Bike Check: Damien Oton's Orbea Rallon - EWS Zermatt 2020

Aug 29, 2020 at 8:06
by Ed Spratt  

Damien Otton bike check
BIKE CHECK
Damien Oton's
Orbea Rallon
Photos: Matthew Delorme


It's a new team and a new bike for Damien Oton in 2020. After leaving the Devinci team last year, Damien will be competing at the EWS on the Orbea Rallon.

The size large bike (a switch from the medium Devinci that Oton previously rode) features a fairly standard setup, with a Fox 38 fork with 90psi and one token paired with a Fox DHX2 coil shock using a 375 lb/in spring. Race Face provides the bulk of componentry with wheels, cranks and the cockpit.

Fitted in his rear wheel is a Slicy insert which he uses because it doesn't add too much weight but can save his race from ending early. The most notable setup choice from Damien is his nearly flat brake levers, which he says comes from his background of moto. He has tried lower them slight but has found that when it is fast and rocky he can't always keep a strong grip on the bars.


Damien Otton bike check
Rider Name: Damien Oton
Team: Orbea Enduro Team
Height: Height: 5'6" / 170 cm
Instagram: @damienoton

Damien Otton bike check

Damien Otton bike check

Details
Frame: Orbea Rallon (Size: Large)
Fork: Fox 38 (90psi and one token)
Shock: Fox DHX2 (Spring: 375lbs)
Wheels: Race Face Turbine Next
Tires: Maxxis Assegai // Minion DHRII
Inserts: Rear: Slicy insert
Drivetrain: Shimano XTR and Race Face Next cranks
Brakes: Shimano XTR with Galfer rotors
Cockpit: Race Face

Damien Otton bike check

Damien Otton bike check
Damien Otton bike check
Shimano XTR brakes with Galfer brake pads and rotors.

Damien Otton bike check
Damien's storage solution is neatly tucked away below his bottle cage

Damien Otton bike check
Crankbrothers Mallet DH pedals.
Damien Otton bike check
Race Face Next R cranks

Damien Otton bike check

Damien Otton bike check
Maxxis Assegai
Damien Otton bike check
Maxxis Minion DHR II


Author Info:
edspratt avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2017
3,050 articles
Must Read This Week
Thank You For Everything, Pinkbike
75382 views
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
51493 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
41931 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
41410 views
Staff Ride: Matt Beer's NZ MTB Rally-Spec Ibis HD6
40064 views
Tree Root Pierces Harriet Harnden's Foot at Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series
37594 views
Review: Race Face's Era Chainring Uses Steel, Carbon, & Aluminum
27669 views
First Ride: Fox's New Transfer Dropper Post - Adjustable Travel, Up to 240mm of Drop
26262 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

65 Comments
  • 17 2
 What’s Damien’s weight? I am very curious when I read the spring rate he uses.
And a side note to Orbea: the dude is 1m70 and rides an L. I am 1m86 (and a bit slower I admit Wink ) But I am stuck with an XL, probably just 25 mm longer. Do you notice something? Keep note for the next generation Rallon.
  • 4 2
 What, you think it's too small? Seems like a fine match to me, at 1.85 I find the XL a bit larger than optimal.
  • 2 0
 The new Occam has a 474mm reach on size large so I'd expect the next Rallon to be adjusted accordingly.
  • 2 0
 I'm 1.88 and really happy with mine, but I guess we're all different.
  • 1 0
 I'm 178cm and ride an XL Rallon - but I happen to like a very long bike.
  • 1 0
 Maybe because Damien is going att warp speed and you´re not Smile
  • 2 0
 @Doby: pretty much what I said, thanks for the hommage Wink
Now maybe that’s the reason I can’t ride as fast? Obviously not serious. But yes I would love a longer bike.
  • 1 0
 That was my question too? How much does he weigh?

I ride basically the same bike and weigh 180 pounds. I find a 500# spring a touch soft. I was surprised he runs such a light spring at 375#
  • 1 0
 @vonb: he seems to be around 70kg in case you would not have found out yet.
  • 4 0
 The Galfer brake pads are incredible. Once bedded properly they are seriously powerful. Running a set on the front of my slayer with a 203mm Formula rotor and its the best combo ive tried in 8 years.
  • 3 0
 try mtx pads, I have a set on one of my bikes and they are quite awesome.
  • 1 0
 Which grade galfer pad?
Red, green, black?
  • 1 0
 Agreed, running them with Galfer rotors, simply perfect
  • 1 0
 @fetagui: Green, havent faded yet
  • 4 0
 Interesting that the preload tool is still on the link, does anyone know if there's a reason for it? I thought you removed it after torquing up the link.
  • 1 0
 I bet the mechanic leaves it in so he doesn't have to faff about finding it in between bike rebuilds.
  • 3 0
 I have a Rallon R5, the preload tool can also be used to remove the derailleur hanger. I gotta be able to turn it pretty hard, but the tool is designed to fit the hanger.
  • 5 0
 Good luck this year! From one plumber to another.
  • 3 0
 I second that. Plumbers of the world unite!
  • 10 7
 looks like specialized stumpjumper
Am i doing it right boys ?
  • 1 2
 hmmm
but who was first? specialized or orbea? they r really similar
  • 12 1
 Orbs was robbed.
  • 2 0
 Is it just me, or has Damien removed the pins from his mallets? I wonder why he would do that?
  • 2 0
 More float and easier to clip in
  • 1 0
 @jlawie: That's good to know. I recently switched from Sidi Dominators + Candy's to FiveTen Kestrels + Mallet E's, and it's scary as hell being so locked in after wearing XC-style shoes for the past decade. Much better support on drops/DH runs but being unsure as to whether I can clip out on tech is hurting my confidence.
  • 4 2
 I tried flat levers but they're virtually unrideable for me
  • 1 0
 Yeah I'm always tripped out by that. Whats the reasoning behind it again?
  • 1 0
 @DeLaRosaMTB: I think when your weight is over the rear wheel it feels more natural, I have yet to try them though.
  • 11 0
 @DeLaRosaMTB: it's so you dont sit on your middle nut.
  • 7 0
 @DeLaRosaMTB: jokes aside, Yoann Barelli gives three legitimate reasons:

1. Places the grip more in the palm of your hand instead of more gripping with your thumb. He claims it cuts down on fatigue and arm pump.

2. Rolls your shoulders further back therefore making for a more upright/taller posture allowing your head to be more level and viewing further down the trail.

3. Keeps weight more balanced when the going gets steep. Keeps you from having too much weight over the front on the steeps.

Not my words, these are according to Barelli. I'm definitely in the more steep lever category but I think it's time to experiment a little with lever position.
  • 4 0
 Just move them up little by little. If you are prone to arm pump or claw hands it could change your riding. My hands used to lock up so bad on longer days I could hardly let go of the grips. Now my hands are problem free and I don’t need to try bad fixes like fat grips, foam filled bars, carbon bars etc.
  • 1 0
 Dl
  • 3 0
 Same. It seems to work well for people with stubby fingers or small hands.
  • 2 0
 I actually feel great improvement on steep downhill and in grip overall since I have my levers almost parallel to the ground. But I have xs glove size.
  • 2 1
 @eriknasby: works for me. Wear XL or XXL gloves depending on brand.
  • 1 1
 @DeLaRosaMTB: it's simple really, if you're levers are already pointed downward when the bike sits flat, they'll be rolled downward even more on a descent.... Forcing you to roll your hands forward to reach the lever, while you're trying to keep your weight rearward.
  • 1 0
 I love the grey & purple with the three orange accents. Looks really good!
  • 1 0
 This bike turned me on too much
  • 1 0
 What bottle cage/storage is that?
  • 3 0
 It's specific to the Rallon frame and made in house.
  • 1 0
 rebound dials for the tiniest of fingers
  • 8 11
 Is the 38 or Zeb something these pros actually really want to use or is it in their contract? Not saying they aren't good products or anything, just curious.
  • 15 2
 What makes you doubt these riders would want to ride the new fork that's specifically made for this application? Just curious.
  • 5 0
 don't pros usually drive new product development?
  • 9 0
 Why would you not want more stiffness if you’re charging at an EWS?
  • 5 2
 Is there really that much extra stiffness between 36 and 38s though?
  • 16 1
 @enduroNZ: ride a fox 34, having ridden a 36, you'll know the answer.
  • 4 1
 @sherbet: Martin maes has had to have a pair made just for him as fox don’t make them in his preferred travel whereas a 36 could come straight off the line
  • 2 0
 @tobiusmaximum: yes my revelation is a joke after riding my 34....then the last 3 weeks on my 36...boo ya
  • 5 0
 @madmon: yeah i had a YT jeffsy with a 34 on it and thought 'how different can it be from a 36?'. oh... it really was quite different.
  • 1 0
 @enduroNZ: Yes, big difference in rough terrain. Less deflection.
  • 2 3
 I understand the difference between say a 32 and a 36, I’ve also ridden on 35s and 34s I’m just not sure if it just makes 36s redundant though, when would you not want more stiffness if you previously rode trails that required 36s?
  • 5 0
 @enduroNZ: it doesn't make 36s redundant. it just makes 38s a bit better for a certain application.
  • 4 1
 @enduroNZ: IMO the 36 is still the better for for most normal riders, i.e. people who aren't constantly charging EWS stages and people who are of average weight & height. When I go to upgrade the suspension on my Megatower I'll probably go DHX2 & 36 because I don't want to add a bunch of weight to the front end.
  • 1 0
 Check the Lapierre bike check earlier on, there's quite a discussion on it there
  • 1 0
 @enduroNZ: The same trails "if" you've felt your 36 or lyric deflect through a rock garden or sketchy line you may be curious. I can say the 34 on my 120 bike doesn't feel as stiff as the pike that came with it, but I wanted to lighten it up. I'm keeping my 36 on my 140 bike but have definitely had oh shit moments where it deflected. Ill be trying a ZEB on my new 160 bike when it gets here, will primarily be my shuttle rig.
  • 5 3
 I think it's cause they are paid and 38mm forks weren't specifically developped to address Enduro racing needs...they were developped for e-bikes which are heavier and esthetically would benefit from a bigger fork to match the beefy look of e-bikes.
  • 5 1
 @sherbet: Well for instance Isabeau Courdurier weighs in at 115. a Zeb seems like overkill to the casual observer. These forks are suitablefor ebikes, Clydesdales... Enduro pros. The "old" forks are no noodles Obviously she is a million times better rider then l am and i am not saying l know better then her. All im saying is that a Lyrik is probably just as stiff for her and lighter to boot. Stiffer the better thats what she said
  • 2 0
 My 38 is so much better than my 36. Not even in regards to stiffness but it’s a much more sensitive fork. Soooo much more plush it’s night and day.
  • 2 0
 @enduroNZ: Lyrik has 30.6Nm/°, Zeb 34.4Nm/° of torsional stiffness
  • 2 0
 @Thirty3: Are you by chance aware that more than the chassis has been updated? The fork isn't just more stiff, it's a different ride entirely.
  • 1 0
 @sherbet: i am aware.
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.038247
Mobile Version of Website