Atherton s170e vs Orbea Wild LT

[Gj1975]

A heavy ugly expensive glued together frame? No fucken way would i touch the Atherton.

My vote, orbea all the way.

Now that is a heart felt opinion.

 

[Plummet]

Now that is a heart felt opinion.

Hehehe....

The only thing the atheton has going for it is many frame size options.

But really, if you are used to a Rise then get on some heavier full power bikes and ride them before you throw down cash. A 24kg bike like the Atheton is a fair chunk heavier than the rise you are used to. It will feel like heavy pos by comparison. By the time you add pedals and a drive bottle you will be 25+kg.

My first e-bike was a heavy 25+kg bike and I just didnt like that weight. Now im down to 22kg ish depending on battery i use and thats a lot better.

If i was you and wanted a similar weight to the rise with more capability I would build up the wilk with 600wh battery and light af components. You should be in the 21-22kg range and have a rocking bike.

I think 20-22kg is the sweet spot for full power E's. That aren't so heavy that the experience is compromised but they have the grunt when needed or you can power down and ride them more like a mid power bike.

 

[Singletrackmind]

I'm trying to decide between the Wild LT and the Mondraker Zendit

I had the 2023 & 2025 Orbea Wild's and currently have Mondraker Zendit. All of them are great bikes! Setting aside the difference in motor performance, I would say the Zendit is a slightly better climber and can handle the chunky dh stuff a little better. I really enjoyed how poppy and fun the Wild was to ride and the Zendits forward geometry and Zero Suspension kinematics truly stands out.

 

[Gj1975]

I had the 2023 & 2025 Orbea Wild's and currently have Mondraker Zendit. All of them are great bikes! Setting aside the difference in motor performance, I would say the Zendit is a slightly better climber and can handle the chunky dh stuff a little better. I really enjoyed how poppy and fun the Wild was to ride and the Zendits forward geometry and Zero Suspension kinematics truly stands out.

Thanks for your thoughts. Would love to get a similar comparison between the zendit and the new wild LT.
zendit is on my list as well. Problem seems to be with all these bikes that you can’t actually get hold of one or test ride them.

 

[Singletrackmind]

Thanks for your thoughts. Would love to get a similar comparison between the zendit and the new wild LT.
zendit is on my list as well. Problem seems to be with all these bikes that you can’t actually get hold of one or test ride them.

Yeah and when you can, its usually only in a parking lot! Orbea does offer you custom paint options and the ability to choose certain components. Stating the obvious, component choices also play a huge factor in how a bike performs.

 

[High Rock Ruti]

Thanks for your thoughts. Would love to get a similar comparison between the zendit and the new wild LT.
zendit is on my list as well. Problem seems to be with all these bikes that you can’t actually get hold of one or test ride them.

High Rock Ruti

I've had the Orbea wild team and team ltd, Bosch powered. Not sure but I think they were 20 and 23. Fantastic bikes, very dependable, save drive trains. The 20 eats drive trains, chains, cassettes and derailleurs. The 23 has T type electric derailleur, got about 2200 miles same derailleur, but chains and cassettes the usual 450 to 750 miles. Frames seem up to task for the mediocre rider I am. The 23 is harder to ride, it's rewards decisive riding and punishes hap hazard riding. I've found loam wolf to be very accurate in reviews about the Orbea, not really forgiving, maybe not the bike for really long rides, over 15 miles ish for me, great bikes love them both.

Warm Regards Ruti

 

[AlsbachRyder]

I test rode the Zendit RRS. Great bike.

I went with the Orbea Wild M20 anyway because it was available right away. It’s currently getting new XT brakes and new Oquo MC32 wheels. Will get it next wednesday. After that, I’ll upgrade to the RS Ultimate Suspension (Zeb/Super Deluxe) as soon as possible.

 

[Singletrackmind]

High Rock Ruti

I've had the Orbea wild team and team ltd, Bosch powered. Not sure but I think they were 20 and 23. Fantastic bikes, very dependable, save drive trains. The 20 eats drive trains, chains, cassettes and derailleurs. The 23 has T type electric derailleur, got about 2200 miles same derailleur, but chains and cassettes the usual 450 to 750 miles. Frames seem up to task for the mediocre rider I am. The 23 is harder to ride, it's rewards decisive riding and punishes hap hazard riding. I've found loam wolf to be very accurate in reviews about the Orbea, not really forgiving, maybe not the bike for really long rides, over 15 miles ish for me, great bikes love them both.

Warm Regards Ruti

I found the 2025 Wild to be a little more compliant in the feel and felt more like you were riding in it than on top of it. They both climbed excellent. The geometry on the newest Wild seems a little more geared towards the dh side and I'm sure its a great all-round bike! I planned on getting the new Wild along with then Zendit and Crestline RS181.2 I just build, but I'm liking the Zendit so much not sure of the benefit. Leaning towards the Pivot Shuttle AMP'd for an all-day in the saddle emtb and I have been super impressed with how well the Crestline performs overall being a full 180mm travel bike. I may hang tight and see how the MGU/MTU (have went figured out what we're gonna call those Derailleurless beast?) plays out.

 

[Suns_PSD]

We're really discussing minute differences as we tend to do on enthusiast forums, but from where I'm sitting the Bosch Wild is a really ideal AM bike with a wide band where it functions really well, whereas the Avinox Wild is just centered a bit more over the Super Enduro space.
As a result you'll find the Bosch version a bit more out of its element on a hard-core DH trail, whereas the Avinox version will likely be a bit more out of its element while trail riding. It's just the nature of being more slack and it's effects on front to rear balance, and utilizing a lower AS rear suspension design.
Guess what? Both can do all the things exceptionally well anyways.

 

[Powerslider]

Hehehe....

The only thing the atheton has going for it is many frame size options.

I think we can come up with more things that Atherton brings to the table. For example, isn’t the Atherton less expensive? Some (not me) might even prefer an alloy frame. Also, unlike Orbea’s RS M2S; we know there’s little issue making Atherton’s M2S 28 mph capable if desired. Some people might not care about those factors, but they’re there.

 

[Eckythump]

Also, unlike Orbea’s RS M2S; we know there’s zero issue making Atherton’s M2S 28 mph capable if desired.

No had a lot of success trying to get mine to support to 20mph.
Although I have not made too concerted an effort yet.

 

[Zero71]

I'm considering ordering the Wild LT too. Thing is, I'm more of a natural trail rider, mostly along the West Highland Way from Milngavie, with occasional trips to Carron Valley and Glentress Red/Blue. So I'm far from a hardcore gravity rider. Current bike is an SB140.

The LT appeals because of the RS tune, the integration, and it doesn't hurt that it looks pretty good. I do worry that it is way too much bike. Thing is, the previous Bosch model, still 170/170, seemed to be considered a great all rounder, even though it is so long. Is Rob's view that it's a bit too much as a trail bike influenced by the giant XL sizing and 180 fork on his test bike, or is it just too much for my riding.

The other bike I have been considering is the Druid E Tier 2, which ticks a lot of boxes, but misses out on the more reactive tune which really appeals on the Orbea. The Druid seems like a more comfortable riding position for my aging back and hands too.

 

[Eckythump]

I'm considering ordering the Wild LT too. Thing is, I'm more of a natural trail rider, mostly along the West Highland Way from Milngavie, with occasional trips to Carron Valley and Glentress Red/Blue. So I'm far from a hardcore gravity rider. Current bike is an SB140.

The LT appeals because of the RS tune, the integration, and it doesn't hurt that it looks pretty good. I do worry that it is way too much bike. Thing is, the previous Bosch model, still 170/170, seemed to be considered a great all rounder, even though it is so long. Is Rob's view that it's a bit too much as a trail bike influenced by the giant XL sizing and 180 fork on his test bike, or is it just too much for my riding.

The other bike I have been considering is the Druid E Tier 2, which ticks a lot of boxes, but misses out on the more reactive tune which really appeals on the Orbea. The Druid seems like a more comfortable riding position for my aging back and hands too.

Think if I was after a quicker handling more trail oriented bike with an Avinox motor I’d be looking at Pivot Amp’d or an Amflow.

 

[Zero71]

Yeah on paper that makes sense. The Pivot is a bit pricey though. And only the Orbea has the RS tune which seems designed for natural trails. The Druid E with the RS tune would be close to perfect. I suffer hand pain on longer rides, the Druid E seems like good fit for that too. And it's the same price as the PX Pro but with 800w of range.

 

[Eckythump]

Sounds like you have your target in sight and I am sure you will be able to come up with a tune to approximate the Orbea RS behaviour in a Druid-e.

 

[High Rock Ruti]

I found the 2025 Wild to be a little more compliant in the feel and felt more like you were riding in it than on top of it. They both climbed excellent. The geometry on the newest Wild seems a little more geared towards the dh side and I'm sure its a great all-round bike! I planned on getting the new Wild along with then Zendit and Crestline RS181.2 I just build, but I'm liking the Zendit so much not sure of the benefit. Leaning towards the Pivot Shuttle AMP'd for an all-day in the saddle emtb and I have been super impressed with how well the Crestline performs overall being a full 180mm travel bike. I may hang tight and see how the MGU/MTU (have went figured out what we're gonna call those Derailleurless beast?) plays out.

High Rock Ruti

My brand new Pivot Amp'd the 12K usd model is sitting in the bike rake on the back of the car. My brand new torn achilles is sitting in the surgical wrap. I stepped off the bike at a stand still and put my foot down on a steep slope, when my heel almost met the ground "SNAP". Months of rehab ahead, at 71 it's the worst injury I've ever had, considering the way I've behaved very very lucky to have so far had a very durable body. (sorry for the sideways narrative).

The Pivot Amp'd is fantastic to ride, my only quibble is the chain stays are short and motor is VERY long on power, light front wheel after the 23 Orbea Team Ltd.

The rear suspension is so good with the DW link traction is fabulous. Still sorting out the Zeb trying to soften it up, almost there. Bought the second tear bike, ($12,000 2nd tear) after reading that the new Fox 38 was less compliant than the Zeb, in case your wondering, this is called "first world or luxury problems".

The Avinox motor is really something great!

Warm Regards Ruti

 

[Powerslider]

High Rock Ruti

My brand new Pivot Amp'd the 12K usd model is sitting in the bike rake on the back of the car. My brand new torn achilles is sitting in the surgical wrap. I stepped off the bike at a stand still and put my foot down on a steep slope, when my heel almost met the ground "SNAP". Months of rehab ahead, at 71 it's the worst injury I've ever had, considering the way I've behaved very very lucky to have so far had a very durable body. (sorry for the sideways narrative).

The Pivot Amp'd is fantastic to ride, my only quibble is the chain stays are short and motor is VERY long on power, light front wheel after the 23 Orbea Team Ltd.

The rear suspension is so good with the DW link traction is fabulous. Still sorting out the Zeb trying to soften it up, almost there. Bought the second tear bike, ($12,000 2nd tear) after reading that the new Fox 38 was less compliant than the Zeb, in case your wondering, this is called "first world or luxury problems".

The Avinox motor is really something great!

Warm Regards Ruti

I know so many people who broke their tendon doing almost nothing; it’s become a minor fear of mine. Long recovery too. You have my sympathy.

 

[ntm95]

I must admit I am not the type of rider who can scan a geo chart and work out if the bike is good for me or if the numbers work. But…. I’m pretty sure the Athertons know a little more about the numbers than I do… and Dan rides a size 8 apparently

You’d be surprised how biased older racers are. If they had their best results in 2017 on relatively unbalanced geo of the day, they will build a bike that emulates that.
Also, local terrain and usage for testing plays a large role.