So having dallied with the idea of a number of possible new bikes, including the Intense 5.5 EVP and the Whyte E5, I’ve finally placed an order with Cycleworks in Leatherhead for a new 2007 Orange Five.

No surprises really as there seems to be a consensus forming amongst my fellow Moles and others. Dave and Jem are both now on Orange Fives, Jem’s mate Dave is too and likewise Nick from Cycleworks in Burpham. Even Mark has expressed a desire to buy one, but that is largely dependant on him selling his right kidney and most of his left leg which rather negates the point of the exercise.

So, I’m feeling rather excited as I really did settle on this choice independently despite the sheep-like appearance to the contrary. In fact, although I always thought I would check out the Orange it was always bottom of my list of possible new bikes. That’s media induced Single Pivot aversion for you.

My new Orange is basically an SE spec, but in a desperate attempt to differentiate my dream bike from everyone else’s I’ve specced the bike with a few changes to the normal SE build.

First, I’ve gone for a custom Electric Blue paintjob with a subtle sparkle lacquer and added a Rock Shox 454 Air U-turn fork. After much split personality style mental debate I’ve also made the switch over to a tubeless set up, with Mavic XM 819 rims laced to Hope Pro 2 hubs running Panaracer Fire XC Pros. So it should always point where I want it! As the icing on the cake I’ve also included the Hope HID light.

All together, I’m hoping to have a top spec but importantly reliable bike for the next few years that should work with the minimum of fuss day or night, unlike its’ rider.

Now I just have to sit out the three or four week wait for the Five to arrive. As usual, I’ll post a full review when it does.