Trek vs Stumpy vs Orange - HELP!

pcsplace

I am looking for a 2008 Full Sus bike for trails, woodland, cross country and some downhill. Have narowed it down to the following bikes with some good advice from those on these forums. I am going to go to the LBS to check them out etc.

Trek Fuel Ex 8 or 9
Orange 5 S or Pro
Stumpy FSR Elite or Expert

I am looking to spend approx £1800 (£2000 at a stretch). I am aware that the Stumpy & Trek would get me a better spec'd bike however the Orange would give a superior handmade frame.

Which of the bikes would you recommend on paper for me? (or is there a wildcard - remember I'm trying to narrow it down!)

Thanks in advance everyone!

Andy B

You missed the Commencal Meta 5.5 off you list

I ride an Orange 5 (upgraded most bits from the original 'S' spec) It is simply superb, the Meta is also very good.

I've not slung a leg over a Spesh, or Trek, so no comment.

The best thing to do is grab some test rides, that is pretty much the only way you will know for sure which is best for you.

Father Faff

I ride a Meta 5.5.1 and I can confirm it's excellent at handling All Mountain terrain. I never got around to testing the Orange 5 but that would also be on my list and perhaps the Santa Cruz Heckler.

god1406

I rode a Stumpy for a few days in the Alps last summer and it wasn't as timid as I thought it would be. Plus it looks awesome and is uber light.

Amos

The EX9 for £2k is pretty sweet!

grantway

pcsplace Orange 5 Orange 5 Orange 5 Orange 5

Tried the Stumpy first i did not get on with the brain at all
Set the brain firm and the seat comes back and kicks you in the arss
has it wants to keep locking into an hardtail.
Set soft and kick down on the pedals and becomes to wallowy
Had to get off the bike to adjust the shock everytime to find a
setting for the terrain?
The handle bars to narrow need to be wider.

The head angle to steep and just felt safe and did not push me to
the next level or limits

There is a test on this site about the new Stumpy and not to good
check it out.

I went for the Orange 5 am bit different but the Orange 5 Pro or S
Fantastic bike, nice and light 28lbs
Much faster uphill and superb on the downs

The rear shock as three settings on the Pro-pedal
and setting three is like lock-out and you have fully
open for the downs.

The Meta 5.5 1 dont know what this was like as never tried
being i loved the ride of the Orange and this was different

I have the large 36 r with adjustable travel 100-130-160
on the front and they are superb I have every descent
covered

go and test

dirtbiker100

why isn't the orange 5 on the list? thats my choice

zero303

Poll is a bit pointless seeing as there's already 11 votes and the Five has been ommited. lol

Anyway, don't buy based on a poll, so many people recommend what they haven't ridden lol DO A DEMO!