The 2023 Orbea Rise aims to reset the benchmark for lightweight eMTBs

By Luke Marshall

Published: Thursday, 01 December 2022 at 12:00 am

Continuing with a philosophy of “more bike, less E”, Orbea has updated its lightweight Rise electric mountain bike using Shimano’s latest EP801 RS and EP6 RS motors.

The Spanish brand has also developed a new, lighter battery, plus increased battery options. There’s new cable integration for neater looks too.

Seven models are available, with four carbon and three aluminium options. Prices range from £4,999 / €5,299 / $5,299 to £9,999 / €10,999 / $11,499. The bikes keep the same geometry, 140mm rear-wheel travel and 29in wheels.

Orbea Rise frame details

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The Rise carbon bikes use Shimano’s EP801 motor with Orbea’s RS software tune to limit maximum torque to 60Nm and give the motor a more natural ride feel.
Jeremie Reuiller

The 2023 Rise carbon models use Shimano’s latest EP801 RS electric mountain bike motor. RS stands for Rider Synergy. It’s a standard Shimano EP801 motor, but Orbea has tweaked the software to limit maximum torque to 60Nm, plus tuned a more natural feel at optimal cadences of 75 to 90rpm.

The aluminium Rise models use Shimano’s EP6 RS motor, which shares the same power, features and connectivity as the EP801 RS motors on the carbon bikes. However, these motors use an aluminium shell rather than magnesium, and the system is approximately 300g heavier.

A significant update is a new battery Orbea has built. Using 21,700 cells, Orbea claims this offers a better charge and discharge ratio, and heat management. The new 360Wh battery is also 300g lighter than the previous Rise battery, with a more compact design.

The frame anchor points are integrated into the battery body, saving a few grams and slightly improving frame weight distribution according to Orbea.

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The new batteries from Orbea are more compact in size, have anchor points built in and use 21,700 cells.
Orbea Bikes

The new Rise carbon and aluminium models are compatible with a 360Wh, or a 540Wh battery. That can be selected or changed via Orbea’s MyO options on its website. That enables riders who prioritise weight or distance to suit their needs for all price points across the range.

For those wishing to tackle longer rides, the Rise has the optional 252Wh Range Extender, bringing a carbon or aluminium Rise to a maximum battery capacity of 792Wh – Or 612Wh with a 360Wh battery.

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We’ve yet to test them, but the estimated ranges for the new Rise with the various battery options appear impressive.
Orbea Bikes

It isn’t just the battery that’s had a makeover. A new smart charger charges the primary batteries at 4 amps and the range extender at 2 amps. Orbea tells us this means you can charge the 360Wh battery to 80 per cent in two hours and a full charge in three hours. For the 540Wh battery, an 80 per cent charge takes three hours, and a full charge takes four and a half hours.

Another new feature of the drive system is the Shimano EN600 remote. This new remote enables you to control modes from the handlebars wirelessly. It also contains the power button, enabling Orbea to remove it from the frame and improve seatpost insertion.

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Shimano’s latest wireless remote controls mode assistance selection and is also the power button.
Jeremie Reuiller

As before, the Rise platform continues to use the RS Garmin IQ app, developed by Orbea. This app enables riders to display typical ebike data, such as battery level or assistance mode, on a Garmin bike computer without needing a specific display.

Outside the drive unit, the frame linkage has been updated to make it lighter and stiffer. What’s more, the new linkage now fits Orbea’s FLP multi-tool. This features Allen key sizes from 2mm to 5mm, as seen on its Rallon enduro bike.

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The new link for the 2023 Rise has been revised to become stiffer and lighter. Plus, it fits Orbea’s FLP tool.
Jeremie Reuiller

The new Rise features Orbea’s integration system that debuted on this year’s Oiz and Wild models. The SIC (Secured Internal Cable) system feeds cables through the headset cover, meaning riding with shorter, secure cables that eliminate any noise and distraction.

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The new Rise employs Orbea’s SIC system, which threads the cables and hoses through the stem cap to deliver a tidy cockpit.
Jeremie Reuiller

With the SIC system, Orbea claims changing a cable, the stem or the handlebar is as simple as without it and doesn’t require any additional steps. Furthermore, the SIC system makes it possible to incorporate Orbea’s Spin Block – a twist limiter designed to protect the frame and paint against impacts in the event of a crash.

With all these updates, Orbea claims the new carbon frame in a size medium weighs 2.2kg, and a large carbon Rise M-LTD with a 360Wh battery weighs 15.9kg.

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A large Orbea Rise M-LTD with a 360Wh battery weighs less than 16kg, which is lighter than most enduro bikes.
Jeremie Reuiller

Orbea Rise geometry and suspension

The new Rise doesn’t see any updates to the bike’s geometry or suspension, bar the new link.

Here’s a rundown of the continued geometry on the Rise with a 140mm-travel fork. Some models are specced with a 150mm fork, which will alter this slightly, but Orbea gave no information about those changes.

2023 Orbea Rise geometry (140mm fork)
SizeSMLXL
Reach (mm)425450474500
Stack (mm)604613627646
Head tube angle (degrees)66666666
Seat tube angle (degrees)77777777
Seat tube length (mm)381419457508
BB height (mm)336336336336
Wheelbase (mm)1,1801,2051,2291,255
Chainstay (mm)445445445445
Top tube (mm)565592619649
Standover (mm) 710738766776

Orbea Rise models, specs and prices

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The Orbea Rise M-LTD will cost you £9,999 / $11,499 / €10,999.
Jeremie Reuiller

While the three aluminium models maintain the same frame construction as previous Rise bikes, Orbea offers these models with the 360Wh battery capacity and the 540Wh option. In addition, they’re offered in three new colours.

The two least expensive models will feature the Shimano EP6 RS motor, which has the same RS features as the EP801 but with an aluminium housing instead of magnesium.

The carbon M-Team model deserves special mention. It features the new Shimano XT Di2 groupset and combines the benefits of this new group with all the technologies in Rise. That includes the ability to change gears without pedalling and letting the system choose your optimum gear depending on speed and cadence. You can find out more here.

Orbea Rise M-LTD

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2023 Orbea Rise M-LTD.
Orbea Bikes
  • Frame: Orbea Rise OMR carbon, 140mm travel, 29in
  • Fork: Fox 34 Float Factory, FIT4, 140mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS Factory
  • Drive unit: Shimano EP801 RS, Orbea Internal 360Wh – Option 540Wh, Shimano EN600-L remote
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XTR M9100
  • Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120
  • Wheels: Oquo Mountain Performance MP30LTD Carbon, Maxxis Rekon Dual 29×2.4in (f), Maxxis Rekon 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29×2.6in (r)
  • Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer SL Factory / Fizik Antares R1
  • Bars/stem: OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon, 800mm / OC Mountain Control MC10 Alu SL
  • Price: £9,999 / $11,499 / €10,999

 

Orbea Rise M-Team

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2023 Orbea Rise M-Team.
Orbea Bikes
  • Frame: Orbea Rise OMR carbon, 140mm travel, 29in
  • Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory, GRIP2, 150mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float X Factory
  • Drive unit: Shimano EP801 RS, Orbea Internal 360Wh -Option 540Wh, Shimano EN600-L remote
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8150
  • Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
  • Wheels: Oquo Mountain Control MC32LTD Carbon, Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29×2.4in (f and r)
  • Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory Kashima / Fizik Taiga Kium
  • Bars/stem: OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon, 800mm /OC Mountain Control MC10 Alu SL
  • Price: £9,299 / $9,999 / €9,999

Orbea Rise M10

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2023 Orbea Rise M10.
Orbea Bikes
  • Frame: Orbea Rise OMR carbon, 140mm travel, 29in
  • Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory, GRIP2, 150mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float X Factory
  • Drive unit: Shimano EP801 RS, Orbea Internal 360Wh – Option 540Wh, Shimano EN600-L remote
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100
  • Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
  • Wheels: Oquo Mountain Control MC32TEAM, Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29×2.4in (f and r)
  • Seatpost/saddle: OC Mountain Control MC20 /Fizik Taiga S-alloy
  • Bars/stem: OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon, 800mm /OC Mountain Control MC20
  • Price: £7,999 / $8,599 / €8,599

Orbea Rise M20

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2023 Orbea Rise M20.
Orbea Bikes
  • Frame: Orbea Rise OMR carbon, 140mm travel, 29in
  • Fork: Fox 34 Float Performance, GRIP, 140mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance
  • Drive unit: Shimano EP801 RS, Orbea Internal 360Wh -Option 540Wh, Shimano EN600-L remote
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX M7100
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore M6100
  • Wheels: Race Face AR 30c, Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29×2.4in (f), Maxxis Rekon 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 29×2.4in (r)
  • Seatpost/saddle: OC Mountain Control MC20 / Fizik Taiga S-alloy
  • Bars/stem: OC Mountain Control MC21 Alu SL, 800mm / OC Mountain Control MC20
  • Price: £6,499 / $6,999 / €6,999

Orbea Rise H10

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2023 Orbea Rise H10.
Orbea Bikes
  • Frame: Orbea Rise Hydro, 140mm travel, 29in
  • Fork: Fox 36 Float Performance, GRIP, 150mm travel
  • Shock: Fox FLOAT X Performance
  • Drive unit: Shimano EP801 RS, Orbea Internal 540Wh -Option 360Wh, Shimano EN600-L remote
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120
  • Wheels: Oquo Mountain Control MC32TEAM, Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29×2.4in (f and r)
  • Seatpost/saddle: OC Mountain Control MC20 /Fizik Taiga S-alloy
  • Bars/stem: OC Mountain Control MC21 Alu SL, 800mm /OC Mountain Control MC10 Alu SL
  • Price: £6,299 / $6,599 / €6,599

 

Orbea Rise H20

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2023 Orbea Rise H20.
Orbea Bikes
  • Frame: Orbea Rise Hydro, 140mm travel, 29in
  • Fork: Fox 34 Float Performance, GRIP, 140mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance
  • Drive unit: Shimano EP6 RS, Orbea Internal 540Wh -Option 360Wh, Shimano EN600-L remote
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 mech, SLX M7100 cassette and shifter, Deore M6100 chain
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120
  • Wheels: Race Face AR 30c, Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29×2.4in (f), Maxxis Rekon 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 29×2.4in (r)
  • Seatpost/saddle: OC Mountain Control MC20 /Fizik Taiga S-alloy
  • Bars/stem: OC Mountain Control MC31, 800mm /OC Mountain Control MC20
  • Price: £5,499 / $6,999 / €6,799

 

Orbea Rise H30

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2023 Orbea Rise H30.
Orbea Bikes
  • Frame: Orbea Rise Hydro, 140mm travel, 29in
  • Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, GRIP, 140mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance
  • Drive unit: Shimano EP6 RS, Orbea Internal 540Wh -Option 360Wh, Shimano EN600-L remote
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100
  • Brakes: Shimano MT-410
  • Wheels: Alloy, Tubeless, 29in, Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29×2.4in (f), Maxxis Rekon 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 29×2.4in (r)
  • Seatpost/saddle: OC Mountain Control MC20 /Selle Italia Model X Fec Alloy
  • Bars/stem: OC Mountain Control MC31, 800mm /OC Mountain Control MC20
  • Price: £4,999 / $5,299 / €5,299

 

Orbea Rise Myo and availability

Orbea offers extensive configuration possibilities in the Rise range.

Riders can configure their Rise with two battery options across all models, add the Range Extender, plus choose from different suspension options, wheels, ergonomic measurements in the cockpit and dropper posts.

In the carbon models, it’s also possible to personalise the frame’s colour and finish.

Orbea says availability for the new Rise will arrive by the end of the year. It’s possible to check availability or reserve a bike through its inventory tool, Rider Connect.