2010 Archived News
Also known as the "chip-wrapper". Some of the stories from 2010.
December 25 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Merry Christmas
A very Merry Christmas from everyone at Orange Mountain Bikes.
December 23 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Recommended Christmas Reading
Wideopen magazine is one of the best quality online media sites and issue 14 of their free on-line mag has just hit the virtual doormat. Some prime reading for the festive season.
December 15 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Allan Findlay and the 2011 Five
Allan Findlay is a Junior downhill racer and took his 224 to glory in the infamous SDA series. Unfortunately for Allan, the prize in that category was another Orange downhill frame, something he definitely didn't need with his neon orange race machine already proving reliable in winning. So stumping up the difference himself, he decided to trade his prize for a Five. Scott MacPherson was on hand to document the first ride; a brutal trip down the Ae downhill track...
December 10 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Shooting Off Both Barrels
The Cane Creek Double Barrel (CCDB) came onto the scene a couple of seasons ago and quickly established itself as the industry leading coil shock. Another season in and we thought it was a good time to repost the initial press release on what drew us to offering the supershock, and our experiences riding the Cane Creek offering for another season. Hopefully this post will give you the information you need on whether the Cane Creek Double Barrel is for you.....
November 30 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Free CycraGuard Mudguards Offer
Winter has set in and as the novelty of night riding refuses to relent, so too does the muddy weather. So here's a December offer to help you avoid mud in your eye...
November 14 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
24 Hour World Solo MTB Championships
Keith Forsyth headed to Canberra, Australia to race the 24 hour Worlds. The experience sounds incredible and after months of preparation, him and his trusty team more than deserved success. Keith kindly wrote this report documenting the highs and the lows of his experience...
"The adrenalin rush was immense, there I was twelve thousand miles from home being called into the second row of seeding at the start of the World Champs, I had to pinch myself"
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November 12 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Mojo Trail Diaries go to Wales
Ben Cathro, Fabien Barel and Rob Breakwell head over to Wales to ride Snowdon, visit Mojo and slide around on some slick forest singletrack. The usual fantastic riding, epic scenery and comedy moments from MTBcut productions. If you haven't already, it's a must watch.
October 25 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Issue 13, lucky for some…
The new issue of Wideopen has been a long time coming with editors Jamie, James and Jim spending way too much time riding and not enough clicking and typing. This issue, as ever, has been well worth the wait...
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October 21 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
The Nutcrackers - Hamsterley
The season’s racing is pretty much over but we’re still finding events to send the truck along to. Last weekend saw the final round of the Nutcracker series, a fun XC race on an awesome trail. Vaughan Evans, the resident paint shop DH nut, went up to Hamsterley to do battle with the lycra…
October 19 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
The Dudes are Getting Loose
Episode four saw Jesus make an appearance and preach the DH Gospel, and the flock up in Fort William have obviously taken notice. Joe Barnes and the gang ride 'Adam's trail', like something straight out of British Columbia, it'll make everyone want to ride. The obligatory minibike action is also thankfully included, enjoy, we did.
October 12 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Jo Cardwell - Queen of the Mountains…
Steve Deas won the main prize as overall King of the Mountains, but what of the Queen? Well, only one lady stepped up to the challenge, and despite mixed fortunes completed all three events with style. Read about Jo's experiences here, and for all the ladies out there, this is officially a roll call for the 2011 event season...
September 30 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Steve Deas - King of the Mountains…
Steve Deas entered three No Fuss races this year, all in the name of becoming the UK's best (unofficial) all-round mountain biker. Endurance events designed to test every area of a mountain biker's competence. After winning the series, Steve talks about the events and what went into each race. Take a read if you think you can challenge him next year, but for now the crown and Five frame are his...
September 30 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Hamsterley one2one
The Hamsterley one2one is a brand new event with an old school feel. Harking back to the glory days of the NEMBA races, this weekend combines DH and XC to challenge the all rounder. Pick your weapon of choice, you’re only allowed one bike…
September 21 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
The pressure refuses to relent…
Three weeks on from our initial update on Five lead times, and the pressure refuses to relent. In the previous release we mentioned component availability, and although issues still exist, it's us holding up the show. We can't keep up with frame orders. Read on for the full explanation...
September 17 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Fort William SDA
The fifth round of the SDA took the final procession to the Nevis range. An important race for those looking for the overall on a course which always attracts big numbers. Check inside for more Ian Linton photographic excellence and results from the Orange contingent.
September 15 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
A Tour around the Ben
The inaugural Tour de Ben Nevis was an unknown for many, a foray into a world of big mountains where riders are expected to be relatively self sufficient. The safety blanket of an organised event allowed access to an absolute wilderness, where the challenge was as much to complete as compete. No Fuss brand it their ultimate MTB challenge, we would tend to agree…
September 08 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
The Old World Mountain Bike Championships - an alternative affair…
Eurobike, the time when the masses vacate to look at the shiniest of shiney in the spacious Zeppelin hangers of Friedrichschafen. Walking through the halls it’s easy to forget how bikes once were, the days when suspension didn’t exist and where it did, it either failed to work or flexed to the very edges of catastrophe. In an attempt to neutralise the illness of modernism, we sent two of the youngest members of the team to get a grip on their roots and take part in the Old World MTB Championships, you don’t understand how random… WARNING: WORD HEAVY
September 02 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Team Borderline Mountain High - a season in pictures…
At the start of the season Michael Marsden of Borderline Events got to work arranging a new team, six riders who Borderline supplied with subsidised bikes. With the help of Mountain High Cycles, the Orange mounted team were set for the season on their custom orange and white 224-evolution World Cup bikes. This news item is a thank you from Orange to everyone involved with the team, it was fantastic to see a new set of riders at the races aboard the rather bright team bikes, and with riders like Allan Findlay getting over to the Windham World Cup, the team went truly international.
As another team sponsor, Scott Cartwright of Eggraphy was on hand to document their domestic season in pictures. Here's a few shots of Liam Moynihan, Sam Madison, Lianne Bartleman and Allan Findlay.
August 31 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
The Dudes and the DH Gospel
The Dudes are back with their fourth instalment. Joe hangs with a gull, the DH saviour appears, pee with a view, and more rad shredding ensues. Featuring Joe Barnes as Joe Barnes, Hannah Barnes as Hannah Barnes, Liam Moynihan as Liam Moynihan, James Shirley as James Shirley and Pete Scullion as Jesus...
August 24 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
The pressure is building - Five lead times…
The Five is a firm favorite amongst everyone at the factory, a versatile trail monster that’s capable of everything from an all day mission in the Peaks to an annual Alpine holiday. If any of us could have just one bike, the Five would probably be it. The 2011 model has continued to evolve and push the Five forward, but with the improvements has come even more demand. This little news item is to say thank you for all the support and all the orders, and to ask for your patience in supply. Being a UK company we are subject to different demands, and parts are often in short supply, so read on if you want to know what the wait is all about…
August 23 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
10 More in Moray (and the battle of the titans)
The Benromach Ten More in Moray is the last of the No Fuss Events ten hour races for 2010. Based in Fochabers the event uses another fantastic course with fast woodland sections and open ground for those all important sprint passes. Like all the No Fuss events people are here to have fun and personal challenges abound, but the showdown was set to be something special, battle of the downhillers. 'Team Factory Pro Orange Big Deal World Team' were set to take on 'The Dudes of Hazzard'. It was time to don the lycra and go for the power-tuck...
August 16 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Round four of the SDAe
Round four of the SDA headed over to Ae forest last weekend, fresh from trips around Europe, most of the riders were on top form making for some fast racing and adventurous lines - we're talking to you Cathro...
Check inside for the picture heavy reportage.
August 09 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Tonight’s must watch, the gadget show…
Suzi Perry on an Orange downhill bike? You better believe it. Tune in tonight at 8pm to see what happens.
August 09 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
This month’s dude instalment…
Joe Barnes is still on the road and after his second trip to Europe, he's straight back in there with the home movies. The landship continues to roll.
August 06 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Dealings with dealers
This week has been a busy one for the Orange Sprinter, Halifax to Cwmcarn on Tuesday, then a trip North to Whinlatter on Thursday. The mission, to get our valued dealers out for a ride on some of our 2011 bikes. More ride time means better advice with shop staff knowing exactly what works best where. With our waterproofs on hand, we stood poised with pedal spanners, Michael was once again on flashing duties…he’s into that these days.
July 28 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Enduring the Downhill
The Hope Endurance Downhill is sublimely simple, in a six hour window riders have to cram in as many runs of the World’s most physical track as they can manage. A balance of speed, consistency and finesse make it a balancing act as riders vie for a title that truly makes them a hard man of downhill. As a firm favourite with the staff, we signed up without hesitation - the Orange race was on.
July 26 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Adam Hughes - the 13 year old ripper
Adam Hughes was brought to our attention by Mark Wilcox, as a stalwart Orange fan and experienced racer, he was keen to encourage Adam and get him involved in the scene. Racing a small Orange Five, Adam is showing his skills on the DH circuit, and schooling a lot of more experienced riders on the way. Adam’s sent through a few race reports, turning on the style…
July 22 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
The trail diaries continue…
The Mojo Trail Diaries continue with Joe Barnes taking the guys around his back yard Highland trails. Epic climbs and killer singletrack as the clan continue to clock up their trail time. Joe continues to rule the roost on his Five.
July 19 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
National Champs - Ae it was muddy…
The big-guns rolled into Dumfries and Galloway this weekend for the National Champs at Ae forest. Lots of rain made for some exciting racing as riders battled to take the title...
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July 15 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
The Orange Factory Race Team - 10 @ Kirroughtree
Let’s make this clear, rather than a ‘factory race team’, we’re a race team from the factory – a small distinction you might say, but a distinction that needs making when you see our motley crew. The Orange team is headed by demo bike man James Milner, with Orange computer master John Chennells, and Singletrack’s art director Sim Mainey. Doing it alone is Orange odd jobber and seasoned head nodder Dave Flynn. For anyone thinking about joining in next year, this is a step by step account of how a professional race team tackle the No Fuss challenge, the moving pictures inside (video, rather than pictures which make you sad...) show the amount of preparation needed to be the best, just like this guy…
July 13 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Scottish Champs - Ben and Joe give the rest a go…
With MTBcut rider Joe Barnes busy getting 10th at the Mega, and team mate Ben Cathro nursing an injury from Leogang, the Scottish Champs were wide open. Dunkeld is a notorious track on the circuit, and while our top riders weren't racing, Cathro still gives a good show...take a look at the races from a different perspective, the noble world of the race marshal.
July 13 2010 - posted by John Chennells
Kirroughtree 10 Gallery
A wet and muddy No Fuss 10 at Kirroughtree played havoc with our camera gear, here are some of the pics that we managed to get.
July 09 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Joe Barnes and the gang keep on trucking…
If you're on our newspages there's a good chance you've already seen "Roadtrip in the landship", Joe Barnes' inaugral video special. "Dudes of hazard Ep. 2" continues the theme, featuring Joe, Hannah, Liam, Ben, crazy golf, pit-bike hilarity, plus some rather impressive mountain bike action.
July 07 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Transporter vans, video cameras, and the new Five
Stu Thomson, MTBcut videographer and stunt master extraordinaire, made the MBR 'first look' video for the release of the 2011 Five, here's what he had to say about proceedings...
July 07 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Singletrack Weekend Warriors
Singletrack held their annual weekend race event at Lancashire's number one trail centre. With three individual events riders had to hop, shred and crank as they competed for the overall. For the select few a special stage took place overnight with a beer fuelled night time pump track session, those trail builders have a lot to answer for. Orange's Michael Bonney went along with his camera to snap the trials and DH action on a sunny Saturday.
July 06 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Danny MacAskill, Hans Rey and Steve Peat in the Highlands
The video inside says it all really, three riders spanning three generations with three very different styles. The guys from Reset films have put together a stunner with incredible scenery shots and fantastic trails. Take a look.
July 05 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
What happened to Cathro? The update…
Ben Cathro is hurting at the moment, with a bad crash at Leogang his shoulder is smarting pretty badly. In his own words…
July 05 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Model year, shemozzle year
Model years, the staple of the bike industry, an opportunity to launch a glossy brochure, flood your website with pretty new graphics or completely rebrand. But what if you ignored that system? Would you get better bikes? Would it really affect you if they didn’t come together all in one shot? These are questions we deal with and while we don’t pretend to have the answers, we’re happy doing our own thing. Yes, we operate under model year headings, but we don’t strive to release all information on a specific date, or plan so far ahead we’re rushing next years bike to meet ‘marketing’ deadlines. So here’s where we’re at for 2011…
July 05 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Staff Riding Shenanigans
This weekend's video comes from a local DH track. Jono, James and Dave pull out the motorbike helmets and go for for a play...
June 29 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Sneak Peek - The 2011 Five
The 2011 Five is creating quite a stir. MTBcut have the video exclusive with MBR's Alan Muldoon talking things over, trials superstar Danny Macaskill hill climbing, and DH ripper Joe Barnes cutting through the rocks. Make yourself a brew and enjoy the show...
MBR First Look - 2011 Five from Orange Mountain Bikes on Vimeo.
June 28 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Joe Barnes’ Comedy Classics
Joe Barnes rides for MTBcut Orange and has a unique way of getting his season update through. This isn't about race footage, it's about fun, speed walking and bikes...
June 28 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
World Cup Fever
While the masses were watching the football, we filled the van with bikes and went playing in the woods...
June 21 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Slipping and sliding at the Leogang World Cup
The World Cup circus went to Austria this weekend with a wet Leogang track mixing things up for an interesting third round. MTBcut riders Joe Barnes and Ben Cathro made the trip to the mountains to continue their World Cup campaign. After doing well at Fort William, Transcend Orange rider Chris Hutchens is also on the charge. Check the write up inside...
June 14 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Barnes cleans up at the Innerleithen SDA
Joe Barnes took the win at this weekend's SDA round, Cathro and Hutchens weren't far behind.
June 14 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Chris Hutchens - Season Update
Transcend Orange rider Chris Hutchens sends in his season update - racing, weddings and a smashing kilt...
June 07 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Fort William World Cup
A full round up from this weekend's World Cup round at Fort William. The weekend from an Orange perspective.
June 06 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Fort William Race Day
The race is on and our riders are down the hill.
June 06 2010 - posted by John Chennells
Saturday at Fort William - Qualifying
it's a fine day at Fort William, the midgey count is low and the sunshine factor is high. A dusty fast track awaits the riders.
June 05 2010 - posted by John Chennells
Friday at the Fort William World Cup 2010
It's the annual mtb pilgrimage to the far north that brings us to the UCI World Cup at Fort William. The MTBcut riders are pitting with the Orange Bikes crew and it looks like it's going to be a great weekend of racing. We've got the video camera and we'll be doing snippets of pit talk over the week end. Here's some of the fun so far...
June 01 2010 - posted by John Chennells
IXS Downhill Cup win for Cathro
Innerleithen hosts the first round of the UCI IXS Cup to come to the UK. MTBcut rider Ben Cathro takes the top spot.
May 23 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Transcend Orange at Crud 2 Mud, Whistler
Transcend Orange went to Crud 2 Mud in Whistler to mark the end of the winter season, check the vid inside.
May 17 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Glen Coe SDA
Chris Hutchens stormed it with a convincing win at Glen Coe this weekend. Top work, video inside.
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May 17 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Mojo’s Trail Diaries go North
The MTBcut and Mojo crew head up to the Lakes for some more trail fun. More video and photo goodness with some 'proper' mountain biking.
May 16 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
10 Under the Ben
The No Fuss guys put on an awesome event this weekend with the usual crowd of fun loving mountain bikers turning out to race. Check out the MTBcut video inside.
May 16 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Mojo’s Trail Diaries come to Calderdale
Stu from MTBcut came up for the Fox testing session before moving on to film the riders on some nearby trails. Let the goodness ensue...
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May 10 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Fort William BDS
The second round of the British Downhill Series went off this weekend on the infamous Fort William downhill track. Some big name riders and a few course changes kept things interesting...
April 19 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Pitfichie SDA
The first SDA race of the season took place this weekend with Cathro taking the Elite win and fastest time on the day. Watch the action inside.
April 13 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Fox Testing at Lee Quarry
Every year we have a testing session with the good people from Fox, making sure our bikes have the best possible tune and familiarising ourselves with any changes to the range. Stu Thomson came over to film proceedings with Danny Macaskill, Joe Barnes, Rowan Sorrell, Aimee Dix and Chris Hutchens riding hard to make sure we get things right.
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April 12 2010 - posted by Dave Flynn
Rheola BDS
The first round of the British Downhill Series went off this weekend at Rheola with a stacked Elite field. Check inside for the results that count, and a corker from MTBcut.
