Bike Build Story: The first part of our build story for our Enduro. So that we don't reveal everything beforehand, the lead image is pixelated. The heart of our build is the Orange Stage 6 aluminum frame. Why this bike? In times of Brexit and consumers unsettled by scandals, I thought about it: We build a bike from "regional products", which means we have always tried to find what we are looking for in the European environment. That didn't always work out, or we used non-European parts even if they were only available as custom parts or were simply not available. The story should explicitly motivate self-construction.
Why the Orange Stage 6 frame?
Even if the enduro trend is being attacked by trail bike fever, this type of bike is still good for many a flagship in the manufacturer lineup. And if you are currently presenting an Enduro, then please also in 29 inches. The big wheels keep the speed better and iron away rough clutter. That spoke for our choice. What's more, the Orange Stage 6 is one of two brand new bikes in the Brits range, so we were curious. Experience has shown that the simple design of the single-pivot rear triangle is a reason for many bikers to turn up their noses. As a rule, this is disproved by a test drive and leads to the test pilots then questioning their theoretical (half) knowledge. But more on that later, because we will conclude the series of articles with a detailed test. By the way: our bike is orange... but the color has little to do with the company name. The two founders wanted to build bikes that were as versatile as possible and could do practically anything. They should be called “All Range”. In the vernacular of Northern England, the A becomes the O and the Ls are swallowed. This is how AllRange finally became orange….
It is like it is…
Our "Bike Build Bike" seems really archaic, since we live in a high-tech world in which sports products such as mountain bikes are now becoming increasingly electrified and complicated. Those who are self-reliant build carbon frames. The folks from Halifax don't play along: "it is what it is..." is their motto. They only transfer the technologies to their bikes that they stand behind. Our frame also has the current Boost axle dimension, but at the same time also has a traditional BSA bottom bracket. With the exception of the seat tube and head tube, the tubes are self-made. To do this, the desired shape is cut from sheet metal and bent into a tube, which is welded at the seam. This allows shapes that would not be possible with conventional tubes, and in turn excludes a design that would be feasible with so-called "hydroforming". If you do a lot yourself, you are independent. The milled parts also come from our own production. This gives you a high level of vertical integration and makes you largely independent of suppliers.
Our decision to buy a bike "Made in Europe" stems from the desire to put such smaller companies in the limelight. Globalization is progressing fast enough and we enjoy products that stand out from the crowd because of their type and history. It's also nice to know where your own bike comes from, to be able to shake hands with the welder. So you know that environmental regulations were probably met, the distances were not unnecessarily long and that there are still handicrafts in the area.
The Orange Stage 6 frame in detail
On the chassis, current standards meet the tried and tested. The Boost Standard looks good on a 29er bike. The axle grows here from the usual 142mm to 148mm. That's 3 millimeters per side, which doesn't sound like much at first. You have to know that the 142 standard was actually created by inflated 135mm quick-release hubs and largely retained this shape for the hub body. With the Boost Standard, at 148mm, the hub flanges of most manufacturers move significantly apart and thus allow much flatter spoke angles. These slacker angles, in turn, allow for stiffer and more durable wheels. The disc brake mount is based on the well-known IS standard, so all disc sizes fit and tolerances can be easily compensated. There is no direct mount standard for the derailleur hanger, so derailleurs from all manufacturers fit. The head tube has an inner dimension of 49mm and thus accommodates both "tapered" and all other fork shafts with a corresponding headset.
The seat tube takes a 30,9mm seat post. A telescopic support with internal cable routing can be used. Here, the will to modernize becomes visible, after all, internally routed trains at Orange were not something that was very popular for a long time. But now the lines are also routed here in the frame, with a system that enables easy laying and threading. Large rubber plugs sit on the openings, access is easy and can be customized. This means that stops for one or two entrances can be placed anywhere, or an entrance can simply be closed. There is a metal emblem on the control tube, which we also know from the predecessors. Otherwise one holds back discreetly, as far as the graphic design is concerned. A few stickers are on the main frame and the rear triangle. In addition to the color of the frame, you can now also choose the color of the stickers. If you want, you can order a complete bike or a frame individually. You can configure your bike online and adapt it to your wishes.
The rear end of the Orange Stage 6
The pivot point of the rear triangle is above the 73mm BSA bottom bracket with ISCG05 mount for chain guides. It is housed in an aluminum box that connects the seat tube and down tube. This technology is used in the current Stage 6, Stage 5 and Alpine 6 models. On earlier bikes, the pivot point was in the down tube. The new construction allows for a larger bearing support width, which should make the frames stiffer. Also, thanks to a "dent" in the down tube, longer dampers are now installed or they are positioned differently, which enables a better characteristic curve. The rear end moves on a circular path, a classic single pivot. Many bikes that are successful in the Downhill World Cup also have such a rear triangle, but the shock is usually linked via a lever position. We rely on a Rock Shox Monarch RC3 Debon Air with 200mm installation length and 57mm stroke. We know how other bikes work with the damper, so we can compare well.
The geometry of the Orange Stage 6
The bike is available in three sizes, M, L and XL. Why? Because the developers find that in smaller sizes, the combination of large 29ers and long travel involves too many compromises. They don't want that: "It is what it is..." The head tube is shorter than on the previous Alpine 5, a 140mm 29er. The angles are modern and contemporary. It also does justice to the trend towards longer top tubes. Only the chainstays are significantly longer than those of other manufacturers. This is good for the smooth running and results in a quite long bike overall.
Is that why it lies like a board? Yes, I can say that! Does that make it sluggish? Yes, not really... But we'll reveal that in the test...