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The 2023 Orbea Wild and Rise Demo Day at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP) in Hampshire was a resounding success, marking a return to hands-on, in-person events after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. Organized by E-Bikeshop and supported by Orbea UK, the event offered 54 riders the opportunity to test ride the latest 2023 Orbea Wild and Rise eMTB models on some of the UK’s finest trails. Here’s a summary of the day’s highlights and experiences.
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Country Park
QECP, affectionately known as "QE" to locals, is a 1,400-acre woodland park nestled in the South Downs National Park. It features a mix of graded, way-marked trails and unofficial "pirate" trails that have been shaped by generations of mountain bikers. The park’s diverse terrain, including the challenging climbs and descents of Buster Hill (the highest point in the South Downs at 886ft), made it the perfect location for the demo day.
The Bikes: 2023 Orbea Wild and Rise Models
The star attractions of the day were the 2023 Orbea Wild and Rise models, both available in custom MyO colours. These bikes were lined up and ready to go, showcasing Orbea’s commitment to innovation, performance, and aesthetics.
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2023 Orbea Wild M-Team
- Specs: Carbon frame, Bosch Generation 4 motor (85Nm torque), 750Wh battery, Fox 38 Float Factory forks, Float X2 rear shock, Shimano XT groupset.
- Performance: Designed to tackle steep climbs and technical descents, the Wild M-Team is ideal for challenging terrains like QECP, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
- Reception: Riders praised its power, stability, and ability to handle both climbs and descents with ease.
- 2023 Orbea Rise M-Team
- Specs: Shimano EP8 motor with Orbea’s custom RS tuning, Fox 36 Float Factory forks, Float X shock, Shimano XT Di2 electronic shifting.
- Performance: Lighter and more nimble than the Wild, the Rise M-Team is perfect for riders seeking a natural, trail-bike feel with the added boost of an eMTB.
- Reception: Riders loved its agility, responsiveness, and seamless electronic shifting.
The Team
The event was expertly organized and run by Lee and Dom from Orbea UK, who ensured everything ran smoothly, from bike setup to rider support. The team also included Ben Moore, an Orbea Global Factory Team Pro rider who flew in from Spain for the event. Ben’s enthusiasm, technical expertise, and willingness to assist with everything from suspension tuning to derailleur repairs added immense value to the day. His presence as a pro rider also provided riders with insights into the bikes’ capabilities and performance.
The Experience
The day began early, with the Orbea stand set up and ready to go by 7:30 am. Riders were greeted with a range of Wild and Rise models, all clean, tuned, and equipped with the latest components. After a quick setup, including pedal installation and suspension adjustments, riders were let loose on the trails.
The feedback from riders was overwhelmingly positive. Many were impressed by the bikes’ climbing power, which allowed them to tackle QECP’s steep ascents with ease, and the smooth, controlled descents that followed. The ability to customize the bikes’ appearance through the MyO program was also a big hit.
Rider Feedback
Riders returned from the trails with smiles on their faces, sharing their experiences and discoveries. Common themes in their feedback included:
- The Wild’s robustness and ability to handle technical terrain.
- The Rise’s lightweight, natural feel and versatility on varied trails.
- The bikes’ aesthetic appeal, particularly the custom MyO colour options.
- The enhanced ability to explore more trails and enjoy longer rides thanks to the eMTB technology.
Conclusion
The 2023 Orbea Wild and Rise Demo Day was a celebration of mountain biking, bringing together riders of all levels to experience the latest in eMTB technology. The event highlighted Orbea’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer experience, while also showcasing the beauty and challenge of QECP’s trails.
A special thank you was extended to Orbea UK for their support and to Ben Moore for his contributions to the day’s success. Events like these are made possible by the enthusiasm of riders and the backing of manufacturers, and the team at E-Bikeshop looks forward to hosting more similar events in the future.
For those interested in exploring the 2023 Orbea Wild and Rise models, E-Bikeshop in Farnham, Surrey, remains the go-to destination in the UK to see the full range of bikes in all colours and sizes. Appointments can be booked directly to experience these exceptional eMTBs firsthand.
