It's finally happened: I'm reluctantly finally selling my 2008 Orange Five frame. My new 'all mountain' hardtail is proving nearly as adaptable as the Five, and because of this I'm looking at a bigger hit susser. It's been an absolute hoot to own and I will definitely miss it.
orange_five-0067.jpg by Pimpmaster Jazz, on Flickr
It's 18" and pearl white (one of Orange's custom options). It's the first year the Five was designed for a 160mm fork and it remained well-mannered when running one. The 2008 model does have a slightly steeper head angle than the 2009, but I was assured in 2009 by someone high-up at Orange that the change was pretty minor and not anywhere near as big as MBR suggested in their reviews (the 'MBR syndrome' if you will).
I've only ever really found it phased when getting into big, fast alpine downhill territory where a longer wheelbase and DH-rig slack angles would make life better. The angles are slack enough to enjoy those epic descents after epic views, but steep enough with a shorter fork to still assault singletrack with pinpoint accuracy. With a few stem and fork travel changes it's been a wonderful, adaptable all-day alpine 'all-mountain' bike, trail centre weapon, tight singletrack pinner and back-country mile-munching explorer. I've taken it to Spain, France, Italy, Austria and all over the UK. Like i said, I will really miss it.
One from the bottom by Pimpmaster Jazz, on Flickr
I have owned it since new and it's been taped in all the usual impact and rub spots. Consequently it's in good condition and the downtube is pretty much strike free. There are still a few bits of Factory Effex clear protection material (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=39319) in rub spots - these are in the photos.
orange_five-0064.jpg by Pimpmaster Jazz, on Flickr
The shock has been serviced by TF Tuned and I replaced the bushes before stripping the bike down.
It is missing a bung where the brake hose goes through the rear swingarm - I'll get a replacement - and I'll throw in a spare mech hanger as well. I've left the (Shimano XTR) rear mech cable in - save you the faff of replacing it, or to give you a helping hand threading in a new one.
There's more photos of it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/sets/72157623242881818/with/6802094919/ and its life with me is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/sets/72157604802258467/with/6802095221/ and
"What do you want for this wonderful beast?" I hear you cry! I'd like £625 plus delivery, but hit me with your near offers. I live on the Isle of Wight, work in Slough and often stay in Ottershaw, so happy to arrange viewings or meet at any of those points. Otherwise I can arrange delivery.
Email is pimpmasterjazz [at] yahoo [dot] com. Talk to me!
