Orbea launced the carbon frame Orbea Rise a couple of years ago. This was a 29er bike in the Superlight category. The bike came with the Shimano EP8-RS motor, a detuned version of the EP8. With a 360 Wh battery, this bike was quite lightweight. Orbea claimed some 16 kgs for the most expensive model. Watch the video review of the Rise H30, or keep reading below.
Less superlight
For 2022, Orbea introduced the carbon frame version – Rise Hydro. The test bike in size L is the Rise H30, the cheapest bike in the line-up. At U$ 5.699 / UK£ 4.899 / € 5.299, this is among the cheapest Superlight emtbs available. Orbea claimed a weight of 19-20 kg for the Hydro models. Unfortunately, the H30 was just below 21 kg on our scale. Without pedals! That’s a bit much for a bike in the Superligt category.
A big battery
The alloy frame bikes are about 1,5 kg heavier than the carbon bikes. But the frame material doesn’t account for the entire weight increase. The Rise Hydro also gets a 540Wh. Other lightweight bikes usually come with about 350 Wh capacity.
Why a weaker motor?
All Orbea Rise models come with the Shimano EP8-RS. This is the 85 Nm EP8 motor that has been detuned to 60 Nm. We understand. To save weight, the bike manufacturers need to fit small batteries. Those aren’t powerful enough to drive the full power emtb motors. So they’re matched with weaker motors. But on the Rise Hydro, Orbea has paired a bigger battery with a weaker motor. Why? We believe the 540 Wh battery could handle the full power EP8 motor. The customer could tune the motor power using the E-Tube app. They could limit the motor to 60 Nm if they wanted to improve range.
Shimano EP8-RS
Regardless, the EP8-RS is a fine motor. Weight and motor rattle when coasting is the same as the regular EP8. And the RS-motor behaves just as good on the trails. On challenging trails, the motor is powerful and easily controlled. The EP8-RS amplifies rider input just as much as the EP8, until maximum motor power is reached. So, we need to pedal relatively hard to notice the lower power of the EP8-RS. It’s usually noticed when pedalling faster, especially when approaching 20 km/h.
Rest of the specs
The H30 comes with some nice components. The 12 speed Shimano drivetrain is a mix of Deore and SLX. The 140 mm travel Marzocchi Z2 fork is surprisingly pleasant. And the Fox Float DPS shock controlling 140 mm of rear travel is fine, of course. The seatpost can be dropped by 150 mm, which is nice for a size L.
If we have to complain about something, it has to be the brakes. The brake rotors could be bigger than 180 mm. And we’re not too happy about the Shimano MT410/4100 brakes with the long brake lever. But, it’s okay. These are very common in this price range, and they stop just fine. The Rise comes with 29×2,4″ Maxxis tyres. A Rekon at the back and Dissector at the opposite end. Not the most grippy tyres, but they’re fast rolling.
Geometry
140 mm isn’t much for an emtb. This ammount of travel is often found on less agressive, allround trail bikes. And the geometry table describes such a bike. The 445 mm chainstay length is nice. Short, but nothing extreme. A headtube angle of 66* is considered steep these days. The bike can handle a 150 mm fork, the H15 model even comes with one. Head angle drops to 65.5*. The seat tube angle is nice and steep at 77*.
Geometry 
Orbea Rise H30 specs
Orbea Rise H30 on the trails
As always, we start with the climbs. The Rise H30 climbs well, and effortlessly. We can pedal with little force in the Boost-mode while the motor offers lots of amplification and power. We could use a more agressive rear tyre though. The Rekon tyre doesn’t offer enough grip on the wet and slightly muddy trails.
The Rise Hydro is much lighter than most full suspension emtbs. It feels nimble and quick on the flatter trails. Thanks in part to the fast rolling tyres.
It’s always interesting testing a superlight emtb on the descents. How much stability and confidence has been sacrificed? The Rise H30 hasn’t got the most burly components. The Dissector front tyre is inching sideways when riding fast over a loose surface. We’re pleasantly surprised by the Marzocchi Z2 fork. This less agressive fork is comfortable. But, unsurprisingly, it struggles as speed increases on rough trails. Considering the Rise H30 is categorized as a superlight bike, we’re a bit surprised at how confident the bike is when descending.
Conclusion
The Orbea Rise H30 is more powerful than most superlight bikes. The motor power compares to the Shimano E7000. Also, this bike weighs less than most emtbs. And the price is very competitive. The Rise H30 is a fun allround bike, ideal for anyone that doesn’t ride in Boost or Turbo everywhere. It bridges the gap between a superlight and full power emtb.