Suspension and chassis

It is always important to get the damping of any bike spot-on to make sure it compliments the chassis and give a good feel while not trying to ruin the fun aspect of the ride. With the new Fox 36 Factory with the E-Vol cartridge up front we’ve already been impressed, for the rear an all new rear linkage design based around a 4 bar design gives for a solid kinematic. The rear dropouts are the same you will find on a Trek and are proven to work. Rear damping has three options available ranging from a Fox float X2 or the X2 coil and also the DPX2 allowing for a package to suit any preference.

The chassis involves a one piece carbon front triangle and the shock is offset which Orbea say is to allow for access to the settings.

Feeling

Straight out of the box this bike is a weapon! Built to go fast and eat up the terrain. Even more so in my eyes with the coil damper fitted. This made for a much more supple ride when the going got tough and with a weight coming in at 12.59kg (27.7lbs) with the coil shock damper too! This seems Scott territory.

There is a real feel of quality to the carbon in this bike with a great balance to the feeling of the chassis, not too stiff not too flexy, and certainly no harsh feelings over the high frequency bumps as you will find in some carbon built frames.

The Rallon’s excellent frame is complimented by the DT Swiss EX1500 wheel set that offers an aluminium construction and a 30mm width giving compliance where it is needed. This matched up with a 2.5 Maxxis Minion front and 2.3 Aggressor rear tyre gives allows for confidence when tracking an off camber section and grip in the turns