I had a 2006 and now ride a 2009 (same geometry as new ones). 2009 feels less twitchy and is better down hill due to being slacker but is just as good going up imo. Hard to put my finger on exactly why but the newer one just feels better and more refined. Newer shock/fork help as my current Fox RP23/DT XMM are far better then the Manitou Swinger/Fox Float that were on my 2006.

Steerer’s way long because he’s a big chap. Bit busy now but will respond to your email tomorrow and put you in touch with him.

When Orange don’t change anything, people complain.
When Orange change things, people complain.

Ain’t that the truth! :lol:

Still some Pure7’s about if you’re quick. Just seen on the Orange fb page that defo no steel this year but it might return in the future.

How well do the Hawgs compress down for shorter rides around local trails? Don’t really want a tent on my back with just half a bladder in…

Not bad really tbh. They’re big boys but I can’t say I ever really notice it in a bad way.

Mate of mine’s selling his unused On-One carbon forks if you’re interested? He bought a 29er Inbred with them but then bought some suss before he’d finished building the bike! :roll: :lol:

Yep, massive cull this year with the P7, Pure7, Mii, G series, ST4 etc going. I can only think they didn’t sell enough of ’em. Chap at the bike shop in Settle said the P7’s not coming back this year so once stocks are gone they’re gone. Sad to see they no longer have a single steel bike in the line up.

Probably not up your street but if you’re small you could have a look at the Diva? Read a review that said it was suitable for smaller blokes. Seems to be quite a lot of 2012 Orange HT’s around the shops at a decent discount so worth a look? Always worth keeping an eye on the Orange website too.

http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/offers/

I had a Hydropak and it didn’t last very long so replaced it with a Camelbak Hawg. Had it a few years and it’s still going strong and comes highly recommended. :D

Cost has nothing to do with it Northwind. If the price for a huge spec at a low price is a mince frame then that’s not such a good deal imo. My point is that there’s many threads on here where people ask what bike they should get and the answer is often Canyon with people falling all over themselves about how good they are. A thread comes up suggesting they’re not all that and the same people slate the op and even accuse them of being some sort of secret agent!

Interesting that a thread having a moan about the quality of a brand most on here seem to rave about get’s the locals all over excited as if it couldn’t be true. If it was a thread about the poor quality of say an Orange it would be over run with people saying how bad they are, shouldn’t have to put up with it, load of rubbish, etc.

Just saying like :wink:

As mentioned, the Alpine frame has never been £900 rrp. Don’t think it’s actually gone up much since it first appeared.

I have a 2009 5 and had a 2006. Both are still going strong and I’m no light weight.

I’m running some 140mm DT Swiss XMM’s and think they’re great. Well worth a look.

This any good for you? Seems like a cracking deal to me.

http://www.bikescene.co.uk/Orange-ST4-Frame-4310-107-0.html

Cheers for the reply. Don’t think I’d go DIY on the DT’s as they’re nearly new and I’d stuff them but might give Pace a ring.

I had 140mm 2007 Fox Floats on my 2006 from new. Sold it to my friend and he used 2010 150mm RS Revs. From memory they came with 130mm as standard.

Orange & 5 need to be added to the swear filter then we can get a proper discussion going without all the fan boys needlessly chipping in.

How would you filter out all the people that bash the 5 just because it’s the thing to do on here though? Plenty more people spam up every 5 thread without having a reason for doing so. Suprised no one’s posted a picture of a filing cabinate yet. Also, tell me how to have a ‘proper discussion’ on a thread titled ‘Orange 5 vs Cotic Rocket’ without fan boys mentioning their experiences of their 5 :?

Yes, yes, I know I’ve taken the bait.

Yep, think I’ll resist the temptation for a new bike until I can have a go on one of these.

I need to go for a rest now as I’ve realised I’m actually considering a 29er. :oops:

I’ve tried loads of bikes but am on my second 5 because nothing else I’ve tried comes close….. and I don’t drive an Audi or even a BMW :o

Not had a go on the Cotic though.

Quite like this and I’m not a 29er fan. So what would this compare to in the 26er market? I’ve got a 5 and assumed the Gyro was the big wheeled version. If that’s the case would this ride like a Alpine (i.e ace downhill but a bit of work up it)? Sorry for being thick but I’ve not taken much notice of the 29er boom.

Make sure you price up neon paint at the powdercoater first as it costs lots more then a standard colour.

I’ve used Triple-S and can confirm they’re ace. My old Orange Clockwork frame cost a bit less then £60 to be stripped and painted. I enquired about having my 5 done in their stock neon orange (think Dynorod)and after you price up the decals, postage + pivot replacement Orange chuck in Triple-S were not that much cheaper.

Same happened to me at Merlin with some Revs. If the price is too good to be true etc.

I’m 6′ 2″ and ride an 18″ that’s perfect. Had a 20″ before and although it felt good it was maybe a little big.

To bring some balance to this I had shocking customer service from them. I’ve told this story before but after ordering some forks online and them turning up damaged I took a trip to the shop where I was confronted by one of the most miserable and unhelpful gits I’ve ever had to deal with. He tried to tell me the forks were fine even after I pointed out the damage then stormed off to get another pair. Got these home and they turned out to be mince. It took me over a week to get a return email and this was only after I threatened to out the shit service on various forums.

Maybe I was unlucky but not everything they touch turns to gold and I’d only use them for smaller stuff now.

Have a look at these.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/d/3384-2/orange_1999_brochure.pdf?g2_GALLERYSID=c1f28398d4bcf3e6162f25f5c7aa66f2

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/d/3388-2/orange_2000_brochure.pdf?g2_GALLERYSID=c1f28398d4bcf3e6162f25f5c7aa66f2

Another vote for Triple-S. Had a frame done there and it was a superb job. Recommended to a few friends and they’re very happy with the results as well.

They have fluro orange as a stock colour as I was going to get my 5 done in it. Think Dyno-Rod orange and you’ll not be far off.

I’ve got some DT XMM 140’s and think they’re ace. As I’ve said before on the forum, I prefer them to the Fox Float, Fox Talas and RS Revs I had before. Get some, you won’t be dissapointed. :wink:

Neon orange with black/silver decals. That’s what I’ll be having next. Might even go for white wheels and blue Hope finishing kit. 8O 8)

2nd would be neon yellow as sported by the Alpine in the snow on the website.

Another happy customer here. Have been over to Halifax a few times as I don’t live too far away and the customer service has always been ace. Usually it’s just been for advise or a spare but they always take the time to let you waffle on. I’ve never cracked an Orange frame btw.

I’m defo an Orange fan having riden them since the early 90’s and have a certain brand loyalty but have had/considered other bikes in the past. The cs I’ve had in the last 5 or so years will keep me on their bikes from now on though. I don’t even have a Audi and never have :o 8O

Cheers coatesy.

Cheers mint, that’s what I thought :-(

Reading back you can tell I’ve just come off nights…. For cable read hose and I’m defo not putting them on our lass, just her bike. If they were going on her they’d at least be Hope!

My current 5 started out as a AM but after the Fox 36 Talas turned to mince I’ve changed it to 140mm forks and a 10×3 gear set up (much like the pro). Liked it in AM mode but prefer it now.

If I were you I’d either get the Pro and not bother with the 36’s or get the Alpine. Either way you can’t really go wrong.

I’ve got some 140mm XMM Twin Shot on my 5 and think they’re ace. Very smooth and very adjustable, they just gobble up everything I chuck at them. As has been stated the service intervals are far better then Fox.

I’ve had Fox 32 Floats, 36 Talas and some Rockshox Revs. The DT’s are better then any of them imo, can’t recommend them enough.

I take it it’s a 2010 frame? If so you should expect around £7/800 for that. Forks around £200? Brakes around £150/200

Sold as a package you’d get around £1000, maybe a little more. Complete bikes sell for around £1300 to £1500.

I ride gisburn all the time and think it’s great. Far more chance of hurting yourself on many of the natural, unmaintained trails round here (Mastiles Lane anyone?). If you ride above you’re ability you’re going to hurt yourself where ever you are. Same can be said for pretty much any other active sport.

I live in Skipton and often have a blast down the towpaths (10miles or so either way). They’re quite rooty and rough in places so I’d probably go for the P7.

Home baked is the bit through the woods right? If so, just turn right at the bottom and follow the fire road. Pretty sure it’ll take you back towards the start.

Merlin do the same. Equipment obviously fitted sold as new.

Forgot to add that their customer service is fantastic. Been over to Halifax a few times for parts, bits etc and nothing’s too much trouble. They’re quite happy to just chat about bikes. Not a reason for buying a bike but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

I’ve loved them since I first saw one way back in 1989. Got my hands on a Clockwork in 1992 and have not looked back. Tried a GT XCR around 2000 and hated it so sold it on and bought another Orange (Evo4).

Had a couple of 5’s and am smitten. Tried loads of full suss bikes but nothing comes close imo. I don’t have an audi and the bikes do get very dirty.

Currently have a 2009 5 and a 2007 Clockwork. Very happy I am too!

Another vote for the Spoon. Far comfier then the Gobi it replaced.

I like Bel Air’s as well but prefer Spoon’s at half the price.