Orbea gives the rider a lot of options with the Rallon M-LTD. The custom configurator gives you your choice of colour and componentry. We received a bike with a beautiful custom ENDURO paint job and a top-end spec for this group test, but sometimes less might actually be more!

For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy

Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | 160/150 mm (f/r)| 14.18 kg | € 8,899

Those who have a hard time making decisions shouldn’t even look at the Orbea Rallon. You can configure the paint job in whatever combination you can think of using Orbea’s online configurator, giving you several million options, for free! But even with Orbea’s preconfigured colours, the Rallon looks really good. The asymmetric frame with its defined lines is a feast for the eyes. The top-end version of the bike we tested costs a whopping € 8,988 but leaves almost nothing to be desired. It comes with high-end ENVE M730 wheels, FOX Factory suspension consisting of a 36 FLOAT GRIP2 fork and a FLOAT X2 shock, and a SRAM XX1 gold drivetrain. Component porn wherever you look! The only negative is the Crankbrothers Highline dropper post, which was very hard to operate from the get go. Due to the relatively short seat tube, riders should be able to size up or down depending on personal preference. We received the bike in size XL for our test (our riders are all about 180 cm tall), but we’ve ridden a size L in the past.

The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 in detail

Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory GRIP2 160 mm
Shock FOX X2 Factory 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Code RSC
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle
Seatpost Crank Brothers Highline 150 mm
Stem Race Face Turbine R 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face Next R 800 mm
Hubs/Rims DT Swiss 240/ENVE M730
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/Aggressor 2.5″
Weight 14.18 kg
Price € 8,899

Better than coil
In the past, we tested the Rallon with a DHX2 coil shock. With the coil shock, the rear suspension didn’t recover quick enough from quick successive hits. With the air shock, we never had this problem, though it isn’t as plush as the coil version.
Too short
The chainstay protector is too short. Although the frame is protected at the front, we would have preferred a slightly longer version for added protection.
Annoying
Unfortunately, the internally routed cables aren’t wrapped in foam like they usually are, which resulted in noisy rattling.
Practical
Orbea’s storage bag is big enough for a spare tube. It fixes securely to the frame and is a much neater alternative to tape or a strap.
Get low!
Riding an XL frame, we felt better on the bike with the flip-chip in the X-Low setting. Due to the lower bottom bracket, you’ll feel more integrated with the bike and you won’t be pulled to the front as much in steep downhill terrain.

The geometry of the Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19

Size SM LG XL
Seat tube 406 mm 444 mm 483 mm
Top tube 583 mm 611 mm 644 mm
Head tube 100 mm 110 mm 125 mm
Head angle 65°/65.5° 65°/65.5° 65°/65.5°
Seat angle 76° 76° 76°
Chainstays 435 mm 435 mm 435 mm
BB hight 343/336 mm 343/336 mm 343/336 mm
Wheelbase 1187 mm 1217 mm 1253 mm
Reach 430 mm 455 mm 485 mm
Stack 615 mm 624 mm 637 mm
Helmet Giro Switchblade | Goggle ETHEN ZEROQUATTRO | Jersey ION Scrub_AMP | Short ION Scrub_AMP | Shoes Specialized 2FO Cliplite

The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 on the trail

The riding position on the bike is absolutely perfect. At 180 cm tall, our tester sits very centrally on the Rallon, slightly stretched but comfortable. Climbing, the bike is extremely efficient and thanks to the light, stiff wheels feels lively when accelerating. For the first test rides on the Rallon we had the flip-chip in the low setting, but after a few runs, we changed it to x-low. The frame being as long as it is (485 mm reach) we felt better integrated with the bike with the bottom bracket lowered. The overall balance of the bike is very good and the Rallon is intuitive to manoeuvre. Even in open corners, the front wheel had lots of grip. When the terrain becomes steeper and the obstacles bigger, the geometry instils a lot of confidence in the rider. Unfortunately, the bike can be quite harsh with an incredibly direct ride on rough terrain.

The Orbea Rallon is a good all-rounder, but it quickly reaches its limits in really demanding terrain.

This is partly due to the stiffness of the cockpit and the wheels, but also due to the short 150 mm travel at the rear. Although the bike uses the available travel efficiently, the rear suspension isn’t as plush or as sensitive as the competition. If you want to ride this bike really hard, you’ll have to do a few extra sessions in the gym beforehand. Quick direction changes require slightly more input with the size XL Rallon; If you like it playful, you’d be better reach for the smaller size.

Tuning tip: save your money on the ENVE rims and upgrade the dropper seat post instead

Conclusion

The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 scores points for its direct, balanced handling and the glamorous look. It climbs excellently and provides good feedback from the trail with its firm suspension. If you’re choosing between two frame sizes, you should think about whether you want a playful bike (smaller size) or a composed bike (larger frame). Spare yourself the € 2,000 ENVE upgrade; you’ll be getting better value for money and a more comfortable ride to boot.

Tops

  • Super comfortable climber
  • Predictable and good-natured on the descents
  • Tons of configuration options

Flops

  • Too stiff and direct with carbon rims
  • Rattling cables in the frame

Uphill

Downhill

Stability

Agility

Value for money


For more info head to: orbea.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy

All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words & Photos: