The New 2023 Orbea Wild. How Different is it?

#emtb #orbeawild #theloamwolf
The last generation Orbea Wild FS eMTB was awesome, taking home our “Most Versatile All Mountain eMTB” award back in our 2020 eBike Shootout, but things have been moving quickly in the eBike world and Orbea Bicycles wanted to take what they’ve learned and follow up with another hard-hitting enduro eBike. Orbea has been hard at work on the E-Enduro World Series circuit, as well as testing hard internally and we’re excited to finally have the new Orbea Wild beneath us for another Dissected Feature where both Robert and Drew got to spend time with Orbea representatives in Spain and the Pacific Northwest.
We’re very excited to put more trail time in on this full powered Enduro eMTB to really figure out where it shines and where it fails, and to see how the long haul affects its quiet running. We’re also excited to spend more time on the Bosch Race motor, as it definitely has a learning curve that we weren’t quite able to dial in over such a short ride time. The Over Run of power delivery is notable and while it can absolutely be useful, we foresee some crashes and mishaps when the mode is being used in certain types of trail conditions. For that you’ll have to stay tuned for the long-term review, but we’re quite confident to say that this is one of the best all round eMTB’s on the market right now and we can’t wait to put it to task in our 5th Annual eMTB Shootout, coming soon!
Read the full write-up on the site here: theloamwolf.com/2023/02/02/di...
To learn more or puchase the bike, visit orbea.com
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[@jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Looks like a winner. Looking forward to the long term review.

[@lars_atx]

Great video. Really enjoy when we are able to hear from the design teams on their intent, and why they made their decisions along the way.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We agree!

[@DrNat1]

My 2022 is a beast 👍🏼

[@TbZwtf]

Can't wait to buy one ! thx for the review

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@brandihodges9548]

I'm 5ft and have a 2020 H20...with a few adjustments, I've made it fit me. I LOVE 29ers! I love the internal battery for 2023. I never take my battery out anyway. Mine is still going strong so I'll just save $$ to get something in a few years.

[@jay8miller]

Good video, been waiting for this since the teaser shots on instagram

[@TheLoamWolf]

Right on thanks for watching.

[@trolltoll69]

Can't wait for more time on this thing.

[@MTBzine]

Awesome!! 🤘

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks!!

[@Robtj95]

This was a fun one! That bike is killer

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yeah man. Can’t wait to ride it more.

[@MTB_OC]

Really considering this, just picked up a fs Occam carbon, and thing is a SHREDDER. I can just imagine how good this WILD will be! looking at this at the shop soon!

[@TheLoamWolf]

The Occam is a great bike, but the shred-ability of the Wild is much higher. Serious ripper!

[@phillipmaloney5364]

I was set on getting the Rise and was planning how to slacken and add travel, but as soon as this launched it basically did everything I was planning. Definitely worth a few pounds.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes this is the way we'd likely go.

[@topchoice1621]

@@TheLoamWolf man I envy you guys y’all are living the life

[@jokermtb]

It’s as if Orbea made this into an enduro spec Rise…..wonderful options 😊

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Awesome bike! You guys should also consider for your next shootout that Unno Mith, same travel, mullet, and with a 750 battery at 49.6 pounds. Seen it in flesh, the design and the quality are out of this world. Waiting for your proper review on the Orbea!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Great suggestion! We’d love to get one.

[@topspot4834]

Good luck getting one! I've never even seen one in the flesh. That Mith looks gorgeous though.

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

@@topspot4834 I live in Europe and the availability here is quite great. My LBS alone has already sold 4 Mith and has 2-3 on order to be delivered within February or on March at maximum. The pictures don’t show how impressive the frame is

[@TheAngryHusky]

I'm bike poor at the moment and not in the market for anything new in 2023, but I really dig the Orbea lineup.

[@yetti423]

bought one, it fell apart like a clown car.I now own an ornament and after Orbea abandoned their customer have to take the company who sold it to court. It has done 700 miles, my specialized has 35 times the milage. they now have the same ammount of faliures, only the orbea did this riding mainly along a canal. When things go wrong, you find out what the company is really like. Just wanted a relaible bike.

[@anthonywalters7434]

@@yetti423 my friend snapped the frame of his Occam and they wouldn’t warranty it. He’s now on an Ibis Ripmo AF and is on his second rear triangle.

[@brandihodges9548]

@@yetti423 I have a 2020 H20 with 0 issues and a few thousand miles.

[@topspot4834]

@@anthonywalters7434 Wow... if that's a pattern I'm gonna have to cross them off my short list. If a company can't stand behind their product, there's just no way I'd ever do business with them.

[@KurtRWalker]

@@topspot4834 This has not been my experience with Orbea as a non industry guy who has helped 35 friends get Rises and more. they have been great.

[@shamrock4840]

This is best MTB channel by far.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!

[@joanchaler9142]

Hello, thanks for the video. What size do you recommend for a height of 1.77 cm M or L?

[@tacvbomtb1442]

Which one would you recommend more the new Orbea Wild or the 2022 Scott Ransom E-ride?

[@supraman160]

Looks like a great bike, how does this 29er bike work for a 5'7/ 170cm rider in steep alpine terrain? any tire rubbing?

[@Vivendocadadia]

Nice changes.

[@pierrenorfolk-tt9vi]

Great video, the bike looks very impressive 👌can you tell me what colour and finish is the blue ?? It really does look nice 👍👍cheers

[@Trailhappy]

Hello, i ordered my wild on 18/03, still waiting... Is this normal for Orbea? Should i start looking for another bike? Just mad the best of a summer without a new bike... hope that i can rode it by next year!

[@ChristianJohnsons]

Currently have a trek rail. Very interested to learn how much lighter the aluminum and carbon models really are. Seems like a great contender!

[@DanTheMan_75]

I am in the same boat as you with a xl rail, my problem with the Trek is that the seat doesn't go down as low as I want but paying closing attention to the video doesn't seems that this Orbea will solve my problem, steps in Laguna are really step.🤣😂 Any suggestion anyone?? Cheers!🍻

[@ChristianJohnsons]

@@DanTheMan_75 have you tried a large rail with a longer stem and maybe some riser bars? I’ve ridden an XL before and know what you mean about the seat tube being pretty tall. I’m 5’11” and I ride a large. I also have a friend who’s 6’2” and rides a large rail. It can fit a good range of people.

[@ab_mtb]

Carbon frames a nearly 1.5kgs lighter than alu

[@freezer4230]

Hey Drew and Robert, any thoughts on how the new Wild rides compared to the Gen 3 Turbo Levo? I've had an S-Works Turbo Levo for a year and am intrigued by the lower weight and full-29er aspect of the Wild. Help me decide if I should swap my TL for the Wild! Thanks much guys. 🙂

[@TheLoamWolf]

Wow, that is a tough one and two very awesome bikes (of course our time on Orbea is limited!) From a "riding and descending primarily, perspective, the bikes have very similar feels from suspension platform. From there you start looking at Bosch vs Specialized motor, price, parts, customization and dealer support/value. When bikes get really close performance wise, those end up being the determining factors for us anyways. You'll have to stay tuned for the long term review or the Shootout and we'll know more then!

[@jongusta]

Nice intro review Drew and crew! How did the Wild feel at Syncline compared to the SC Bullit? Similar feel or Wild more nimble in the rocks up and down?

[@TheLoamWolf]

The suspension on this is definitely more comfortable and overall a more precise and snappier feeling bike, SO FAR!

[@jongusta]

Dig it, thanks! Any Relays coming in near future for testing by chance.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hope so, we've been in touch with those guys and it's looking promising...as long as all the stars align.

[@dad_bod_racing]

If racing e-enduro and you need to do a battery change mid race (like they do in ews-e) how is it done? Drop the motor and slide the battery out?

[@paal6846]

Correct. 20 min job for someone experienced.

[@briangoedland9097]

Drew, I have a 2021 Orbea Wild in large. I'm looking to get the new 2023 Wild but am on the fence with which size to go with due the change in geometry. The reach on the 2021 large is 455cm. The reach on the new 2023 medium is also 455cm. The reach on the 2023 large jumps to 480cm. On top of that, the wheelbase is 6.8cm longer on the new large. That's pretty significant. I ride mostly trail and enduro. I'm just a hair under 5'11". I see you're 5' 11". What size did you test ride? Would you recommend going with, the medium or the large and why?

[@fzr1000981]

Did you decide? I have the same question. I have a 2021 L and it's a little cramped. Was thinking XL

[@briangoedland9097]

@@fzr1000981 I sent the same question to Orbea support and didn't get a response either so I used the R.A.D. method and went with medium. I'm still waiting for my bike. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I made the right choice. I hope they have better response record on more critical questions.

[@fzr1000981]

@briangoedland9097 I'm going L because the previous gen Wild was too cramped and I fit in the L window on the Orbea size chart. Let me know how it works out for you

[@bfranco1519]

Anyone have a problem with the Bosch speed sensor? Mine failed, and it’s annoying such a little part makes it unrideable! Under warranty but still a fail. I bought it because the Bosch is supposed to be the best unit out?

[@Jason-fs9pz]

Does the motor on this make boost mode better on ascents vs smallish 250w motors?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes by a lot!

[@wolkuz]

How does the frame sound with Bosch motor rattling?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Both of our test bikes have been very quiet.

[@sundarneupane2458]

i like

[@21armyn]

hmm between this and the 160e if its your own money which would you buy and why? this are the two ebikes that i have my eyes on at the moment

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for asking and to be totally fair, it's a bit early for us to make that call! We only rode this bike a short while to film this video, BUT, it is very promising. Arguments could be made very easily for both bikes depending who you talk to, but as of right now, Drew and Robert would likely go with the Orbea for the terrain and riding style they prefer.

[@topspot4834]

I would take a serious look into Orbea's customer service before doing business with them. I'm not saying they're good or bad, I really don't know, but I did a quick Google search after reading a couple negative reviews, and Trustpilot was full of people having similar experiences. That said, I wouldn't think people go out of their way to leave a review if they're not having any issues, so people are more likely to write a bad review than a good one. Plus that's the only review site I went to, so take it with a grain of salt. Worth investigating though, and I'd personally get the 160e ... Love Orbea's color customization but that headset cable routing is an automatic deal breaker for me.

[@oettam20]

I’m really curious to know why @orbeabike, the leader of light eMTB market, decided not to design an “Enduro Rise” with the EP8 RS motor but the they left the lightweight enduro category to other players such as the Specialized Kenevo SL and the new Transition Relay. @the loam wolf, can you ask this question to Orbea designer and product manager?

[@danvalicek]

Because the Rise can literally fly, no matter if steep trails or tables. It is very capable!

[@abelramos8652]

🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@rubinsteinkleer8334]

I’m split between the wild and the spectral on. Looking for the most lively model, tested the canyon but can’t test the wild as yet, any opinions?

[@TheLoamWolf]

The Canyon has slightly more agility, but the Orbea is considerably more capable both up and down the hill.

[@rubinsteinkleer8334]

@@TheLoamWolf interesting, thanks for the feedback, tbh I think I’ll go spectral if it’s the more playful of the 2. I’ve got a 25kg trance with 800wh that takes me anywhere, so looking for more of a hooligan 😁

[@jamesfeltham1250]

@@rubinsteinkleer8334 Ive tried the On , a Decoy and a Levo. The On was the most nimble.

[@rubinsteinkleer8334]

@@jamesfeltham1250 nice one James 👍

[@TheLoamWolf]

Take it with a grain of salt...Robert is 6'2 and Drew is 5'11. They each had different feelings on which bike is more playful, likely due to reach and the weight of the 900Wh battery. Either way though, it's safe to say we'd both likely opt for the Wild.

[@noblessio9140]

is there any possibility to rotate rear shock float X2?

[@topspot4834]

No

[@noblessio9140]

@@topspot4834 why not?

[@NerdsonDirtMTB]

Looks really good, just bummed they went with HS routing.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Time will tell there. It does look pretty sweet and clean! We’re always open to change and excited to see how this holds up.

[@topspot4834]

WTF I just noticed that after reading this. That's an automatic deal breaker ... And why would they do that on an ebike? Maybe cause it appeals to older riders who don't know any better or think it looks cool?

[@fzr1000981]

​what is your favorite for 2023

[@Jesse_James_]

on the previous generation bike, you could take a second battery with you for long rides, but here you are limited. also on the previous generation, no one complained about the lack of frame rigidity

[@Wootism]

Take a battery with you on a long trip? No one does that…..

[@torabora851]

Looks great, but the bike has one significant drawback: the clanking motor. I like the bosch for its climbing but hate when it runs downhill. I've sold the bike with bosch for that clunking sound.

[@alejandrobloor5464]

I have the Bosch engine, on my rail! Have the same problem, seems to be getting worse, ordering a Levo tomorrow

[@torabora851]

@@alejandrobloor5464 The rail has the clunking battery also, so probably this is the part that gets worse.

[@fzr1000981]

Brose or Shimano? Bosch is very reliable though and reportedly the 2023 Wild is much quieter

[@neilelliston]

How heavy is the Base model?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Not sure, but we would safely assume the base alloy model to be 5-7+ pounds heavier than the M-LTD model we tested. We'll reach out to Orbea though and see if we can't get a definitive answer.

[@robscreen]

@@TheLoamWolf be good to know base weights of the H10 vs M10

[@razorree]

I'm just curious, why it took half a decade !! for Orbea (other brands too, however new Wild is 2 years behind Specialized Turbo Levo gen3 !) to create ebike with decent geometry ??? (comparing to my analog bike from 2018, which is quite similar). Is it because ebikes were targeting (were designed for) sunday warriors/MAMILs before and not for racing/professionals/aggressive riders ? and now, when ebikes started to be more popular among fast riders, it's time to make them more aggressive ? Controls looks way better than before, but still not as smooth as on Levo

[@fzr1000981]

Levo is at least 2k more and Bosch motors are more reliable

[@razorree]

@@fzr1000981 not true, recently Levos were on massive discounts. And Levo has WAYYYYY better feeling, more natural. Bosch delivers power in very abrupt way. and integration....what integration???? look at Purion !! device from Star Trek from 80's.... this is f#$^$% joke ! on mountain bikes in 2022-23 ..... this is 10y behind Specialized ....

[@razorree]

@@pebbleinspector lol... Have you even tried??

[@razorree]

tried what? I tried Orbea Wild, I rode Trek Rail for a month, and I finished with Levo.

[@greenleafycabbage8715]

I love vampire accent

[@benjamink2654]

Can you convert a wild from 29 in the rear to 27.5?

[@TheLoamWolf]

No, at least not without altering the geometry significantly. Orbea has designed the new Wild to be 29er only.

[@benjamink2654]

@@TheLoamWolf thank you because I am 5 foot 6, only 14 years old, and need some room back there.

[@erickforrest7835]

Anyone know if they make an app for this bike? Would just like to know kilometres and it not having a screen leaves me guessing!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes you can connect the Bosch app.

[@Vodafone16v]

Orbea better step up production on the Wild cuz demand is already here and after MONTHS on the unveil, none are reaching the US.

[@marcjohn7416]

Can you replace the battery?

[@bdub127]

Yes but you have to drop the motor

[@tbone7844]

Does your warranty go bang after you remove the motor though ?

[@TheLoamWolf]

No, it shouldn't. Make sure to refit correctly though!

[@tbone7844]

@@TheLoamWolf Thank you!

[@guwapo20]

If you want to fly, can you remove the battery?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes, it will just require you also drop the motor out the way, which takes about 7-8min.

[@guwapo20]

@@TheLoamWolf that’s not to bad for the weight savings, thanks. Can’t wait for the shoot out or long term review

[@klassyken]

2023 EMTB bike of the year?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Stay tuned for our shootout in April/May where we'll let you know.

[@Nickporter17]

I'm so annoyed about the decision not to include adjustable geometry. Even if you don't want to mullet the bike why would you not want the option to slacken or steepen it for your specific trails? I can almost guarantee there will be a mullet option in the future. This is a great way to have a change to market for the next model year. I was really into this bike but I'll have to pass until there's a mullet link available.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing Nick, and interesting to hear you are that into running a mullet it would take you out of contention for this bike. We're also big fans of mullet ebikes for a few reasons, but in our time aboard this bike were quite impressed. Only long term will tell. What aspects of your riding/trail make a Mullet so necessary? Thanks

[@topspot4834]

You really like mullets that much? I'd prefer the option of given the choice, but wouldn't be a deal breaker. I kinda think they're just a trend and won't stick around much longer.

[@Nickporter17]

@@TheLoamWolf they're just so much more fun to ride. I like to be able to push the rear end around, which I can't do easily with a 29er. And I do get the occasional crotch buzz on big landings and steep rough trails.

[@Nickporter17]

@@topspot4834 absolutely. I've been mulleting my dh and Enduro bikes for 5 or 6 years. I used to machine custom eyelets for coil shocks. But I haven't needed to do that for my last three bikes. I don't want to go back to having to do that. Mullets certainly aren't for everyone. But I think thre will always be a segment of riders that want lots of front wheel traction and lots of rear wheel drift.

[@Nickporter17]

@@TheLoamWolf there's supposedly a bunch of mid 40 pounders coming out this year too. So the wild might not be as special in a few months as it is today.

[@thebrank76]

I have a carbon wild and love it. I'm sure I would love the new one if you could change batteries or add a range extender. I'll keep my old one with 2x 625wh. I'm 85kg and deristricted, so I need more battery capacity, shame. As a mechanic, I can see the World Series mechanics hating this design. Changing batteries out will be a pain in the butt.

[@Unbornhayabusa]

15-20 minutes to swap batteries 🙂

[@pintormarquez6896]

No es una empresa seria tenía una pedida después de cuatro meses me dicen que julio o más imagina la garantía uffff

[@Rando5-5-5]

Syncline?

[@trevorfields5216]

Shhhh Keep it secret, keep it safe

[@porroco]

Next husky ebikes

[@TheLoamWolf]

We hope so

[@dylanwynroberts]

Can’t see why 900g is that important on a battery powered bike. And all ‘new’ bikes are apparently stiffer 😂

[@dr-gb3tq]

sworks levo or wild m ltd???

[@TheLoamWolf]

That is a really tough call but we'll have a better idea in about 2 weeks after we complete our 2023 eMTB Shootout!

[@dr-gb3tq]

@@TheLoamWolf excellent! Need an advice also about orbea rise or orbea wild:)

[@crush1221]

What about the fucken price though!!!

[@ab_mtb]

Headset cable routing 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Jacob99174]

This channel has gone e-bike lol

[@TheLoamWolf]

We got a 5 bike Sub-$3,000 Roundup dropping in a few days and there’s not a single ebike to be seen! Haha.

[@yetti423]

I have a question for Orbea. Why would orbea abandon a customer who dropped 6,000 on their product, supply something damaged that only works for half the bikes 700 mile life while peces keep breaking and falling off? It was purchased as your product ncluding warranty was said to be on par with spesh. There is now an ornament in my house that is gathering dust. It should have 5,000 mles on it now.

[@brandihodges9548]

@yetti423 I chipped my seat stay in a crash and Orbea is replacing at reduced cost (they don't have to). Maybe your LBS didn't do their part in helping with your issue?

[@sirvince7853]

When will we see the first e-bike burst into flames and cause a forest fire? Will the manufacturer be liable for the fire?

[@Steviooo]

The new Wild was presented in November. Availability till today: None The new Rise was presented in December. Availability till today: More then the wild. You also see much more content about the rise, then the wild. More testes etc. Why?

[@therealmountainbike2007]

Here in Spain there is already some delays for delivering the firs units. Some shops made the order april 2022 and they were supossed to arrive during this february but there are already delayed until may.... hopping to get mine at least before summer....let's see...there's nothing to do but wait or look for something else

[@SHINDIGLORDS]

I Guess light ebikes are sort of the flavor of the Moment so they get the most publicity and marketing

[@TheLoamWolf]

Good news is bikes are finally starting to show up and we hope that here in the USA, they should be showing up very soon.

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Unno has the biggest availability so far for the Mith. I live in Greece and my Lbs have already sold 4 units and they wait for more to come on February and March.

[@jasonw820]

Worse customer service ever experienced . Stay away from orbea. Warranty is a joke

[@TrailDogsMTB]

What happened?

[@chrisknezevich5280]

Sorry not worth 11 k

[@Mmtwgr]

Orbea Quality is terrible and their customer service is even worst!

[@rpirie101]

No it's not

[@southpawlibranine3511]

No mullet

[@TheLoamWolf]

Designed around 29" only.