or you can opt to ride without a display altogether.

The suspension consists of a 160 mm FOX 36 Factory fork and matching FOX Float X Factory. The fork relies on the new GRIP-X damper, which delivers a strong performance on the trail and is intuitive to use even for beginners, given that it has fewer adjustment options than its top-tier GRIP-X2 counterpart. The only downside is that it makes an annoying suction noise on the trail. The new FOX Transfer Factory 2025 dropper post offers an impressive 240 mm of travel and can be inserted almost all the way into the frame, ensuring excellent freedom of movement on the trail. Shimano XTR four-piston brakes do stopping duties, delivering powerful deceleration and good modulation in combination with 200 mm rotors front and rear. Shifting is taken care of by an electronic Shimano XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE drivetrain, which ensures reliable gear shifts even under load. The Orbea Rise LT rolls out of the factory on a 29” OQUO Mountain Control MC 32TEAM aluminum wheelset and a thoughtfully-chosen tire setup. Up front, a MAXXIS Assegai in the soft MaxxGrip compound and EXO+ casing provides outstanding grip, while at the rear, a MAXXIS Minion DHR II in the harder MaxxTerra compound and robust Doubledown casing offers excellent puncture resistance and durability – a perfect combo!

Tuning Tip:
– Shredders should take inspiration from our configuration.

The geometry of the Orbea Rise LT

The Orbea Rise LT is available in four sizes, S to XL, and is designed to accommodate riders between 1.50 m and 2.00 m tall. Our test bike in size L was a great match for our test riders, who range between 1.78 m and 1.85 m. Chainstays are 440 mm across all sizes, which is relatively short for a modern trail bike. A practical feature of the Orbea Rise LT is the easily adjustable Flip-Chip in the shock mount. Using the 6 mm Allen key stored in the rear axle, the Flip-Chip can be quickly and effortlessly adjusted. Simply loosen the bolt and slightly lift or lower the bike– there’s no need to fully remove the screw. In the high setting, the Flip-Chip enables a more upright riding position, and raises the bottom bracket by 8 mm, which is particularly beneficial on technical climbs. In the low setting, the head angle slackens by 0.5°, and the center of gravity is lower, improving stability and control on descents.

The MyO configurator makes the Orbea Rise LT a dream for custom enthusiasts – from the paint job to the components, almost every detail can be perfectly personalised.

The geometry of the new 2025 Orbea Rise LT 2025 in the high setting

The Orbea Rise LT on the trail

Needless to say, the Orbea Rise LT is one of the strongest climbers in the entire test field. The comfortable, well-balanced pedalling position is suitable even for long days in the saddle. Thanks to the powerful support of the Shimano EP801 RS motor, the Rise LT conquers steep climbs without breaking a sweat. No other eMTB in this test could match the Rise LT’s uphill performance, not even the Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD or the Merida eONE-SIXTY SL.

The Auto-Shift function of the Shimano drivetrain is particularly useful on forest roads, where it handles gear changes effortlessly and reliably. In manual mode, you regain full control, which makes it the ideal mode for technical climbs or a more sporty riding experience on the trail.

The suspension of the Orbea Rise is extremely balanced and capable, absorbing big hits with confidence while also being sensitive.

Riding downhill, the Rise LT impresses with balanced, intuitive handling. The central, deeply integrated riding position inspires huge amounts of confidence, particularly at higher speeds and in steep, rough terrain. Even in fast sections and tight corners, the Orbea Rise LT is easy to control, proving an attractive choice for riders of all skill levels. However, the added weight of the motor makes the Orbea more sluggish than its analogue competitors, and it requires slightly more physical effort in technical sections and with quick direction changes. In terms of agility, it sits right between the nimble Canyon Spectral:ON and the less agile MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL. The Rise LT’s firm and direct suspension is among the best in the entire test field. The rear suspension combines excellent small-bump sensitivity and good mid-stroke support, bailing you out with botched landings and bigger impacts, and showcasing the bike’s impressive capability among its electric competitors. However, in rough terrain, it can’t quite hold up with the best analogue bikes in this test, like the Transition Sentinel and Atherton S.150. That said, the Rise LT is great fun on the trail – even if the distinctive clunking noise of the Shimano motor clouds the downhill experience slightly.

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

The Orbea Rise LT is aimed at riders looking for a versatile eMTB that excels on demanding trails while also providing a comfortable, fast commute to the trailhead. Thanks to the extensive MyO configurator, you can both the spec and look of your bike down to the smallest detail. With its intuitive handling, the Rise LT appeals to both beginners and experienced trail riders alike.

Conclusions about the Orbea Rise LT

The Orbea Rise LT combines strong uphill performance, intuitive handling, and a capable suspension system in a versatile package. Thanks to the extensive MyO configurator and adjustable battery concept, it can be perfectly adapted to individual needs. However, you’ll have to accept some minor compromises, like the motor’s rattling noise and limited agility. For trail bike enthusiasts looking for a powerful eMTB, the Rise LT is a reliable companion.

Tops

• Strong suspension
• Versatile MyO configurator
• Well-balanced overall concept
• Intuitive handling

Flops

• Loud rattling noise on descents
• Limited agility

More information at orbea.com

The test field

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker