I just took the virgin ride on my new 2010 Orbea Rallon. Amazing.

The set-up:

• Fox Talas 32 fork
• Formula brakes
• Truvative AM Hammerschmidt
• XO shifters and rear Derailleur
• Fox RP23 Shock
• Mavic Crossmax SL Wheelset
• Orbea AM Stem and Carbon Fiber Riser Bars
• Crank Brothers Joplin Seatpost

The Ride:

Horse Gulch on a hot day is quite the baker. There is little shade for large portions of the trail, and when it’s approaching 90 degrees it saps the life out of you quick. You want to make sure you’re on an efficient climbing bike or you’re going to be hating life. The Rallon did not disappoint. It looks more like a downhill eating monster, but it performed very nicely on the ups. The Hammerschmidt shifted flawlessly as advertised, even under duress and when not pedaling. The rear shocks ProPedal and the bikes suspension design and geometry also assisted in efficient uphill pedaling.

The downhills were incredible. The Fox Talas with the 15mm through axle, the Crank Bros Joplin seatpost and the amazing suspension made for a heck of a ride going down. The bike felt very agile and railed the corners. Again, the Hammerschmidt made shifting quickly a dream on the quick down and ups. The bike just sucked up bumps and smaller drops and made you want to go faster (and the brakes had no problem slowing you down when you had to).

Although only one ride in, I think this bike is going to catch on quick.

Update:

I’ve taken the bike on a couple of more rides, including some lift access terrain in Telluride. It continues to impress. From XC to light freeride riding, this bike is amazing!