Orange P7 opinions

rampax

I am in the process of buying a new "decent" hardtail mtb to replace my entry level Mongoose. My main use will be XC, not too rough, but "comfort over distance" is important to me, as my Mongoose gives a real bone rattling ride.
I was originally looking to find as lighter bike as I could, but reading reviews and forums the Orange P7 gets rave reviews, and has been around for years. This bike is steel, and weighs in at 28 pounds, which sounds quite heavy to me.
I am interested to hear what exactly is so good about the Orange P7, preferably form people that have, or do currently own one.
Also, if there are any obvious alternatives that I ought to be checking out (in the £1000 range).

Kind regards.

TheDisposer

This is pretty sweet:

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/index.ht ... 6&brandID=

Light and quick. Good climber. All XT components with XTR rear derailer and life time warranty on frame!!!

Weighing in at 22.5lbs - ish - it climbs great and enables you to handle all the technical stuff that are on the trails out there. It is also made for beating around on the urban landscape or for running errands etc etc!!!!!!!!!

Father Faff

I've got quite an old P7 with shorter travel suspension but what I like about it is the "zingy" ride and the fact that it seems to be virtually bombproof in the typical horrible conditions we get in the Yorkshire Dales (which of course is what it was designed for). It is also capable of keeping up with full sussers except when the going gets rough on downhills.

passout

P7 is nice - perhaps a bit overpriced. Merlin are good and better value.

supersonic

P7 is not 28lbs either, its 30lbs plus!

Brighty

If it's steel you want for about a grand, i'd go for (and did go for) a merlin rock lobster 853. Can't beat it i reckon.

Brighty

wal2

On another note i just picked up and Orange Evo8 ... first impressions, i really like it.