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Interestingly though, these aren't your normal UK mags. Anyway, whether you believe them or not, they hit the nail on the head for me.
I think Orange bikes are absolutely brilliant and I'm really glad I tried them out as I'd read all the "they're flexy, they have pedal bob, they have brake squat and jack and they're as noisy as a filing cabinet coming down a hill" remarks. It wasn't until I got on a couple for a whole day demo that I found out for myself it was nonsense and they were so much fun to ride. I bought a 2014 Alpine RS very soon afterwards then sold my old XC angled FS and was lucky enough to pick up a second hand 2013 Five S instead.
I have since demo'd the new 2015 Five and to me it's very similar to the 2014 Alpine but not quite as planted / stable. The new bigger 2015 Alpine is even longer and even more planted than the 2014 one. The trade off is that it's heavier.
I'm happy. If I'm not as quick as someone else it's because I have 26 inch wheels and if I'm faster than them it's because I have 26 inch wheels. 😉
The other thing I have realised and I keep having to remind myself of (especially when I can't ride because of work) is that it doesn't matter how much bike envy I get or how x,y,z expensive upgrade will make me x seconds faster here or there... as soon as I get on either bike all that is forgotten and I enjoy every second of my ride.