Here we go on the new 2025 Orbea Wild. This might look just like the old one, but I promise the frame is different. I’d consider this update a small refinement rather than an overhaul. It does have a little more travel, a slacker head tube angle, and the ability to run various wheel setups. The biggest difference for me lies in the suspension feel, however. So stick around to the end to see how we’ve scored the Wild.
What’s New with the 2025 Orbea Wild?
Here’s some groundwork before we go hit the trails. As we’ve briefly discussed, this is an updated Wild frame with some minor refinements. The big changes include 10mm more rear wheel travel, bringing it to 170mm, the ability to run both MX or 29” wheel setups, and a 63.5° head tube angle. It still uses a Bosch Performance Line CX drive system, but it now uses the newest version of that motor. Orbea offers two battery size options, a 600Wh or 750Wh battery.
There is also a Wild ST build with less travel and less aggressive intentions. I have not ridden that version, but I’m not exactly where it sits with the Rise LT. Seems like there might be some overlap.
2025 Orbea Wild: TLDR SUMMARY
Purpose-built for serious enduro riders
With 170mm of travel and a full-power Bosch motor, the Orbea Wild is designed for enduro racers and aggressive trail riders seeking stability and capability.
Highly versatile design
Offers battery size options (600Wh or 750Wh), customizable MyO setup, and compatibility with both MX and 29” wheel configurations.
Improved suspension and stability
Refinements make it more forgiving and confidence-inspiring, with smoother suspension and a long wheelbase that excels in rough terrain.
2025 Orbea Wild: Ride Review
Bosch Performance Line CX Drivesystem
I’m going to keep this brief. I just reviewed the Santa Cruz Vala with the exact same Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Now, that doesn’t mean both of these bikes have the exact same ebike performance. There are some differences, but understandably, they’re very similar.
One of the biggest differences is the battery size selection. Orbea went with a 600Wh battery or a 750Wh battery. My bike has the smaller 600Wh battery. The pros of the smaller battery include less weight overall and keeping the weight lower in the frame. The 600Wh battery is shorter, so it doesn’t extend as far up toward the head tube as the 750Wh battery would. Now, the obvious downside is range. The 750Wh battery offers 25% more range but weighs 43% more. Lately, I’ve been on the lighter/smaller battery train. It is enough for most rides for me, and if I need more range, I can supplement it with a range extender. I like the handling benefits of the smaller battery. I’m getting very similar range on the Wild at right around the mid 3000’ range in boost. It’s around 5.8 feet per watt hour at my 200lb weight.
Apart from battery size options, the biggest difference I’m noticing between the Bosch on the Wild and the Bosch on my Vala is the difference in wheel size and the effect that has on acceleration. The smaller wheel on the Vala spins up a bit quicker than the 29” wheel on the Wild. It’s mostly noticeable on really steep climbs and getting back up to speed out of switchbacks.
Uphill
Let’s chat about the 2025 Orbea Wild’s climbing performance outside of the drivesystem and motor. Let’s start with the suspension platform. The Wild got a little more travel this year, and with that, the kinematics changed. It’s now a bit softer off the top and a bit more active in the initial and middle parts of the stroke. On the climbs, that equates to a bit more traction and control on rough, steep, and loose climbs. And, if you ask me, that’s exactly what an eMTB should prioritize on the climbs. The Wild does a good job of keeping the rear wheel stuck down in the dirt, giving you traction. It’s not as active as others in the category, but compared to the previous model, it is noticeably softer and plusher.
As far as geometry goes, the Wild doesn’t change too much from the previous version. It’s a half-degree slacker and has a slightly longer wheelbase because of that. Neither one of those things will necessarily improve uphill performance, but the differences are subtle enough that the new Wild doesn’t climb noticeably worse than the previous model. The Wild still has a fairly sporty riding position that helps keep it on the nimble side for how big the bike is. The front end is on the low side keeping your weight over the front of the bike. That weight distribution is what keeps the handling quick-ish and the front end from feeling vague — especially when climbs get steep. Similar to the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay, the new Wild doesn’t suffer from the floaty front end that afflicts many ebikes on those stupid steep climbs.
Downhill
Orbea likes making bikes with sporty handling characteristics for how much travel they have. The previous Wild certainly felt very “Orbea” in that regard. I’d argue the 2025 Wild makes a slight departure from that quick and sporty feeling ride quality in favor of stability and confidence — which I’d argue is the correct move for a bike with 170mm of travel.
While the new Wild is more stable and confident than the previous version, it’s still on the quick and lively side of the spectrum for the category. When compared to other long-travel, full-power eMTBs, it is one of the most pedal-bike-like from a handling perspective. The low-ish stack height keeps the body position forward, where you have a lot of control over the front wheel. Cornering on the Wild feels very natural and easy. Even with two big wheels, the bike leans over well and doesn’t take too much effort to get around a corner. The frame is very stiff without a cutout for a quickly interchangeable battery. The stiff frame keeps things responsive, but I wonder if it’s not a little too stiff. From time to time, I’ll feel a bit of understeering in the corners. I felt this with the previous model as well. Some of that could certainly come from a 50lb bike with two big wheels, a long wheelbase, and a slack head tube angle. But I think some of it comes from the frame not conforming enough to the terrain. It almost feels like the back of the bike pushes the front through the corners. It mostly happens on unsupported and loose corners where traction is at its limits.
I like the stability the Wild offers at high speeds and in rough terrain. The long wheelbase keeps the bike very calm through the rough. There’s very little see-saw or bucking bronco effect on the Wild. That front-to-back bucking feeling is all but eliminated with the long wheelbase. It’s one of the smoothest bikes I’ve ridden in that regard. Yet, it doesn’t completely eliminate the terrain under your feet. You can still feel the trail and have some input instead of just playing passenger while the bike does all the work. It’s not the easiest bike to get off the ground or the most rewarding for an active and playful rider, but it’s not the worst either.
As far as suspension performance goes, the new Wild makes big improvements on the previous version. The refined kinematics that offer a smoother and more active ride quality greatly improve the DH performance. With my previous Wild, I packed the shock full of spacers and ran quite a bit of sag to get the bike to contour the ground a bit better. Out of the box, the new Wild feels more like that. It offers more traction and control in small to medium-sized bumps.
It’s a bit difficult to describe, but the Wild feels rather deep and bottomless, but in a firm and supportive way. It almost feels more like a 150mm bike throughout most of the stroke. It’s about as firm as I’d like a big bike to be. Any firmer, and it might be accused of being a bit chattery at times. That said, it feels bottomless on those bigger hits. I’ve never once noticed a harsh clang at the bottom of the travel.
2025 Orbea Wild: Comparisons
2025 WIld vs previous wild
| feature | 2025 Orbea Wild | previous Orbea Wild |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Configuration | MX or 29″ | 29″ |
| Travel | 170mm rear travel with a 170mm fork. | 160mm rear travel with a 160mm fork |
| Geometry & Handling | Long, low, and slack geometry optimized for stability and speed | Geometry focused on balance and versatility |
| Climbing | Supportive suspension for efficient climbing; optimized weight distribution | Effective climber, especially on lower grades and less technical ascents |
| Descending | Designed for stability and control on technical descents | Capable on descents but still very sporty |
| Versatility | Compatible with 600Wh or 750Wh batteries; MyO program; MX or 29″ | Less versatile than new model |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm | Shimano EP801, 85Nm |
| Battery | 600Wh or 750Wh with optional 250Wh range extender | 625Wh or 750Wh integrated battery |
| Best For | Riders seeking a lightweight, high-performance e-MTB for aggressive trails | Riders looking for a robust e-MTB with solid all-around performance |
Let’s start with the 2025 Orbea Wild vs the previous Wild. These two are not all that different. The new Wild is more of a refinement than it is an overhaul. I notice the suspension differences the most. The new Wild will be a bit more appealing to non-racers and riders who want a big bike for the confidence and comfort it offers. The new Wild is softer off the top and easier to get along with. It’s less chattery and doesn’t feel like you have to ride it on the edge of control. I think the previous one is a bit sportier, though, for riders who enjoy that. If you have a previous model, I wouldn’t be rushing to go get the newest one, even though I do think it’s an improvement. They aren’t that different at the end of the day.
Read the full Previous Wild Review here
Orbea Wild vs Santa Cruz Vala
| feature | Wild | Vala |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Configuration | MX or 29″ | MX Only |
| Travel | 170mm rear travel with a 170mm fork | 160mm front travel, 150mm rear travel |
| Geometry & Handling | Long, low, and slack geometry optimized for stability and speed | Adjustable geometry with a 63.9° head tube angle, designed for balanced performance |
| Climbing | Supportive suspension for efficient climbing; optimized weight distribution | Active climber with refined suspension for technical ascents |
| Descending | Designed for stability and control on technical descents | Excels in rough and technical descents with a focus on rider confidence |
| Versatility | Compatible with 600Wh or 750Wh batteries; MyO program; MX or 29″ | High versatility suitable for enduro and all-mountain scenarios |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm |
| Battery | 600Wh or 750Wh with optional 250Wh range extender | 600Wh only, optional 250Wh range extender |
| Best For | Riders seeking a lightweight, high-performance e-MTB for aggressive trails | Riders looking for a full-power e-MTB with balanced performance for diverse trail conditions |
Now let’s move into the Wild vs the Santa Cruz Vala. Both of these bikes have the same drive system, so there’s not much to differentiate them from there. They are very different in terms of suspension feel and handling characteristics. The Wild rides like a much bigger bike. It’s more stable at speed and in the rough. Consequently, it’s much tougher to get off the ground and maneuver. The Vala has a more playful and fun character. It’s easier to corner and jump.
Orbea Wild vs Orbea Rise LT
| feature | Wild | Rise LT |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Configuration | MX only | MX or 29″ wheels |
| Travel | 170mm rear travel with a 170mm fork | 150mm rear travel with a 160mm fork |
| Geometry & Handling | Long, low, and slack geometry optimized for stability and speed | Slightly steeper geometry for a more agile and responsive ride |
| Climbing | Supportive suspension for efficient climbing; optimized weight distribution | Efficient climber with a focus on maintaining a natural pedaling feel |
| Descending | Designed for stability and control on technical descents | Capable descender with a balance between agility and stability |
| Versatility | Compatible with 600Wh or 750Wh batteries; MyO program; MX or 29″ | Lightweight design suitable for a variety of trail conditions |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm | Shimano EP801 RS Gen2 MC, 60 or 85Nm |
| Battery | 600Wh or 750Wh with optional 250Wh range extender | 420Wh or 630Wh internal battery; optional 210Wh range extender available |
| Best For | Riders seeking a lightweight, high-performance e-MTB for aggressive trails | Riders looking for a lightweight e-MTB that offers a natural ride feel for trail adventures |
Now let’s chat about the Wild vs the Orbea Rise LT. I see quite a bit of overlap between these bikes in terms of the terrain they are able to tackle. That’s about where the overlap ends. They can both get after it in rough terrain, but they go about it in very different ways. The Wild is the racer’s bike. It’s stiff, responsive, and, at the end of the day, the more capable ride. The Rise LT is the average Joe’s bike. It’s easier to get along with, maneuver, and ride. It’s about as close to a regular pedal bike as you can get. It feels more active and lively, too. From a drivesystem standpoint, the Wild is much more powerful, even when compared to the Rise in RS+ mode (85Nm).
Read the Orbea Rise LT review here
Orbea Wild vs Transition Repeater PT
| feature | Wild | Repeater PT |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Configuration | 29″ or MX | 29″ wheels |
| Travel | 170mm rear travel with a 170mm fork | 170mm rear travel with a 170mm fork |
| Geometry & Handling | Long, low, and slack geometry optimized for stability and speed | 63.5° head tube angle. Very long wheelbase |
| Climbing | Supportive suspension for efficient climbing; optimized weight distribution | Great on really steep climbs |
| Descending | Designed for stability and control on technical descents | Big, burly descender. Loves rough terrain. |
| Versatility | Compatible with 600Wh or 750Wh batteries; MyO program; MX or 29″ | Less versatile from both build and ride quality perspectives. |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm | SRAM Eagle Powertrain Motor by Brose, 90Nm |
| Battery | 600Wh or 750Wh with optional 250Wh range extender | 720Wh battery with optional 250Wh range extender |
| Best For | Riders seeking a lightweight, high-performance e-MTB for aggressive trails | Riders seeking high performance on technical terrain |
Lastly, let’s quickly chat about the new Wild and the Transition Repeater PT. Both of these bikes are big dogs. They’ve got 170mm of travel front and back with full-power motors and big battery options. They’re your self-shuttle rigs. They do feel pretty different out on the trail, though. The Bosch drivesystem on the Wild feels faster on mellower grades. It’s quieter, and I like the intangibles and integration better than the Sram system on the Repeater PT. The place where the Sram motor shines is on those steep, high-torque climbs. The motor doesn’t bog down as quickly. From a ride quality perspective, the Wild feels more supportive and bottomless. The Repeater is plusher off the top but seems to hit that ramp-up wall a bit harder — almost making the bike feel more chattery deeper in the stroke.
What Would I Change About the WIld?
I personally like the improvements Orbea has made to the new Wild. It moves in the right direction for an enduro eMTB. Especially now that the Rise LT exists and is so good for the category, the Wild can now be a full-blown enduro eMTB. That said, I think I’d still change a few things about it. The first would be the frame stiffness. I’d turn it down just a notch or two for a little more comfortable ride quality. I’m not a racer, so I would enjoy comfort and fun more than shaving milliseconds off of a stage time.
The headset cable routing is the second thing I’d like to see go away. I’m not a fan. I get that it can help reduce noise and clutter, but at the expense of bearing life, maintenance, and practicality. I personally have no issues with standard internal routing and would prefer to see that.
2025 Orbea Wild scores
So, without further ado, here are the scores for the Orbea Wild. Remember, a zero is the average or the neutral score. A zero isn’t bad at all. Overall, the Wild scores very highly.
drivesystem: +2
The Bosch Performance Line CX drivesystem is one of the best. It’s powerful, reliable, quiet, and gets the job done day in and day out. The Wild gets more points here than the Vala did simply because of the battery size options available.
Climbing Performance: +1
The Wild is a solid climber, especially on steep climbs — the front end doesn’t float much. I would have given it a +2, except for its technical climbing ability.
Descending Capability: +1
The Wild has a lot of travel and consequently runs things over confidently. The long wheelbase makes it very stable front to back. The front end gets kicked around a bit for whatever reason, resulting in a +1
Suspension Performance: 0
The Wild saw some improvements in suspension feel. It’s more active and plush now. For a big bike, I would probably prefer it to be even more active.
Handling: 0
As far as handling goes, the Wild is big and stable front to back without being unwieldy in the corners. It can get a bit squirrely in loose corners. It’s not easy to bunnyhop and unweight — the back wheel has separation anxiety when it has to leave the ground.
Versatility: +2
The Wild is the top dog when it comes to versatility. It gets points for battery size options, MX or 29 setups, and the MyO customization program. All of those outweigh a slightly less versatile ride quality.
Intangibles: 0
As far as the intangibles go, the Wild wins some and loses some. The MyO program is amazing. The headset cable routing isn’t. And to be fair to the Vala, I have to ding it a few points for the bosch display frame cutout and shim.
Who is the 2025 Orbea Wild for?
I Like the new Wild for a couple of rider groups. First of all, I think the new Wild is now a bit more appropriate for casual riders and everyday riding. Even with more travel and slacker angles, it is easier to get along with. The suspension is more forgiving and doesn’t require so much input from the rider. It’s still a big bike with aggressive intentions, but I do think it got a little less serious this time around. So, if you’re looking for a full-power eMTB that offers a lot of capability and confidence without forcing you into passenger mode, the Wild is one of the best.
The Wild is also great for the serious enduro rider/racer. I think “enduro” can mean a few different things based on who you ask. To Orbea, it must mean enduro as in racing, not enduro as in bike park and aggressive riding. The Wild feels very well suited for racing with its responsive ride quality, stiff frame, and firm suspension. It’s designed to eke out fractions of seconds.
That’s going to do it. Thanks for sticking around.
2025 Orbea Wild faq
Who is the Orbea Wild best suited for?
The Orbea Wild caters to two distinct groups:
Serious enduro racers who value a stiff, responsive frame and firm suspension for tackling technical terrain and shaving seconds off their race times.
Casual riders looking for a full-power eMTB that’s stable and confidence-inspiring without feeling overly demanding.
What makes the Wild stand out from other long-travel eMTBs?
The Wild blends versatility and capability with features like multiple battery size options, customizable MyO configurations, and the choice between MX or 29” wheel setups. Its Bosch Performance Line CX drive system is powerful and reliable, making it a top contender for both casual and competitive riders.
Are there alternatives to the Orbea Wild?
Santa Cruz Vala: More playful and nimble but less stable at speed.
Transition Repeater PT: Offers plusher suspension but sacrifices some bottom-out support and Bosch motor integration.
Orbea Rise LT: A lighter, more agile eMTB better suited for casual riders and non-competitive trail use.
How does the new Wild compare to the previous version?
The new Wild is more of a refinement than an overhaul. It features softer suspension kinematics, a slacker head tube angle, and more travel. It’s easier to ride and more forgiving, but previous owners may not feel a significant upgrade unless they prioritize these specific changes.
Is the Wild more suited for climbing or descending?
While the Wild performs well in both areas, its stability and 170mm of travel make it better suited for descending and tackling rough terrain. That said, it climbs admirably for its size, with good traction and minimal front-end lift on steep climbs.
Learn more about the 2025 Orbea Wild
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