Submitted by
Vic Walsh
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2006
Strengths: Simple design, efective
Weaknesses: UGLY
Bottom Line:
Boy is it ugly. Industrial looking mega strong frame with a simple single pivit swingarm. East to maintain. Hey, it works, its excellent. Everyone whose had a proper go on it has either gone and bought one or is going to. Looks far heavier than it actually is. I have just left mine off at the Orange factory in Halifax for a respray and bearing change as they are only 20 mile from me! Mine was a horrible white with a blue swingarm ? but its going to be GREY to match the industrial look. Their bikes are brilliant and so are they.
Bike Setup: XT drivetrain, Sram rocket shifters (brilliant), MX comp air forks (superb for £), EA 50 post, Prolite bars and stem, Deore hubs, MPH3 hydraulic disc brakes, Manitou Swinger 3way.
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Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Wanganui, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2004
Strengths: The brand of Orange is a strength in itself. The accuracy on technical trail is outstanding no flex at all. For a full sus bike fitted with full XTR (2004) weight is not an issue, but is it ever really for recreational bikers, i dont think so !. Didnt think i could better my 1992 Orange Aluminium Elite, but by crikey this is far and away a better bike, easier on the body and especially back ( 34 yrs old, old rugby injury). After being born and bred in Halifax the home of Orange, i suppose i have a bit of hometown loyalty, but after having had only 1 bike in the last decade plus, and that being an Orange i cant recommend these bikes enough. You haven't been mountainbiking till you've ridden an Orange
Weaknesses: I have had this bike less than month, i feel honestly dont believe i will find anything wrong with bike frame, which to me is what counts, almost everything else is made by someone else and is an add on, so thats your fault for speccing it.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line on this product is that you havent been mtb'ing if you have'nt ridden one of these frames, they are so rigid you would think you are riding hard tail, so dont moan put your hand in your pocket and buy one. This will suit every rider from new to old sweat, i dont think there there is a rider who can out do this bike in what its designed for.
p.s
any one can break a bike doing stuff its not supposed to
Similar Products Used: Kona Lava Dome, Orange Aluminium Elite XT
Bike Setup: 2004 XTR brakes, gears and drive train, Manitou Minute forks(1 min), egg beater mallet pedals
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Submitted by
paul johnstone
a Cross Country Rider
from glasgow
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2003
Strengths: fantastic climbing ability, glad i went for the "pro" model, gets you a nice mix of hope, xt, etc
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
it was a tuff decision spending my hard end cash, but a big thank you must go to the staff of gear of glasgow, very helpful indeed and managed to sort me out with a demo sub-5 which i had for a whole week-end, that certainly helped me make up my mind.
Submitted by
Chris Stott
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, UK
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2003
Strengths: Very plush rear suspension Reasonably light at a little over 27lb Huge mud clearance – you can get your fist between the tyre tread and the swingarm! It’s a matter of personal taste, but I love the gothic looks of the matt black frame
Weaknesses: Very twitchy steering on anything other than steep climbs with the forks set at 85mm Thin paint is easily scratched Some cable rub around the front of the monocoque Some worries about durability after Orange horror stories of 2002 Don’t tell the wife how much it cost!!
Bottom Line:
A very stiff back and sore arse after some very uncomfortable winter rides on the hardtail (’00 Scott Team Racing) forced me down the full suspension route. All the normal full suspension worries of extra weight, inferior climbing and less a less challenging ride were swept away on the first section of singletrack - I just wish I had made the change ages ago!
This bike just rips along typical British trails. First ride I couldn’t believe how much time I spent in the big ring - with 5” of travel front and rear, obstacles that would have previously meant stopping pedalling to get out of the saddle for comfort and traction reasons are cushioned away by the super plush suspension. Being able to keep the pedals turning more of the time means much better momentum.
Climbing on smooth fireroads and singletrack is excellent, but out of the saddle climbing, without the shock locked, on steep, loose, rocky terrain is not advisable as the chain torque spits rocks out the back. Seated climbing is fine though. Pedal feedback is there in the small ring, but it’s not that noticeable, and certainly doesn’t detract from the ride.
But climbing is just a means to gain height… it’s descending that gets the adrenaline flowing. Firstly, yes, it is less challenging than the hardtail, in so much as you don’t have to be so picky about your lines. But then you’re travelling so much faster that this more than compensates. Ruts, bumps & small drops are just swallowed whole. I haven’t ridden it enough to get the confidence to do serious (for me!) drops yet, but it’s just a matter of time!
Component choice obviously influences how a bike rides, and I’m trying to limit this review to comments relating to the frame, but special praise has to go to the Fox TALAS forks… they are quite incredible, and a perfect match for the rear end. I have reviewed these separately.
Speaking of the forks; after trying out the various travel setting of the TALAS, they are pretty much left in the 125mm setting now. At the 85mm travel setting the steering is super fast, and I only wind them down to 100mm for really steep climbs now.
Despite the rather scary amount of money I have invested in this bike I have no regrets about buying it. It is just so rewarding to ride. Roll on July, when it will be winging it’s way to Switzerland for a week of flying round the Alps.
Value rating reflects the almost crazy prices of top end FS bikes in the UK... Full retail would have been over £3,000. Considering you can buy a very decent 600cc motorbike for about £6,000 new, this is just stupid!
Similar Products Used: None, this is my first full suspension bike
Bike Setup: Full custom build – ’03 18" frame in matt black, Fox AVA RL shock, Fox TALAS RLC, King headset, RF turbines and rings, XY post, Deus stem, Monkeylights, full 02 XTR, Hope minis (185/165), X317's on Hope XC hubs, Fire XC pro's, SDG Bel Air saddle & time Z control pedals
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Submitted by
binnie
a Weekend Warrior
from Abercynon,S.Wales
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003
Strengths: Bullet proof frame,generally quality spec.,excellent customer service,dealer is fantastic.
Weaknesses: Some parts dodgy(pedals,forks,brakes,)but easily upgraded at source/dealer.
Bottom Line:
Tough as old boots,but as sexy as Jenny McCarthy driving a Dodge Viper.It climbs well,goes downhill brilliantly,and is an excellent bike for whatever YOU want to do,whenever you want to do it.
I feel qualified to write a review after taking the bike on a heinous 8 hour epic ride which cost a group of 6 riders 5 flats, 1 broken frame, 2 broken wheels, 1 broken disc brake and numerous abrasions. The Orange was probably the perfect bike for this outing, although 2 individuals used rigid singlespeeds! It handles very well goes where you point it without complaint and handles baby heads with aplomb. It climbs well, and I have not noticed much suspension bob.j The low bottom bracket makes for great handling, but here in Arizona with rocks aplenty it also means you bash pedals on a regular basis. I love this bike!
Similar Products Used: titus loco moto titus racer-x various hardtails
Bike Setup: marzocchi marathon coil 105 fox float R crossmax tubeless hope minis
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Submitted by
Georges
a Cross Country Rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003
Strengths: The ride quality is great as everything is sucked up with ease. It makes the trail become so smooth that at times my only concern is pedaling. The bike also feels very solid. It is not a flimsy bike by any means, which is unlike some of the other bikes I have ridden which are in the same weight ballpark. Climbs very well. No issues of pedal bob unless standing and sprinting. Very impressed with the worksmanship and quality ofthe paint> overall top notch.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Pricier than some of the other bikes in the class, but worth it. Also I likethe fact that it is a bike that not many people have seen. It fits in between very nicely the hardtail and the freeride bike. It is just a really good all day bike. Would even consider racing it on a rougher course.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Superlite & Bullet (Sub 5 is somewhere in between. Closer to Superlite than bullet), Turner, Trek, specialized FSR and Ellsworth
Bike Setup: Rock Shox psylo Race fork, Pauls from brake and lever. Formula B4 brake on the rear. XT shifters and crank. XTR drlr's. Chris King hubs mated to Mavic 517 rims. Easton monkey lite. thmson post and stem. Fox Air shock.
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Submitted by
Dickie Orr
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002
Strengths: Confidence inspiring, climbs superd, well balanced, bundles of fun.
Weaknesses: Within 6 months I had snapped both of the bolts holding the rear shock in place (on one occation I had to get the frame rewelded by Orange as there were stress fractures in the frame). All I had been using it for was some XC/Freeride stuff. The level of customer service I recived from Gear of Glasgow was a disgrace - they couldn't even set up my gears.
Bottom Line:
Despite all the problems I have had with this bike I love it to bits. Perhaps not the best bike if you are 6'4" and weigh around 200lbs. Cant weight to upgrade the forks. I will probably ignore Oranges' warning and go for some Z1's.
Similar Products Used: Patriot, Specialised FSR XC, Bullit (in retropsect I would reccomend the Bullit), Gemini (spelling?)
Bike Setup: Deore, Hope Mini's, Crappy Manitou Black Comp forks
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Submitted by
Matt Robinson
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield, UK
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002
Strengths: Plush, confident handling, all-rounder with acres of mud clearance and a totally bombproof feel. Deore discs are great, deore drivetrain is amazing for the money. I have lockout on shock, combined with 80mm stiffer setting on the forks means it goes like stink on the road to the trail...
Weaknesses: Forks are too soft (Manitou Blacks). Bit on the porky side (Deore Discs and forks to blame).
Bottom Line:
Inspired confidence in me - i now ride over stuff that I would have slowed for or avoided on my hardtail Clockwork.This bike floats over stuff downhill. I now ride further and faster and feel less beat up at the end of the day. For an allround trail bike that will last - go buy. Also helps that Rik did a great deal on buying the thing - good price and traded in my old beast.
Similar Products Used: Marins, G-Zero and Strike, Heckler. Also had a go on Specialised and Kona four bars...Put off by the number of pivots...
Bike Setup: Standard deore disc with lockout on Sid shock.
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Submitted by
R. Scott Prestwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Redington Shores, FL USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002
Strengths: Superb English craftmanship, no flex means it is where you want it to be, 5 inches of rear travel
Weaknesses: None as of yet. Some apprehension about warranty matters, should they arise. The Orange folks in the UK haven't been responsive to email queries. No local Orange dealers, somewhat ironic in Florida...
Bottom Line:
We have some super technical, albeit short, up and downs in reclaimed mining areas and this bike handles it all extremely well. The single pivot is much tighter in long downhill runs, like @ Elijay, GA or Tsali, NC than my NRS XTC1 is. This bike is the BOMB! I looked at the Ellsworth Truth, but; this bike won. Oh, Michael's Bikes in CA was great about setting things up.$2300 included frame, Marathon S, King headset and XTR front derailleur.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Marathon S, Chris King headset, disc hubs,Sun Ringle Disc rims, Hayes disc, XTR drive train, Next LP ISIS cranks, Thompson stem/seatpost, Salsa seat, Michelin Wildgrippers
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Submitted by
simon pridham
a Weekend Warrior
from yeadon leeds UK
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002
Strengths: I've reviewed this bike before, but have now fitted 130mm Bomber Freeride forks with Hope XC Headset and 185mm Minis, This must now be the ultimate all day play/XC bike
Weaknesses: Replaced bottom bracket with Race face after 12 months.
Bottom Line:
As in previous review, still a great bike comfy all day, which will handle anything thrown at it, still 5 out of 5
Similar Products Used: Marin Mount Vison Pro with Bomber Dropoffs and Hope Minis, alot slower steering and not as good at climbing.
Bike Setup: XT/Race face Gearing,rockshock rear, Bomber Freeride 130mm, Hope Minis F & R, Smart Hal lights for nite rides
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Submitted by
Arbie
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002
Strengths: 5" very plush travel, very adjustable shock, can really hammer downhill, stiff, tough paintjob
Weaknesses: Stories of broken frames, poor cable routing means constant stiff shifting so try nokon outers
Bottom Line:
This bike can be almost anything you want it to be, run the shock hard and it'll do the XC thing. But for real grins set rear SID soft, put on some IRC's, a set 100mm+ forks and head down hill. Superplush rear end mated to light responsive frame means this bike flys downhill all have to do is keep your weight back and hold on. Great trail frame, however I've heard of riders snapping the shock mounts probably because 5" lets you push it too far and ride it like a DH bike if you want. I've changed bikes to a Bullit because the sub 5 gave me a taster of what a freeride bike could do and I didn't want to bust it.
If your a hard XC boy by a sub5 if you want to do more freeride stuff by a patriot.
Bike Setup: Hope Mini, Mazz MXC, XT, WTB wheels, TrailBear and Backcountry
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Submitted by
Colin
a Weekend Warrior
from Highlands, Scotland
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Strengths: Simplicity of single pivot design, excellent dig-in climber, nice & light, very fast steering
Weaknesses: Pretty cack standard fork ( RS Duke C.... upgrading soon!! My old 1996 Judy XC was MUCH more progressive ).... Pretty cack brakes ( Avid V-type; not a patch on proper parallel mechanism ones like Shimano XT v-brakes) BUT...... These are very small gripes for a medium-entry level spec ( Sub 5 V ).... Just fit your favourite fork & upgrade the existing front hub to take a disk.
Bottom Line:
After paying 2700 GBP for my GT LTS-1 a few years ago, it's unbelievable how far things have come with the Sub 5 V at 1750 GBP now. No more creaking multiple pivots!!! Yet still more rear travel, and just as progressive as the old "coil over" shock bikes of the late 90s. Great climber, rock solid at speed downhill on our typical Scottish forestry roads strewn with sizeable rocks. Snappy steering: sudden changes of direction are no problem. Best suited bike I've ever owned to the typical weekend blasts in the northwest of Scotland.
Similar Products Used: 1996 Scott Boulder FS hardtail.... highlt customised 1998 GT LTS-1
Bike Setup: Standard Sub 5 V. Planned upgrades are front disc & better fork as mentioned above!
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Submitted by
Lee Porter
a Cross Country Rider
from Caerphilly, South Wales
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002
Strengths: Reliability, bomb proof. Stays reasonably stiff on climbs even without rear lockout. Light for a strong full susser. Good value for money.
Weaknesses: The pro frame build comes with a fork that let's it down. UPGRADE !!! On the front the cables rub here and there so get some carbon patches.
Bottom Line:
Like I said, it's as stong as an ox and will take all but huge drop-offs in it's stide so long as you upgrade from the MANITOU BLACKS forks. A good bike for climbing, very responsive for tight singletrack and tough enough for the downhills. I was looking for a long time and value for money you just can't beat it, also comes with a very good after sale service. The bottom line is I have knocked the snot out of mine and it has taken it all. Top all round bike.
Bike Setup: Upgraded to FOX FORX Float RL and HOPE hubs.
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Submitted by
Justin Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002
Strengths: Hardly anyone in America owns one. It is a very durable frame, and it is light weight. I like the simplicity of the single pivot design. It rides very well it decends great and it climbs suprisingly well.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This bike is wonderful for trail riding. I wanted a bike that no on else had and the Orange sub 5 was my choice I love this bike it climbs well decends great. Bottom line I love this bike. I owned an Intense Tracer before this bike (this is a great bike also) I just wanted a bike that no one else has and I figured the Orange would be my best bet it is a full on trail rig with 5" of travel. The pictures do not do it justice when I had the frame in my hand the attention to detail is magnificent. I would recomend this bike to anyone who does not like to ride something that everyone else has but rides just as good if not better than everything else. It is the ultimate trail bike.
Bike Setup: Fox float 100 RLC, Sun Ringle wheel set, Sram 9.0 shifters,brakes,and derailleurs, Chris King head set, Xt cranks, Maxxis Minotaur tires, Easton monkeylite carbon bars, Thomson seat post and stem.
