I've read the reviews (but sadly not had a chance to ride either!) but I really can't decide. I've been riding hardtails for the last few years (but have previouously had FS bikes) and I'm no slouch as a rider, so reckon I could hoon about on an ST4. It appeals because I don't want to be overbiked (Surrey Hills are my local playground) - but the Five is such a classic, and the thought of hitting the rough stuff flat out is so appealing!
I know the Five isn't really any heavier, and is definitely more capable - but sometimes less is more, you know?
Help!!!
One guy that we regularly ride with has had two "problematic ST4" frames. The chainstay and the swing link have broken on one frame each on the first or second ride. Buy a Five and it won't let you down.
Having owned 2 Orange 5's previously i'd say test-ride a 5!
Really don't see the point of the ST4. A 5 can be built light/strong/etc to suit so many different uses. They're hugely versatile in that respect.
The only real criticism of 5s is that they are ugly and common. As an owner I say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that if I have a smile on my face I don't care what other people are riding. As already stated they really are a master of all trades.
five simple reliable and british
I don't think Fives are ugly! I think they look cool!
I think the point of the ST4 is that sometimes less is more, right? It's no sofa bike; it won't do everything for you. You have to ride it actively - while a Five is so capable that potentially it can make everything too easy?
Five all the way i dont see the point of the ST4 being
its a heavy short travel bike.
I love it
Go and ride a selection of bikes first and then decide.
I bought a 5 without riding one because of all the hype,and for me it was just that,hype.Expensive mistake!
I went from a Cove Hustler to an St4, tested a Five about a year ago
and wouldn't have swapped it for the Hustler.Tried the St4 and love it!
IMO less is more 🙂
Five Five Five Five Five
I've not ridden a Five, which probably makes me just as well qualified to post on this subject as I'm an ST4 owner. It's an amazing bike. A real hooligan toy in the singletrack. People say it feels like a bigger bike but I'd not know as I've never ridden larger. I do know I've not used all the travel knowingly and I don't hang about. It was my first FS after hard tails and I fly down the hills with so much more confidence now. If you live abroad and ride alps every day, then get a bigger bike bud I live in the mountains of mid wales where the riding is rocky and loose (think Dyfi Enduro) combined with trail centre smooth. It excels in the UK conditions.
Definitely try before buying. The point of the ST4 IME is that its a fully engaging bike. Not a skill compensator. Its very capable and rewards body english and commitment. Agree with Surfr's comments.
Depends what your focus in riding is. Its not a super efficient climber, but for example the Dyfi is very doable
on it if you're riding to haves a scream on the descents, but you're not going to win, especially with super tacky tyres on... One of the best cornering bikes I've ridden.
Thanks guys, that's what I was thinking. I'll ride the same stuff on it as I do quite hapilly on a hardtail (Surrey Hills - so not even Wales scale, let alone Alpine). I've had a 150mm travel bike before (back in 1999-2001 - when such things weighed about 40 lbs and didn't pedal at all) and as much fun as it was, you could hit stuff at warp speed with little skill!
I guess I'm going to try and have a go on both this weekend.