Other Bikes Trailblaze Omega

[JayC]

Old man dirtbiker here - I have a somewhat steep and really boney trail network on my property, where I ride my CRF250 and CR125. My son-in-law stopped over with his ETM RTR (3/4-size electric dirt bike) - maybe TTR125 sized. It's pretty peppy, so I got intrigued.
I started looking into the Surron-type bikes for the lack of weight, but lack of suspension and flimsy designs put me onto a real-bike path. I ended up ordering a Trailblaze Omega, in white/red with a foot brake. I have yet to see any in-depth reviews by actual dirtbikers though, so I'm taking a chance. Does anyone know about the Omega - how it might stack up against the other 'real' e-dirtbikes? Seems like a lot of bike for the money.

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[VINSANITY]

Looks like pretty good specs, 96v x 55 amp/hr is good power and range. KTM knock off design so should handle well. Be interested to see your review.

 

[Border Dave]

Looks like pretty good specs, 96v x 55 amp/hr is good power and range. KTM knock off design so should handle well. Be interested to see your review.

I would like to see this bike up against the Arctic Leopard EXE 880.

 

[Theo]

I'm taking a chance. Does anyone know about the Omega - how it might stack up against the other 'real' e-dirtbikes? Seems like a lot of bike for the money.

Well, we can state some things from what we know.

One thing that I find interesting is that, from the pictures, I think that they use a progressive spring for the rear shock instead of using linkages or more shock tilt to get the progression.
Explanation for those who need it: generally you want the rear suspension to be progressive, which means that the more it's compressed, the stiffer it will be. Usually, there are linkages that allow that to be obtained with a good degree of control on the progression at each point of the travel.
Now, take a look at pictures of dirtbikes without linkages, like KTMs with PDS or a Yamaha YZ65 and you'll see that their rear shock is more tilted compared to other bikes with linkages. The reason for which they are like that is the greater lever arm that the rear shock has when it's compressed a lot compared to when it's compressed little, that adds progression. This solution won't give the same progression control offered by linkages, though. I see that the shock of this Omega neither has linkages, nor it has much tilt, but it also seems to me that there are some coils of the spring on the swingarm end that are less spaced and therefore softer. When the spring is compressed, it will shorten first mostly there, then it will start shortening more in the rest, where the coils are more spaced and therefore stiffer. Take a look at 0.25X playback speed @1:37:

I've noticed this solution often while looking at mopeds parked in the streets.

Another thing that I've noticed is the writing "COM" on the fork axle holder: apparently, the compression is adjusted there, which means that probably the fork has an open chamber and not a closed chamber.

I don't know how much it's necessary to have braided brake lines.

The machined instead of cast triple clamps are also peculiar on a budget bike. I mean, I've just taken a look at some pictures of 2025 CRF 450s and the triple clamps look cast.

In that video they show that it has a swappable battery. 5.3 kwh is good for that weight.

I guess it's OK to have fun on trails, maybe you should keep an eye on every possible damage during the first rides to understand where some protection should be added.

I don't think that it will suck to ride this bike, maybe it could have minor problems that you can adapt to, like a power delivery you may not like.

To me the problem is that, while I'd be surprised to find out that Surron goes bankrupt, unfortunately I wouldn't be so surprised about an unknown manufacturer and at that point the buyer could end up not having support and spare parts availability anymore.

 

[Travis]

Old man dirtbiker here - I have a somewhat steep and really boney trail network on my property, where I ride my CRF250 and CR125. My son-in-law stopped over with his ETM RTR (3/4-size electric dirt bike) - maybe TTR125 sized. It's pretty peppy, so I got intrigued.
I started looking into the Surron-type bikes for the lack of weight, but lack of suspension and flimsy designs put me onto a real-bike path. I ended up ordering a Trailblaze Omega, in white/red with a foot brake. I have yet to see any in-depth reviews by actual dirtbikers though, so I'm taking a chance. Does anyone know about the Omega - how it might stack up against the other 'real' e-dirtbikes? Seems like a lot of bike for the money.

Buy Omega Electric Bike For Sale | Trailblaze Motors LLC

Shop the Omega Electric Bike at Trailblaze Motors LLC. Experience speed, power, and eco-friendly adventures. Order Omega Electric bike today!

trailblazemotors.com

I pre-ordered the Omega as well. How did you choose your color? When I bought mine, that wasn't an option. Another thing I want to point out, these youtube videos are all using a pre production demo bike. The actual bike will have a much better, adjustable rear shock. Living in Socal, I actually was able to meet the owners and test drive the bike. I'm 6'5 300 pounds and it moved me like nothing. This bike is big, beefy, and powerful. Can't wait till it arrives.

 

[Border Dave]

I pre-ordered the Omega as well. How did you choose your color? When I bought mine, that wasn't an option. Another thing I want to point out, these youtube videos are all using a pre production demo bike. The actual bike will have a much better, adjustable rear shock. Living in Socal, I actually was able to meet the owners and test drive the bike. I'm 6'5 300 pounds and it moved me like nothing. This bike is big, beefy, and powerful. Can't wait till it arrives.

Is it a full size bike like the Stark and Arctic Leopard or mid size like the Surron Ultra Bee?

 

[JayC]

I pre-ordered the Omega as well. How did you choose your color? When I bought mine, that wasn't an option. Another thing I want to point out, these youtube videos are all using a pre production demo bike. The actual bike will have a much better, adjustable rear shock. Living in Socal, I actually was able to meet the owners and test drive the bike. I'm 6'5 300 pounds and it moved me like nothing. This bike is big, beefy, and powerful. Can't wait till it arrives.

Well, that's exciting - thanks for chiming in! Unfortunately, the available options of different colored stickers, white plastic, rear footbrake (+$120), handlebar risers, dual-sport tires or supermoto wheels/tires (+??) aren't listed on the website - I emailed and asked about options because I wanted a foot brake. You could probably get an order modification if you want something different - the bikes aren't getting shipped out from their supplier for another 3 weeks. I'd call them.
I can't wait either - the only suck is the mid-nov. delivery date to NH is bumping up against snow season - hope I can get some decent testing in before we get buried and I have to park the bikes until Spring.

 

[JayC]

Is it a full size bike like the Stark and Arctic Leopard or mid size like the Surron Ultra Bee?

Full-sized, though slightly smaller than a Varg.

 

[JayC]

Well, we can state some things from what we know.

One thing that I find interesting is that, from the pictures, I think that they use a progressive spring for the rear shock instead of using linkages or more shock tilt to get the progression.
Explanation for those who need it: generally you want the rear suspension to be progressive, which means that the more it's compressed, the stiffer it will be. Usually, there are linkages that allow that to be obtained with a good degree of control on the progression at each point of the travel.
Now, take a look at pictures of dirtbikes without linkages, like KTMs with PDS or a Yamaha YZ65 and you'll see that their rear shock is more tilted compared to other bikes with linkages. The reason for which they are like that is the greater lever arm that the rear shock has when it's compressed a lot compared to when it's compressed little, that adds progression. This solution won't give the same progression control offered by linkages, though. I see that the shock of this Omega neither has linkages, nor it has much tilt, but it also seems to me that there are some coils of the spring on the swingarm end that are less spaced and therefore softer. When the spring is compressed, it will shorten first mostly there, then it will start shortening more in the rest, where the coils are more spaced and therefore stiffer. Take a look at 0.25X playback speed @1:37:

I've noticed this solution often while looking at mopeds parked in the streets.

Another thing that I've noticed is the writing "COM" on the fork axle holder: apparently, the compression is adjusted there, which means that probably the fork has an open chamber and not a closed chamber.

I don't know how much it's necessary to have braided brake lines.

The machined instead of cast triple clamps are also peculiar on a budget bike. I mean, I've just taken a look at some pictures of 2025 CRF 450s and the triple clamps look cast.

In that video they show that it has a swappable battery. 5.3 kwh is good for that weight.

I guess it's OK to have fun on trails, maybe you should keep an eye on every possible damage during the first rides to understand where some protection should be added.

I don't think that it will suck to ride this bike, maybe it could have minor problems that you can adapt to, like a power delivery you may not like.

To me the problem is that, while I'd be surprised to find out that Surron goes bankrupt, unfortunately I wouldn't be so surprised about an unknown manufacturer and at that point the buyer could end up not having support and spare parts availability anymore.

I've never ridden a PDS shock before, but they are apparently better for technical hard-enduro type riding, where linkages are better for fast desert and motocross-type riding. Since I only ride boulder-infested woods, the linkless rear end will likely be fine for me.
As for the forks, they adjust the same as both my CRF250X and my CR125R (both have cast triple clamps, BTW). 'Course, I bought both new in 2008, so maybe tech has changed. Both work great in my boulders though, so I think the forks will be fine too. Travel is slightly shorter than typical MX bikes by a couple inches (~10" travel), but I'm looking forward to the slightly lower seat height (I'm short).

 

[FYR]

I've never ridden a PDS shock before, but they are apparently better for technical hard-enduro type riding, where linkages are better for fast desert and motocross-type riding. Since I only ride boulder-infested woods, the linkless rear end will likely be fine for me.
As for the forks, they adjust the same as both my CRF250X and my CR125R (both have cast triple clamps, BTW). 'Course, I bought both new in 2008, so maybe tech has changed. Both work great in my boulders though, so I think the forks will be fine too. Travel is slightly shorter than typical MX bikes by a couple inches (~10" travel), but I'm looking forward to the slightly lower seat height (I'm short).

I loved my PDS bikes. I think the only reason KTM ditched it was because of marketing pressure. I cannot believe how someone on this forum attacked this bike because of a non-linkage rear suspension - sad. If Stark offered a sub 230lb Varg that happened to have a non-linkage rear suspension, and had a quick swappable battery, I'd jump at it.

 

[Theo]

I loved my PDS bikes. I think the only reason KTM ditched it was because of marketing pressure. I cannot believe how someone on this forum attacked this bike because of a non-linkage rear suspension - sad. If Stark offered a sub 230lb Varg that happened to have a non-linkage rear suspension, and had a quick swappable battery, I'd jump at it.

I think you are talking about my comment: I wasn’t actually attacking the bike, just trying to give an opinion as technical and unbiased as possible to someone who asked for opinions about a bike that few people have tested. I just hoped to raise JayC’s awareness of what he is buying and to hopefully get more comments about that solution.
To rephrase my comment about the rear shock, I just pointed out that, from what we can see, they achieved progression of the rear suspension by using a progressive spring (and I guess progressive damping like in your PDS bikes) and I know that it’s peculiar for a dirtbike. I don’t know whether that solution on this bike will work very well or not well at all.

 

[JayC]

I pre-ordered the Omega as well. How did you choose your color? When I bought mine, that wasn't an option. Another thing I want to point out, these youtube videos are all using a pre production demo bike. The actual bike will have a much better, adjustable rear shock. Living in Socal, I actually was able to meet the owners and test drive the bike. I'm 6'5 300 pounds and it moved me like nothing. This bike is big, beefy, and powerful. Can't wait till it arrives.

Hey Travis - I checked out the TBM site a couple of days ago... the options are now listed on the order page, which the exception of the foot brake (oddly), although they mentioned developing a dual hand-foot setup, so maybe they're waiting on that. An added option that I wasn't aware of is a linkage (which is now the default) or PDS shock (option). I was tempted to try the PDS, but decided to stick with the linkage.
There's still time to modify your order - nothing has shipped yet. You should check it out then contact the "TBM Team" if you want something different.

 

[Theo]

An added option that I wasn't aware of is a linkage (which is now the default) or PDS shock (option). I was tempted to try the PDS, but decided to stick with the linkage.

Now I think that I understand better the logic behind their choices about the rear shock: they want to have a frame both for linkage and linkageless setups and therefore the shock is tilted like it is in usual linkageless [corrected by edit] bikes, then progression will probably be achived in this way:
• in case of linkages, the linkages will generate progression for both the spring and the damping,
• in case of PDS, the spring will be progressive thanks to coils spaced not equally and the damping will use some kind of progressive damping solution like the two pistons in WP PDS shocks. I've just noticed that the KTM Freeride E-XC seems to be like this, with of course progressive damping, little shock tilt and coils spaced not equally. KTM does state on their website that the spring is progressive, too.
I don't know whether they will use WP shocks for the PDS option; maybe the can use the same one used for the E-XC. Now, if they do so, then I think that the PDS option can make more sense. On the other hand, if those suspensions are built by some minor manufacturer, servicing them can be harder than with the well know suppliers for which there are plenty of spare parts, video tutorials and professionals trained to work with them. If we also add an unusual design like with their PDS option, servicing and tuning the shock can become especially hard, I fear. So probably if someone prioritizes ease of maintenance, the linkage could actually be a better choice. If someone really wants to avoid crashing linkages on some rock, for example, I leave that judgment to you since I only ride MX.

 

[Border Dave]

I didn't know what PDS is until now. I just found this article that explains the difference between PDS and linkage systems for anyone who want to check it out: https://www.ktmworld.com/blog/blog/...spension-whats-the-difference-and-best-for-me

 

[Theo]

Probably when I explained my point of view on why I find the rear suspension of the Omega peculiar I wasn't very clear.
Let me retry.

In general, what manufacturers want from the rear wheel is to have a so called progressive behaviour; this means that the more the wheel moves up, the stiffer the spring and the hydraulic damping system will be. The result is qualiatively like this:



As you can see, at the beginning a small load increase can generate the same wheel displacement that can only be achieved with a big increase at the end of the travel.

Now if they use linkages they can get this behaviour and adjust the curve pretty well changing the dimensions of the linkages.

You may notice how generally, bikes that don't have linkages, such as KTM bikes with PDS or the YZ65 have a rear shock that is tilted a lot, just take a look at some pictures if you've never noticed that.
You can see why in this schematics: with a high tilt like this, when the wheel moves upwards the lever arm increases a lot:

Now, in order to give a more quantitative explanation, the lever arm can be calculated by multiplying the radius of the lime green circle by the sine of the angle between the rear shock and the swingarm. That angle increases as the shock is compressed and therefore the lever arm increases and the suspension behaves like it were stiffer.
If you take a look at the graph of a sine curve you will notice that, for small angles, like for example 20°, a small increase in the angle increases the sine a lot, while if the starting value of the angle is big, like 60°, a small angle increase won't increase the sine so much.
Many KTM PDS bikes and the YZ65 have the shock so tilted towards the front of the bike that the aformenetioned angle is pretty small, while the KTM Freeride E-XC and the Omega with the PDS option uses a more standard tilt and a progressive spring instead of a very tilted shock position. They are unusual, not necessarily bad.

My opinion is based on stuff I've read in books and techincal documents and watched in videos about motorcycle design and the science I know from high school. I am not necessarily right and I'm open to discussion.

 

[Travis]

Hey Travis - I checked out the TBM site a couple of days ago... the options are now listed on the order page, which the exception of the foot brake (oddly), although they mentioned developing a dual hand-foot setup, so maybe they're waiting on that. An added option that I wasn't aware of is a linkage (which is now the default) or PDS shock (option). I was tempted to try the PDS, but decided to stick with the linkage.
There's still time to modify your order - nothing has shipped yet. You should check it out then contact the "TBM Team" if you want something different.

I saw! I went black on black for plastics and decals, and I went with the dual sport tires. I'm fine with the linkage, just waiting for this thing to arrive. Hoping it doesn't get pushed back again. And for those asking, it's full size. I took some pics of it when I went on my test drive, I'll see if I can post them. Keep in mind, this is the pre production model.

 

[FYR]

Probably when I explained my point of view on why I find the rear suspension of the Omega peculiar I wasn't very clear.
Let me retry.

In general, what manufacturers want from the rear wheel is to have a so called progressive behaviour; this means that the more the wheel moves up, the stiffer the spring and the hydraulic damping system will be. The result is qualiatively like this:

View attachment 14922

As you can see, at the beginning a small load increase can generate the same wheel displacement that can only be achieved with a big increase at the end of the travel.

Now if they use linkages they can get this behaviour and adjust the curve pretty well changing the dimensions of the linkages.

You may notice how generally, bikes that don't have linkages, such as KTM bikes with PDS or the YZ65 have a rear shock that is tilted a lot, just take a look at some pictures if you've never noticed that.
You can see why in this schematics: with a high tilt like this, when the wheel moves upwards the lever arm increases a lot:
View attachment 14921
Now, in order to give a more quantitative explanation, the lever arm can be calculated by multiplying the radius of the lime green circle by the sine of the angle between the rear shock and the swingarm. That angle increases as the shock is compressed and therefore the lever arm increases and the suspension behaves like it were stiffer.
If you take a look at the graph of a sine curve you will notice that, for small angles, like for example 20°, a small increase in the angle increases the sine a lot, while if the starting value of the angle is big, like 60°, a small angle increase won't increase the sine so much.
Many KTM PDS bikes and the YZ65 have the shock so tilted towards the front of the bike that the aformenetioned angle is pretty small, while the KTM Freeride E-XC and the Omega with the PDS option uses a more standard tilt and a progressive spring instead of a very tilted shock position. They are unusual, not necessarily bad.

My opinion is based on stuff I've read in books and techincal documents and watched in videos about motorcycle design and the science I know from high school. I am not necessarily right and I'm open to discussion.

You should just stop. You have no understanding of the final result for how suspension can be tailored to perform as intended (especially when it comes to KTM). When you can substantiate quantifiable results, let it rip. But this BS you spout about should stop. You know nothing about the PDS or this bike in question. Until you do - just stop.

 

[FYR]

https://www.ktmworld.com/blog/blog/2024/01/05/ktm-pds-vs-linkage-suspension-whats-the-difference-and-best-for-me

 

[HadesOmega]

Saw one at Moto Beach Classic in the pits they weren't racing it. Looks like they are getting ready to sell them.

 

[HadesOmega]