Head to Head: Orbea Rise SL and LT

[@crt269]

I have a 2023 H10 (540wh) which I purchased purely based on your reviews. I’ve just upgraded to Di2, LinkGlide and had my LBS install the new 85Nm software upgrade. Wow! New bike, i can keep up with my Full power buddies, although I am spinning faster however I am still using less battery consumption than those guys. I now have Autoshift and Freeshift. I’m not keen on Auto however I have spent time on the Freeshift settings. I now have A2 set as Freeshift only and consistently ride in that mode. I am really enjoying the upgrades and look forward to more miles with my Full fat buddies.

[@bikersedge]

Yeah the LT I was riding had the new Di2. Really nice stuff. I can’t get with auto shift either.

[@smuffat89311]

⁠a shop unlocked the full power for you? I'm surprised they would do that. How much did they charge? Looked like I'd need to spend nearly $300 to get the hardware and software to do it myself which I was going to do but waiting 6 months to make sure there are no issues before I void my warranty.

[@smuffat89311]

⁠how does the di2 compare with the axs transmission? I just broke a chain for the first time in probably 10 years and have only been riding this for a couple of months. Guessing the motor gave it too much torque when I changed gears. "This usually doesn't happen for me!". 😂.

[@bikersedge]

I really like the new Di2. The shifter is the best of the electronic shifters. The shifting works great.

[@crt269]

@@smuffat89311 I had AXS on my SNB30LR, hence I wanted to try Di2. I went 11speed Linkglide and a new chain in the change over. Shifting is precise and quick. The Linkglide cassettes are awesome.

[@vincentapodaca2930]

I’ve been on the Orbea website and there are so many choices I get paralyzed!! I’ve seen so many sick Orbea bikes and my last name is from the Basque region of España (Spain) I want to get one, one day. Thank you for this video it helped.

[@bikersedge]

Yeah there’s a lot going on with their product lineup. At the end of the day I don’t think you should get too hung up on the components or build. It’s the frame and suspension design that matter the most.

[@russgordon5399]

Looks like you have recovered. Yay! Appreciate the review.

[@bikersedge]

Yeah I just got the all clear a few days ago. Ready to get rolling again.

[@50.Baryshikov]

Still awesome reviews. Some of the best online.

[@bikersedge]

@@50.Baryshikov hey thanks!

[@50.Baryshikov]

Definitely leaning heavily towards the LT. back and forth on battery size (given the fact you can use the range extender)

[@bikersedge]

@@50.Baryshikov I’d love the bigger battery but I’ve only had one or two rides cut short so far by the smaller battery.

[@kyr1nz]

@@bikersedge Would you say now that the extra weight is worth that extra range for the bigger battery, or do you prefer the smaller battery? Is the handling that much of a difference? Thanks!

[@bikersedge]

@kyr1nz the handling benefits are noticeable with the smaller battery. I’m starting to think the best battery size to have is the same size as your riding buddies.

[@shjin]

Thanks for sharing this. I would love to have more on comparison with other e-bikes because I think SL vs LT should already be clear for most people if they know what trail they are riding

[@bikersedge]

Stay tuned. We have a bigger lightweight eMTB showdown in the works.

[@ericmosso7723]

I have ordered an m20 SL 420wh. It’s my first e-bike , I have a yeti 575 26p since 2008 (love it) On the Orbea SL, with MYO program, I have replaced tires (maxxis assegai/minion exo+), brakes ( xt 8120 and disk), fork and shock (factory). And change wheels (dtswiss xmc1501)…..less one month

[@bikersedge]

Enjoy!

[@duncanashton8359]

Agree with most of the conclusions having demoed the SL and LT. I found the 34 became a bit harsh in more technical terrain and put much more through your arms. Great if your ride smoother flow trails, more of an XC type bike. The LT in relaxed geo is very different. Eats the same trails. If you ride more than smooth XC I can’t see why you would get an SL. I’ve got the LT with 630wh on order

[@WALLY7714]

Great review. Thanks

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@MRmcMeiskolben]

Which bike would you prefer if you like to hit jumps? I currently have the 2021 Rise M10 and feel comfortable with the handling and air feeling in bike parks doing bigger jumps… however I’m really curious about the new Rise and can’t decide which one to pick if I would “upgrade” to a newer model. I would highly appreciate to get a recommendation from you or others in the comments. Great video btw ;)

[@bikersedge]

@@MRmcMeiskolben I don’t know if one is necessarily better than the other at jumping.

[@petersimmonds3057]

I have ordered the M10 LT, so does come with air and not a coil shock. Went for the smaller battery, but added the extender for those longer days or when the legs just need a bit more of a break. I race XCO, so used to chucking my Oiz 120mm race bike down the chunk. Glad to hear your view on the LT with the air shock as that pretty much sums up my riding. Should be here this winter and then get it christened in the New Year. Afternote: also got the Di2 upgrade 😊

[@bikersedge]

Amazing. Thats probably exactly how I'd build mine.

[@pd4400]

Are you happy with the smaller battery? I am thinking back and forth about taking the big battery or the smaller one in addition to the range extender

[@petersimmonds3057]

@@pd4400 unfortunately bike delivery is delayed until February. I’ll let you know once I have it!

[@Gill2242]

Nice review, what full e bike would you suggest for a very playful and agile ride?

[@bikersedge]

@@Gill2242 none of them will be as playful and agile as this. As far as full power ones go the Vala is pretty playful. The old heckler would be good for that too.

[@Gill2242]

@ Thanks a lot!

[@nateums]

Great review

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@olivierroy4834]

I was waiting for that comparaison! Thanks for it. Currently on a Fuel Exe, comming form a Marin Alpine trail E2. I like the handling of my Trek but to achieve 3500 feet I have to put it in the lowest assist and I drain the battery completly.. I really look forward to try this bike ( LT ) and see how it feels. Did you weigh it? Also, I think you guys tried the Exe in previous videos. Verry fast, how do you compare it to the Rise LT? I'm fron Quebec, Canada and like to ride steep and chunk. Thanks for your content!

[@bikersedge]

I need to get better at weighing bikes. I personally don't care or weigh my bikes, so I forget to do that frequently for these videos. I haven't ridden the Trek, so I couldn't really say. I'm not too familiar with it.

[@fernandom6811]

How did you like the Marin alpine e2? They seem like great value & pretty good reviews!

[@chuckbechara7472]

love the reviews i would ask you to include motor oerformance in relation to cadence. for example the Bosch sx reported to give 600 watts but at 100 cadence....not realistic for mountain biking. what about 60 or 75 cadence. it would be helpful in making a buying decision.

[@bikersedge]

@@chuckbechara7472 that’s not something I can really test accurately in the real world. It would all just be perceived effort.

[@GC16199]

I always try to keep cadence around 80, in steep stuff I go up to a 100. I see so many ebikers being lazy and having low cadence but it just drains the battery more quickly and the torque is hard on your drivetrain as well.

[@eddiegomez4134]

Debating an Orbea Rise LT M10 or a Pivot Shuttle Am Pro X0. Hopping to order one in mid Nov, early Dec.

[@battleboardstudios6952]

How would you compare the LT vs the Heckler SL? or what would you compare with a Heckler SL?

[@bikersedge]

I prefer the Rise for the battery, range and drive system. I prefer the heckler for the suspension and ride quality. It’s more planted, controlled and fun.

[@SwimmingBird846]

Rough that the only way to get on a Rise this year is at the $9,000+ price point. I imagine that we will get lower spec models next year, but still not impressive. Will you be gracing us with a Norco Fluid VLT review this year?

[@bikersedge]

Orbea dropped the alloy models last week.

[@SwimmingBird846]

@@bikersedge 😵. I would have cross shopped it if they were a week earlier rip.

[@bikersedge]

Ouch. Bad timing.

[@smuffat89311]

I'm stuck between the two. I ride the rough stuff only occasionally but at 220 lbs, I feel my current 2023 rise h20 with 140mm front and back just isn't enough. I'm almost full capicity on spacers in both fork and shock and still blow through the travel super easy and feel I'm hitting the bottom awfully hard on only 3-4 ft jumps. I do love the way it rides. Just feeling with my weight, the LT would be better suited to me over the SL. Thoughts?

[@bikersedge]

@@smuffat89311 I don’t think weight has anything to do with using travel too easily. At 220 you’re easily within the range of pressures for a standard air shock. Sounds like you just need more air in there. Realistically someone who weights 200lbs shouldn’t use more travel on any given feature than someone who weighs 125lbs - given they both have the right air pressure in their suspension.

[@alejandroramos6231]

Hi there, I had a similar problem (230 lbs) with my H30 until I upgraded to a 2022 Lyrik ultimate up front and coil shock plus cascade linkage at the back (works also with a good air shock like RS Superdeluxe or Fox Float X or X2). The stock fork and shock were either too soft and blowing through travel or too stiff and too unforgiving at speed. I bottomed out easily with the standard Fox DPS shock even with 20% sag and a couple spacers. I tried the new Rise LT (test ride in my local trails) and I could not feel that much difference with my modified 2022 H30 other than the motor power and total weight. After trying the new one, I would not buy it and would rather spend again the roughly 1.000 € in suspension improvement I spent (2022 lyrik 400 €, RS Superdeluxe ultimate for 300 € and cascade linkage for 300 €)

[@smuffat89311]

@@alejandroramos6231 How much travel do you have now in front and rear?

[@alejandroramos6231]

@@smuffat89311 160mm front and 150 mm rear according to Cascade's documentation, to be honest I have not properly measured wheel travel. I do feel that the bike becomes sometimes a bit more nervous in technical climbs and end up washing out more frequently... but the benefit going down is significant and I feel much more comfortable with the shortened reach at 160mm I am building to also have an "SL version" with a RS Superdeluxe air shock, trail-oriented wheelset (carbon wheel and trail-oriented tyres) and looking to get a lighter Pike Ultimate fork so I can have a more trail-happy version with 150-150 and possibly 2 pounds lighter.

[@4132gil]

I have the m10 lt with air shock. 420wh bat. Link glaid di2 gear sistem. Fast, lightweight, capable bike. It's kick your ass to have more and more speed.handle very good with the ragaf terrain .big advans from the old model.

[@MTBover40TV]

An Orbea Rise vs Santa Cruz Heckler SL comparison would be nice :) Which bike do you prefer?

[@bikersedge]

We could work on that one. Best we can do for now is the new rise vs the old and then go watch the lightweight eMTB showdown to see how the old one compares to the heckler SL.

[@BarbaraEdmonds-d6x]

For riding mainly northern Utah(Ogden, snowbasin, Park city, Powder Mtn) what would be your choice?

[@bikersedge]

@@BarbaraEdmonds-d6x that can vary a bit by the trails and style you like to ride. Personally I’ll go LT for the types of trail I enjoy the most in those areas. If you’re sticking to mostly greens and blues the SL might be the better choice.

[@two2pedal289]

I think an SL with a 150 mm fork would be optimum, would slacken the HT about a Deg. Stock tires are a throwaway because most riders have a favorite that they trust on their terrain.

[@bikersedge]

Yeah. that could be a solid build. I'd upgrade the brakes immediately, though.

[@ChaseAdams-f4h]

Hey Connor, For your money, would you have the Rise LT or Heckler SL? For a better one bike, all mt., ride anywhere and everywhere?

[@bikersedge]

I like the range and motor more on the Rise, but I like the suspension kinematics on the Heckler SL more. I'm a little torn on that one myself.

[@ChaseAdams-f4h]

@@bikersedge thanks for the feedback. I Hoping they’ll offer a 29r and higher power motor in the SL. Maybe next version. Interested to see what the new big boy heckler set to release will be. I’m sure you guys will have a vid up soon 🤔haha

[@Bench_mark_113]

I am trying to place these trails. The start is clearly Tibble fork and looks like bear canyon in some shorts and 157. But others don't look like afc...

[@bikersedge]

Most of the DH for filming this was Bear Canyon. No Tibble Fork stuff.

[@Bench_mark_113]

@@bikersedge I meant Tibble Fork Reservoir. any other afc trails?

[@Bench_mark_113]

descending bear on 2-pistons 180 rotor and light tires would be SKETCH!

[@bikersedge]

We started at Pine Hollow. And yes, can confirm Bear on small brakes and flimsy tires is exciting.

[@HarryPotterFan777Wizard]

I’m still on a full power long travel enduro. Not being a coil fan, I’d Think I’d want the LT with a float x. I think the downhill experience is better with the longer travel and the uphill experience isn’t as important as downhill fun for me.

[@bikersedge]

@@HarryPotterFan777Wizard I’m with you on that one. I want an LT with air.

[@kedrickperkins331]

Coils run surprisingly well on an orbea. Where they might be way too soft on another brand's bike. That said; air is always going to be more lively.

[@kingrat738]

LT (if I ever decide to part with a Kidney) for the win... 250lb grizzly bear here. 20+ kg rig = Lite Weight!! Yeah Buddy!!

[@bikersedge]

@@kingrat738 you only need one kidney….

[@kingrat738]

@@bikersedge lolz

[@pd4400]

Lohnt es sich gewichtstechnisch beim LT auf den kleineren Akku zu gehen? Sprich spürt man das eine Kilogramm weniger in echt?

[@bikersedge]

If I bought one I’d buy the bigger battery. Yes you can feel the difference but I want that range.

[@pd4400]

@bikersedge thanks for the response. I would buy the range extender for some times needing a longer range. You have some information about real values (range, uphill etc.) with the smaller battery?

[@bikersedge]

@ you’ll get the same efficiency or vertical feet per watt hour out of them. You’d just have to do the math on the range you’d get out of the smaller battery.

[@mikei611]

Watched the whole video, but didn’t hear quoted weights on each. Did I miss that?

[@bikersedge]

@@mikei611 no. You didn’t miss it. I personally hate weighing bikes because weight is blown way out of proportion. I’m slowly getting in the bait on these but sent the bikes back before I could weigh them.

[@blackhorsegrind4255]

@@bikersedgesmh You’re also a bike shop and on the retail side. It would be nice to know for those of that want to know the difference between the 630wh batter vs the 420wh battery in the LT coil equipped model. The whole, “weight doesn’t matter or isn’t that important,” is getting kind of old.

[@bikersedge]

@blackhorsegrind4255 I’ll die on the “weight isn’t important and doesn’t matter” hill. It’s the most blown out of proportion metric for judging a bike.

[@blackhorsegrind4255]

@@bikersedge don’t agree. 32 all mountain bike vs 37lb makes a big difference in perceived difference. Especially when rider are sub 200lbs. Or after the 20 mile mark. “Make bikes light again” lol

[@bikersedge]

@@blackhorsegrind4255 I don’t know. Even at a 150lb rider weight that extra five lbs makes up roughly 2.7%. At a 200lb rider weight that extra five only makes up 2% of the total system weight. Tires and suspension setup will make a way bigger impact.

[@William.N]

Feels like there are too many component compromises on the SL, with both brakes and tires being suboptimal. Makes it too expensive, IMO, since I will want to replace them quickly. I can deal with a coil until I replace it with an air shock

[@bikersedge]

@@William.N for the right rider on the right trails the SL is perfect.

[@alonsorivas8648]

🤑

[@bikersedge]

👍👍

[@Bench_mark_113]

What is the weight difference? Did I miss you pointing that out?

[@bikersedge]

I didn't weigh them. I personally don't care about weight and sometimes forget about these videos. In this case, it wouldn't be a fair comparison either, with the SL being a lower-end build with a bigger battery than the LT. I'd imagine they're within 1-2lbs on these two in particular. Comparing apples to apples you're probably close to 2-3lbs between them.

[@sd5458]

We just gonna not talk about 13:24?

[@bikersedge]

Just making sure the brakes work

[@johnr5001]

Weight? Brakes? Tires? Opinion is hard to relate to without facts.

[@bikersedge]

@@johnr5001 you can look up full specs on orbea’s website. We have an LT M-Team and an SL M10.

[@silverado5325]

Sure be nice to actually see the bike instead of forearms and handlebars for 20 minutes. Otherwise like the content.

[@bikersedge]

Yeah but my forearms are really nice.

[@trollingthunder152]

Headset cable routing = absolutely not

[@bikersedge]

@@trollingthunder152 I’m pretty with you on that one.

[@topchoice1621]

These emtbs are way overpriced

[@bikersedge]

@@topchoice1621 they’re pretty in line with the rest of the eMTB market. But yes I’d agree that MTBs are overpriced in general.

[@topchoice1621]

The whole emtb industry has lost their minds when it comes to pricing these bikes how can you expect someone to pay the same price for a bike with pedals for the same price as a motorcycle 🏍️ with an engine and full power