Full bounce for fat blokes - Orange, Marin or what?
Lemon Eddy
Posts: 41
Grumpy old git that I am it's taken me a while to be tempted away from my beloved hardtails, but aching joints have me thinking it may be time to finally go full suss.
Trail wise, I'm usually riding a range of stuff up in Scotland, more red run than black - so I'm looking for something something that copes well with off camber roots, mud, and rock, as well as normal jumps & drop offs. However, being a lardy pie-smuggler I do need something that's pretty robust.
I'm well tempted by an Orange 5, but wonder if I'd be better off looking at the Patriot than the 5? I've also been looking at Marin, Commencal and others, so would welcome any advice or suggestions.
Trail wise, I'm usually riding a range of stuff up in Scotland, more red run than black - so I'm looking for something something that copes well with off camber roots, mud, and rock, as well as normal jumps & drop offs. However, being a lardy pie-smuggler I do need something that's pretty robust.
I'm well tempted by an Orange 5, but wonder if I'd be better off looking at the Patriot than the 5? I've also been looking at Marin, Commencal and others, so would welcome any advice or suggestions.
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whats your budget?
and the patriot is a fine bike, which spec are you considering?0 -
How about an immaculate Trek Liquid 25 ? http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/20 ... e/liquid25
It's a very solid bike and not too heavy, about 33lbs. I just happen to be selling mine as I've just bought an ex demo 5.
Orange Clockwork 2007
Orange 5 2007
Just bought 2008 P7 frame (Orange fan? Me!)
Cotic Soul
Pace RC303
Marin Mount Vision 2005, for sale
Stumpy HT 2006, shite, sold
Kona Lava Dome fully rigid0 -
The Patriot is a terrible climber compared to the Five being a freeride/light DH bike, with your size, you might be able to get the Five with a higher rated coil spring (Orange are pretty accommodating when it comes to spec changes at the factory). Give Orange a call, or see your local dealer and they might be able to advise...0
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I, too, am 'big boned' (6ft & 15 1/2 stone) and have just recently taken delivery of a new Orange Five Pro.
Not broken it yet
Can't recommend it enough, fantastic bike.0 -
Mine's in the shop right now waiting to be collected dam it!!!0
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Norco Six range provides some bomb proof bikes, I've got a 2007 Six two. It's not the lightest bike in the world but my God it can take some abuse. I haven't been able to damage anything with my 13 1/2 stones regularly dropping on it from 10ft or more.0
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Cheers indeed for all the replies.
Budget wise, 2 - 3 grand. I can go higher if needed, but it'd have to be for a reason.
Near Aberdeen, scottalej? Me too. If you ever see a fat git bouncing around the faux northshore stuff in Swanley or struggling up Pitfichie, there's a fair chance it's me.
The Patriot/Five dilemna is a tricky one. Spec wise I was thinking of the XCEL. Considering the review for the FR over here - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/patriot-fr-14074 - I thought it could be a good option. If the heavier FR is described as " Even on short sharp climbs, out of corners or up the final hill sprint to Pizzaficio on a Thursday night, it always surprises us with how hard it charges", I thought the ligher kitted version could be a good option. Zero's statement makes me think otherwise.
For the Five, I was thinking of the Pro or AM.
Ah, FTASB, much the same weight as myself. If the 5 is suiting you well, can I ask what sort of stuff you're riding?0 -
The Norco looks pretty damned bombproof - but 37 pounds? That's a hell of a weight, and as the biggest drop off I'm likely to look at is only 5 foot, it seems like a bit more beef than I need.0
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Yeah, I bought my Norco to go a fair bit bigger than that, it's certainly not worth the weight penalty for 5 ft drops.
Your budget is pretty substantial, I think if I was spending that much I'd be pretty tempted by a Santa Cruz Nomad, the reviews I've seen about it are awesome. It's supposed to be a hell of a climber with plenty of travel and strength for descending too.
There are loads of customizable options when you order one too, so you can get it spec'd just how you want it.0 -
I've had my 5 pro for the past 4 months. rode it every week end since then at Cwm Carn and Afon. I'm a salad dodger and havn't broken it yet even doing the smaller sized jumps.
My mate got the 5 S, he's 6'2 and 15 stone and he ain't broke his yet.
I can't rate them high enough.
The Patriot is a great bike but I found climbing long hills on it a real drag.
Specialized have nice bikes but read some of the reports about their own brand shocks and forks. My mate has a stump jumper really nice but lacks the saddle height adjustment if you want to drop it for some more adventurous riding.
test ride a few before you buy.
I put the same type question on here prior to buying mine and that was the best bit of advice. If your LBS don't want to let you play go elsewhere. Happy Hunting.0 -
Lemon Eddy wrote:Ah, FTASB, much the same weight as myself. If the 5 is suiting you well, can I ask what sort of stuff you're riding?
I tend to sway towards the trail centre type stuff that is local to me or is within easy reach. Favourites are Llandegla, Delamere Forest, Marin Trail @ Betws-y-Coed, North Face Trail @ Grizedale, etc. We tackled Snowdon as well last year (but that was on the Kona).
We're off up to Grizedale again on the 16th so that should give it a good run out.0 -
RE: the bike radar review. I'm sure the patriot is a great climber for a freeride bike, but ultimately, it can't compete against a five uphill... I know because I'm a very lazy climber and I overtook two patriots very easily on my demo day alone. When Orange made the Pat, it was originally dubbed a UK-specific downhill bike although they've tried to pitch it as more all mountain of late.
The Five is a tough bike and even the reviews say it's a lot tougher than it's looks suggest. I'd recommend getting a demo, Orange have kitted out shops all over the country with Five Pros, they'll most likely be 18" but you'll at least get an idea and then you just order bigger! The AM spec is tempting but I'd miss the big chain ring, this bike loves to be ragged and pedalled like crazy downhill!!
In short, they're effing lush!0 -
zero303 wrote:The Five is a tough bike and even the reviews say it's a lot tougher than it's looks suggest. I'd recommend getting a demo, Orange have kitted out shops all over the country with Five Pros!
Precisely what I'm doing today. Got up at godforsakeno'clock to drive down to my nearest Orange equiped trail centre, where I've got a Five Pro booked for the day. It is an 18", but that should be fine for me, as the site reckons that's good to 6 foot.0 -
Yep, mine's an 18" and perfect size for me (6 footer).
Have fun and let us know how you get on!0 -
I hope you enjoy it mate!0
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Just got back.
Oh sweet lord, enjoyable is not the word. Flattering as all hell, with a stability and poise that just made you attack stuff. Lovely. Truly lovely.
It's a lot of money, so I'm going to try another few options. Marin get great write ups just now, and they have some maxle ready kit at much the same money. Also the Whyte E120 looks lovely.
But honestly, I will be gobsmacked if they can match the Orange for fun.0 -
I picked mine up this morning, not an ounce of buyer's remorse! Everything you described I can confirm!0
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Lemon Eddy
Don't know how much you were quoted for a 5 Pro but I bought mine at Sunset in Cardiff.
They have a web site look for Sunset MTB. They did a very good deal and do mail order. It's worth checking the web.
Word of caution only go with an estblished shop. The deals that look too good to be true are just that.0
