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Dec 12, 2023

New Orange Stage 7 adopts Strange Linkage for bottomless suspension feel

Orange's updated 29in enduro bike adopts a linkage-driven suspension system

Orange's updated 29in enduro bike adopts a linkage-driven suspension system from the Switch 7

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By Nick Clark

Published: June 8, 2023 at 4:00 pm

Orange Bikes has released the Stage 7, the latest addition to the brand's 29in-wheel enduro range.

The new bike has 165mm of rear-suspension travel and drops the single-pivot suspension system for the Strange Power Link system first seen on the Switch 7.

Only the Stage 7 LE will be available at launch, priced at £7,400/$9,000/€8,300 and featuring a Fox Factory 38 fork and Float X2 Factory shock.

Orange says other models will be available in late summer, including a frame-only option.

Orange is famed for its single-pivot dedication, with the brand still recognising it as a part of its identity.

That being said, the new bike, which sits above the Stage 6 in terms of travel, has adopted Orange's Strange (Special Technology RANGE) linkage-driven suspension system.

Orange says it made this decision because it allows for a considerably more progressive shock curve that adds a bottomless feeling to the bike's suspension and enables the leverage ratio to fall from 3.04 to 2.32.

The Strange Power Link is positioned low down in the bike's frame, with Orange saying this allows for neutral weight distribution, while lowering the bike's centre of gravity.

The new linkage gives the bike 165mm of rear travel and uses a 205x60mm trunnion shock mount.

The front of the bike has been designed to accommodate a 170mm fork, though it's not clear whether this is the maximum amount the frame can accept.

The Stage 7 is made from seam-welded 6061-T6 aluminium tubing, with the linkage CNC’d from a block of aluminium.

Orange hasn't provided a weight for the frameset, but claims this construction enables the frame to weigh less than its carbon fibre counterparts.

Orange also says the material is better for the environment once the bike has reached the end of its use life, because aluminium is widely recycled.

Not that Orange expects that time to come quickly, with the brand offering a five-year frame warranty.

The rear triangle features an asymmetrical swingarm that increases the bike's vertical stiffness while allowing for lateral compliance.

Orange claims this improves grip, while retaining a direct feel through the bike.

The frame has down tube protection to fend off stone chips and chainstay protection to dampen chain slap.

The Orange Stage 7 has a 1-degree slacker head angle than the Stage 6, slackening from 64 degrees to 63 degrees, while the effective seat tube angle remains the same at 76 degrees.

Reach measurements have decreased slightly, with a size-large frame now measuring 3cm shorter than the Stage 6, down from 487cm to 484cm.

The new Orange Stage 7 will only be available in three sizes: medium, large and extra-large, with chainstay measurements remaining at 468mm throughout.

At launch, only the top-of-the-range Stage 7 LE will be available, with Orange saying more models will be offered later in the summer.

Digital Writer

Nick Clark is a digital writer for BikeRadar, focusing on all things mountain bikes. Having raced XC for most of his youth, he has a deep understanding of the sport and loves bounding around the UK to spectate at events. A mountain biker at heart, Nick helped create a community of trail builders in his local forest in North Wales. Nick also loves road cycling, where he has completed the holy trinity of spectating at all three grand tours in their host countries. Described as having a good engine in his racing days, it's now common to see Nick wheel-sucking on club rides and sprinting for town signs. He also enjoys bike touring and has completed numerous travels on the west coast of Europe, most recently riding from Lisbon to Roscoff. Nick has built many of his bikes from the frame up and has a keen eye for technical detail. He is currently riding a YT Capra on the trails and a Focus Izalco Max for the road.

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