[Closed] Orange Alpine 160 vs Cube Fritzz

IMO you answered your own question here:

The Fritzz felt more planted and plush, [b]but[/b] the Orange was so much fun and a bit more lively.

agreed, i'd take fun&lively over planted and plush anyday

I wouldn't choose another 😈 the Alpine is the only one for me
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/31183946@N02/4412216708/in/set-72157623567775104 ]there may be some more pics posted up if I ever get round to taking any more...[/url]

Hey, thanks for the comments, I am swaying towards the Orange, even if it is more expensive and come with a lower spec.

Nice build Megatron, did you buy the frame set only then?

Got the frame and forks from Orange (via LBS - thank you Freewheel!) the wheels and a few other bits were from the last bike, the rest was new and collected over a few months finding as many offers as possible!

I Didn't really test that many others, but knew what I wanted from a new bike. just waiting for 5 weeks time! for proper Alpine riding 😀

The Cube is an interesting choice, not one you usually see in the mix of shortlists on STW. Not saying it's good or bad mind. What else was in the mix? Are you looking for something that can be used for pretty much everything including trail riding and if so how important is weight?

geetee, I also tried a trek remedy and was tempted by the spec enduro, but have an old 04 model, so thought I'd try something different. I was tempted by the nomad, but not by its price!

I wasn't after too heavy as I wanted to enjoy the flatter singletrack in the alps as well as the steeper stuff (and for the road pedal sections!).

I was tempted by other bikes, but struggled to get test rides, and I don't like buying a bike without having first ridden it.

Did you have Lapiere and Chumba on your list? Si@Progressive bikes is doing amazing deals on Chumbas at the moment and they are great bikes. Not necessarily any better than the Alpine 160 although I personally don’t like the way single pivot bikes bind under heavy braking, which you tend to need when the going is steep and technical. There are so few dud bikes around these days though; most frames at least are pretty much spot on so it more or less comes down to what you like the look of.

Craig, I also had (have in a box right behind me, ready to sell) a Spec enduro from 2004. I liked it, but got too much into the whole singlespeed thing, and don't like the way a 4-bar does power squats with singlespeed style pedalling technique - one of the things that I like about the Orange is the way it doesn't mind the brute force pedal mashing.
I've not really noticed the rear brake doing anything strange to the back end of the Orange, but then I haven't taken it anywhere near it's limits yet!

If you notice 'brake bind' during heavy braking you're not going fast enough.

All suspension systems are a compromise. The positive to single pivot is it's simplicity.

I 'borrowed' a Fritzz from Velocity Cycles when they first came out with a view to buying it. Wonderful, flattering under-rated bike. I haven't indulged in a Blood so I can't compare, but the Fritzz was the best FS bike I've ever ridden.

If you notice 'brake bind' during heavy braking you're not going fast enough.

Er yeah cos I'm really slow DH! Your point is perfectly right but the bit you left out is that the 'fast enough' part is equivalent to being competitive at Expert level DH, which is about 1% if all mountain bikers in the UK. I'm pretty good DH but I'm a fair way off being that good!

I love my Alpine. Sold a Stumpy FSR and a Patriot to get it. Does everything both bikes do, and a whole lot more. I haven't even looked at another bike since buying it. But I haven't ridden a Cube so can't make any comparison. Sorry if that doesn't help.