The 2022 Orbea Rallon launched today, and while the general shape of the asymmetric carbon frame hasn't radically changed, there are several brand new features, including in-frame storage. That's right, add Orbea to the list of companies with a port on the top of the down tube that makes it possible to stash a tube, tools, and maybe some snacks safely out of sight.
There's obviously more to the new Rallon than a hole in the frame, though, and the other updates to this 160mm enduro machine include revised geometry (spoiler alert: it's longer and slacker), and an updated suspension curve that's more progressive for improved bottom-out resistance, and to improve its coil shock compatibility.
Orbea offers a massive range of options for the Rallon thanks to their My-O program, which allows customers to swap wheels, tires, and other components, and even select the frame color. There are four main models, with prices starting at $4,999 USD for the M20, and going all the way up to $9,999 for the M-LTD model.
Frame DetailsThe aforementioned in-frame storage is called LOCKR, and is accessed by flipping a lever that sits next to the water bottle cage. The compartment isn't as voluminous as Specialized's SWAT compartment, but there's enough room for a tube, a tire lever, and two CO2 cartridges. There's also a mini-tool that's stashed in the main pivot, where it's held in place with a magnet, and another tool at the rear axle, which means most trailside repairs should be able to be accomplished with items stored in or on the bike.
Internal cable guides keep rattling at bay, and there are molded frame protectors at the chainstay and underside of the downtube. Orbea also increased the sealing on the bearings in order to keep mud and grit out. The endless fall rains will be arriving here in Washington any day now, so I'll have plenty of opportunities to put the new seals to the test.
GeometryThe new Rallon now sports a 64- or 64.5-degree head angle depending on the position of the flip chip at the rear shock mount. That's only a half-degree slacker than before, so it's not the most radical change, but Orbea did grow the Rallon's reach numbers by a sizeable amount, around 30mm per size. The chainstays grew too, and now measure 440mm on all sizes. All of those changes were intended to eke a bit more speed and stability out of the Rallon; after all, it is designed to be an enduro race bike.
Another key geometry update is the move to shorter seat tubes and a lower standover height. That makes it possible to run the latest crop of longer travel dropper posts – most riders should be able to run a post with 200mm of drop if they'd like. For mullet-curious riders, Orbea includes a shock extender with the Rallon that can be used to run a 27.5" rear wheel without any dramatic geometry alteration.
Suspension DesignOrbea tweaked the Rallon's kinematics to give it a more progressive leverage rate, and slightly less anti-squat. This was done by moving the main pivot location 20mm forward, and by lengthening the chainstays by 5mm. More progression should help the bike work better with a coil shock, which is one of the stock spec options.
Initial ImpressionsI've been riding a whole bunch of heavy high pivot bikes lately, which has been fun, but I'll admit that I'm pretty excited to start spending more time on the Rallon M-LTD that's in for a long term review. It's a touch under 32 pounds, and that's with a coil shock, an impressive weight considering what it can handle on the way down.
I'm only a couple rides in, so it's still very early in the test period, but so far the Rallon seems to uphold the all-round abilities that the previous version was known for. It's a bike that's not a sluggish pig on the climbs, while still retaining a good level of grip and stability on the descents. The reach and chainstays may have grown, but it still maintains a more compact feel compared to some of the longer gravity sleds out there. Stay tuned for a much more in-depth analysis once I put in a whole bunch of miles in on this bike.
Builds Rallon M-LTD / $9,999 USD
Rallon M Team / $7,299 USD
Rallon M10 / $5,999 USD
Rallon M20 / $4,999 USD
And do the RaceFace wheels have different F/R decals or was one rim flipped on laceup?
And I was gonna make a "Looks like Stumpy 4 years ago" joke, but that's so 4 years ago.
They are carbon rims, but also offset. Being a factory wheelset they are not 'flipped', it is just the way the decals are.
Offset spoke beds are always to the side of the hub with the widest centre-to-flange distance (typically NDS rear) so as to improve the bracing angle of the spokes on the side with the narrower flange distance.
I love the SJ EVO but I don’t think I could justify buying it again.
Or perhaps this was a legal tit for tat in exchange for Specialized stealing the asym vibe...
Finding 2020 Stumpy EVO DPX2 carbon S2 FSR 27.5 w/ 29 wheels to have a nice "active & poised" ride characteristic. Smooth. Flows. Loves power input. Feels like it needs a pedal mode, but is likely way faster without.
Finding 2021 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 with an RS Ultimate MegNeg ABP to have a very firm and upright ride characteristic with more anti-squat values than an overly low-speed compression-damped "Traction Tuned" DW. Plus, the BB feel of the EX is absurdly solid in combo with the anti-squat.
Both bikes are 210x55-mm stroke shock setups.
Both bikes have same BB height.
...Still testing... ;-)
Orbea Rallon Tailored Protection Kit
For me the best improvement is better geo and kinematics...
Bravo orbea
That said, the geo specs on this bike don't look too bad for shorter people. My wife (164cm) is looking for a new bike and at least on paper it looks like a Small Rallon would work.
She has ridden a friend's 2019 Spectral 27.5 and found it OK, and the 2022 Rallon has shorter seat tube, lower standover and shorter ETT.
geometrygeeks.bike/compare/canyon-spectral-cf-2019-s,orbea-rallon-2022-s-h-l,specialized-stumpjumper-comp-2021-s1-lo
Unfortunately in reality the measurements for standover seem to differ a lot between brands - despite a 12mm lower standover figure quoted for the Specialized Stumpy S1 compared to the Spectral, when she tried it in the shop she said it was a no-go (yes, we all know that standover doesn't matter when you're riding the bike, but she still likes to be able to stand over the frame while stationary without crushing her privates).
Would be really cool to see the weight of each bike presented
But of course would always evaluate whole bike, but brands like Orbea, Norco, Rocky have poor value builds really.
I had the 150mm Rallon and it was the best pedalling, all-round bike I’ve had so far. Pretty much the swiss army knife of bikes.