First Look - 2023 Orbea Rise 2

Fresh off the launch of their fully redesigned, full-power eMTB, the Wild, Orbea isn't letting off the gas with the release of the new Rise. As one of the first lightweight eMTBs to challenge the notions that electric assist has to come with a hefty weight mentality, the previous Rise did an impressive job bridging the gap between a mountain bike and an e-bike. We tested the first-gen carbon Rise and subsequent Hydro (aluminum) model, and both landed towards the top of our 'best e-bike on the market' list due to their superb ride quality, power-to-range ratio, customization options, and competitive price points. 

Highlights

• Carbon and aluminum frame options
• 140mm (5.5-inches) of rear wheel travel // 140/150mm (5.5-5.9-inches) of fork travel
• 29-inch wheels
• 60Nm Shimano EP801 RS motor (Carbon models)
• 60Nm Shimano EP6 RS motor (Hydro H20 and H30 models)
• 360Wh and 540Wh battery options
• 252Wh range extender sold separate 
• EN600 wireless connectivity controller
• SIC headset integration 
• Customizable build options through Orbea's MyO configurator
• Sizes: S to XL
• Claimed weight: 15.9 kg (35 lbs)  
• Verified weight (size large Rise Carbon M-LTD build): 16.1 kg (35.6 lbs)
• MSRP: $6,999-11,499 USD (Rise Carbon) // $5,299-6,599 USD (Rise Hydro)

So what was there for Orbea to change? The biggest updates center around reducing weight and optimizing integration. Highlights include two battery size options (360Wh and 540Wh), Shimano's new EP801 motor (with 60Nm RS tune), SIC headset cable integration, a new and lighter link, and Shimano's wireless EN600 controller. The Hydro H20 and H30 models also receive Shimano's new EP6 motor (with RS tune), plus all Hydro's receive the option to run either battery size (previously only sold with 540Wh battery).

What hasn't changed is the Rise continues to feature 29-inch wheels, 140mm of rear wheel travel with the option of a 140 or 150mm fork, and the same geometry package as before. Motor assist profiles are still customizable through Shimano's App, and a 252Wh range extender can be purchased separately, increasing the Rise battery capacity to an impressive 782Wh. 

Lucky for us, two days ago, we had a Rise Carbon decked out with the most expensive M-LTD build kit arrive for future testing. To say we are excited to ride the new Rise would be an understatement, as the changes appear to maintain the on-trail characteristics we loved so much in the past while improving many of the e-components with the latest technology offerings. Stay tuned for a full review down the road, and expect some of the components (i.e., tires, suspension, brakes) to be swapped for burlier options from Orbea's MyO custom build configurator. 

PRESS RELEASE BELOW

Rise shook up the lightweight e-MTB world on its launch with it's "more bike, less E" philosophy. Simply the most natural feeling e-bike on the market, bringing riders closer to the trail and shattering expectations about how an ebike should ride. Rise returns, lighter than ever and with more battery options, ready to open up longer adventures and take you to even more epic locations. Rise beyond expectations and discover the new standard in MTB.

RS Power: New Shimano EP801 Motor

All 2023 carbon Rise models feature Shimano's new EP801 with the RS (Rider Synergy) setup, the hallmark of the new model. The new motor offers more adjustability and connectivity than ever, but maintains the RS philosophy that Orbea designed for this platform with the goal of offering a natural power delivery. Torque maxes out at 60Nm with an optimal cadence range between 75-90Nm.

RS Range: More Autonomy

Taking advantage of all the knowledge they've acquired since launching Rise, Orbea presents a completely redesigned and optimized 360 Wh battery for the Rise family. With a total weight of 1.8 kg—a saving of 300 grams from the previous version—it brings the M LTD model to a staggering 15.9 kg.

The new battery is built with 21,700 cells that offer a better charge and discharge ratio and better heat management. In addition to being more compact, the frame's anchor points are now integrated into the battery itself. In this way, it saves a few grams of weight compared to the previous version and favors frame weight distribution for even more natural handling. This 360 Wh battery is now compatible with current aluminum Rise models. This means that those looking for the ultimate RS experience at a more affordable price will have the option to do so with Rise.

If that weren't enough, all carbon Rise models are compatible with the 540 Wh battery introduced last year on the aluminum Rise. All this without compromising the clean, integrated aesthetic that's symbolic of this e-bike. The carbon Rise models will come standard with the 360 Wh battery, but customers have the option to swap it out for the 540 Wh battery on the MyO configurator. Riders looking for the best handling and the ultimate RS experience can continue to choose the 360 Wh battery as their best ally. But those who seek adventures with even more autonomy can bet on the 540 Wh battery. For even more epic rides, Rise has the optional 252 Wh Range Extender, bringing a carbon or aluminum Rise up to an impressive 792 Wh. With the exceptional energy management of this bike, you'd have to ride many hours to drain a battery like this.

In the 2023 range, the carbon and aluminum Rise will share their entire electric ecosystem. This means that they will use the same Range Extender and smart charger. It is now possible to charge a carbon Rise at 4A, while the Range Extender will charge at 2A.

RS Interface: Cockpit Integration

Since the debut of the first Rise, Orbea has worked hard on cleaning up the handlebars. Thanks to the new Shimano EP801 RS motor, the company has taken a new step towards designing a cockpit just like a mechanical bike. 

The new motor includes the EN600 wireless control, which has allowed the Orbea engineering team to remove the old LED reader, which was situated on the brake hose. This remote contains the power button, allowing Orbea to remove it from the frame and thereby improve seat post insertion. As usual, the Rise platform continues to enjoy the RS Garmin IQ app, developed by Orbea. This app allows riders to display typical e-bike data, such as battery or assistance mode, on a Garmin device without the need for a specific display.

RS Weight: Lighter Than Ever

Along with reducing the main battery's weight, Orbea worked on other aspects to achieve the lightest of e-bikes. For example, the Rise link has been completely redesigned to provide greater rigidity while its new shape achieves a lighter weight. Now, a size M carbon Rise frame tops the scale at a scant 2.2 kg.

As if that weren't enough, this link is now compatible with the Orbea FLP multitool. This means that riders always have multiple allen keys on their bike, allowing them to make small adjustments without needing to reach into a backpack.

Design and Integration

Rise features Orbea's integration system that debuted this year in the Oiz and Wild models: the SIC System. Cables are fed through the headset cover, which means riding with shorter, secure cables that eliminate any noise and distraction.

With the Orbea SIC System, changing a cable, the stem or the handlebar is as simple as ever and doesn't require any extra steps. Additionally, the SIC System makes it possible to incorporate the Spin Block—a twist limiter protects the frame against impacts in the event of a crash, keeping the paint job looking fresh throughout its useful life.

New Rise Hydro Range 

The aluminum models debut with more new features beyond the 360 Wh battery's capacity. While the three aluminum models maintain the frame construction, Orbea offers three elegant, new colors. These models will feature the EP6 RS motor, which has the same RS features as the EP801 but with an aluminum housing instead of magnesium.

Carbon Rise Range

The carbon M Team model deserves a special mention, which features the new Shimano XT Di2 group and combines the benefits of this new group with all the technologies in Rise.

Orbea offers extensive configuration possibilities in the Rise family through their MyO configurator. Riders can configure their Rise with two battery options across all models, add the Range Extender, choose from different suspension options, wheels, ergonomic measurements in the cockpit and dropper posts. In the carbon models, it's also possible to personalize the frame's color and finish.

Availability for the new Rise will arrive by the end of the year, so check availability and reserve a bike through Orbea's inventory tool, Rider Connect.

View key specs, compare e-bikes, and rate the new Orbea Rise in the Vital MTB Product Guide.