New XC MTB Condundrum - Orange P7

[Andy JB]

I am looking to upgrade my aging but superbly riding Orange P7 XC Steely for a more contemporary bike having witnessed on occasions the technical advances of other riders steeds noteably dampers and brakes.

While mine is a well specced steely and top of the pile in its day, it still only weighs in at around 10kg, however, while I don't compete now, I still ride with my kids who compete so i need to keep up. I note most top end modern machines are considerably lardier these days, I guess primarily due to longer suspension travel/forks, bigger wheels & brake calipers/discs etc....

So my dilemma is, do I upgrade replace my P7 wheels (limited for non-disc hubs) and service my Pace forks (old hat), or take the plunge & buy something like a carbon or Ti framed machine and accept it may be lardier but with technical advances?

A similar spec to my P7 would be ideal (Middleburn cranks, XTR gearing/V brakes, Race Face BB & Hubs, Hope Bars etc, Pace Forks etc) for a hardtail with larger wheels pref 27.5, disc brakes hydro, similar group set with carbon or Ti frame to modernize things a bit. Any comparisons appreciated, budget under 1.5k.

[wobert]

I have a 2007 P7 and can sympathise with your position. I would only swap for a Five (have to keep to Orange, had nothing but since a '94 Clockwork).

I guess yours is an earlier build?

You do know Orange are relaunching to P7 for 2016, although haven't seen what price level it will be at.

[Tiddy1]

There is no reason to go away from a steel bike, probably the closest thing to the P7 would be something like a Cotic Soul or the pipedream sircon. The biggest difference is going to be the riding position and slack angles. most new bikes have much higher front ends and to accomodate the 140+mm forks. also I hate to admit it but 650B wheels are becomming the flavour of the month. but that could mean that you get a good deal on an older 26" wheel bike

[Kell]

wobert said:

You do know Orange are relaunching to P7 for 2016, although haven't seen what price level it will be at.

While I was disappointed in the past with subsequent re-issues of the P7 (I have a 1994 and a 2000), I think that these days I'd like something with a higher front end.

I used my 2000 one for the first time in years over Near Year and even though I'd put on some Orange SuperCross riser bars, it's still a long way to reach down for an old man like me.

I'm in the process of rebuilding my 1994 one, and I suspect that will be even worse.

[Andy JB]

I have no issue with steel, my P7 was early purchased new in 95-96 and although I accept frame angles are different now, my main driver for change is equipment & inability to fit disc brakes & modern forks which is where the main compromise is currently.

I note wheels of non-disc variety are drying up in terms of choice. Do I spend £3-400 on a pair of new rims & £120 servicing my outdated forks or simply buy a second hand well specced carbon machine of similar weight for around 1k!!

I am aware with an older steel road bike (531) I still run as my winter/sportive workhorse, parts are also getting very difficult to obtain now esp quality parts & decent wheels, I wonder if I should simply bite the bullet..

Nice to hear the P7 will be back in manufacture - I assume it will be 'modernised' and a real future contender

[Kell]

The retrobikes.co.uk forum is your friend for parts...

[battered]

I'd buy a new bike for the performance improvements and keep the P7 running as is from the bits box.

I still get more use from my 1995 MTrax than I do my newer bikes, but it's not worth spending a fortune on new bits for it.

[anonymous-user]

Personally I'd be buying a Cotic Soul, now in 27.5" flavour. Great old school geo, 853 tubing and that lovely bright orange frame colour...

[missing the VR6]

As a bit of an Orange Fan Boi, I've 2012 % and a 2011 P7, I'd have a look at a Crush. Looks to be as rowdy as a 5 but with the full peddling benefits of a hard tail. Check out Phil Atwill's video of him hooning one! I'm desperate for one just can't afford it.

[poshboyracer]

I'd try test riding some bikes. I have a Crush that, when you look at the weight figures, seems to be a real lardarse. But the geo and 27.5 wheels means it flies up hills better than my old 96 lava dome. Frame design has moved on so much that outright weight seems to have much less impact on ride than it used to.