2027 Orbea Wild LT Carbon M-LTD RS E-Bike

Fast forward to the summer of 2026, and the next iteration of the Wild has arrived with a new Avinox M2S drive unit featuring an Orbea-exclusive tune, an ecosystem of integrations, and a refined suspension and handling package. 

How does the new Wild LT reckon with its success and accolades while continuing to improve upon the rider experience? Let’s hop aboard our first ride and find out what’s new and how Wild’s changes stack up. 

Wild LT Highlights

• OMR Carbon or Hydro aluminum frame options
• 29-inch wheels (mullet compatible with rocker link)
• 170mm of travel front and rear
• Avinox M2S drive unit with RS tune - 130Nm of torque, 750 W power (150Nm with Superboost)
• 600Wh and 800Wh integrated battery options
• 63.9° head angle (High) //  63.3° (Low)
• 78° effective seat tube angle
• Flip chip adjustable High/Low geometry
• 12x148mm rear hub spacing
• Internal cable routing
• Sizes: S-XL
• Weight (size M, M LTD RS Build): 48.4 lb (21.9 kg)
• Four carbon builds & three alloy builds (each available with 29-inch or mixed wheels) 
• MSRP (USD): Carbon - $7,717 - $14,883 | Alloy - $6,173 - $8,819

What’s New?

In 2023, current FMD Racing member Martin Maes rode a motor-less Wild prototype in a UCI DH race. What Orbea learned from its race testing programs led to the introduction of the Rallon enduro and downhill platforms to market, followed by the Rallon RS, a lightweight e-bike with a new level of integration and drive-unit tuning.

Coming off the positive reception of the Rallon, Orbea was clearly not about to let off the gas. It seemed only fitting that the next iteration of the Wild would take clear influence from the lessons learned from its downhill race experiences.

The new Wild LT enters a rapidly evolving long-travel eMTB landscape, redefining the definition of “full power.” It delivers transformational gains in performance and integration, thanks to its Avinox M2S drive unit paired with Orbea’s exclusive RS integration and tune—an ecosystem of seamless motor control, ride information, and smart features. 

Wild LT rolls on 29-inch wheels front and rear, but is available as a mixed-wheel setup via a 27.5”-specific rocker link to maintain the geometry and suspension kinematics. Suspension travel sits at 170mm front and rear, and you can upgrade to a 180mm fork through Orbea’s MyO Customization program. The frame is also dual crown compatible, should one desire to take full advantage of Wild’s DH roots.

With the new frame design, Orbea wanted to maintain key pivot locations while finding a lower position for the shock mount, upper linkage, and top tube. Orbea strived for a lower center of gravity, maintaining a low mass while maximizing the frame’s standover clearance.

Wild’s carbon frame continues to be constructed with Orbea’s premium OMR carbon, striking a balance between stiffness and weight. The new frame instantly evokes a svelte design, reminiscent of the Rallon frame with its low standover height. The frame’s symmetrical braces increase stiffness around the bottom bracket, but overall frame stiffness remains similar to the previous frame, tuned specifically to each size.

Wild is also available in a high-polish alloy frame, which looks nearly identical to the carbon frame. Only under close inspection are certain welds noticeable.

The cables are—wait for it—no longer routed through the headset, a long-awaited revision for a special corner of the internet that loved to hate the former model’s headset routing. Cables are now routed cleanly through the headtube in a standard configuration. The frame offers the use of an adjustable-angle headset for added flexibility.

Avinox M2S System with Orbea RS Tune and Integration

Orbea explored numerous options for the Wild’s drive unit, but several factors were crucial in making the decision. Orbea wanted the ability to define the ride experience that they wanted, with the freedom to create a cohesive package for the rider. Combined with the ability to move weight lower on the frame and achieve the desired suspension kinematics, one option stood above the rest—the Avinox M2S.

Orbea’s RS, which stands for Rider Synergy, was introduced in 2023 on the Rise with a specific tune for its Shimano drive unit. Last year, RS reappeared on the aptly named Rallon RS eMTB.

The Wild’s RS ecosystem seamlessly integrates the MS2 drive unit controls, Orbea’s new MC10-RS Smart Dropper post, and the optional Fox eNeo shock. These operations are managed via the handlebar-mounted RS-HMI remote, featuring two buttons for the drive unit modes and settings, an indicator light for the assist mode, and the dropper post lever.

But the RS system doesn’t stop at integration. It delivers an exclusive RS Tune for the Avinox M2S, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Avinox for an offering not available off the shelf. By partnering with Avinox, Orbea was able to achieve a ride characteristic that they felt best fit Wild’s intended rider, prioritizing reactivity and a natural response to rider input.

Specifically, the RS Tune limits the drive unit output to 750W of power compared to Avinox’s standard 1300W. The RS Tune maintains 130Nm of torque across four assist modes, while increasing the motor’s sensitivity to pedal force and rotation, meaning support arrives instantly when it is needed most. This faster reactivity provides the precise control necessary for mid-hill starts or pedal ratcheting on technical climbs. The motor incorporates the same sensors and hardware as the traditional M2S, relying on the software to deliver the ride characteristics desired by Orbea.

The RS Tune also permits the full 150Nm of torque in the temporary Super Boost mode (adjustable for up to 60 seconds of peak torque delivery). The RS Tune’s five assist modes (Eco, Auto, Trail, Turbo, and Super Boost) are all adjustable, from hypertuning the assist levels to torque and overrun.

Through the Avinox app, users can add up to five custom modes. It’s here that you can create a mode that accesses the motor's full 1300W of power if desired. The Orbea RS firmware always serves as the base of the tune, so the system will be more reactive regardless of how you adjust the settings. If a user creates a custom setting with higher watts, they still receive the benefits of the RS Tune and its responsiveness, but at peak power.

Orbea’s MYO Customization platform offers two integrated battery options for Wild: 600Wh or 800Wh. The weight difference between the battery options is around 2 pounds.

Suspension Design

The Wild uses the same kinematics as the Rallon enduro platform. The design of the Avinox M2S drive unit allowed Orbea the space to lower the shock position from the previous Bosch-equipped bike, achieving the kinematics they desired while placing weight lower on the frame for improved handling. Anti-squat has been reduced to achieve a more active ride in rough terrain, improving traction and reducing pedal kickback. Anti-Rise was also adjusted to reduce feedback to the rider under braking.  

Geometry

Orbea made only small tweaks to the geometry. For the first time, the frame features an adjustable geometry flip chip that allows the head angle to change by nearly a half-degree and the bottom bracket to drop by 8mm. The head angle slackens just slightly from the previous model’s 64°, resting at 63.9° in the High mode and 63.3° in the Low setting. The BB drop is 20mm in High, and 28mm in Low. The seat tube angle is a steep 78°, and all sizes rock a 448mm chainstay length.

Build Kits

Even with Orbea’s MyO Customization program offering a wide range of build options, an assortment of factory-built kits are available, including four carbon and three alloy builds. Each build tier is available with dual 29-inch or mixed wheels.  

Wild LT Carbon Builds

Wild LT Hydro Builds

The top two carbon builds take full advantage of Orbea’s RS integration, and Fox’s Live Valve NEO shock can be added to the top two builds. The pricing of these builds sits relatively in line with other premium offerings from European brands.

Riders who don’t need all the integrations and prefer a mechanical drivetrain and dropper post will want to look at the M10 package. It’s a solid build kit coming in under $10,000.

For those looking to spend a bit less, the alloy builds are on par with other bikes using the Avinox system, and you also receive the RS tune on the alloy builds as well.

On the Trail

True to their Basque Country roots, Orbea invited us to the rugged northern region of Spain to experience the new Wild. This area of the Pyrenees is a favorite of Orbea to proudly showcase its co-op values—a philosophy deeply embedded in the region that inspires its products.

Guided by the expert team from Basque MTB, Orbea spared no effort in curating a riding experience that blended challenging climbs and endlessly technical descents, some of which mirror the stages of the Trans Nomad multiday race. The backdrop of Pyrenees peaks, lakes, and villages only added to the magic. Even Maes blessed us with an appearance, joining for a few rides between World Cup stops to share his experience in the bike’s development.

After spending significant time on the previous Wild plus a few rides aboard the new Rallon, taking to the trails was straightforward once the suspension was set up. Learning the operations of the RS Integration—the HMI controller, the Orbea MC10-RS dropper post, and the Avonix M2S assist modes—was the priority. We were impressed by how well Orbea executed the HMI design. Its ergonomics made it effortless to switch between assist modes without accidentally confusing the mode buttons with the dropper lever.

After jostling among the assist modes, we landed on Auto mode as the default setting. Its ability to instantly adapt to most use cases was sufficient for all but the steepest or most grueling climbs. Auto continuously relies on the unit’s multiple sensors to monitor pedaling effort, gradient, and riding resistance, automatically adjusting power to match rider input.

The previous Wild used Bosch’s Performance Line CX. During our time testing that bike, Bosch released the power update, bumping torque from 100 to 120 Nm. While Bosch’s abundance of overrun post-update left us searching for an adjustment that didn’t exist, the 130Nm Avinox never entered that territory despite its superior torque. It was immediately intuitive. The overrun is adjustable, but we never saw a need to stray from the RS Tune’s default settings. This includes the 750W governor. With traction never lacking, we lightened the Turbo mode’s settings a few notches to lessen the delivery on the steepest climbs.

Most impressive were steep mid-hill starts that were previously super difficult on any drive unit/bike combination. With the assist mode in Turbo, the RS Tune was instantly noticeable, providing the perfect amount of power delivery to drive immediate traction to the rear wheel. It was just the right amount of assistance without feeling overpowering.

Of course, it would be negligent of us not to test the controversial Super Boost mode. Avinox limits the use of Super Boost to 60 seconds, and Orbea’s RS Tune is set to 30 seconds as the default. Accomplished by long-pressing the mode button in Turbo, Super Boost activates the full 150 Nm of torque and 1300W of peak power at the expense of about 2% of the battery. It’s not an efficient feature for trail use, but undeniably convenient for long fire road climbs, especially steep segments under fatigued legs.

The Avinox’s 1300W of power can be unlocked in any assist mode via tuning while still maintaining the RS Tune’s reactivity and power delivery. We didn’t have the chance to play around with it, nor have we spent meaningful time testing a ‘stock’ M2S on another bike. But it’s something we hope to do in the future to compare the differences in motor feel.

With three full days aboard the bike, we found ample time to test both geometry settings. Once the flip chip was moved to the High mode, we stuck to it as it brought the front wheel in a little closer, aiding in the planted feeling across the variety of terrain we encountered. The High setting also provides more BB clearance, which was helpful in the rocky terrain we tested on, while still keeping cornering and maneuverability quick and responsive. We found the High setting’s 63.9° head angle to be plenty slack, but riders with more consistently steep terrain may prefer the Low setting.

While never the plushest ride on the market, Wild has always stood out with its efficiency, predictability, and traction. The most notable aspect of the Wild LT’s revamped suspension is its incredibly planted feel, regardless of terrain or trail conditions.

During these media camps, we often ride at a brisk pace despite each trail being new to us. Learning to lay off the brakes and trust a bike is key to getting the most out of the test experience. But it’s also a balance of riding within your means to come home in one piece. We came to rely on Wild LT’s unwavering composure and traction, trusting it across the board in loose shale, boulders, roots, and steep, chunky chutes. Even when mistakes were made and poor lines were chosen (and mistakes sure did occur across three big days), it never seemed to falter. Like its cousin Rallon, the suspension design aids with cornering, as the kinematics provide a supported platform to push into that works in conjunction with the frame’s low center of gravity to excel at turning.

What’s The Bottom Line?

Orbea successfully evolves the RS ecosystem with the new Wild LT, bringing a level of integration to the eMTB category reminiscent of a performance electric car. For owners of the previous Wild, it’s not a complete departure from its former existence, but a refined and advanced package of power, control, and handling that places it in a new performance category.

Whereas some eMTBs rely on the Avinox M2S for its superior torque and peak power output to dominate the ride, Orbea takes a different approach with the Wild LT—its RS tune creates a seamless experience, placing the rider in control. And the bike’s composed suspension and handling characteristics round out its formidable package. Incredibly precise and predictable, whether you’re tackling technical climbs or racing blind on rowdy descents. Because why pick one when you can dominate both?

About The Reviewer

Rick Reed - Age: 43 // Years Riding MTB: Who’s counting? // Height: 5' 9” (1.75m) // Weight: 145 pounds (65.7 kg)

Rick "E" Reed is a seasoned bike industry pro who now spends his days developing Reno Tahoe’s community-driven bike park, Sky Tavern. When he’s not busy making trail experiences better, he puts his product testing and gear knowledge to work as a regular contributor to Vital. Rick calls Reno, Nevada home, where he lives with his terror dog, Zuul