No need for a detailed review, just Google for reviews and you'll find plenty to say how it rides & handles. This is more about how it stands up to long term use. This is the '08 model - not so much has changed for '10
...a slightly lighter/stronger top tube by Reynolds & the head angle is a bit slacker. I wouldn't have said it needed it, but it'll make the bike slightly more stable at speed & help prevent over the bars incidents on the really steep bits if you're not so confident
...back to the bike - it's lived up to expectations. No major problem's so far since it was bought in Dec 2007. It's a basic 'S' model with factory upgrades where it seemed worth it. Forks were upgraded to Fox TALAS RLC, hubs, brakes & headset to Hope items & a Gravitydropper seatpost added by me. Reasoning was that drivetrain stuff will wear out anyway, so why pay extra at the start? Just upgrade if necessary when stuff wears out
The forks went to MOJO after a year to have the TALAS system sorted, it almost stopped working due to an unsealed system on the '08 forks that lets in dirt. They fitted the '09 assembly which has been great - instant travel adjust instead of almost instant, and it's now sealed. It's the only system I know of that's so easy to use you can adjust it on the move
Pivot bearings are still smooth, so well done Orange for quality bearings & a design that obviously doesn't put much stress on them. Had to change the shock bushings & went for TF Tuned stainless ones which have been good so far, and they sell the tool for DIY purposes. Although it's nothing to do with Orange, the shock has done well. No issues & it's easy to change seals on the air can & add some float fuid every so often just to be on the safe side. Mojo reckon if you do this you won't need a factory service for a good while
Most upgrades have been due to wear & tear or personal choice rather than breakages. One exception was a front rim - bent the original WTB item on not too heavy a landing. Replaced it with my rim of choice, a Mavic EN321 (used to be XM321); cheap, reasonably light & I've never bent one yet. Replaced the rear recently with one that became spare from another bike. It's handy that EN321's & WTB SpeedDisc AM rims take the same length spokes, so can be swapped without replacing the spokes if they're in good order. The other major replacement was a set of Middleburn RS7 cranks, due to the Truvativs being required for another bike. Nothing wrong with the Truvativ set, the external bearings don't last ages, but I got a lot longer from them than from Shimanos I've used. The RS7's are an awesome bit of kit & there'll be a detailled review sometime
That's it really, does everything I need & does it well
No comments:
Post a Comment