Orange 224 Custom Build

When we get a chance to run a test on one of the hotly anticipated bikes of the year you know we'll get it done first, so anticipated that we had 2 offers of a bike test!!...With a bike that's so hot, that the welding was still cooling down, we asked it's owner, RAW's Mr. Adam Proctor, if we could have a few thoughts on how this bike rode during a week in the Alps, Adam duly obliged...

The first real outing with the 224 after the 18 months on a 223 was a week in Morzine. If any where was going to test and find out the differences, this was going to be the place.

This bike has a custom build up, see Orange's web site for standard specs. Manitou Dorado's grace the front end, new 32mm stanchions, and fatter carbon legs increase stiffness over previous year’s forks. They are still as buttery smooth as ever, it's a big shame it’s the last year for these babies, although the new 06 Travis forks look the business for you Dorado die-hards.

The rest of the build consists of all the usual stuff. Saint cranks, XO rear mech, SLR saddle, Classic XT 4 pots (always work), OS Pro Taper bars, Hope Bulbs and so on.

It’s nice to have a lot more adjustability on the bb height and head angle, something that the old frame lacked due to the shock hitting the top tube on the smaller frames.

The gusset at the top of the head tube is slimmer, which "in turn" gives you a greater steering lock. Something you will appreciate if you running Boxxers.

Orange 224 - Just like Peaty's but with all different parts

Just like the 223 you get on the bike and feel "at home" on it. Although on the 223 I felt like my weight was too far back on the bike. The new 224 geometry moves your weight distribution forwards and you seem to sit into the bike.

The new pivot point certainly makes a big difference. The bike stays much more active when pedaling because the chainline isn't pulling the swingarm down into the ground and essentially practically locking the bike out. This wasn't possible before "platform" style shocks because the bike would have been bobtastic. When you ride the bike you just want to pedal it through everything. The weight saving seems to make the bike flow better through corners and accelerate quicker as you step on the gas. There is also a lot less pedal kickback so you don't feel the suspension tugging on the chain as it is absorbing the bumps.

Also gone this year is the IBS (Irritable Brake "rattle" System) If Peaty doesn't run it then why should you although I guess we do all brake a little more. When riding the bike you do notice that there is a lot less brake jack than on a standard 223. Again new pivot point has less effect on the suspension action.

Gone has the "cut and shut" flared swingarm and a straight, lighter and much sleeker swingarm in its place. The slimmer profile also has the advantage of less chain slap so the bike is a lot quieter. Certainly didn't notice any extra flex even though there's a decent weight saving over the old frame. There’s a replaceable hanger to, for any monkeys who could break the old one. At least it doesn't mean 4-6 weeks off the bike waiting for your new swingarm, if you do rip it off. The replacable hanger is as strong as the old system and mounts from the inside of the swingarm .

New rear swingarm...gone are those "cut & shut" welds

New lower Pivot and Gamut Chain Device

Union Jackson [Upcharge for 'GBR' stickerset is £49.95 ]

Replaceable Mech Hanger

New shock mount attaches to the top tube and is cnc'd to fit around the downtube. It looks awesome. New swingarm profile just like the 66 is much better to look at than the industrial one of old.

ISCG Chain guide mount just like before in the perfect location. Gamut P40 chain device mounts perfectly and set up first time and worked with no hassle over the whole week in Morzine. This is an excellent device and very lightweight (Polycarbonate outer plate, light weight aluminum boomerang). A week in Morzine and a weekend at Fort William and its still running perfectly even though it's taken a bit of a battering off rocks and boulders. Imperial bolts are the only downside to the set up. www.gamutusa.com

French Singletrack...

Hopping Hobbit Hut's Hon Ha Huo Huo Huour

Double D is also available

Adam popping one off with his wood

The official line from the land of vitamin C... www.orangebikes.com

"So what are the main differences between this and the 223? For a start it's lighter! How can that be, lighter than the lightest bike on the downhill circuit? Yep. refined construction techniques and devious design has brought the frameset in a staggering 400 grams lighter than the 223.

The first thing to notice about the chassis is that the pivot point is lowered by a significant amount. The upshot is much more active travel with negligable pedal kickback, which means no need for independent brake system saving more weight.

215mm of travel using a lower leverage ratio than 2005, gives better shock control and performance. So good that Steve Peat thinks its the best handling version of the 22* series so far. He proved it by winning every race he entered at the start of the season.

So for now that's all we can tell you. Full model specs and details will be online as soon as we have them.

The 224 is available as a frameset with immediate effect

£1599.95 See a respectable Orange dealer near you now for full details."

Upcharge for 'GBR' stickerset is £49.95

Available in 3 specs hopefully around September time...DD (freeride), Race (DH), GBR (DH)"