RS Power

A brand new concept with Shimano.

Armed with the well thought out concept and the dream of a "rider first" super-light all trail frame that delivers less "e" and more "Bike" to dramatically change the eMTB landscape, Orbea gained early access to the Shimano EP8 drive system and immediately realised it was the perfect solution to fit with their newly formed "RS" riding philosophy for the Rise range. Working directly alongside Shimano, Orbea have developed their own highly responsive and super-efficient RS firmware for the EP8 to make the best use of their newly designed electronics and battery system. 

Weighing in at only 2.6KG and utilising their own proprietary software and electronics, the drive system delivers its peak output of 60Nm at cadences of 75-95rpm - right where experienced riders are at their own peak of power and efficiency. 

RS Range

Interestingly, Orbea have done away with a range figure in miles for the Rise but promise it's designed for big rides, stating that this is a bike intended for "8 hours and over 4,000m of climbs in Eco mode". As with the rest of the Orbea range of eBikes, not only does the bike come with a well built and custom designed internal battery with a 360Wh rating, they also offer an optional 252Wh bolt on range extender, taking the total capacity to over 600Wh.

In keeping with the RS concept, this dramatically lighter than average bike with super-economical power consumption extends battery life by over 1.5x - In real terms, this means that its integral 360Wh battery alone, its range is comparable with a 540Wh battery capacity on a typical crank driven eBike. Housed in a brand new all-alloy construction case and using the latest in lithium-ion cell technology, its internal 21700 form factor cells offer much higher energy density, with much less space and weight. Citing "over 4 hours of ride time", the battery weighs just 2.2kg with the option range extender offering an additional 70% capacity - comparable to 900Wh on a conventional eBike. 

RS Interface

Riders spend hours and thousands of pounds removing excess weight from their bikes. Carbon this, hydroformed alloy that. The electrical system on eBikes is the bulk of its weight over a non-eBike and having already saved considerable weight from the motor and battery system, Orbea have elected to do away with the extra wiring, switches and screens of a traditional eBike but this isn't a compromise, this is all a critical part of the RS philosophy the Rise is built on. The power button is hidden neatly next to the bottom bracket and all wiring is internally routed. 

The RS interface is sleek, but isn't lacking in the option for expandability. The configuration offers a discrete rocker style switch to control assistance modes and a small inline junction box with two LED lights to provide a readout of current mode while also transmitting wireless data. Built with direct, unique compatibility with the Garmin IQ smart watch, you can see on the fly your support mode, assistance level, cadence, range and speed. There is also an accompanying app where data recording and readout is able to be played back, giving a much greater in depth look at your riding style and performance. 

RS Weight

Weighing in at as little as 16.5kg, the 2021 Orbea Rise was designed to provide assistance and peak torque inside the range of normal, high-quality trail riding componentry. Lightning fast direction changes and playful handling aren't something normally associated with eBikes but with the sporty nature of the Rise model range, it'll feel just like riding your conventional trail rig! 

Absolutely everything was considered when shaving weight from the new Rise range. The bare frame weighs just 2.3kg but it doesn't stop there. Orbea, in the same way they did with Shimano for their custom EP8 tune, have worked directly with E*Thirteen to develop an exclusive alloy forged 32T chainring for the EP8, saving weight while keeping the perfect gearing. You'll also find fitted to the 2021 Orbea Rise range, their own custom tyre. Working in partnership with Maxxis, they've created an "EXO+" version of the Rekon trail tyre and this will remain an Orbea Exclusive.