There have been tweaks made to the 2023 edition of the bike in a few different areas, which may be considered somewhat risky. Sometimes, after all, less is more, and changing a good thing can actually take a bike backwards, rather than improving it.
So does the Spanish manufacturer mess up with the 2023 Wild M-LTD? Or do they only add the cherry to the cake? Well, let’s get stuck into this Orbean Wild review…
Our Verdict
No enduro e-MTB has dished out as much pleasure as the Orbea Wild M-LTD.
Bleeding gorgeous, the thing is an absolute beauty, with the amount of versatility and durability offered being pretty immense. It's capable of dropping the biggest drops, the trickiest climbs, and has the handling to cope with the most challenging technical sections.
Some bikes that offer such a rounded package; it's dripping in high-spec components and boasts a market-leading bit of kit in the motor department.
There are only two issues; you don't get a display as standard, and it's a pain to charge.
These are very easy fixes to make, though, to take this to a 5 out of 5.
Orbea Wild M-LTD Review: Power, Precision, and Perfect Trails
Peaks:
- Handling
- Durability
- Battery range
- Motor power
- Motor intelligence
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Versatility
Troughs:
- No display as standard
- A hassle to charge
Weight/Frame
The Orbea Wild weighs in at 22.56kg in its large frame size, the one we rode during our review rides. The main area to which stiffness has been added to this bike for the 2023 edition is in the frame, where the company has removed the battery flap on the downtube that they claim reduced downtube stiffness by more than 50%.
This balance means that the bike feels assured on the climbs with enough traction that will heighten pedaling efficiency but also having an aggressive enough stance to be able to attack descents without any worry.
You can choose between 4 bike Orbea has got the mix bang on and the bike comes in 4 frame sizes – small, medium, large and extra large.
Battery
Orbea Wild M-LTD comes with a 625Wh Bosch PowerTube battery as standard, although you can upgrade the set-up on purchase to a 750Wh for an extra $275. We impressed with the performance of Bosch PowerTube on the Orbea Wild – it’s a good battery anyway, but seems to excel on this bike.
We managed to knock out some really enormous numbers, going over 150km with large sections of climbing. The battery size to weight ratio is impressive, and clearly, with the 750Wh battery, you would have even more gas in the tank.
The battery is well secured in the downtube as we already mentioned-it can also be kind of a pain to remove, but Orbea claims that it provides greater resistance to the strength of the bike frame by eliminating the clip in and out flap.
Fortunately you have that wide range, and so you do not have to present with hassle too soon. The battery charges to 50% in just over 2 hours from flat, and it takes just under 5 hours to charge up to 100%.
Motor
Orbea Wild M-LTD motor You get the same sizeable 85Nm of torque, but you also get an awful lot else thrown in to enhance your ride. The motor is extremely intelligent and can feel when you’re using how much force through the pedal and will turn off its support if it thinks you can complete part of your ride under your own steam – similarly, if it thinks you’re working too hard, it’ll amp up its assistance on its own.
ℹ️ Be cautious with your assistance use on hazardous technical sections – the bike’s heavyweight, combined with its immense power, could lead to a nasty accident if you aren’t careful or don’t have the strength to cope with it.
Motor Display
Suspension
FOX 38 Float Factory forks and FOX Float X2 Factory rear shocks come as standard on the bike. That’s a mega setup made for some serious punishment on the trickiest descents and the bike excels as a result.
For a very comfortingly smooth ride at full-out paces, downhill; at times, it has the air of a conventional enduro MTB; you can launch it off some big old drops, and the suspension responds with finesse. All told, you feel you are never going to come crunching down, nor are you ever going to break a limb on impact.
The suspension and super strong frame harmoniously work together to make for a really comfortable ride, even on gnarly terrain.
Wheels/Tyres
Brakes
Drivetrain
The 12-speed Shimano XTR M9100 drivetrain is equipped on the Orbea Wild M-LTD. Another excellent component set, some of the best there are in the market. They provide refreshingly smooth shifting and responsiveness, which can easily address the heavy demands you cast upon it.
Price: $13,289
Orbea Wild M-LTD Facts & Figures
Geometry
| SEAT TUBE (C-T) | 415.0 | 415.0 | 435.0 | 460.0 |
| TOP TUBE (EFF) | 573.0 | 595.0 | 622.0 | 649.0 |
| HEAD TUBE | 110.0 | 120.0 | 130.0 | 140.0 |
| CHAINSTAY | 448.0 | 448.0 | 448.0 | 448.0 |
| BB HEIGHT | 353.0 | 353.0 | 353.0 | 353.0 |
| BB DROP | 25.0 | 25.0 | 25.0 | 25.0 |
| WHEELBASE | 1223.0 | 1247.0 | 1277.0 | 1306.0 |
| HEAD ANGLE | 64.0° | 64.0° | 64.0° | 64.0° |
| SEAT ANGLE | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° |
| STANDOVER | 700.0 | 700.0 | 700.0 | 700.0 |
| REACH | 435.0 | 455.0 | 480.0 | 505.0 |
| STACK | 621.0 | 630.0 | 639.0 | 648.0 |
| FORK LENGTH | 575.0 | 575.0 | 575.0 | 575.0 |
| RAKE | 44.0 | 44.0 | 44.0 | 44.0 |
Versatility and Adaptability for Any Trail
What makes the Orbea Wild M-LTD stand out is its versatility. It’s designed to handle a wide range of trail conditions, from technical uphill climbs to fast descents and everything in between. The bike’s geometry allows for quick handling and responsive turns, making it ideal for both tight and wide trails.
The Wild M-LTD is equipped with high-end tires that offer excellent grip, ensuring a stable ride across different surfaces. The bike’s large tires are perfect for tackling gravel, dirt, and mud, providing maximum traction while riding on slick or loose surfaces. Coupled with the precision of the suspension, these tires allow riders to feel in full control, even when the conditions get tough.
How Does it Compare?
The S-Works comes in at 22.1kg, 0.4kg lighter than our Orbea Wild, and boasts a fully carbon frame. You get a custom 700Wh battery on Specialized, which is on par with our Bosch model, with excellent range on both.
And you get 90Nm of torque with Specialized’s custom motor, which is 5Nm more than our Orbea’s Bosch Performance Line CX-R – both run incredibly intelligently and are the cream of the crop.
Specialized has fitted its sublime Mastermind TCU display, which takes an experience in ride quality to a whole new level but you lose some travel – just 160mm at the front and 150mm at the rear.
Our Orbea has 10mm more at both the front and rear end, though the Specialized features a mullet wheel setup with a view to add playfulness. Specialized has chosen Magura MT7 brakes and an SRAM XG drivetrain – in line with our components.
The Specialized at $15,000 – some $1,700 dearer than our Orbea. It is overpriced in this department, but otherwise excellent in every way, coming out just on top of our outstanding Orbea in this competition.
Customizable Fit for Every Rider
The ergonomic design of the bike ensures that the rider maintains a natural and comfortable posture, reducing the risk of fatigue during longer rides. This is particularly important for those tackling more difficult trails or riding for extended periods. The geometry and adjustability allow for an ideal fit that ensures both performance and comfort.
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Final Thoughts
The Orbea Wild M-LTD is a full-on e-MTB sensation. It is geared up to go to battle against the gnarliest descents and the most hard climbing, working seamlessly all the way through. It’s seriously robust and can take on the biggest hits, but leave you feeling comfortable.
It’s dripping in high-spec components, has market leading electrics, a big old range and handles a dream. It’s one of the best enduro bikes we’ve ever ridden and in terms of rideability, there are few better on the market.
But there are two issues that bother us-a lack of a display at standard, it is really inconvenient to charge the battery, but in relation to ride quality is an absolute dream. If Orbea resolves the display and charging issues, then this is 5 out of 5. This is a bike you absolutely have to saddle up on so get out there and ride it now.
