The “Yes Machine” gets a “Hell Yeah”
What changes about the Orbea Wild with the 2027 edition? We’ve got three main topics to discuss today — Frame and geo, drive unit, and Orbea’s RS philosophy. Let’s get right to the nitty-gritty.
First, the frame and geometry now very closely match the current-gen Rallon. In fact, at a glance, they look damn near identical. They share a silhouette, and thanks to the small form-factor battery in the downtube, it’s pretty tough to see the E part of this bike. Of course, there’s some bulk around the motor, but the Avinox M2S is pretty minimal, especially considering it’s the most powerful motor on the market right now. Orbea didn’t just throw the Avinox on the bike; they worked some RS magic into the motor and entire bike to make a system that performs as seamlessly as possible. Think full-power Rallon RS.
Avinox M2S Drive Unit
Assuming this is likely going to be the most exciting part about the bike for many riders, let’s start with the Avinox motor. Like it or not, most consumers want more power on their ebikes. That’s the number that “matters.” We’re in a bit of a sticky spot, though, when it comes to power, laws, and regulations. Many riders want more power, more speed and more torque. States and land managers want no electronic assistance of any kind and are reluctant to even allow class 1 bikes. I’m not saying either party is wrong, but we are at a bit of a crossroads.
Orbea recognized this crossroads and has applied its own RS firmware to the Avinox M2S motor. The RS tune limits power to 750W and peak torque to 130 Nm, even though the Avinox motor can deliver 1500W. That will, of course, be disappointing for power junkies and motoheads. A temporary Superboost mode bumps output to 1,300 W for short bursts.
Orbea had two main justifications for this. First of all, they said the RS tune makes the motor better for the rider by increasing sensitivity and a natural ride feeling. Whether or not you believe that is up to you, but I do think making the Avinox motor a little easier to control and less likely to get your back wheel spinning under high power is probably a good thing.
Their second justification makes a lot more sense in my mind, and I’d have to think it is the bigger driver in reducing power output. Currently, for an ebike to be considered class 1 and therefore legal on MTB trails in the US, it can’t output more than 750W and can’t go faster than 20MPH with assist. Coincidentally, that’s exactly what the Wild LT does. So Orbea is keeping this one legal.
If that upsets you, I totally understand. Why not let the rider choose how much power or how legal they want to be? I see the other side of that coin too. If illegal ebike motors get trail access shut down, Orbea isn’t to blame. If high-output motors get banned and recalled, Orbea avoided the headache and financial implications.
I’m not sure which camp I fall in, but I understand both arguments. So it is what it is.
And while we are on the subject, the Wild LT can run 800Wh or 600Wh batteries. I love that they provide the option.
RS Integration
Moving on from the slightly contentious topic and likely what the internet will blow up with today, let’s talk about the RS smart system. Just like on the Rallon RS, the Wild LT gets the smart bike touch. Everything electronic on the bike is integrated into the main battery. You have one place to charge your main battery, derailleur, dropper, and, if you choose, a headlight. I do love that idea, but in case of a bad day, when that battery dies, so does the rest of your bike.
Frame and Geometry
The Wild LT shares a similar geometry chart with the Rallon. Like the Rallon, you can run 29″ or Mullet, you have a two-position geometry flip-chip, and the ability to use aftermarket headset cups to adjust the head tube angle and reach.
The Wild LT allows for both headset and traditional in-frame cable routing like the rest of Orbea’s gravity line. It’s also fully customizable in Orbea’s MyO program. And it’s offered in both carbon and alloy frames to suit riders’ budgets and preferences.
Sizes offered in S, M, L, XL
Price and Builds
There are 7 builds across the alloy and carbon frames, ranging from $6173 for the entry -level alloy complete all the way up to $14,883 for the top-tier carbon build.
Stay tuned for a ride review. Bikes should be landing shortly.
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