Bike Check: Orbea Rallons from Pinkbike Academy

Oct 19, 2020
by Sarah Moore  
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PINKBIKE ACADEMY
PRESENTED BY SHIMANO


10 Riders. 2 Weeks. 1 Pro Contract + $25k



Pinkbike Academy was kind of like an adult summer camp for our ten contestants. Everyone got to ride the trails at Bike Big White on a uniquely coloured Orbea Rallon courtesy of the custom MyO program that offers almost limitless colour options. The enduro bikes were kitted out with Shimano's XT components and Pro cockpit, Fox Factory suspension, Stans wheels, and Maxxis tires.

There was also kit, protection and casual wear from Fox Head, shoes from Ride Concept, GPS watches and cycling computers from Garmin, cameras from GoPro, and bike tools from Feedback Sports.


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The Orbea Rallon.
Orbea Rallon Details
Frame: Orbea Rallon
Shock: 2021 Fox Float X2
Fork: 2021 Fox 38
Wheels: Stans Flow EX3 Wheelset 29"
Dropper Post: Fox Transfer
Tires: Maxxis Assegai or Minion DHF 29x2.5" (Front) + Maxxis Dissector or Minion DHR II 29x2.4" (Rear)
Drivetrain: Shimano XT
Brakes: Shimano XT
Cockpit: Pro Tharsis 3Five Carbon Rise Bar + Pro Tharsis 3Five CNC Stem
Sizes: SM, L, XL
More info: orbea.com

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This is the bike that Vid Persak and Damien Oton have been riding in the Enduro World Series this year. It has 160mm of rear travel and uses the revised 'Rally On' linkage. Pinkbike Academy contestants rode the Rallon with a 170mm Fox 38 Factory fork and a Fox Float X2 rear shock.
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The new Fox 38 is the stiffest single-crown fork in Fox's lineup. Contestants paired that with Fox Transfer dropper posts.

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XT clip in pedals to keep the Ride Concepts shoes firmly in place.
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Garmin at the ready to track the effort and show the way with Trailforks integration. Set up on a Shimano Pro bar, stem, and grips combination.

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Dialling in the four-piston Shimano XT brakes with Feedback tools.
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The Rallons received 203mm front rotors for crisp braking.

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Shimano's XT cranks and pedals to complete the bike builds.
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XT derailleurs covered the 11-51t cassettes.

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A different colour for every contestant thanks to Orbea's MyO program.

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Tacx was our official trainer sponsor. Stay tuned for the sufferfest they provided...
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Christina Chappetta taking one for the team and doing the test challenge.

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Nothing like having the Boombox crew filming you when you're going all out

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Looking sharp in Fox apparel and protection while recording everything with GoPro cameras and Garmin watches.

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Stans kept the wheels rolling on this production and Maxxis provided the rubber.
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Ride Concepts shoes for all.

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Stay tuned - we'll be unveiling all ten Pinkbike Academy contestants between Wednesday and Sunday.




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Official Location Partner of Pinkbike Academy @bikebigwhite

Huge thanks to the brands who made this show possible!
Shimano, Orbea, Fox Racing, Fox Factory, Big White, GoPro, Garmin,
Pro Bike Gear, Feedback Sports, Maxxis, Stan's NoTubes, Ride Concepts, and Trailforks.


Regions in Article
Big White Mountain

Posted In:
Contests and Deals Reviews and Tech Pinkbike Academy Sponsored Bike Checks Fox Clothing Fox Factory Orbea Shimano


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112 Comments
  • 187 9
 I CAME HERE TO BE ANGRY ABOUT FREE CONTENT! GRRR!
  • 19 1
 If it's free, you're the product ...or something like that!

My guilty pleasure is 90 day fiancé so it's not like I don't watch some trash but would hate to see mtb productions go that way... it just doesn't suit them.
  • 11 1
 @vpfree2009: mines Jersey Shore. This is basically Pinkbike’s version of that, Vancouver Shore maybe?
  • 5 6
 welcome to the internet, no shortage of free content here. In fact I think there is too much content these days. They are definitely not doing it for free though, I can promise you there is money being made from all the product placement and marketing hype. Don't feel sorry for them, they created it and shared it, I don't think they were expecting 100% positive feedback. Its the entire sport of mtn biking that loses anyways.
  • 7 14
flag neroleeloo (Oct 19, 2020 at 9:59) (Below Threshold)
 So every time you buy a bike product, some of YOUR money is used for marketing purposes which ultimately ends up here on PB because they are arguably the largest advertising platform...so...in a way, you are paying for this bs.

No , it doesn’t make me angry but the bike industry has become quite the lucrative industry now and youd think we could FINALLY have some quality content...not this juvenile, copy of an already crappy show.
  • 10 1
 I'm not mad at pinkbike about the reality tv show. I'm just disappointed. hehe
  • 4 1
 @neroleeloo: what? your attention is being sold to bike companies, there is no other transaction in there.

what kind of content would you recommend? this is just a hobby remember?
  • 3 19
flag neroleeloo (Oct 19, 2020 at 11:01) (Below Threshold)
 @Narro2: What the f are you talking about ? My attention isnt being sold to bike companies, what the hec?? Have you read my comment??? Your reply is completely irrelevant to my comment... Btw, you ever watched the show TopGear? Notice the high quality production? Yeah , id recommend more stuff like that and there’s MASSIVE room for improvement...

What does biking being a hobby have ANYTHING to do at all with my comment? Are you drunk? Hobby or not , I like quality stuff , dont you !?!?
  • 4 1
 @vpfree2009: 90 day fiance', is that a demo program?

I'm married, but I would totally try out a program where I can have a new fiance' every three months, what a great idea!

Where do I sign up?
  • 2 0
 @luckynugget: 100%. PB is owned by a private equity company, so no doubt they are looking at all ways to grow the business and increase revenues.
  • 3 0
 @luckynugget: unless people start paying subscription fees (which if you look at bike mag doesn’t work great nowadays) PB will always have to sell ads, and as someone who does not like to pay for contend, I don’t mind. The only thing I care about is the ads and reviews are kept separate, which they seem to have been.

Edit: this article seems to have crossed the line of sponsors influencing reviews
  • 1 0
 @nurseben: do they offer this program for bikes as well??
  • 3 1
 @neroleeloo: don't like, don't watch. It's pretty simple really.
  • 1 0
 @luckynugget: I heard not that long ago, that so much content is made now, that each day represents basically 40 years worth of information that a single human could process. Hence why everyone is essentially a specialist now. Far too much knowledge out there now to be a competent generalist. Also impossible to watch/read everything, even on just one given subject.
  • 1 0
 @nurseben: 90 day fiance is a reality TV series where international couples meets on visas and have to decide in 90 days (the duration of the visa) is they are compatible enough to marry. If they cannot commit to marriage the visitor of the couple must return to the home country. A caveat to the show is that the couples must overcome language and cultural barriers making fostering a relationship more challenging. So no its not a program where you can swap out American fiance's or girlfriends every 90 days.
  • 74 5
 Must be such an advantage to those who already ride similar geometry bikes. Nice to get a bike too.

On a side note of positivity, pinkbike taking lots of grief for the academy and decisions around fantasy last week. Let’s remember they are people too and we aren’t paying for the content. I personally am thankful.
  • 2 0
 I'm not sure the contestants get to keep any of the gear. Although given sizing nuances, and hygiene, they might get to keep the whole kit.
  • 34 3
 Nice bikes! I'd demo one.
I appreciate that editing is probably already done... but my thoughts on the show:
- Watched it but cringed a few times
- It felt a bit too "by the numbers" reality TV. I'd like to either see:

- Lose the "reality TV" feel and edit it more like an MTB edit - less dramatic music, more sick tunes, nature shots, banger moves, focus on camaraderie and not conflict...etc.
- Lean into the reality TV angle HARD - like 200% - So dramatic music constantly, even when unwarranted. Clearly identify the villain with a nod and a wink towards the scripting. Have fun with it and be self aware at the same time, mock reality TV while playing it up.
  • 1 0
 Today on Pinkbike Academy we will be judging your STEEZ. STEEZIEST run is safe from elimination. That would have been waaaay cooler than, "do a basic fork service!"
  • 90 61
 I think PInkbike won the award of the most product placement BS in a reality TV show ever. Now it continues with the fake bike check...
  • 9 1
 was hoping for slight differences among the riders but oh well.
  • 11 2
 Do they even need to market bikes any longer? Lead time to get any bike in the USA right now is four to six months. Marketing budget could probably now be transferred over to paying the sales staff a bit better. LOL
  • 23 4
 So you are angry about content we don't have to pay to view and about a actual bike and bike component companies sponsoring an effort by Pinkbike to provide some type of entertaining content during the trimes of COVID, lake of traditional content, etc.? How dare them....
  • 3 0
 @mtbmaniatv: How could you truly "level the playing field". It should really showcase each riders potential.... Theoretically anyway.
  • 4 0
 @jomacba: like spacers under stem, fork psi settings, tire psi, preferred sag, bar width, etc.
  • 1 0
 @mtbmaniatv: Ah yes, but technically speaking this is subjective to the rider size and rising preferences. At that point you might as well look at frame size too.
  • 2 0
 @jomacba: That's what I'm curious about. And the "etc." implies other things like frame size.
  • 1 0
 @mtbmaniatv: I'm sure we will find out.
  • 1 0
 @jomacba: doubt it if this is their idea of "bike check"
  • 1 0
 @mtbmaniatv: Maybe, but what else are they gonna give us for "content"?
  • 1 0
 @jomacba: well, what are they gonna call it if this is the bike check?
  • 2 0
 @mtbmaniatv: *UPDATE* Bike check.
  • 1 5
flag powderturns (Oct 19, 2020 at 14:46) (Below Threshold)
 I wonder what sucker companies will work with them for season two. They’ve been warned...
  • 5 0
 @bman33: I am not angry, just amused by how ridiculous it is becoming. Probably part of their sponsoring contracts, but it's so caricatural, it becomes counter-effective, at least the way my brain functions. Reading "Dialling in the four-piston Shimano XT brakes with Feedback tools." in a bike check article does not entice me to go and buy these bike tools. Nothing against Feedback, I have their bike racks and stand...
  • 3 0
 @jcelli2013: Right on and agree. Thanks for the civil feedback. Ride on sir!
  • 1 0
 @powderturns: If this turns out to be a money making venture with plenty of viewer traffic, all of them.
  • 51 22
 Lovely bikes but god that first episode was a serious dose of sh1te... hopefully it gets better!
  • 29 7
 I would not know, I stopped after like 3 min.
  • 43 4
 I enjoyed it because I didn't take it seriously. It's people having silly times with bikes!
  • 21 1
 Why do I have to be Mr Pink?
  • 11 2
 So this is why you can't find any shimano 12 speed parts anywhere on earth. Must be nice!
  • 3 1
 Have you tried your LBS? I have them in stock.
  • 6 0
 What do mountain bikers do if their sponsor's shoes don't fit? I raced my last season on the road wearing shoe covers with the team's sponsor's logo on them because the shoes just didn't fit, but that doesn't seem to be an option here.
  • 5 0
 Five Tens and a sharpie.
  • 6 0
 Looking at the images and bike check details and I've got a couple quick questions.

Are those flats on the yellow bike?

If not, were all riders required to ride clipless or was it just preference that led to that across the field?

Looking forward to the next installment.

Cheers!
  • 9 3
 Nice bikes we have 2 Rallons, but warranty is absolutely shocking not worth buying one if you want any kind of customer support we've been over 4 months without a bike now
  • 5 0
 Bike companies don't have bikes/frames at all now. All manufacturer, supplier chains have been massively disrupted. I had and issue with Nukeproof cracking (massive crash, not a warranty ,but crash replacement) and they are providing a replacement, but only when they actually get frames. Numerous other companies under the same circmstances.
  • 1 0
 @bman33: most of it is components. Maybe they don’t want to ship just frames? Shimano was 270 lead time for production last I heard. 2022 here we come!
  • 9 1
 bike check aka sponsor list
  • 6 1
 did everyone choose their own colour? Or was it pre-selected?
  • 5 0
 Good luck getting that water bottle out...
  • 1 0
 I was specifically going to ask what bottle cage they're using, because finding a decent cage that fits my Rallon is a PITA. I currently have one of those fidlock bottles but it's SO LOUD and shaky on janky trails.
  • 4 0
 @ratedgg13: Specialized makes a side entry style cage, I’m sure others do too but that what I use.
  • 1 0
 @skierdud89: trek also do a decent side load bottle cage that is good for tight spaces.
  • 1 0
 @skierdud89: I have one that's bontrager branded. Works, never lost a bottle.
  • 1 0
 That's why they're using a Specialized Zee cage. Borrow their side-arm design and spec their cage, no prob. Too bad it doesn't fit a full size bottle because of that little bag thingy.
  • 1 0
 @ratedgg13: Arundel makes a great side loading cage that works awesome, - but it's really expensive.
  • 1 0
 Not interested in the tv show but, are these cranks covered in protective tape? I realize crank finish wear is an issue in the PB comment section but I never realized it existed in real life. Never seen a crank fail because of worn finish, even the XT logo will survive with this design. If there'd be one thing to protect with tape, it would be the magnesium fork lowers. Yet few seem to do that.
  • 4 0
 If the contenstants don't win the contest, they'll be relying on the resale values of their Orbeas...
  • 1 0
 @mammal: Ah, they get to keep the bike even if they don't win? Does that go for the bike only or for everything (tools, electronics etc)? That could easily add up to half that 25k pricemoney.
  • 1 0
 MyO program is awesome. My matte yellow Oiz with bright green decals, kashimas, saints and eagle gold looked effin' awesome; but, Rallon had a geo that was modern/new for about a year and, at least for me, there wasn't much of a difference between it and the Occam. Actually, because of the geometry, the Occam felt better. It is a shame as it has not completed its 3-4 year life cycle and, from what I know now, Orbea does not have a plan to introduce a new one early next year(maybe late next year, who knows).
As for the show, yeah, it is TG dumbeffinstan style, only much-much lower budget. Watch it with zero exepectation and consider it to be a comic relief with bike(and biking) involved.
  • 3 1
 PB will lose some loyal followers here. The rest of us that DGAF will watch just to be entertained as our brains are already fried. And 0.0001% of PB loyals that watch will go buy an Orbea.
  • 1 0
 Any else notice how the Orbea Rallon looks conspicuously very similar to the Specialized Stumpjumper? The frame is almost identical. Does one own the other?
I hate to say it, but a MTB "reality TV show" like the Pinkbike Academy, is something the world could benefit from right now. A nice decompression distraction from other world events. Normally I wouldn't watch something like this, but presently, I'd welcome it. I've been watching a lot of videos about developments in the Space industry, which I don't ordinarily follow. But with SpaceX and Blue Origin doing interesting consequential things now and with NASA's Artemis program getting close to kicking off missions to the Moon, space is getting interesting again.
  • 3 1
 I have an orbea and the carbon won’t stop squeaking like I stripped everything off the front triangle and I applied abit of pressure but it still squeaks
  • 1 0
 Pedals?
  • 1 0
 @iduckett: every component of the frame appart from headset cups
  • 1 0
 @iduckett: I think there may be a slight crack and it’s got some grit in it
  • 1 0
 @Ooofff: Oh oh, misinterpreted the "still" sqeaks part. Yikes buddy, what a handful!
  • 1 0
 @iduckett: it doesn’t creak like a headset or bb it’s like haveing a little mouse floating around in the down tube
  • 1 0
 @Ooofff: Does it have internal guides for cable routing? Wonder if one of those snapped off, where you can't see it.
  • 1 1
 That design manages to capture both burly & sleek, and busy & simple pretty damn well. Especially around the linkage area. Not so sure about the extra material on the linkage to make it flush with the seat stay, detracts from the sleekness a little bit, but overall a very decent looking bike.
  • 1 0
 What's the height of the shortest competitor? No one wanted a 27.5 option? Anyone have to deal with saddle buzz? I see quite a few saddles slammed forward, especially on the bikes with the seat post slammed or near-slammed.
  • 3 0
 Where are the 220mm rotors? :O
  • 2 0
 Really. C'mon shimano!
  • 8 6
 The "article" says they're 200mm rotors but Shimano only makes 203mm. Nice "bike check"
  • 3 0
 Isn’t it the cassette 10-51 on the XT 8100?
  • 2 0
 Did the contestants get to choose the colours themselves or were they chosen by Pinkbike/ Orbea?
  • 1 0
 Where did yall get the Feedback Sports stands? I've had one on back order since the beginning of the sumer. Frown
  • 3 0
 Pinkbike! More Evan!
  • 1 0
 I like my Rallon better

@sarahmoore do you have any details on how they got it fitted to the trainer?
  • 1 0
 Might just be a standard 148 thru-axle, that is how it is on my Wahoo. The same adapter also does 142mm.
  • 1 0
 @neologisticzand: dropouts are too thick for the standard one to catch
  • 2 4
 I can't imagine anything worse than rocking up to this program and finding out you're stuck with something you hate - shimano brakes, or air shocks, or clips or the wrong the or whatever. I appreciate pb trying to do something different here, but I just don't think riding bikes lends itself to this sort of format. I'll watch because bikes, but it makes me a bit sad
  • 1 0
 Welcome to Pro-racing. Plus the over lap of people who are super picky about gear and good at riding bikes is practically non-existant.
  • 2 0
 What is the tool bag under the bottle cage?
  • 3 0
 IIRC, it's a frame bag made by Orbea for the Rallon. Put your spare tube and stuff in there, kind of makes up for no frame storage.
  • 3 0
 @agentM101: thanks for the reply. Looks slick, surprised it got no mention.
  • 1 0
 Anyone know what fender is know the fork? I need one that flairs up at the end like that.
  • 1 0
 How are you using the Tacx trainers with the Shimano 12 speed? What cassette are you using? I
  • 2 0
 Clips for all?
  • 1 0
 Crisp braking got me like taking a break
  • 1 1
 Marketing clickbaittt
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