Oh Brother!!!!!……………

Sub £3k will get you this…..

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2088

Better Built (probably)
Better looking
Evolved !
Every component is better spec (Full Xtr, R1s etc)
significantly! lighter
Rare (at the moment)
Rave reviews
Great service

hmmmm a TOTR Canyon, then 25 Tai hookers with the spare cash! or a 5SE !

:lol:

The current Orange 5, is worth its 2009 price. Subsequant inferior specification, coupled with a 40% + price hike, I feel, is a complete joke.

As my comments above, I ran a blinged to the max 09 SE version for 2 years and it was a great bike. If I had spent £4.4k on it, I would have been a disapointed.

In summary, and digesting 3 pages of comments, the Orange 5 is simply a good bike.

I reviewed Pace RC405 frames for a month before getting an Ellsworth.

To be honest they were on offer on CRC for £999, making it one of the more cost effective frames on the market. I serached hundreds of reviews and 95% seem to rave about them. The only complaints were poor paint quality ? (helli tape in selected places would sort this out), and Pace service, all of which were eventualy sorted out though.

They also are a very fine looking frame and surprisingly ubr rare on the trail, this for me is reason alone to buy one. Also arent they made in Germany ?, dont recall any mention of poor build / weld quality.

I bought a brand new Orange 5 SE in cosmic super turf, with further upgrades back in 2009, coming in at 27lb. I live near Halifax and therefore the main reason for the purchase was simply that!.
I pxd a Stumpjumber at LL in Bury, and back in 2009 there were discounts / deals galore due to the recession and bikes were reasonably priced. I paid £2650.00 which included further upgrades.

I have been riding bikes for 25+ years and in fairness this “did a job”, great spec, good weight, geometry….but something was missing and it did not stack up with all the hype of the 5s at the time (consider I purchased this also on the back of the first 10/10 MBR review). I have rode several bikes since I got rid, namely Cube Fritz and Stereos, meta 5.5, scott genius 20 and recently my 09 epithany, some were better, but none less as good as the 5. Consider none of these bikes also cost more than a 5, other than the epithany.

Respectfully average Joes (which is the bracket I fall into) will not know the difference between a 5 or any many other cheaper premium FSers.

The concern to me is that I would now need to shell out £4.4k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, yes 4.4k !!!!! for an 2011 SE. This therefore would not even make it into my top 20 shortlist when I look to purchase again next year. Would I consider one of these new Canyons….., top reviews, better looking, far better specd, half the price…who wouldnt ?.

So after 3 pages of posting, nothing has confirmed to me what makes it special ?, jesus 90% of bikes have similar geometry to the 5, I cant believe this has been offered for many of the main reasons why people overpay for this bike now, the reasons offered are also relevent to many over premium grade bikes.

What makes this special is perhaps 3No. MBR 10/10s, and the fact that 85% of 5 riders refuse to say otherwise ?.

GREAT BIKE, NOT SPECIAL.

Deveron53….I concur, 2 pages of bolx about a bike that needs to be built up and weight over 30lb!!!!

Go get one, I would, and for 900 sheets its a steel, just ignore the “trolls” and the “my Orange 5….” crew. NP are an awsome iconic MTB brand and will deliver the goods when you get it on the trails that it is intended for.

Recently bought an 09 Ellsworth Epithany. Frame was immaculate, and I built it up in glorious spec coming in at a perfect 27lb. But hell it all just felt wrong, stiff and lathargic at the back end, my mates 1k lump felt more plush !.

Just as it was all set for ebay, my mate mentioned to check the bearings, as much as they were little, if any play, all 8 bearings were absolutely “shot”, 1 inparticular absolutely shagd. New bearings later and a slightly reduced psi in the rear shock ….I now have an Ellsworth Epithany !…, stunning.

Look at the new Canyons, German quality and service !, as good as a 5, far far far far better specd than a 5, half the price of a 5……and most importantly “its not another 5!!!” :lol:

Lee Quarry is a different place at dusk…., I was up there with my bro a few weeks ago about 7pm, the echos, dim yellow light, industrial backdrop and, graffiti covered cliff faces and waterpools make this a pretty awesome place.

Hi Deveron
My mate is still deliberating over a Mega, regretably he was told the April(?) delivery dates were “rock solid”, never mind firm. Also the demo bikes have been around for months now. For your sake I really hope they turn up in June.

ps: who have you ordered it from and who is telling you the lastest date is a firm one , CRC ?, just so I can let him know.

I totaly agree, building one of these up sub 30lb would be a huge ask, my old Ragley TI hardtail had some expensive kit on it, and it was a realistic 26lb. My current blinged to the max! Ellsworth epithany comes in at a dead 27.8lb with a full on XC finishing kit, wheras my mates stunning AM upgraded Cube Fritz is a perfect 33.5lb

Spend 4k and you might ? get somewhere near, but anyway, who the hell in their right mind would buy an all out AM frame and then dress it in silk ??? :?:. AM bikes surely warrant AM kit, and that normaly comes with a few value added pounds

Good idea, Ill drive 80 miles and test a bike too small for me ?. Last week my mate couldnt even find a 20″ Orange 5 to demo, found a couple to sit on but thats about it.

I have never demod a bike in 20 years, expert reviews and simple geometry is all I ever needed

I Know what you mean…but a lot of the above has some relevence. Pre-ordering is fine if you have a date to work to, but these frames have been delayed more than the 6:52 to kings Cross!

All the bollox about not trying a bike before is….bollox, understndably we all dont want to take the no brain option (Orange 5) and have to take the risk on purchading something a little more left wing which understandably has far less opportunity for “demo”.

These are frames only, and for 1k!, is worth the risk, anyway it is pretty much more the choice of finishing kit that determines the ride so tbh no risk at all.

Konaboy.

Definately get a few beers in as this will kick in a little dutch courage, followed by 3 minutes of deep breathing. If you are really nervous it may help if you start your speech by immediately giving out the presents to the bridesmaids. I have seen this before and will also stall things a little (speaking wise) should you get any stagefright / panic, the panic will then imediately go on the slide and you will crack on and really feel limitless, you can also then start talking when you want rather than when promted, this is a major factor in reducing stagefright for many people. Yes I have seen weddings ruined by worry, but all seem to go off OK.

Like many people said, go for something very quick ………. 99% of your guests will also be thinking Im glad I dont have to be up there speaking and subsequantly wont mind at all. My brothers wedding speach was 40 seconds, his father in laws even less!, and everyone thought it was great. More importantly I could crack on with the Prawn Cocktail quicker!!

Best of luck, but you really will be kicking yourself for all the hours of worry when it goes off just fine.

Hebden is good….if you go on FPs !!!

I live there and therefore most of my riding is done after 6pm ! :lol:

I was going to order a 2011 Ragley last week, dispite reassurances this would be the last of the numerous delays, found out they have been further delayed until June… is there a link between Rags and NP here ???. Regretably had to spend my £400 notes elsewhere.

Anyway dont want to put this thread on a downer as I love the Rag / NP brands, and hope for all concerned that they turn up sharpish and will surely be worth the wait. Hate to think though how much business has been lost through these delays, I know of 2 others who have purchased other brands as they cant stomach the number of failed promises and the fact they cant wait until half way through the season for their new steeds.

Is there any anticipated delivery date on these frames as yet ?, read somewhere about loads of delays ?

I had some Times back in 2008 ish, found them Ok, but quite a bit of play when clipped in, also ran Crank Bros on another bike but got a bit of leg ache due to the small surface area and again found there to be too much play and little if no adjustment, wore shed loads of paint of my rear swing arm from my feet!

Again cant believe no one has mentioned Shimanos, as 70% of riders use them. I run XTRs, they are simply divine!, however I bought mine back when they were £65, and not the current rrp / rip of £130!!. However I have got a set of £20ers on my hardtail and find them just as good. Both have taken 3 years of absolute hammer (mx XTRs are now just 2 lumps of grated, scraped and bashed alloy), never been serviced, jet washed to hell and still work perfectly

Good old shimanos all the way for me.

Kev

mrh86 / fivespot
Top men !, I will get it sorted, feels like I have lost a friend ! :cry:

Cheers
Kev

Ha Ha Ha loving this thread ? :?

The lad (?) just thought Snowden was not worth the hype, as many on here have allready established, I personaly also thought it was not worth it….but hey thats just my opinion.

Dont understand the harsh reaction to this, inparticular his first post which i think is pretty spot on. But then again sad internet gimps who prey on the “weeka spellaz” from their bedrooms in Redditch are understandably easily offended.

Get over it, its a bloody forum full of emotionless drivel…..he hates it, you love it, this will allways be the case, cant get my head around all the atrition. Jesus ride off on your polished “stumpys” :lol:

Dont go in the Craven heifer (?) in Appletreewick, you will never leave….one of the best pubs in the whole world !. proper Real ale pub and incredible food (and dont ask them to take the sparkle of the pumps you soiuthern faggots :lol: as you will get linched)…..seriously you probably will!

Did anyone remember “Yorshires Perfect Pint”…or something like that, ITV Monday nights 10pm ish a few years back, the guy who did it owned the above pub. Me and my mate went for a couple, post bike ride, and the guy who did the documentary was sat at the bar absolutely F£$%^& out of his face about 2 in the afternoon, hilarious!

Enjoy!

Good base for some great scenery and riding.

I agree, the rangers path is pretty W@ank. Consider it is a 6 hour round trip in the car, a ball acheing 2+ hour slog / push to the top, and a pretty uninspiring descent, of which is only tricky in parts (and dont get me going on them water barrier things!)

Mountainman, you were clearly as dissapointed as when me and mental Sut did it, even he found it somewhat laborious.

Just my opinion, and assuming that we went the right way ?

I can only imagine the majority of people who hate the Carbon 456s ride 09 Specialised Stumpjumpers in Dark Blue :wink:.

I have seen mountainmans 456 in the flesh and it is one of the sweetest hardtails I have seen (and ridden). Throw in its iconic status of the first (?) hard hitting carbon HT and it makes for one pretty cool bike.

Oh…and not a single bad review to date.456s in all their guises rule. EXCEPT FOR ONES WITH WHITE WALL TYRES!!!!!

Hardly of any relevance…did we not design the Dalby World XC track and still come 37th ?, and 19th respcetfuly for the ladies?

I hope it is only a “mechanical” prototype, steep, no standover with a confused look thrown in,….just looks like many other FSers but not half as nice. But then again it does have that charming industrial, no nonsence look about it.
hmmmmm

Get bent….far too much nonsence above :lol:

Timi Taylors Landlord, unchanged and still the best for over 100 years, bottled or hand pulled (using a sparkle!!!) it is fabulous.

(although that Golden Glory is bloody good gear…!)

Kev

How can ANY!!!!!ONE relate Hope to the dross that RaceFace became. Yes, once they were a bling / niche Canadian manufacturer based near the North Shore, but they spiraled into procuring pure shite! and selling it on the back of their ever diminishing reputation. **** at best!

Opinion issued

Kev

Good luck with the project, here is a link to my 1996 Kona Cinder Cone “Hot Rod” (arguably one of the best bikes ever built ?). I had this from new, then flogged it to someone who sprayed in Subaru Blue and left it outside for 4 years unridden!

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86604&highlight=

Agree old steel Konas rule!

Cheers
Kev

A few pics of Grahams new C456 on the below link, scroll down for some nice shots on its first outing up at Lee quarry earlier today.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=142717

Kev

Go for 819 USTs on Pro IIs ??. I have ran the same wheels for 3 and a bit years, bombproof, tubless and available from Merlin.
15.5 stone, no buckles, no punctures, and the hubs are still smooth as my babies bum!

Failing the above the 719s will be just fine and the service from Merlin is faultless.

Kev

RC405 for me…especially if CRC still have em for £999!.

Nice looking frame, and surprisingly quite rare, aparantly paint is week but other than that there are not many bad reviews out there whatsoever. I spent a month reviewing them before succuming to 3 years of pining for an ellsworth !

Kev

Far too much wind and piss above, as mountain bikers we also have to use the roads as part of many loops. I was up in the dales today and all the roads I was on were single track, with limited room for passing.

Being someone corteous and well brought up. I always let cars pass, its just good manners, simple, nothing else. Also 99.9% of drivers will appreciate the gesture and are nice like minded people like ourselves. Anyone who hides behind “my right of way” are complete ****!

….And why the hell would you want to ride for 6 miles out in the country with a car up your ass.

Mavic 819 USTs, expensive but industrial!
No punctures in 3 years
Enough said

Kev

:roll:
“Bicycle route”, clearly we have different riding styles?, I expect a red route to be action packed…. including drops, berms, difficult sections and uphill slogs. Regretably Dalby is all on the same level that just skirts in and out and around the forest, yes there is loads of singltrack…but its all flat.

Yes there is a black section and a jump track (if you are into that) but this course could be done easily on a 1992 rigid bike, in fact I think you would have to do it on a bike to give you any form of adventure. Leave your 6″ front and rear well and truly at home.

If you have a very clean Stumpjumper or one of the Orange 5 crew this is for you, if you want an element of danger, adrenaline rushes or expecting a typical Scottish / Welsh red route stay clear.

Kev

Completely missed out on making this a real epic. Superb location, hills, scenery, car park, cafe etc…but it is just one big boring loop that they dare call a red route, more like a very long blue route in my eyes.

Nothing challeging, no black sections (couple of off piste small bomb holes – thats it), it feels rewarding at the end, but only because it is so long. They should have invested the same into a quality 23k loop!!!, rather than a laborious 39 that requires continual pedaling.

Its only busy, becasue Northern England has so little to offer from a trail centre perspective.

Me and my brother hated it, yet 2 other lads loved it…morever because they find “kerb drops” extreme!

Enjoy ?

Kev

I agree, also predominantly chav scratters with earings, full of night before carling lager, pulling there motorised piles of shit out of their company van that they should not be using !

Good to see manufacturers branching out and using alternative materials, but you wood need to be bark ing mad to get one.

Wood dew get one….?

“Looks Shit”…you have just picked up the understatement of the year award..sacrialge! :wink:

Like the KCNC parts, not sure about bar ends though!

Kev

Good ridance!, I used to rightfully so!.. drool over their components, but a lot of their range has gone to the dogs recently.

I broke the dust guard on my BB putting it in, then got told to change it as they apparantly built from philadelphia soft cheese. My jacket fell appart after about 10 rides, and then there is the issue of my squeaking cheep looking crank set that needs constant tightening.

This is surely great timing for Hope to get their new cranksets on the market ASAP, price em right ant they will clean up!

Kev

True they are a capable machine !, I owened a 09 5 Se (it was a top bike), however I have seen a mega in the flesh and they are definately 80% AM and far more brutal looking that the 5.

And yes 60% of them are owened by mincers who bounce up and down on them in the car park at Coedy trying to get everyone to look at them and their 5, then divert around every black section “en route” !

Get a 5 for exclusivity ! :roll:

Strange comparison as the bikes are quite…differant, a bit like “do I get a Ford Focus or a Kia Sportage” ?

If you are more XC go for the 5, if you are more AM go for the NP.

Alternatively go for a far better specd bike for half the price and get a blinged to the max Carbon Cube Stereo.

Kev