Enduro bike and downhill bike in one frame? The Orbea Rallon E-LTD brings both worlds together. At the heart of the bike is the Gravity Link, which was introduced in May 2025 and allows for countless adjustments. Visually, it’s unmistakably Orbea – just fresher, lower, and more aggressive. At 180/170 mm, it offers more suspension travel than most bikes in this test, clearly targeting hard descents at high speed.
Practical, too, are the many thoughtful features, such as the LockR storage compartment inside the frame. Additionally, the bike can be configured via Orbea’s in-house MyO configurator. From brakes, wheels and dropper posts to the paint job, almost everything can be customised.
For an overview of the test field head to the comparison test: The best enduro bike of 2026
Orbea Rallon E-LTD: Specs and Details
The M-LTD is a preconfigured version available from the MyO configurator, with a few custom tweaks, and weighs 16.7 kg. For suspension, Orbea went all-in with FOX Factory components. Up front is as FOX 38 fork with X2 damper – highly tunable with excellent performance. At the rear, a FOX X2 air shock in a simple monotube design. This promises better durability with the same level of adjustability, and the climb switch is easily accessible.
Shimano XTR four-piston brakes do stopping duties. They’re still the older version, but ergonomically we prefer them. Paired with thick 203 mm Galfer rotors, the braking point is sharp and defined. We personally don’t mind the slight whine of the Galfer rotors. All cables are routed internally and disappear neatly into the frame through clamped cable ports.
Two different Gravity Links, four flip-chip positions, and noticeable fine-tuning – the new core of the Rallon doesn’t turn it into a different bike, but it does let you tailor it to your preferences.
The OC Mountain Control MC10 dropper post is paired with a Shimano remote with I-Spec clamp, offering good ergonomics and lever feel. However, the post only has 175 mm of travel, which is too short for such a capable bike. Longer versions are available in the configurator. The cockpit consists of the OC Mountain Control C10 carbon handlebars and in-house stem with integrated Garmin mount. For trailside fixes, the small FLP multitool sits inside the main pivot and is secured by a magnet – clever!
SRAM supply the electronic X0 Transmission drivetrain, which relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur. The generously sized chainstay protector keeps the bike quiet, and only under hard impacts do you hear the chain at all. A small chain guide is also integrated. The Mountain Control MC32 Team wheels come from Orbea’s sister brand, OQUO.The aluminium version performed flawlessly in this test. The wheels are paired with MAXXIS tires: High Roller 3 up front in MaxxGrip compound but in the relatively thin EXO+ casing, and a DHR II in the the tougher DoubleDown casing and MaxxTerra compound at the rear. Overall a solid choice, but the front casing is just too flimsy. Our tip: switch to DD casing up front at your first tire change. For emergencies, there’s the LockR storage compartment with an intuitive closure system. Inside, you’ll find pouches with compartments to securely store small parts or a spare tube.
Orbea Rallon E-LTD
Specifications
Fork FOX 38 FLOAT Factory Grip X2 180 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 170 mm
Seatpost OC Mountain Control MC10 175 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR 4-Kolben *ALT 203/203 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 10-52; 32
Stem OC Mountain Control MC11 35 mm
Handlebar OC Mountain Control C10 Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset OQUO Mountain Control MC32 Team 29
Tires MAXXIS HighRoller, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO+/Maxxis DHRII, 3C MaxxTerra, Doubledown 2.4/2.4
Technical Data
Size S, M, L, XL
Specific Features
FLP tool
Gravity-Link
storage box
Tuning tip: Choose a longer dropper post in the configurator
The Geometry of the Orbea Rallon E-LTD
Orbea offer the Rallon in just four sizes, S to XL. That’s fewer sizes than most brands offer, but the intervals are well chosen and work effectively. For example, reach values increase in 25 mm increments, which is a sensible approach. All sizes have a very short seat tube, ensuring plenty of freedom of movement on the bike. However, our test bike doesn’t fully take advantage of this potential because it comes with a very short dropper that must be extended far out of the frame. On the main frame, stiffness is scaled through specific carbon layups to accommodate rider size and weight, giving consistent handling across sizes. There are two chainstay lengths, but they must be selected at the time of purchase: 442 mm or 450 mm. We tested the 442 mm variant, and would recommend it even for a frame size XL. At the heart of the bike’s adaptability lies the Gravity Link. The gold link (27.5″) and the silver link (29″) are both designed for enduro configuration and allow two rear-wheel sizes without major changes to the geometry or kinematics. The link features a flip chip with four positions, allowing 5% progression tuning or switching between Low and High settings. This primarily affects the head angle by ±0.5° and bottom bracket height by ±7 mm. Additionally, a 395 g weight can be mounted to the link to lower the centre of gravity. Using headset cups, the head angle can be adjusted by a further ±0.75°.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 405 mm | 410 mm | 420 mm |
| Top tube | 542.6 mm | 574.5 mm | 603.1 mm | 635.3 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 64.25° | 64.25° | 64.25° | 64.25° |
| Seat angle | 79.9° | 79.4° | 79.1° | 78.8° |
| Chainstay | 442 mm | 442 mm | 442 mm | 442 mm |
| BB drop | 28 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1209.9 mm | 1239.3 mm | 1266.6 mm | 1298 mm |
| Reach | 430 mm | 455 mm | 478 mm | 505 mm |
| Stack | 629.2 mm | 638.2 mm | 647.2 mm | 656.2 mm |
The Orbea Rallon E-LTD on the trail
The Rallon does not make things easy on the climb. Without the climb switch, the rear end bobs significantly, while the relatively slack seat tube angle places you far back over the rear wheel. Pedaling efficiency fades, the front end starts to lift, and on steep climbs you must consciously shift your weight forward.Alongside the Lapierre, it’s one of the weakest climbers in the entire test field. However, with the climb switch engaged, it works well enough for transfers — though it won’t ignite much excitement when it comes to sprinting uphill.
Like a vacuum cleaner at mach-10 – the Rallon smooths everything out, sticks to the ground, and gives you the extra confidence to really send it.
Point it downhill, and the Rallon E-LTD reveals its true nature. It integrates you deep into the frame, positioning you extremely low and securely, and from the very first corner it feels like a mini-downhill bike. The suspension demands an active riding style. If you load the front, work the suspension, and push out of compressions, you’ll feel a clear increase in speed. The Rallon sticks to the trail like a robot vacuum to your carpet, while at the same time absorbing big hits with ease, thus inspiring huge amounts of confidence. However, this comes at the cost of agility on slow, tight trails, where the Rallon demands more physical strength. The low centre of gravity and DH DNA practically encourage you to turn toward the next downhill track and open the throttle.
Who should take a closer look at the Orbea Rallon E-LTD?
The Rallon E-LTD is a good choice for riders who focus on downhill riding and see climbs merely as a means to an end. It inspires confidence from the get go, feels incredibly secure, and rides like a mini-DH bike. It offers huge traction and sticks to the ground – built for fast, rugged tracks and high average speeds. Riders who value customisation will love Orbea’s MyO configurator, which opens the door to a wide range of component and aesthetic options.
Conclusions about the Orbea Rallon E-LTD
The Orbea Rallon E-LTD is a mini-DH bike disguised as an enduro rig. Uphill, it’s among the weakest in this test field; downhill, it’s among the most composed: low ride height, insane traction, enormous confidence. The Gravity Link offers fine-tuning options, and the MyO configurator lets you customise your build. There’s little to criticise, and riders who prioritise descending – and view climbs only as a means to an end – get an extremely stable, fast bike with plenty of reserves.
Tops
- Extremely traction-rich
- Inspires tons of confidence
- Cool and practical configurator
- Aggressive and distinctive look
Flops
- Sluggish on the climbs
For more information, visit Orbea.
The Testfield
For an overview of the test field head to the comparison test: The best enduro bike of 2026
All bikes on test: GHOST POACHA FULL PARTY (Click for review) | Instinctiv Kodiak MX 150 (Click for review) | Lapierre Spicy CF Team (Click for review) | LAST COAL V4 (Click for review) | MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K (Click for review) | Orbea Rallon E-LTD | Pivot Firebird Team XX Eagle Transmission (Click for review) | Propain Spindrift (Click for review) | RADON JAB 10.0 (Click for review) | Rossignol Heretic GX T-Type (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Bullit X0 AXS RSV (Click for review) | Starling Mega MurMur (Click for review) | Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 7 (Click for review) | Yeti LTE T4 (Click for review)
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: Peter Walker
