Chocolate eggfest can’t stop Reader’s Rides: here’s a not-Levo-heavy eeb with an outdated motor.
Your Name
CitizenLee
Bike
2025 Orbea Rise LT H10
Fork
Fox 36 Performance 160mm
Shock
Fox Float X Performance
Suspension Setup
The shop set the fork and shock pressure for my weight and I’ve just tweaked the rebound a bit. It seems to be performing well so I’ll leave it alone until it’s time for a service.
Wheels
Race Face AR 30c Rims on Shimano MT410 Hubs
Tyres
Maxxis Assegai 2.50″ MaxxGrip Exo+ Front & Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.40″ MaxxTerra Exo+ Rear
Brakes
Shimano Deore M6120 4 Piston
Drivetrain
XT 12spd Mech / SLX 12sd everything else
Cockpit components
OneUp Carbon eBike Bars 35mm Rise 780mm (they have holes for the motor controller cable) & PNW Loam XL Grips
Seatpost
Orbea OC Mountain Control MC21 180mm w/Shimano SL-MT500 I-Spec EV remote
Saddle
Fizik Terra Ridon X5 145mm
Accessories
Burgtec Penthouse MK4 Composite Pedals
Size and Weight
It’s a size Large and weight is “heavy, but not Levo heavy”
Additional Comments
I wanted a bike where I didn’t have to change much and I think I’ve pretty much got that. The only upgrades I can see in the future are the wheels, at least the rear, as I’m not a fan of the basic Shimano hubs. I may also get some Pinnd 150mm cranks at some point too as the bike sits lower than I’m used to. When the cassette wear out I’ll probably “downgrade” everything to 11spd Linkglide just for the extra durability. Otherwise it’s a joy to ride and puts a big smile on my face every time I’m out on it. The motor seems to offer the perfect amount of assist and never feels like it’s doing all the work for you, which is what I wanted.
Why this bike?
I’d been considering an ebike for a good while but didn’t fancy a full fat tank or conversely something with a tiny battery and limited range, so started looking at mid level offerings. The Rise caught my eye and after watching/reading many reviews and consulting the STW forum I decided on the LT version due to a mix of the suspension design, geometry, 630Wh battery and the supposed natural feeling of the EP801-RS. Happy to say it’s ticking all the boxes so far, even with its “outdated” motor.
Show us yours!
We’ve rejigged the Reader’s Ride online form and pic uploader to make it clearer, quicker and simpler
We’ll be rewarding any submission published with a piece of STW merch. NB: they don’t have to be new bikes. Or expensive bikes. Or even clean bikes. We want to see real bikes from real riders
Fame!
This can serve as my NBD post as I never actually did one 😀