Anyone out there own one of the new Orange Stages or Switch’s.
Debating downsizing my enduro sled to something a bit more playful and these are top of the list. Low maintenance and supposedly an engaging ride.
Any negatives?
Haven't ridden any of those, but remember the new stage 6 has an extremely loooooong chain stay, probably very far from playful.
I fancied a Stage 5 for a while, but it's priced too high I think, comes close to some carbon bikes with much better suspension.
I know a lad (sponsored but not a pro) who had a demo of the stage 5 and 6, ended up going for the 5 as he said it was more fun. He said the 6 was better on really rough flat out trails but thought the 5 was better all rounder
If you PM Cha****ng of this parish, he has a Stage 6 and wrote some reviews. He loves it.
Interested in the Switch6 as looks very much middle ground and probably more fun on the tougher wiggly stuff we ride.
Always liked single pivot on the past but ridden fancy multi pivot bikes for ages so having some doubts.
Here's my review of the Stage 6, mentioned above...
http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/review-orange-stage-6/
Wideopen just did a long-term review too, which reached a similar conclusion to me.
TL,DR...
It's an awesome bike, fast, light and fun. It feels like it has less travel than it does. More long-travel trail bike than enduro sled. It does stiffen under braking, so demands a certain riding style. It's very rewarding though.
Buzz on the Switch bike is very good, not tried it myself.
Some great deals on the S6 and S5 in certain sizes, but you need to size up really (as I did).