The Orange frames are better made IMO and work very well.

How about a Chumba VF2? Similar travel to the orange but is a 4 bar frame design and has a carbon rear swingarm.

So if the Orange is nearly new does that mean it's not new and therefore doesn't come with a warranty?

If they were both similar price and both fitted me but one had a warranty and the other didn't then I would be more inclined to choose the one with warranty.

I have an Orange Alpine so cannot comment on the 5 specifically but I think you will struggle to find an Orange owner who doesn't love their bike. Personally I wouldn't be worried about the lack of warrenty, their frames are bomb proof, that's why we ride them. Maybe get a good bike shop to look it over before you purchase?

I also think the 5 may last you longer in ability in so much as they are highly upgradable as the frame is so solid. Not for nothing do they win so many tests and awards!

Well the cons of the Meta 5 was that they fell apart
but have been beefed up whilst the Orange 5 is lighter
and can take more abuse and been update.
So go for the Orange 5

Has far as I know they have/are extending the warranty to 5 years
on the Orange 5

Yeah go for the Orange and put a Cane Creek on it. Bob's your uncle you've got a DH/Trail bike all in one.

Get more for your money with the commencal. I've never ridden a Five so can't comment on performance but they seem overpriced to me.

Use you head not your heart.
You love your bike but you can't shag it.
Ride them both and decide which one feels right.
Also what type if riding do you intend to do?

Standard manufacturers warranty on the Meta is 2 years, not 3.
2010 Meta's are proving to be a lot more reliable than the 2009's (I have a 2009).

Meta's also benefit if you fit a maxle, the beauty is that you can do this on the Meta with a change of dropouts rather than a change of swingarm.

We can't tell you which is better, you should demo them both.
Meta felt better to me. Others prefer the Orange so try before you buy.

andyl46 – I saw that too.
Mighty tempted, I ride a medium but I'm only 5'6" so a small would also suit.

Forgot to add before, If you want to fit 160mm forks then has to be the Orange as Meta's only warranted to 150mm, if that bothers you.

I had a 2009 meta, it lasted 2 months and then broke. I believe the problems have been sorted out now all though from what i have seen they are still not up to scratch in terms of quality, for example the paint.

I took mine back and the dealer supplied me with a 2010 orange five, having ridden this since around September last year i can safely say it’s the best bike i have ridden. Every other friends bike i have tried since has felt no where near as nice to ride. The orange is very very comfy and confidence inspiring. It’s nice just having the one set of bearings to worry about too.
With regards to their reliability and the warranty situation…i wouldn’t worry to much. I use mine for everything, i’ve got it set up with dual ring, chain guide and bash and it’s good for anything from a trail centre to dh course.

To put it simply…I haven’t considered another frame since owning it. It’s just fun to ride!

Hugh

Not owned either but had a go on both.

Liked them both a lot, but would probably go for the Five just because it was so much fun on the downhill bits.

I think the 2010 Meta might have got a bit shorter. I know my friend said his warranty replacement frame didn’t fit as well as the old one.

Am sure you’ll try before you buy though.

I’ve got the 2010 Meta 55 and absolutely love it. The frame & suspension work really well together, I’ve given it a lot of abuse on the trails this year & the frame seems fine.