Great review (yes, I am a totally biased five rider)! I wanted a British bike so tested out the excellent Whyte T130s. and then the five RS at Earnshaws in Hudd (who were great). Ended up getting the five pro (wi' bits) and so glad I did. So much feel and response through the frame and that kick you get coming out of fast corners is: Just. So. Addictive. Genuinely had the best rides ever on it so far. Off up Embsay Moor on it this weekend - can't wait. To anyone um-ing and ah-ing over getting an Orange: Do it. Forget the numbers, go on feel and it won't disappoint.
Hi Guy love the video my bike will be at the Ard Rock enduro next year . yes its a five and my son will be on it. I do have another one in the shed yes its a five also.This is what I spent my Retirement lump sum on.money well spent.
Hi Guy! So after watching your review of the Whyte S150 I ordered one in the RS carbon version. However, I actually got to have a proper ride on one last weekend at Je James cyclefest and after trying it back to back with a five I promptly cancelled the Whyte and ordered a Five Pro! It was an absolute riot! I really wanted to love the S150 and was expecting to be blown away but it just felt kind of ordinary to me 😕. The Five just had me grinning from ear to ear from the moment I swung a leg over it, it was awesome! Pick it up next week! Tried a stage five too but still preferred the smaller wheels.
Yep, efficiency is great and the Whyte is much livelier than a lot of bikes, but I can't think of anything that lights up a trail like a Five. It's a sod to try and explain in terms of numbers and suspension theory, but like you say, soon as you're aboard it's happy days!
Do you think the S150 is less fun than the Five due to wheel size or is it that the suspension on the Five gives more feedback through the pedals? I'm guessing the suspension design leads to a feeling that the bike is doing a lot and so keeps you "on your toes"? Not ridden a Five in years and have no experience on the Whyte but am interested in the new breed of 29ers. Currently have a 2015 Rocky Mountain Altitude Rally Edition.
Guy Tothill I think maybe it's a combination of both. Like I said, I tried a stage 5 29er too and whilst I liked that better than the Whyte, I felt the smaller wheels were just a bit more nimble and flicky. For flat out pace I think the 29er was quicker for sure but I'm not a racer so went with the one that felt more fun.
Gary Winslow demo’d a four last year - you might have ridden one yourself by now! Awesome bike too. Can still remember how it rode. Got a demo on a five next weekend so I’m keen to see the difference!
I've always liked Orange bikes ever since I first time saw them in a bike magazine as a kid. Kind of a dream bike I guess in a way. A bit too expensive though to justify getting one so far but maybe one day I'll get one or get to try one out at least :D
My Orange Five 2013 is still a lovely bike. My mates have labelled it "the bismark" because it's heavy like a tank compared to their carbon framed sworks and remedy
Yep, but you quite possibly wouldn't still be riding a 6 year old Remedy or S-Works. For a start you'd have been told there was a completely new, better one at least five times already 🤣
Fantastic day demoing an Orange Four and Stage 6 today, two ends of the spectrum in terms of bike and by god both are fun. Flick a switch to climb and those worries are banished (if you had them) and open it and let fly on the descents and you feel just what the bike is doing while it also gives you bags of confidence. They're flickable, built like a tank without weighing as much as one and absolutely gorgeous in the flesh. People commenting about "behind the times" or that single pivot is rubbish - have you ridden one? An Orange I mean. If not, do yourselves a favour and get yourself on one. Guy - Brenda's cakes were amazing, and Stu said you've been testing bikes as long as he has been riding them and that you're a great guy. I can't wait to do more mountain biking, and get myself on a Five!
Sorry Macs, completely missed replying to this. Glad you had a great time and that the Orange character worked out for you. You've really made me realise how long it is since I've had some Dales Bike Centre cake though!
Hoping to demo one of these this weekend! At Dales Bike Centre as you've mentioned in a reply below Guy. Wanted to demo a Crush or P7 (asked you about those in your Chameleon vid), but they didn't have any, so I'm on a Stage 6 and either a Four or a Five depending on what they have. Always wanted to try an Orange and this weekend I am, and this made me more pumped!
I'm getting a P7 29er as my long termer for MBUK soon, but it sounds like you've got a great weekend ahead. Especially if you include Brenda's cakes in the equation! Tell Stu I said hello too.
It's up in Swaledale on the Ard Rock Enduro course. They're off limits outside the event but there's some great natural riding up there. Just drop in at Dales Bike Centre in Reeth for some cake and a brew and Study will point you in the right direction 👍🏻
Very excited to be demoing this and a stage 5 next weekend! Back at Dales bike centre. Last year I demo’d the four and stage 6, but these are the ones I want to have a bash on!
Hi Guy, great review, i'm torn between this and the Alpine 6. I've been riding for around 18 months and currently have a Crush which is awesome but i want a full sus. Would you recommend a 5 or an Alpine 6? I mostly ride Trails in west Cornwall but also would like to visit places like Woody's, BPW etc. I'm leaning towards the Alpine but maybe a 5 would suit me more? What are your thoughts. I'm originally from East Lancs and visit a couole of times a year. Where is this that you're riding please?
Probably the best way to explain is watching this. These are obviously the 29er bikes but the differences in character between the 5 and Alpine are very similar to those between the Stage 5 and Stage 6 ua-cam.com/video/IUxSMnizR3E/v-deo.html
Hi Guy, Awesome review dude! Do you know if these trails can be ridden day to day outside of 'Ard rock enduro weekend? I'm based in the Yorkshire dales and would love some of that action!
Afraid not Paul, they're all on private land it would really put the event in jeopardy if anyone one rides them outside of the weekend. There are some absolutely amazing totally legal trails in the same area around Reeth though. Your best bet is to head to Dales Bike Centre and ask Stuey where to go. I'm pretty sure he has trail maps too.
I thought that would be the case mate. Thanks for the reply and the advice to go see Stuey. I will defo do that. I can't believe how much you use the trails around where I live, who knows one day we may cross paths out on a shred! Keep the awesome reviews coming dude!
You're not wrong mate. I am based at Riddlesden just outside Keighley. I have just started getting back into Mountain biking after a few years out of the game but just want to start getting out again and having fun. If you have any advice on where to get out shredding then I would love to know. I know you head up to Stainburn and I used to go there when I rode before.
There's still good riding up above Bingley and there are loads of new trails cut on Ilkley moor and Chevin now. Adel woods and all the regular haunts are well loaded with tracks too. People have been busy! Best bet is to get yourself on the Strava App and just use that to track down timed segments.
TBH I think Richard Cunningham probably got that pivot point about right first on the Mantis Pro Floater, but it may have been Offroad (who became Pro Flex). Santa Cruz weren't far behind with the Tazmon either.
NSX RR the idea was that you could watch it with the sound off and still get the information. As you say though it covered up the bike and took bloody ages to caption so I’ve dropped it on more recent videos. Btw I’ll have a vid on the new Five on here soon too.
That's a hard one as however similar the geometry and travel are they're such different bikes in the way they ride. I just rode the new Spectral this week and that's totally different again. It's much more solid and planted than the old one, not least because it's running 2.6in tyres. It still pedals really well but it doesn't feel as light and agile as the previous one. Definitely more Trail-Enduro than XC-Trail. Front end is pretty high too so it doesn't feel as long as it actually is. It rides DH like it's on rails though and spec is good as always. Because of the suspension action and more twang in the frame the Five is way more involving and characterful though so you can maximise the excitement on every bit of tech and descent. Like I say the difference in climbing speed between the two feels a lot less than it used to as well. Hope that helps a bit.
To be fair, any middle chainring optimised single pivot bike with a shock inside the frame is a 'copy' of the original Santa Cruz Tazmon, but Pro Flex put the pivot there first (but only had elastomer bumpers to play with).
Nice review Guy and must say you had me laughing with your Guy Martin impression ha . Orange are brilliant Fun for sure
Great review (yes, I am a totally biased five rider)! I wanted a British bike so tested out the excellent Whyte T130s. and then the five RS at Earnshaws in Hudd (who were great). Ended up getting the five pro (wi' bits) and so glad I did. So much feel and response through the frame and that kick you get coming out of fast corners is: Just. So. Addictive. Genuinely had the best rides ever on it so far. Off up Embsay Moor on it this weekend - can't wait. To anyone um-ing and ah-ing over getting an Orange: Do it. Forget the numbers, go on feel and it won't disappoint.
Hi Guy love the video my bike will be at the Ard Rock enduro next year . yes its a five and my son will be on it. I do have another one in the shed yes its a five also.This is what I spent my Retirement lump sum on.money well spent.
That is definitely money well spent James, looking forward to seeing you both up at the 'Ard Rock next year :-)
What a video and what a full and conclusive review. Thanks for yet another gem of a video.
Cheers chief
The Guy Martin impression was comedy!!!!! good review fella, hopefully your channel grows more and more mate
Thanks fella, that's really kind of you.
Ace video Guy. Looks like a great course too
Awesome event if you’re quick enough to get tickets
Hi Guy!
So after watching your review of the Whyte S150 I ordered one in the RS carbon version. However, I actually got to have a proper ride on one last weekend at Je James cyclefest and after trying it back to back with a five I promptly cancelled the Whyte and ordered a Five Pro! It was an absolute riot! I really wanted to love the S150 and was expecting to be blown away but it just felt kind of ordinary to me 😕. The Five just had me grinning from ear to ear from the moment I swung a leg over it, it was awesome! Pick it up next week! Tried a stage five too but still preferred the smaller wheels.
Yep, efficiency is great and the Whyte is much livelier than a lot of bikes, but I can't think of anything that lights up a trail like a Five. It's a sod to try and explain in terms of numbers and suspension theory, but like you say, soon as you're aboard it's happy days!
Do you think the S150 is less fun than the Five due to wheel size or is it that the suspension on the Five gives more feedback through the pedals? I'm guessing the suspension design leads to a feeling that the bike is doing a lot and so keeps you "on your toes"? Not ridden a Five in years and have no experience on the Whyte but am interested in the new breed of 29ers. Currently have a 2015 Rocky Mountain Altitude Rally Edition.
Guy Tothill I think maybe it's a combination of both. Like I said, I tried a stage 5 29er too and whilst I liked that better than the Whyte, I felt the smaller wheels were just a bit more nimble and flicky. For flat out pace I think the 29er was quicker for sure but I'm not a racer so went with the one that felt more fun.
Great vid. Would love to see an Orange Four review. Same ethos, different end of the spectrum.
Gary Winslow demo’d a four last year - you might have ridden one yourself by now! Awesome bike too. Can still remember how it rode. Got a demo on a five next weekend so I’m keen to see the difference!
Came back to this video 5 years later for the Guy Martin impression 😂
Hope it didn't disappoint lad
I've always liked Orange bikes ever since I first time saw them in a bike magazine as a kid. Kind of a dream bike I guess in a way. A bit too expensive though to justify getting one so far but maybe one day I'll get one or get to try one out at least :D
In my opinion Orange are the best brand of bikes ever! Proper built and truly hardcore pieces of kit.
It's still a push bike tho . You can get a motorbike for this cost and have much more fun Without pedaling.
My Orange Five 2013 is still a lovely bike. My mates have labelled it "the bismark" because it's heavy like a tank compared to their carbon framed sworks and remedy
Yep, but you quite possibly wouldn't still be riding a 6 year old Remedy or S-Works. For a start you'd have been told there was a completely new, better one at least five times already 🤣
Fantastic day demoing an Orange Four and Stage 6 today, two ends of the spectrum in terms of bike and by god both are fun. Flick a switch to climb and those worries are banished (if you had them) and open it and let fly on the descents and you feel just what the bike is doing while it also gives you bags of confidence. They're flickable, built like a tank without weighing as much as one and absolutely gorgeous in the flesh.
People commenting about "behind the times" or that single pivot is rubbish - have you ridden one? An Orange I mean. If not, do yourselves a favour and get yourself on one.
Guy - Brenda's cakes were amazing, and Stu said you've been testing bikes as long as he has been riding them and that you're a great guy. I can't wait to do more mountain biking, and get myself on a Five!
Sorry Macs, completely missed replying to this. Glad you had a great time and that the Orange character worked out for you. You've really made me realise how long it is since I've had some Dales Bike Centre cake though!
Guy Kesteven no worries! Cheers for the reply :D
Hoping to demo one of these this weekend! At Dales Bike Centre as you've mentioned in a reply below Guy. Wanted to demo a Crush or P7 (asked you about those in your Chameleon vid), but they didn't have any, so I'm on a Stage 6 and either a Four or a Five depending on what they have. Always wanted to try an Orange and this weekend I am, and this made me more pumped!
I'm getting a P7 29er as my long termer for MBUK soon, but it sounds like you've got a great weekend ahead. Especially if you include Brenda's cakes in the equation! Tell Stu I said hello too.
Great, I'll keep an eye out and follow your thoughts on it closely! I'll say hi for you and make sure I earn my cake. Cheers!
Wheres the trail in the vid? Looks epic
It's up in Swaledale on the Ard Rock Enduro course. They're off limits outside the event but there's some great natural riding up there. Just drop in at Dales Bike Centre in Reeth for some cake and a brew and Study will point you in the right direction 👍🏻
Very excited to be demoing this and a stage 5 next weekend! Back at Dales bike centre. Last year I demo’d the four and stage 6, but these are the ones I want to have a bash on!
Also, don’t suppose you know if that was fizzy/atomic orange that you rode there Guy?
010MACS yep pretty sure that was fizzy orange. Hope you have a cracking ride and make sure you have a slice of Brenda’s cake.
Guy Kesteven cheers - I’ve learnt you can’t go there and not have cake. They’re just too good 🤷🏻♂️
Nice boat anchor
Proper.... love it
Hi Guy thinking of buy the 5 factory or whyte t130 crs ride manly FOD and some local Woody trails any thoughts.. thanks
Do you think someone 5ft 7 could get away with a large. With pushing seat all the eay forward and a rental 30mm length stem?
I won’t always be on the trails with this bike, still worth it ?
How the chuff do you ride like that and still commentate?! Great video Guy 👍👌👏
It's just the voices in my head leaking out fella ;-)
Sweet bike Guy British engineering at it best ;0)
Hi Guy, great review, i'm torn between this and the Alpine 6. I've been riding for around 18 months and currently have a Crush which is awesome but i want a full sus. Would you recommend a 5 or an Alpine 6?
I mostly ride Trails in west Cornwall but also would like to visit places like Woody's, BPW etc. I'm leaning towards the Alpine but maybe a 5 would suit me more? What are your thoughts. I'm originally from East Lancs and visit a couole of times a year. Where is this that you're riding please?
Probably the best way to explain is watching this. These are obviously the 29er bikes but the differences in character between the 5 and Alpine are very similar to those between the Stage 5 and Stage 6
ua-cam.com/video/IUxSMnizR3E/v-deo.html
get the alpine mate i have 1 way better for blasting down hills ect
Hi Guy, Awesome review dude! Do you know if these trails can be ridden day to day outside of 'Ard rock enduro weekend? I'm based in the Yorkshire dales and would love some of that action!
Afraid not Paul, they're all on private land it would really put the event in jeopardy if anyone one rides them outside of the weekend. There are some absolutely amazing totally legal trails in the same area around Reeth though. Your best bet is to head to Dales Bike Centre and ask Stuey where to go. I'm pretty sure he has trail maps too.
I thought that would be the case mate. Thanks for the reply and the advice to go see Stuey. I will defo do that. I can't believe how much you use the trails around where I live, who knows one day we may cross paths out on a shred! Keep the awesome reviews coming dude!
Thanks mate, the trails round here are too good not to use! Where are you based?
You're not wrong mate. I am based at Riddlesden just outside Keighley. I have just started getting back into Mountain biking after a few years out of the game but just want to start getting out again and having fun. If you have any advice on where to get out shredding then I would love to know. I know you head up to Stainburn and I used to go there when I rode before.
There's still good riding up above Bingley and there are loads of new trails cut on Ilkley moor and Chevin now. Adel woods and all the regular haunts are well loaded with tracks too. People have been busy! Best bet is to get yourself on the Strava App and just use that to track down timed segments.
It looks a lot like the Fuji reveal or Outback and also the jarros from about 8 years ago at least the single pivot is exactly the same almost
Yep, it also looks a lot like the Orange Patriot from over 20 years ago too ;-)
TBH I think Richard Cunningham probably got that pivot point about right first on the Mantis Pro Floater, but it may have been Offroad (who became Pro Flex). Santa Cruz weren't far behind with the Tazmon either.
Hi can you test the new stage 4 by orange
I'll get it on the list Daniel. I was a big fan of the Gyro when that first appeared so I'd be expecting good things from the Stage 4
Not a long time viewer. Qn: what's the point in overlay large text to cover the bike you want to show ?
NSX RR the idea was that you could watch it with the sound off and still get the information. As you say though it covered up the bike and took bloody ages to caption so I’ve dropped it on more recent videos. Btw I’ll have a vid on the new Five on here soon too.
Orange five or Canyon Spectral Guy?
That's a hard one as however similar the geometry and travel are they're such different bikes in the way they ride. I just rode the new Spectral this week and that's totally different again. It's much more solid and planted than the old one, not least because it's running 2.6in tyres. It still pedals really well but it doesn't feel as light and agile as the previous one. Definitely more Trail-Enduro than XC-Trail. Front end is pretty high too so it doesn't feel as long as it actually is. It rides DH like it's on rails though and spec is good as always.
Because of the suspension action and more twang in the frame the Five is way more involving and characterful though so you can maximise the excitement on every bit of tech and descent. Like I say the difference in climbing speed between the two feels a lot less than it used to as well. Hope that helps a bit.
Still a copy of a 90's Whyte designed Marin.
To be fair, any middle chainring optimised single pivot bike with a shock inside the frame is a 'copy' of the original Santa Cruz Tazmon, but Pro Flex put the pivot there first (but only had elastomer bumpers to play with).
That text is so distracting. Enjoy the videos otherwise, but that text... It's like Fox news! :-)
olrenison sorry fella, it’s just so folk in work can get some info when they’re listening with the sound off.
man, this bike is ugly
Yes I think 🤔 that bud it's only the top end bikes made in England 🏴
like you your slag of a mother