Norco
Fluid VLT
- Torque
- 55 Nm
- Battery
- 400 Wh
- Weight
- 43.4 lb
- Travel
- 150
from$5,299
Best in-between
Orbea
Rise LT
The middle path: most of the power, most of the lightness.
Motor
85Nm
Shimano EP801 RS
Orbea-tuned, up to 85 Nm
Orbea-tuned, up to 85 Nm
Battery
600Wh
420 or 600 Wh
Weight
45.2lb
20.5 kg claimed
Travel
160mm
150 mm rear
Wheels
29"
Carbon frame
From
$6,499
Approx. US MSRP
Orbea had a smart idea: take Shimano's full-power motor, tune it for a more natural feel, and pair it with a smaller battery to save weight. The Rise LT is the longer-travel version of that, and it might be the best compromise on this list.
You get a lot of the climbing power of a full e-bike in a package that feels much closer to a regular trail bike. The bigger 600 Wh battery helps on long days.
If you can't decide between light and full-power, this is your answer.
What I like
- Great power-to-weight balance
- Natural pedaling feel
- Custom paint options
What I don't
- Not as light as true SL bikes
- Not as strong as Avinox
Long-term test pending. Orbea, if you'd like this one ridden and reviewed in full, let's talk.