Dr. Laura Bishop
Orbea is making waves in the world of downhill biking with the introduction of a one-of-a-kind racing machine. Designed specifically for Martin Maes, this downhill rig is unlike anything we’ve seen before. While it may resemble their Wild eMTB, this modified version is without a motor or battery.
The most noticeable alteration is the elongated rocker link and the slight differences in the seatstays. Unlike the stock carbon stays on the regular Wild, the DH version features aluminum members. Rest assured, despite its appearance, there is no motor mounted to the bike. Orbea has confirmed that there is no foul play involved.
So why did Orbea choose the Wild as the base frame for this custom race bike? According to insiders, the decision was based on packaging constraints. The Rallon platform simply couldn’t accommodate the additional travel that they wanted to incorporate. By modifying the Wild, they were able to achieve the desired 200mm of rear wheel travel.
While details on the bike’s exact modifications are scarce, we can speculate that a special armature has been engineered to replace the Bosch motor housing. This innovative solution allows for a typical bottom bracket and crank arrangement, giving the bike a more traditional feel. Additionally, the increased frame volume may provide opportunities to fine-tune chassis weight for optimal performance.
Aside from the modified linkage and motor/battery changes, the bike appears to be relatively stock. It features a gold-on-gold Fox 40 fork, a Shimano drivetrain, Saint brakes, and a Fox DHX2 shock with mounts for a telemetry setup.
Orbea’s OOLab project showcases their commitment to pushing the boundaries of cycling innovation. As a company of passionate riders and creative engineers, they strive to create unique, high-performance bikes that enhance the riding experience. This experimental endeavor allows them the freedom to explore new solutions and create future technologies.
We are eager to see Martin Maes in action aboard this extraordinary beast as he takes on the World Cup Downhill circuit. Best of luck to him and Orbea as they continue to redefine what’s possible in the world of mountain biking.
The mountain biking industry has been a thriving market in recent years, and companies like Orbea are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. With the introduction of their one-of-a-kind racing machine, Orbea is making waves in the downhill biking world.
The market for downhill bikes has seen significant growth as more riders seek adrenaline-pumping experiences and challenging terrains. According to market forecasts, the global mountain bike market is expected to reach a value of $3.2 billion by 2025, with downhill bikes accounting for a significant portion of that revenue.
One of the key issues in the industry is the balance between performance and weight. Downhill bikes need to be sturdy and durable to withstand the rigors of extreme terrains, but at the same time, they need to be lightweight for better maneuverability. Manufacturers, including Orbea, are constantly working towards finding the perfect balance by utilizing advanced materials and design techniques.
Orbea’s decision to use the Wild eMTB as the base frame for their custom race bike was driven by packaging constraints. The Rallon platform couldn’t accommodate the desired 200mm of rear wheel travel, necessitating modifications to the Wild frame. This highlights the importance of a bike’s frame geometry and its impact on performance and functionality.
While details on the exact modifications made to the bike remain scarce, it is speculated that a special armature has been engineered to replace the Bosch motor housing, providing a more traditional feel to the bike. This innovation not only removes the motor and battery but also allows for fine-tuning of the chassis weight for optimal performance.
Orbea’s OOLab project exemplifies their commitment to pushing the boundaries of cycling innovation. By creating unique, high-performance bikes, they cater to the demands of passionate riders and creative engineers. This experimental endeavor grants them the freedom to explore new solutions and create future technologies that revolutionize the industry.
As Martin Maes takes on the World Cup Downhill circuit aboard this extraordinary beast, Orbea and other companies in the industry continue to redefine what’s possible in the world of mountain biking. The competition among manufacturers serves as a driving force for innovation, ultimately benefiting riders with improved performance, functionality, and overall riding experience.
