OOLAB. How we developed the new Wild

How do you take a bike as capable as Wild to the next level?

Testing in the E-EDR with our Orbea Enduro Team took us so far, but we went one step further. Under the control of Martin Maes, we took a modified Wild to the Downhill World Cup. We weren’t focussed on the results, it was more important for us to test creative concepts in the most abusive environment possible.

Speeds are higher and forces are greater in downhill than any other discipline of mountain biking. The capabilities of the OOLab prototype Wild were proven at Fort William, Andorra and Mont-Sainte-Anne, where valuable lessons were learned to help to direct the development of the production bike.

The Orbea Wild was developed on the toughest tracks to maximise your performance, no matter the trail.

To race the Wild in a Downhill World Cup, we had to remove the motor and battery. To replace it, we developed the “Dummy” cradle. More than just a way to mount the bottom bracket, the Dummy was designed in a way that would allow us to experiment with both stiffness and weight distribution.

Prototype frames with the Dummy and varying stiffnesses were tested with the OOLab athletes, informing us how the result performed out on the track. Our laboratories allowed us to then put numbers to that feeling, feeding into the development. Cycles of testing and riding guided us to the sweet spot for e-bike stiffness, which we found to be around 10% greater than an equivalent non-eBike. Obtaining this stiffness without adding excess weight was a challenge, which was solved by the braced frame design.

Larger bikes have longer tubes which decreases rigidity, this is counterintuitive since larger riders need more support. Our control over rigidity allows us to adjust the frame so that each size feels consistent. This is size-tuned stiffness, and we believe we are the only bike manufacturer currently implementing this.

In the prototype downhill Wild, removing the weight of the eBike system changed the weight distribution and resulting shock tunes. Using the Dummy, we experimented with adding different amounts of weight to different positions around the bottom bracket area. We were able to determine an optimised weight distribution, simulating the weight of the Bosch system and changing its positioning around the BB.

When the tracks get steep, clearance becomes important, and tracks don’t get much steeper than on the downhill circuit. Testing the Wild with a mixed-wheel setup and different rocker links helped us to identify the possibilities that a mullet configuration can offer, so we made it an option for the production Wild.

Mixed wheels work really well with our Steep ‘N’ Deep design, which allows for long travel dropper seatposts. When the saddle is right down, the smaller rear wheel lets the rider capitalise on the extra space. More clearance, maximum control.

Experimenting with different rocker links, we were able to easily test different shock travels and kinematics. The OOLab downhill Wild featured 200mm of travel to best handle the rigours of racing, which carried some significant benefits when paired with increased progression. For the production Wild, we upped travel to 170mm, and optimised the kinematics to deliver the best suspension performance possible, up and down the hill.

We worked to minimise weight on the new Wild where it makes sense. However, it was clear that the potential of the new ultra-capable frame must be matched with uncompromised components throughout. With complete bikes weighing in at less than 21kg, the Orbea Wild is one of the lighter full-power e-bikes out there, and we haven’t compromised to get to that weight.

That means burly Fox 38 forks, quality tyres, and tough OQUO MC32 Power wheels, which prioritise performance over grams.

Bosch Performance Line CX MY25.

The Bosch CX eBike system needs no introduction, with class leading power and responsiveness. The latest generation Bosch Performance Line CX drive unit is quieter, lighter and smoother than ever before. With more precise control of the 85 Nm torque, technical climbing is easier than ever.

OOLab E-EDR athletes found additional benefit with the new motor mounting, which delivers a stiffer and more direct connection to the frame to maximize control.

Two battery options allow you to set up your Wild for how you like to ride. Choose the 600Wh battery for the lightest Wild possible, giving you the most responsive handling up and down the hill. If you regularly enjoy full day rides, then choose the 750Wh battery for a huge range. Add the Range Extender for those occasional extra-long rides.