Orbea has for many years been a company that’s produced some very capable bikes. ow shd of its cross-country stigma, the previous 27.5″ Rallon was a favourite here at Dirt, so has this new 29″ wheel version retained its magic?

Words and images: Ieuan Williams

This current 29″ Rallon M-Team is the latest bike to come from the Spanish company. Orbea has created something that they call Enduralin – the saying for the feeling and way of life that is experienced with the Rallon. Lame marketing tag maybe, but there’s no denying there’s a special chemical in this ride.

The new frame for 2018 now has a full carbon construction from a one piece mould. The single-sided frame design uses an offset damper for ease of removal and adjustment. This is matched up with an offset water bottle for access purposes.

Orbea has given some serious customisation options on their bikes for 2018. The MyO application allows for colour changes to most parts of the frame with name additions for a personal touch. The system also allows the customer to create the build that suits them, with most important parts being interchangeable.

‘Straight out of the box this bike is a weapon! Built to go fast and eat up the terrain’

Three frame sizes from S/M to XL with three price points to match this, ranging from £3,899 for the M10 to £6,899 for the M-LTD. The bike used for this Dirty Dozen test is the mid range Rallon M-Team at £5,699. What’s on offer with the specification here though?