For an all-mountain bike, it has strong downhill genes. This is mainly due to the 65.8 degree flat steering angle, which can also be found on current enduro bikes. The same applies to the 40 millimetre short stem and the 780 mm handlebars. Accordingly, the Five runs smoothly and encourages you to accelerate downhill. The geometry positions the rider comfortably in the centre. Compared to the more potent enduro competition, the 140-millimetre suspension naturally demands much more from the rider on rough terrain. The single-pivot rear suspension is progressive and gives aggressive riders a very agile feel. We had to ride the shock with a lot of SAG (30-35 per cent, both 75 and 85 kg rider weight) to exploit its potential. Thanks to the long top tube, the riding position is relatively stretched despite the stubby stem, so the Five climbs hard and the front wheel sticks to the ground. Only the higher weight doesn't exactly encourage a sprint uphill. The cables run neatly along the down tube and only partially disappear into the frame. On the 2017 model, Orange has switched to a completely internal cable routing. The aluminium frame with the massive rear swingarm is handmade in England: folded aluminium instead of tubing. This exudes British flair, but also comes at a price - and so the equipment (gears and brakes) is not exactly plump for this price range. Be careful when choosing your size: The top tube is long, the seat tube short.
CONCLUSION by Ludwig Döhl, BIKE test editor:
The handmade aluminium frame with the massive swingarm is polarising - a matter of taste. There are no arguments on the trail: With the Five, you can really let it fly downhill. It is the first choice on fast, not too rough trails. And the bike is also fun to ride uphill thanks to its balanced geometry. It's only a little stiff and bulky for leisurely cruising.
