Orbea Rallon 50 review

With its tapered head tube, heavily hydroformed humpbacked frame and subtle paintjob picked out in blue anodised detailing (including replaceable drop-outs both sides) the Rallon 50 chassis is an impressive unit.

Fox 15mm axled tapered fork at a 68-degree angle, short stem and Formula RX brakes are all plus points and Orbea offers extensive custom options under the MyOrbea programme.

The basic FIT damped fork and heavily low-speed compression damped rear shock is chattery over small stuff, which keeps ride height high rather than keyed into the trail. A narrow bar and Hutchinson tyres that slip like soap in wet conditions don’t help cornering or sketchy terrain confidence.

The back end can get choppy over square edged blocks too. While it rolls fast the 30lb weight and very short ride position can leave you short of breath. The Rallon X30 and X50 bikes use Fox 36 forks and more hardcore kit if you’re looking for something burlier.