Orange Five owners

[GG89]

After wanting a downhill bike for this summer I changed my mind and am now just after something a bit burlier than my Trek hardtail. I saw an Orange 5 for sale on STW and made an offer on the grounds that the bike would fit me, It's an 18 inch frame and I am 5.8 and a half. ( the bike is in Manchester so i'll be driving down in my van probably this weekend)

My Trek is a 17.5 and it's okay but I read somewhere that trek frames were a bit on the large side (?)

After reading about sizing of the Orange Five online there are people at 6ft 2 riding 16inch Fives saying they are perfect, This has me worried.

I've been to a few LBS but none have had any Orange Fives in.

Any help on the sizing front appreciated.

[Rouleur]

I'm 6'4" and ride a 20"... I reckon a 16" would be right, but just give Orange a bell, they'll be happy to help I'm sure.

Edited by Rouleur on Monday 26th March 15:40

[craig_s]

I'm 5'10" and am really happy riding an 18". I know someone who's about the same height and has a 16". He regrets going for the smaller size even though it's amazing fun to ride. It's just a bit too small to get comfy on longer flat or climbing sections.

It depends what how you want the bike to feel really. The 18" would probably fit but wouldn't feel as chuckable as the 16". There's also a few 17" frames going about too just to confuse things. They're quite rare though so don't turn up second hand very often.

I'm guessing you're quite happy with the sizing of your Trek and are just looking to see what size of Five feels closest? You wouldn't need too long on a bike to work that out. Fives are common at just about any riding spot so might be worth asking people you see in the car park for a quick play to see what feels best. I've let people do it with mine before.

[GG89]

Thanks for the replies chaps, I suppose it really depends on the individual it's a serious mixed bag in terms of size there's guys saying they're 5.8 and an 18 is perfect and others saying it would be far far too big! I will try and get a wee play on an 18 some time this week, Fingers crossed as I've got the 2009 5 pro for a good price if it fits!

[GSP]

5ft 11 here and ride an 18"... you would have been better with a 16" or 17" at a stretch.

Should always test ride before investing in bikes.

[NCC]

I'm 5'7" an ride a 16" frame. Way back when, in the dim and distant past, my test ride was on a 18" demo bike and TBH it didn't feel massively too big. Went for the 16" and pleased I did as it suits my riding better but as you're a little taller than me, you may well find the 18" ok.

[Minnsy]

I'm 5.10 and ride a size 18. It depends on how long the various bits of your body are (arms, legs, upper body)

You can play around with the seat (move back and forth a wee bit) and you could use a shorter stem (depending on the current length)

[CJK]

I'm 5,9" and have an 18" and its perfect .

[GG89]

Found a shop in the west end which sells orange bikes. I'll be poping in to try an 18 for size and comfort. Thanks again chaps!

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

im 5 10 and test rdoe the 17, ended up with the 18 in the end. also came from a trek hardtail.( cant remember what size though)

[GG89]

Obiwonkeyblokey said:

im 5 10 and test rdoe the 17, ended up with the 18 in the end. also came from a trek hardtail.( cant remember what size though)

Shop didn't have any Orange fives in store i'm just going to go for it, I know that it wont be too big for a hoot but might not be as perfect as a 17. For the price I can't complain, worst case scenario I can sell it on and buy a 16 or 17.

[craig_s]

GG89 said:

Shop didn't have any Orange fives in store i'm just going to go for it, I know that it wont be too big for a hoot but might not be as perfect as a 17. For the price I can't complain, worst case scenario I can sell it on and buy a 16 or 17.

Not ideal, but as long as you accept that the 18 might not be perfect you'll be alright. Just don't try to convince yourself that it will do if it doesn't feel right. You'd be missing out on way too much fun if you did that!

[JayHeal]

I,m about 5. 8 and the only reason i went for a 16inch is for the better standover and been a bit smaller its a bit easyer to chuck it around. But this is my play bike as i mostly do downhill on a full on downhill bike. ( Hence the flat pedals, chain device and 750mm bars! )
If your more into sit in the saddle and do longer rides i'm sure the 18inch will be fine, if it feels a bit long a short stem and moving the saddle forward will be an easy fix to make it more comfortable to your size.