Orange ST4 Pics and view – Page 2 – Bike Forum – Singletrack World Magazine Forum

matt_outandabout · 2009-03-16T20:04:50Z

As promised, some better pics of my ST4. Seems the sun today on white paint = 'halo' effect though.... Impressions after a few short rides and one longer one = WHOOOOOOOSH! This bike climbs very well, and (i know its a cliche) but a gear or two faster than others. On wide landrover tracks its just sit n pedal - on rougher bits (like Houndkirk tonight) it just flies up stuff. Downhill is great as well - speed, speed, speed - again on easy but rough tracks like Houndkirk it just seems to have more than 110mm of travel - it feels like a short travel bike, until you jump or hit something really hard and it seems to have a reserve of travel somewhere. On the Plantation it was great - certainly didn't feel short of travel on the bigger bumps and steps. It sits up high in its travel - not much sag - reacts to small bumps well but you can tell its not dropping into bumps like a longer travel bike. On steeper stuff DH you can feel the low BB - it turns brilliantly, and feels low. Not clipped a pedal yet. I preferred my 29er on really steep rocky / stepped bits - I think the big wheels are ace on steep steps/rocks! The rear is a bit flexy when really pushed I think - especially shown up by the brilliantly directional F-120 QR15's - steering compared to my Reba 29's is staggeringly good - a couple of time I waited for the bike to twist onto a line, and it just carried on where the bars were pointing... The mountain kins I am not sure of - they seem to slide/wash out a bit and seem bouncy on rocks. :| The juicy 3's have a really bad 'grabby' spot on the front disc - I tried some cleaner today and it didn't do anything. Its so bad at slow speed you can feel the bike pitch back and forth as it grabs - and slides you around off-road...the rear is low on power as well :| I reckon with some new tyres, and the brakes sorted it will be fabulous. To be 'perfect' a maxle rear would be great 8) . Summary - did I say WHOOOOSH? Great on wide open, rocky stuff - I think it will be fabulous on somewhere like Corrieyairack / big hill stuff / big days out - without being wallowy. [img[img[img[img.

buzz-lightyear

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Looks great!

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

From the ride characteristics you describe - yes quite possibly.

Posted : 17/03/2009 12:44 pm

thepodge

Posts: 7972

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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

Posted : 17/03/2009 1:12 pm

matt_outandabout

Posts: 46086

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Topic starter

Someone just emailed me to say that Orange have the STW ST4/Commencal test up:

ORANGEBIKES.CO.UK "http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/reviews/pdf/ST4_Test_Singletrack_48.pdf"

.
Seems bang on with what I think...

Posted : 07/04/2009 3:12 pm

simonm

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

Posted : 08/04/2009 10:18 pm

matt_outandabout

Posts: 46086

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Topic starter

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

Posted : 08/04/2009 10:49 pm

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