Welcome back to the #1 MTB newsletter brought to you by RECON, mountain biking’s fastest growing media brand and online store.

On today's ride:

•  ⚡️ The role model for E-MTBs: Orbea launches new Rallon RS

•  🏁 Established in 2005: Red Bull District Ride is back for 2026

• 🚵‍♀️ Freeride ain’t dead: Brage Vestavik joins Norco Bicycles

Please consider clicking on our ad’s to help support the newsletter… Every click counts!

👇 Quick Picks

🚨 Cold VS Hot - Snowy Alps VS Tasman Summer

The UCI Snow Bike World Championships in Châtel, France, are back on 7 February 2026 after a huge success in 2025. But there’s a twist: it’s on the exact same day as Red Bull Hardline Tasmania, where many top racers will be shredding in the sun. Snow or sunshine – riders have a tough choice to make. Either way, it’s pure joy to watch MTB racing go down both in winter and in summer. 🏔️☀️🚵‍♂️

🦈 Big Player is leaving - Eurobike Future?

Shimano is skipping Eurobike 2026. The bike giant says it wants to try new ways of connecting with riders and partners instead of showing up at the trade show. According to Shimano, changing visitor habits, higher costs, and new ways brands engage with the cycling scene pushed the decision. The company stressed it’s still fully committed to the global cycling community — just showing up differently. Shimano’s exit is a tough hit for Eurobike organisers, who were hoping to boost the event ahead of a planned relaunch in 2027.

🫡 Power Drink: New UCI World Cup Sponsoring Partner

Monster Energy is going big in MTB 💥 The brand has signed on as the official energy drink partner of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in a long-term deal with WBD Sports. From 2026 on, Monster will be on-site at all 14 rounds, bringing bold branding, fan activations, and serious broadcast presence all season long. With a stacked MTB legacy and top riders like Amaury Pierron, Marine Cabirou, Loris Vergier, and Troy Brosnan already crushing World Cup podiums, this partnership feels like a perfect match. 🏔️⚡

TECH

🔄 Orbea Rallon RS - A look into the Future of (E)-Mountain Bikes?

With the Rallon RS, Orbea isn’t just launching another high-end e-MTB. The Basque brand is opening a window into what the future of mountain biking could look like. The goal was ambitious from the start: build the ultimate dream bike. To get there, Orbea teamed up closely with Fox and TQ, developing solutions together instead of simply bolting existing parts onto a frame.

That kind of vision comes at a price. Even the entry-level Rallon RS breaks into five-figure territory. At around 18 kilos, with real enduro suspension and no obvious compromises in spec, it sounds almost too good on paper. The big question is whether it delivers on the trail.

Interest in e-MTBs has been growing rapidly among MTB-News readers, and bikes like the Rallon RS sit right at the intersection between classic mountain biking and electric support. Because of its extreme closeness to a “normal” bike, we’re taking a full, uncensored look at the Rallon RS for the first time. In our eyes, it’s a true crossover machine and that’s exactly why it belongs here.

A Master of Disguise

At first glance, the Rallon RS looks almost identical to the regular Rallon enduro bike. Long travel, aggressive stance, race-ready proportions. With 180 mm of travel up front and 170 mm at the rear, nobody would call this a trail bike based on numbers alone. Thanks to interchangeable linkages, the bike can be run either as a full 29er or in mullet configuration with a 27.5 rear wheel. Under the surface, though, things get a lot more interesting.

Rider Synergy: More Than a Name

RS stands for Rider Synergy. Not racing, not marketing fluff, but Orbea’s idea of turning multiple systems into one coherent experience. On the Rallon RS, drivetrain, dropper post, suspension and motor don’t just coexist. They actively talk to each other. This goes far beyond what we usually see, even in the wireless AXS ecosystem. Orbea’s focus was clear: reduce complexity for the rider. Fewer batteries, fewer chargers, less hassle. Everything runs off one main battery.

The electronic Shimano Di2 drivetrain draws power directly from the bike. The same goes for Orbea’s MC10 electronic dropper post, which works without its own battery. Even the Fox Live Valve Neo system has been integrated in a way we haven’t seen before. The shock no longer relies on its own power source but is wired into a central gateway hidden near the main pivot. This hub distributes power and processes data from all systems in real time.

Only a few components still use coin cell batteries, like the Live Valve sensors at the brake mounts and the Di2 shifter. The payoff is smart data sharing. Motor output, gear position and dropper status can all influence how the suspension behaves. That gives the Live Valve system a much better basis for decision-making.

Suspension That Thinks Ahead

In simple terms, if the sensors don’t detect a reason for the shock to open, it stays closed. The firmness of that closed mode can be adjusted directly on the shock, along with the low-speed compression.

Because the rear suspension can effectively lock itself within milliseconds on climbs, Orbea was able to rethink the kinematics. The split-pivot design remains, but the main pivot has moved noticeably compared to the previous Rallon. It now sits lower and further back. Without Live Valve, this setup might feel less calm under pedaling, but with the electronic shock doing its thing, anti-squat becomes far less critical. The result is a more neutral braking behavior and a rear end that stays composed when it matters most.

Small Details Done Right

Orbea clearly paid attention to the little things. A multitool is integrated into the bike. The rear axle lever doubles as a 6 mm hex key. The chainstay and main pivot are well protected. Internal cable routing is clean, service-friendly and even offers optional entry ports. There is one single charging port on the top tube. Plug it in and everything charges at once. If you’re into electronic systems, this is about as good as it gets right now.

The Motor Nobody Sees

One of the biggest surprises is the motor itself. Orbea uses the TQ HPR40, originally developed for road bikes, instead of TQ’s MTB-specific unit. The motor weighs just 1,170 grams and uses the harmonic pin ring gearbox, which keeps it compact, quiet and incredibly smooth.

With 40 Nm of torque and a peak output of 200 watts, this is clearly not about brute force. The idea is support that enhances your riding rather than overpowering it. From the drive side, the motor is barely visible. If stealth matters to you, the Rallon RS absolutely nails it.

A Different Take on Power Delivery

Together with TQ, Orbea completely reworked the motor tuning. Instead of a linear power curve, they went for a strongly progressive one. In Rally mode, full motor support only kicks in once you’re putting out around 240 watts yourself. In Range mode, that threshold rises to about 340 watts. Ultra mode is reserved for very strong or heavier riders, requiring over 450 watts of rider input to unlock the full 200 watts of assistance.

The idea is simple: the bike rewards effort. The motor feels like a tailwind, not a replacement for your legs. The software also adapts over time, learning from the rider’s input and adjusting accordingly.

Battery and Range

The internal battery holds 290 Wh and weighs under 1.5 kg. That may sound small by today’s standards, but the system is impressively efficient. For longer rides, a 160 Wh range extender is available, though it comes at a premium. Even with the extender mounted, the bike keeps its clean look, especially if you hide the charging port behind a standard water bottle.

So, Is It Worth It?

There’s no denying it: the Orbea Rallon RS is an outstanding bike. It rides incredibly well, feels light, precise and refined, and offers a level of system integration that currently sets the benchmark. But at up to 15,000 euros, it lives in a world of its own. Even the 11,000 euro starting price is a massive hurdle. At this level, expectations are sky-high, and while the Rallon RS comes close, a few compromises remain.

Personally, at this price point, we’d want an even more adjustable geometry, a service package included, and maybe a fork that feels perfect straight out of the box.

Final Thoughts

The Orbea Rallon RS is bold, innovative and unapologetically niche. It’s not trying to convert traditional e-MTB riders. Instead, it’s targeting high-end mountain bikers who want subtle support without sacrificing ride feel.

Functionally, there’s very little to criticize. No matter how you categorize it, this is a top-tier bike. Whether it’s the future of mountain biking or a glimpse into one possible direction remains to be seen. What’s certain is that Orbea has built something truly special.

EVENTS

📏 Red Bull District Ride 2026 goes to Groningen

Netherlands instead of Nuremberg: The Red Bull District Ride is back in 2026, but this time it’s leaving Germany and heading to the Netherlands. After legendary editions in Nuremberg, first in 2005 and last in 2022, the iconic urban slopestyle event is getting a fresh setting in the heart of Groningen.

The city center of Groningen, located about 50 kilometers from the German border, will turn into a full-on urban freestyle playground. For the first time ever, the course won’t run from a castle down into the city. Instead, it will be built straight into the urban landscape, right around the Grote Markt. Think tricks between buildings, landings on city squares, and riding right where people usually hang out, shop, and grab coffee.

That’s what District Ride has always been about. Urban trick madness right outside your front door, not some remote mountain location. Since 2005, the event has delivered countless iconic moments, so the 2026 comeback already feels like a guaranteed highlight.

Women Premiere and FMB Points

There’s another big first coming up in Groningen. For the first time in District Ride history, women will officially compete. Back in 2022, the best female riders were already throwing down on the Nuremberg course during the Progression Session, but there was no standalone contest yet. That’s about to change. Alongside the men’s competition, Groningen will host a women’s contest, with riders like Germany’s Patricia Druwen expected to be on the start list. Just like in the men’s field, wildcard winners will also get their shot next to the world’s top slopestyle athletes.

As always, Red Bull District Ride 2026 is locked in as an FMB World Tour Diamond Event and part of the Slopestyle Super League. The series includes six more top-tier stops, such as the Diamond Events at Crankworx Whistler and Crankworx Rotorua. In short, this is as big as it gets.

The NEW course

In Nuremberg, riders dropped around 80 to 100 vertical meters from the Kaiserburg down to the main market square. Groningen doesn’t have that kind of elevation, so the concept is changing completely. Buildings will become features, open spaces will turn into landing zones, and the whole course will be woven into the city itself. Concrete details are still under wraps, but one thing is clear: the course will once again be designed together with the riders. As soon as more info drops, we’ll keep you updated.

One thing is pretty certain though. A long downhill run like the one from the Kaiserburg into downtown Nuremberg won’t be part of the Groningen setup.

Livestream on Red Bull TV

Red Bull District Ride 2026 goes down on July 24 and 25. The finals on July 25, 2026 will be streamed live on Red Bull TV, so even if you’re not in Groningen, you won’t miss a single trick.

SCENE

Brage Vestavik Joins Norco Bicycles - Viking X Northshore

If freeride had a face, it would probably look a lot like Brage Vestavik sending something way too big and somehow riding away from it. Growing up in Mysen, Norway, Brage was already building his own North Shore style features as a kid and pushing what he thought was possible on a bike. That early mix of creativity and zero fear turned into a riding style that’s loud, heavy, and impossible to ignore. Watching Brage ride feels more like a metal concert than a bike edit. It’s raw, experimental, and constantly breaking rules.

Even today, that mindset hasn’t changed. The jumps are bigger, the projects are crazier, and the consequences are real, but Brage still rides with the same curiosity he had as a kid. He’s all about going past limits, not just to be wild, but to find something new. That’s why so many people look up to him. He doesn’t just ride trails, he builds his own reality on a bike and invites everyone else to do the same.

Freeride Legacy at the North Shore

That attitude made teaming up with Norco Bicycles feel like a natural move. Brage has always been drawn to the Coast Mountains and the history of freeride in British Columbia. Norco comes straight out of that scene. Back in the early 2000s, when freeride was still being defined, Norco was already there, building bikes like the legendary VPS that could survive the punishment of the North Shore. Freeride isn’t just a marketing word for them, it’s part of their DNA. Brage’s energy, work ethic, and creativity sit right at the sharp end of modern mountain biking. Combined with Norco’s deep freeride roots and their current engineering, this partnership is all about seeing how far the sport can really go.

For Norco, the connection went way beyond contracts and logos. As a family owned company, they care deeply about the people behind the riding, the communities, and the culture that make mountain biking what it is. When Brage first met with Norco’s Brand Director Elli Petersilie, it didn’t feel like a business meeting. It felt easy and honest. Their values matched up right away. Doing things for the right reasons, with the right people, and letting the riding speak louder than words. That kind of authenticity is rare, and it matters.

From Norco’s side, Brage brings a level of commitment that lifts everyone around him. This partnership is built on trust, shared motivation, and the belief that the best projects take time. There’s no rush, just passion, patience, and a clear vision of where things can go next.

Growing up, Brage was obsessed with the North Shore scene and Canadian freeride. Signing with a brand that started right there, where freeride was born, feels unreal. Norco had always been a symbol of freeride for him. Riders like Ryan Leech inspired him early on, and Ben Boyko remains one of his all time favorites. Even the old Norco magazine stickers, with the rider holding a shovel, are burned into his memory from when he was a kid dreaming about bikes. Getting to this point has been a long journey. Brage’s riding vision and the projects he creates with his crew don’t happen overnight. Some ideas take months or even years to turn into reality. Having a brand like Norco fully trust that process and move forward together means a lot to him.

Second Home British Columbia

Spending more time in British Columbia is another huge part of the puzzle. With Norco’s headquarters close by, it’s the first time Brage has had a full team around him, helping push bike development to the next level. Working directly with the engineers, testing new bikes in Canada, and just hanging out with the crew feels like the perfect setup to shape the future of freeriding.

At the same time, Norway will always be home. Expanding this new chapter across Scandinavia was important to Brage, and teaming up with Response Nordic as Norco’s distributor makes it even better. The goal is to make bikes more accessible for kids and help grow the next generation of riders in Norway. With projects like B-RAGE Sesh, Trysil Bike Arena, and more in the works, Brage is proud to represent such an iconic freeride brand back home.

🏁 Video Of The Week

Eddie Reynolds shredding his Kona a lot:

🎧 Podcast Of The Week

Nukeproof is back- let’s hear more about it:

This newsletter is written with ❤️ every week by the Recon Team with a special shoutout to Marc Brodesser!