Product news/Eurobike2018: The British from Orange are gradually expanding their portfolio. There are kids' bikes, the range of e-bikes is growing and there are also reports of various updates to well-known models. We want to show you three highlights from the Orange 2019 LineUp. The 329 downhill bike, the crush e-hardtail and a monster crosser prototype.
Orange is bringing the 2019, a 329-inch downhill bike, into series production in 29.
The basis was the proven 324 on which the 327 in 27,5 inches and the 329 in 29 inches are based. The pipe shapes have been changed a bit and have become even more pleasing. On both bikes, both 29 inch and 27,5 inch, the silhouette was adapted to the current Alpine 6 and Stage 6 models on the top tube as well as on the rear triangle.
The bikes of the Brits are not exactly heavy, we have already noticed that when the 324 with mid-range equipment with steel spring dampers showed exactly the same on the scales as a carbon downhiller from a well-known and popular direct sales brand with high-end equipment including air dampers. That's often good, so they can be moved playfully, but on some routes the problem isn't the lack of maneuverability. Things get so wild that you could use more smoothness. This is how they want to solve it in Halifax: there are two threads in the down tube, centrally in front of the bottom bracket. Several weights can be attached there.
This makes it possible to gradually make the bike heavier, exactly where it makes sense. Below and in the middle. A little extra weight doesn't bother much here, but it should make a decisive contribution to letting the bike lie more firmly on the trail. According to Orange 2019, the weights should also come with Stage 6 and Alpine 6 as a “running change”. Of course, they can also be used as bottle holder eyelets. Whether with a drinking bottle or a metal plate, they always provide additional protection for the bike.
Orange 2019 Crush-E
We now know many e-hardtails and have familiarized ourselves with them over many test kilometers. Most of them are tame tourers. That makes sense, after all, off-road excursions are often not much fun, especially when there is no rear suspension, it promises to be very bumpy.
Whether Orange will put the bike into series production in 2019 will depend on the response. But one thing is certain: the fusion of the aggro hardtail Crush and the Shimano M 8000 motor is not only aimed at well-behaved tourers, you should also be able to let it rip with it. If you don't need rear suspension in moderate terrain or if you want to do without it on principle, you can stay with riders of full-suspension bikes with the Crush-E.
Orange 2019 X9
With the RX9, Orange has had a crosser in its range for a long time, which is also good as a gravel racer. At the fair we spotted the X9. With a one-by drive train, fat tires and a Fox suspension fork, it's a pure "monster crosser".
If you are wondering why the bike has two shifters even though it comes with 1×11, you should direct your attention to the dropper post. It is controlled with the left shift lever - very clever.
The “Strange” label adorns the down tube, which is what Orange basically means for wheels that are in the experimental stage. Whether the Orange 2019 will then be available in series production will also depend on the response of potential buyers.
By the way, the Brits only build about 3500 fully frames in Halifax every year. Sheets are cut, edged and welded into tubes, then these tubes are assembled into frames. Then the customer's desired color is added. So an orange is not a wheel that you see on every corner.