they already do a maxle back end for the 5, why not this? in fact why aren’t more people doing big axle back ends?

I agree – I think it would make it a fantastic bike. I guess it is a bike that is still partly in the ‘race’ camp – and every gram counts….

seeing as the commencal super-4 comes with thomson post and a headset for £998
do you think the orange is worth the extra £300?

I agree – I think it would make it a fantastic bike. I guess it is a bike that is still partly in the ‘race’ camp – and every gram counts…

I’d just make it an optional extra

shinsplints – you weren’t that far off, it looks like a shorter travel lighter/flexier, more expensive Giant VT copy to me 😛
Druidh – the Meta’s main pivot is higher and quite a bit further forward (surprising since orange have kinda marketed the high forward pivot to death) 😉 the VT was also around a couple of years before the meta.

A maxle, for an XC frame? is that what things are coming to these days? what makes you think all the rear end flex comes from the wheel axle?
those thin chainstays and that loooong rockr link don’t exactly look stiff 😕

Looks great!

“Is this Orange trying to emulate/compete with the Trance ????”

From the ride characteristics you describe – yes quite possibly.

A maxle, for an XC frame? is that what things are coming to these days? what makes you think all the rear end flex comes from the wheel axle?

well its not going to hinder the frame flex really is it?

I think I’ll wait till MK2 then see if i can find the cash

Someone just emailed me to say that Orange have the STW ST4/Commencal test up:
http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/reviews/pdf/ST4_Test_Singletrack_48.pdf
.
Seems bang on with what I think…

did you create all that errosion in the background with that bike ? 😉

moi? my things may be big, but burnouts on a bike….