Nothing shows you mean business like a Downhill UCI World Cup Podium before a bike even releases. But with pro downhiller Tahnee Seagrave leading the charge, Orbea proved that with the all-new Orbea Rallon, this is entirely possible.
That early result wasn’t just a flex; it marked a shift in focus and capability for the Spanish bike brand. While Orbea’s legacy has long been rooted in road and XC racing, the new 2026 Rallon signals a serious commitment from Orbea to the top end of gravity riding.
In Contender's view, the Rallon isn’t just an update; it’s a complete transformation of what a long-travel 29er can be. With the flexibility to build it as a full downhill or enduro setup on the same frame — and with tuning options to match — the rider decides what the Rallon can do, and ultimately, what it stands for.
Wheels and Chainstays: The Choice is Yours
For the latest generation, Orbea focused on dialing in geometry that delivers heightened control without sacrificing agility. To achieve this, the new Rallon adds wheelbase length for added high-speed confidence while maintaining a balanced reach across all sizes, using two optional chainstay lengths: 450mm (long option), and 442mm (short option).
With the longer chainstay option, the result is a frame that feels predictable when you're charging hard and keeps your weight bias toward the front for optimal front wheel grip. Want something even more playful? Opt for the shorter chainstays. Both chainstay lengths can accommodate 29" or 27.5" rear wheels by swapping out the GravityLink.
Suspension: The Revolutionary GravityLink System
GravityLink, a proprietary new technology from Orbea, is at the heart of the new Rallon, making the various adjustments and "two for the price of one" framing possible, going from a downhill bike to an enduro sled with versatile wheel size options. In enduro mode, the bike can run either a full 29" or mullet (MX) wheelset, while downhill mode is limited to the MX wheelset only. To swap between wheel sizes or downhill to enduro configurations, you will need to swap out the GravityLink.
What's more, GravityLink can be purchased aftermarket from Orbea, making your next gravity-centric bike more adaptable than ever. But Orbea didn't stop there; if you have been following along with any World Cup downhill racing, you would have noticed many racers strapping weights to the downtube near the bottom bracket, allowing for a lower center of gravity and a more stable ride. With a move that we love, Orbea has brought this mindset and capability to the masses by enabling riders to bolt weights directly to the GravityLink.
The suspension layout grows to 170 millimeters of rear travel paired with a 180-millimeter fork, all tuned around a more centralized center of gravity. With the updated linkage and new flip-chip design, riders can switch between a more progressive or linear leverage curve depending on trail conditions or riding style, while also being able to change bottom bracket height independently on the same flip chip.
Another point of adjustment is the headset. By rotating the headset cups, you can adjust the head angle +/- 0.75°, giving riders the choice between a more neutral handling setting, or a more planted, descent-focused mode.
Geometry: Numbers That Matter
Geometry numbers have been pushed in the right direction without going over the top, as some enduro bikes are known for. Head tube angle options range from 63.2 to 64.8 degrees, depending on flip chip and headset position, and the seat tube angle is steeper than before (~79°) to improve climbing efficiency. The extremely low standover and bottom bracket keep the bike glued to the ground when things get fast, while still allowing enough clearance for aggressive body movement.
Ultimate Versatility
The most standout feature of the new Rallon? In our mind, it's the sheer versatility, especially when considering the different ways a rider can customize and adjust this bike to their body and riding style. It confidently bridges the gap between an enduro bike and a full-on downhill machine. The chassis is sturdy enough for bike park laps on a dual-crown fork, so strength and durability shouldn't be a worry when trail riding. This frame has the ability to adjust head angle, bottom bracket (BB) height, rear wheel size, chainstay length, shock progression and leverage ratios, and accommodate either a single crown or DH fork. In other words, it's all the choices and options a rider could possibly want, wrapped in a single bike.
Premium Specs and Customization
Every model in the lineup, from the Rallon E 10 to the Rallon E LTD, features premium component specs, in-frame storage, and internal routing that stays quiet on the trail. As always, Orbea offers full customization through their MyO platform, giving riders the option to personalize their paintjob, suspension, and drivetrain, to make it truly theirs from the start.
The Bottom Line
Rather than chasing trends, Orbea has redefined the formula for downhill and enduro bike success. The new Rallon is longer, lower, and more capable than ever, but it still maintains the balance that made its predecessor a favorite among aggressive, gravity-oriented riders. This is a bike built for steep trails, high speeds, and full commitment.
At long last, after being released in spring 2025, the 2026 Orbea Rallon has finally hit the U.S. market, and is available at Contender now.
If you're ready to throw a leg over one of the sharpest enduro bikes on the market, come by the shop Monday-Saturday, shoot us a message here, or give us a call at (801) 364-0344.
