Orbea has been at the forefront of eMTB design and integration and even helped to popularize the SL category with its Rise models. The brand continues to innovate and recently announced the next step in its RS Control System, aiming to simplify e-bike controls while enhancing the rider experience. This system “is a new package that combines e-bike controls, ride information, and smart dropper functionality into a single, compact, and intuitive unit, powered entirely by the bike’s main battery.”
Orbea developed this system in-house, with a unique CAN bus communication network that creates a fully interconnected ecosystem. To be clear, most e-bike drive systems are already interconnected, with the remote, display, and motor all powered by the battery. What sets the new RS System apart is the addition of the new RS HMI interface/remote and MC10 RS Smart Dropper Post into the same integrated system and powered by the same battery.
The new RS Control System consists of several components. These include the new RS HMI Interface, which includes the motor control, dropper control, and display in a single unit. The MC10 RS Smart Dropper Post is also brand new and boasts “smart” features and is powered by the bike’s battery. Let’s take a deeper look at the components and features of Orbea’s new RS System.
RS HMI Interface
Orbea developed its own RS System Interface, which contains both the motor and dropper controls and serves as the display. According to Orbea, the ergonomic unit has multiple mounting options to ensure a perfect fit for any cockpit layout and includes “smart features, which add innovative functionality.”
The motor is controlled with two familiar up/down buttons, but Orbea says they “are larger, textured, and offer clear tactile feedback, even with gloves on.” Additionally, Orbea has added control of two smart features, which are:
- A Profile Change, which allows riders to change assistance profiles with a single button, quickly moving from RS to RS+ and vice versa.
- Super Boost to select maximum assistance for a predefined time.
The same unit also contains the dropper control, with a wireless dropper lever that mimics the feel and ergonomics of mechanical dropper levers. Orbea says it can be used in the typical fashion, but that they also added two smart features — partial drop and Ready-to-Drop — which it controls as well (more on this below). Additionally, the dropper lever is replaceable or removable if you opt for a different dropper.
The display is also built into the RS HMI Interface. It consists of 6 LEDs communicating battery life, assist mode, and other smart functions. Orbea’s intention with the simplified display is to provide essential information without unnecessary distractions. Riders interested in more information can use the RS Toolbox to sync to Garmin devices for on-screen, real-time metrics.
MC10 RS Smart Dropper Post
Perhaps even more interesting than the RS HMI Interface, the MC10 RS Smart Dropper brings a lot of innovative features to the table. First, it is wired directly to the bike’s battery supply, so it never needs to be charged separately. Second, without a battery, it is much lighter, with a claimed starting weight of 646 grams in the 240 mm length. Third, with no external battery, it has a much lower stack height than other wireless droppers for travel maximization. On top of that, it has a travel reduction system to adjust travel in 5 mm increments to optimize the fit.
It works like a regular dropper post, of course, but Orbea states that their proprietary sensor system allows for the use of “smart features”. These include a partial drop where “riders can set an intermediate travel point and have the post stop at this position.” The Ready-to-Drop feature allows riders to preemptively activate the post and drop it when ready, which could be useful when approaching technical features.
RS App and RS Toolbox
Wouldn’t you know it, there’s an app for that. Like any good e-bike drive system, the RS app allows riders to customize the drive system (and dropper) and receive firmware updates for users with iOS and Android devices.
Additionally, the RS Toolbox pairs with your favorite Garmin computer or smartwatch. Through the Toolbox, you can sync your ride metrics — cadence, torque, battery life, ride time, etc. — to the device so you can monitor them there.
RS Control System: Availability
The new RS Control System is available starting now on select Orbea Rise models. Currently, it is only compatible with the RS-tuned Shimano EP8 drive units and models with the new Shimano Di2 wireless drivetrains. These include the shorter travel Rise SL M-LTD and M10, as well as the longer travel Rise LT M-Team and M10.
Check them out on the Orbea website or at your local Orbea dealer.
