Unpacking the Revolutionary Tech of the 2027 Orbea Rallon RS Electric Bike

The electric mountain bike industry loves buzzwords, but occasionally, a machine is released that forces us to rewrite the lexicon. The new 2027 Orbea Rallon RS is that machine.

This isn't simply a review; this is a comprehensive technical breakdown. We've analysed the engineering documentation to bring you the most detailed overview of the Rallon RS available on the internet. We're moving beyond the marketing fluff to understand exactly how this bike works, why it's different, and what it means for the future of trail riding.

Orbea has unveiled a new era of performance based on their RS (Rider Synergy) philosophy. But unlike previous iterations, this isn't just about a motor; it's about a unified, intelligent nervous system that connects every component on the bike. 

1. The Core Innovation: A Unified "Nervous System"

The headline feature of the Rallon RS is System Integration. Most e-bikes are a collection of separate parts: a motor from one brand, suspension from another, and a drivetrain from a third, all operating in isolation.

Orbea has shattered this siloed approach. For the 2027 Rallon RS, they've self engineered a single, unified system that connects the remote, motor, shifting, dropper post, suspension, and central battery.

The "Open Development" Protocol

This level of integration is rare because it requires competitors to share secrets. Orbea successfully invited TQ and Fox to "open development" protocols—a unique move in the industry.

• Shared Power: All components draw from the central battery, eliminating the need for separate charging of group set batteries or shock batteries, simplifying charging and reducing clutter.

• Proprietary Communication: The components share information via a proprietary communications system, allowing them to "talk" to each other in real-time.

2. The Conductor: The CANbus Controller & Central Brain

You might be asking, "How do all these disparate parts actually talk to each other?" The answer lies in the bike's "central brain"—a sophisticated controller network that acts as the conductor for the entire system.

Unlike standard e-bikes, the Rallon RS utilises a CANbus-style architecture (Controller Area Network) to create a high-speed data highway between components. This is the RS-HMI (Human Machine Interface) and it's been significantly expanded for the Rallon RS.

• The Nexus Point: The system acts as a central hub, routing critical data between the TQ motor, the Fox suspension and the dropper post in milliseconds.

• Decentralised Intelligence: While there is a "central brain" managing the flow, the brilliance of this controller system is that it allows for cross-component inputs without the rider removing their hands from the handlebars. It doesn't just send a signal to "open shock"; it processes complex data streams (like torque and cadence) and translates them into suspension commands.

• Unified Control: Because all components—shifting, dropper, motor, and suspension—are linked through this single proprietary protocol, they operate as one cohesive unit rather than fighting against one another. This is what allows for features like "Stealth Mode" and custom dropper positions to be managed from a single app interface.

3. The "Trigger": The MC10-RS "Smart" Dropper

The most surprising piece from Orbea's own innovation team launched on the Rise in 2025 and makes it onto this bike - the MC10-RS Smart Dropper. It's no longer just a mechanical telescoping tube; it's a sophisticated data input device. 

• The Sensor: The MC10-RS dropper utilises an optoelectronic Time-of-Flight sensor. This is an industry-first application of this technology in a dropper post.

• The Function: This sensor communicates the post's exact position to the central system multiple times per second.

• The Result: The bike knows when you are ready to descend. When the dropper is lowered, the system automatically signals the shock to open fully, optimising downhill performance without the rider ever touching a lockout lever.

4. Suspension Informed by Motor Data

Fox's Live Valve has existed for years, but it's relied on sensors mounted to the frame to guess what the terrain is doing. The Rallon RS changes the game by feeding the suspension direct data from the motor.

The proprietary Fox ENEO Live Valve shock doesn't just react to bumps; it anticipates them based on rider behaviour. The TQ motor feeds the following data points directly to the suspension algorithms:

1. Cadence

2. Rider Power

3. Motor Power

4. Bike Speed

Why this matters: Orbea’s custom algorithms use this data to deliver predictable response. If you're pedalling hard (high rider power/cadence), the suspension knows to firm up for efficiency. If you stop pedalling and drop the post (zero cadence/low dropper), the system instantly knows you are descending and opens the dampers on the shock.

5. Adaptive Motor Behaviour

The intelligence loop is bidirectional. Just as the motor talks to the suspension, the bike's orientation talks back to the motor.

The TQ-HPR40 motor on the Rallon RS features a specific behavioural tune that recognises terrain context.

• Downhill Detection: The system recognises when the bike is pointed downhill and the dropper is in the lowered position.

• Assistance Adjustment: In this specific state, the motor adjusts its assistance to avoid "unwanted inputs" in technical terrain. This solves the common e-bike problem of the motor "pushing" you dangerously when you accidentally ratchet the pedals in a tight corner or technical chute.

6. The Power Plant: TQ-HPR40 & RS Tune

Orbea is careful not to call this an "e-bike" in the traditional sense, but rather a bike that removes climbing compromises.

• The Motor: They utilised the TQ-HPR40, selected for being the lightest and quietest motor available for this application.

• Performance Specs:

  • Max Power: 200 Watts.

  • Max Torque: 40 Nm.

  • The "RS Tune": The firmware is tuned to provide assistance that "never exceeds the rider's own input," preserving the natural feeling of a mechanical bike.

• Battery System:

  • Internal: 290Wh battery integrated into the downtube.

  • Range: 1200m to 1800m of vertical climbing depending on rider weight and mode.

  • Range Extender: Optional 160Wh external battery boosts capacity by 55% for full-day outings.

7. Frame Engineering: "Steep 'n' Deep" & Carbon Construction

The chassis itself is a feat of manufacturing, built on the legacy of the World Cup-developed Rallon.

• Advanced Carbon Lay-up: The Rallon RS uses Orbea’s most advanced carbon manufacturing process to date. It requires more time in the mould but reduces material overlaps and waste, placing carbon only exactly where needed for stiffness and strength.

• Steep 'n' Deep Geometry: The frame is designed around maximising dropper insertion.

  • All Sizes: Compatible with full insertion of a 210mm dropper.

  • Sizes L & XL: Compatible with up to a massive 240mm dropper.

• Total Adjustability:

  • Mullet vs. 29: A dedicated linkage allows for swapping rear wheel sizes without affecting geometry.

  • Flip Chip: Adjusts Bottom Bracket height by 8mm and Head Angle by 0.5'.

  • Headset: Adjustable cups allow for a - 0.75' head angle change.

8. Comprehensive Model & Spec Breakdown

Orbea is launching with two distinct build levels. Below is the granular specification for each, as detailed in the official Bluepaper, tipping the scales at ~18kg. 

Rallon RS-LTD (The Ultimate Integration)

This build represents the full realisation of the "Smart" system with Fox Live Valve Neo.

• Frame: Orbea Rallon RS OMR Carbon (Mullet & 29" compatible, Boost 12x148)

• Smart Shock: Fox Float X2 Live Valve Neo Factory (Trunnion Evol LV, Custom Tune, 205x62.5mm)

• Fork: Fox 38 Float Factory 180, Grip X2, QR15x110, Kashima

• Motor/Battery: TQ-HPR40 / TQ HPR 290Wh

• Smart Dropper: OC Mountain Control MC10 Electronic Dropper (31.6mm)

• Drivetrain:

  • Shifters: Shimano XTR M9250

  • Derailleur: Shimano XTR M9260 12s (Di2)

  • Cassette: Shimano CS-M9200 10-51t

  • Crank: e*thirteen Helix Race Alloy 32t

• Brakes: Shimano XTR 9200 Hydraulic Disc

• Wheels: Oquo Mountain Control MC32LTD (Carbon)

• Cockpit: OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon Handlebar & MC11 Alu SL Stem

• Colours: MyO CM, Fuel Carbon View Matt - Magic Gold Matt, Frozen Concrete Gloss - Carbon View Matt

Rallon RS-Team (Performance Focused)

A high-performance spec that swaps the electronic suspension for traditional damping, though upgradeable.

• Frame: Orbea Rallon RS OMR Carbon

• Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory (2-Pos Adjust, Kashima, Custom Tune) (Note: Lacks the Live Valve Neo automation standard)

• Fork: Fox 38 Float Factory 180, Grip X2, QR15x110, Kashima

• Motor/Battery: TQ-HPR40 / TQ HPR 290Wh

• Dropper: OC Mountain Control MC10 Electronic Dropper

• Drivetrain:

  • Shifters: Shimano XT M8250

  • Derailleur: Shimano XT M8260 SGS (Di2)

  • Cassette: Shimano CS-M8200 10-51t

• Brakes: Shimano XT 8220 Hydraulic Disc

• Wheels: Oquo Mountain Control MC32TEAM (Alloy)

• Cockpit: OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon Handlebar & MC11 Alu SL Stem

• Colours: MyO CM, Fuel Carbon View Matt - Magic Gold Matt, Frozen Concrete Gloss - Carbon View Matt

Geometry Reference (Low Setting / 29")

For those crunching the numbers, here is the critical geometry for the Rallon RS:

9. Exclusive UK Access: Our Verdict & First Ride

As one of the premier Orbea dealers in the UK, we were incredibly fortunate to receive an invite to get hands-on with the Rallon RS before its global release. We have had the privilege of taking this machine for a spin - more on this soon!

The "Ghost" in the Machine

When we first read the spec sheet, we were admittedly sceptical. Would all this technology alienate the rider from the trail? Would it feel like riding a computer rather than a bike?

We are happy to report that those fears vanished within the first 500 metres. The brilliance of the RS system is its invisibility. You don't feel the electronics working; you just feel... better. The TQ motor is so quiet and the assistance so subtle that it genuinely feels like you are having the best climbing day of your life, rather than being pushed by a motor.

That "Aha!" Moment

The real revelation, however, came when the trail pointed down. There is a specific sensation when you hit the dropper lever on the Rallon RS. In a split second, the seat vanishes, the suspension opens up, and the bike hunkers down, ready for war. You don't have to fumble for a shock lever or worry if you’re in "climb mode." The bike just knows.

The "Smart" dropper and suspension integration creates a flow state that is hard to describe until you experience it. It removes the mental load of managing the bike, allowing you to focus purely on line choice and grip. It feels planted, precise, and frighteningly fast.

Exclusive Allocation

Because of our long-standing relationship with Orbea, we are immensely proud to be one of a tiny handful of dealers to receive an allocation from the very first production run. There are only 50 bikes in this initial drop globally, and we've secured stock for our customers. This isn't just a new model; it's a leap forward in mountain bike history. If you want to be one of the very first riders in the world to experience the Era of Smart Performance, get in touch with us immediately.

Conclusion

The Orbea Rallon RS is what happens when a company stops looking at what competitors are doing and starts asking what the rider needs. By integrating TQ’s motor data, Fox’s electronic suspension, and their own sensor-equipped dropper into one cohesive loop, Orbea has created a bike that feels less like a machine and more like an extension of the body.