Orange Launch New Stage 5, A 135 mm Travel Aggressive 29er
It’s fair to say that when it comes to trail bikes, UK brand Orange are legendary. Their iconic design has stood the test of time longer than any other design on the market, and their following is almost cultish. They have just dropped this new Stage 5, a 135 mm 29er that will get fans frothing at the mouth
Here at ENDURO, we are certain that 2017 will be the year of the 29er. With Boost wheels, improved tyre choice and increased wheel strength the bigger wheels have become more potent than ever, smashing STRAVA times and appearing on the startline under elite international racers on the EWS circuit. For the trail rider, they bring increased confidence and performance on all trails. Until very recently most 29er’s were ungainly and ‘detuned’ versions of their 27.5″ siblings, but not anymore. UK cult brand Orange, has just dropped a new trail bike which takes all the aggression of their reworked Five, and blends in 29 inch wheels.
The New Orange Stage 5
Here’s what Orange have to say about the new Orange Stage 5: “Forget everything you thought you knew about bigger-wheeled bikes: the Stage 5 is here. Designed to go further and faster whatever the terrain, this bike signals a new generation of trail-loving 29ers where nothing’s off limits and everything goes. Big wheels and a super-efficient pivot position help transfer more of your energy straight into the trail – great for carrying speed and tackling epics. Meanwhile, the Stage’s frameset geometry is slack enough for the steeps and long enough for superb stability, not to mention the chance to reap the handling rewards of running a short stem. A sweet spot of 140/135 travel helps flatten even the roughest rock gardens too – perfect for pace, comfort and efficiency. With 148mm Boost rear spacing, internal dropper routing and a 5-year warranty on its handmade frame, the Stage 5 is bang up to date and reassuringly future-proof. Make no mistake: in any of its guises this is one seriously versatile bike with an audaciously bold intention.”
Vital Statistics of the new Orange Stage 5
- Handbuilt in Britain
- 5 year frame warranty
- Unique monocoque aluminium and tubing chassis
- Single pivot suspension for the utmost performance, efficiency and reliability
- 29″ tubeless wheelset
- 140mm Front/135mm rear travel
- Enduro race honed geometry
- Increased length toptube and wheelbase coupled to a shorter stem for high-speed stability
Orange Stage 5 at a glance.
- Frame: 6061-T6 Monocoque UK Formed Custom Aluminium Tubing
- Wheel Size: 29 Rear wheel travel: 135
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory Kashima 140mm HSC/LSC Boost
- Rear Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory with Open/Firm Lever 200 x 51
- Wheelset: Hope Pro 4 + Race Face Arc 30 29″
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / High Roller II
- Crankset: Hope Cranks Black
- Chain Device: MRP AMG ISCG05
- Rear Mech: Shimano XT Shadow + 11spd
- Bottom Bracket: Hope 30mm Blue
- Brakes: Hope Tech 3 E4 203/183 Floating (Blue)
- Stem: Renthal Apex M35 50mm extension
- Handlebar: Renthal FatBar Carbon 35mm 20mm Riser 800mm Wide
- Grips: Renthal Ultra Tacky Lock On
- Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory Kashima 6in (150mm) Drop
- Saddle: SDG Strange Fly Mtn
Our First Ride Impressions
While the Stage 5 was only released today, we managed to get our hands on a prototype version with a slightly different build kit. After a month of being thrown around the Tweed Valley, the Orange Stage 5 impressed us. To find out how the Stage 5 performed you can check out our full Orange Stage 5 review.
For more information on the Orange range, check out the Orange website.
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Words: Photos: Trevor Worsey / Orange
