Orange Bikes (United Kingdom) - Press Release: The Alpine that can do it all.

The Alpine Evo is hard to classify, it isn’t an out and out Enduro bike, it’s more versatile than that, but given a chance it will dominate any trail bike in challenging and aggressive terrain. This new addition to the range is an 'Alpine' model in every sense of the word, but we have updated the geometry to perform in more varied situations and focused on the bike’s ride quality rather than the suspension's travel numbers.

The 160mm front and 155mm of rear suspension strikes a balance between too much and too little. Structural and layout changes to the frame allow this model to have the most progressive suspension of any Alpine model to date, making the bike more playful and agile while providing more support through the entire range of travel.

The signature Orange Evo geometry with its longer swingarm, steeper seat tube angle and roomier front centre all lead to a longer wheel base and stability at speed. The Alpine Evo has an eagerness to jump and pop but doesn’t shy away from steep technically terrain.

The SE spec with Öhlins:

We love the Alpine Evo geometry - the ride is superb, bringing a smooth, plush bottomless feel to our iconic all-mountain enduro bike. How cool then to partner with the Swedish shock masters at Öhlins for the suspension on this SE model?

We've specced the TTX1Air Rear Shock with its twin-tube damping technology. Its compact, single-can package designed to deliver a more progressive feel is perfect for the Alpine Evo's frame curve.

Up front we've specced the RXF36 m.2 27.5″ Air Fork - Super plush, super adjustable and "cool AF"™. Using the TTX18 damping from their racing winning DH38 downhill fork, this is a 'riders' fork, and exactly the kind of feel we love on an Orange big hitter. We are running the Air version here, it offers both positive and negative independent spring systems, infinitely tunable and dispenses with the need for tokens and spacers used on many other systems.

Featuring the brand new Lazer Blue colour scheme, all in all, this is the Alpine Evo we're all drooling to have. 

As Öhlins themselves say:

"Öhlins is the number 1 suspension manufacturer for motorcycles, cars, snowmobiles and mountain bikes. With over four decades of experience in suspension development, testing, racing and riding; Öhlins’ suspension technology is ‘Swedish gold’, perfected for mountain biking. No one knows suspension like Öhlins, our proprietary technologies – developed from multi-discipline know-how; help you ride smoother, faster and push the boundaries of your MTB."

We couldn't have said it better.

Construction:

With over two decades of fabricating and refining our own custom formed aluminium monocoque frames under our belts, Orange has developed the ideal balance of pedalling efficiency and shock performance whilst maintaining the compliance to ensure optimal grip whilst cornering. This new design has allowed us to achieve these traits by using thinner, lighter cross sectioned tubes all manufactured in house. The swingarm now better resists twisting under pedal loads whilst maintaining the lateral flex that gives grip when the bike is leant over.

FEA (finite element analysis) has been used extensively throughout this frame's development. Significant structural design features in the swingarm meant we needed to be sure of the chassis’ integral strength. The new design form has allowed us to fine-tune the lateral and longitudinal stiffness beyond the levels that we have achieved before.

The result of lowering the non-drive-side chainstay, with better integration of the bearing housings, along with revised tube thicknesses, has resulted in a 20% increase in longitudinal stiffness and a 15% increase in overall strength compared tor previous construction methods. This improved stiffness ratio aids pedal efficiency through a reduction in twisting and enhances shock performance, all without increasing weight.

The frame’s asymmetric bearing housing means we can use a neutral pivot location  with less drivetrain/suspension interaction, allowing the bike to pedal smoothly through the choppiest of terrain.

Summary:

For all its ‘alpine’ capability, this Evo model never feels like you are over-biked, It’s ready for anything whether that’s a quick local spin or a tough week in the Alps. The combination of great geometry with refined kinematics and  structural design enhancements means you’ll keep going back for more time and time again.