Yesterday I managed to pop into Cycleworks in Leatherhead to take a look at my new Orange Five.

It’s part built up but still needs a few bits sorting out but was enough to confirm that it’s been worth the wait. Looking very striking in it’s Electric (Sub Zero) Blue with chunky Rock Shox 454 Pike forks up front, Mavic UST wheels and lovely clicky Hope Pro 2 hubs it’s a cut above a ‘normal’ SE and I can’t wait to ride it to find out just what it can do.

You know it’s a cracking bike when the shop staff appear to be a mixture of excited and envious.

I also saw the frame that came originally, the 18″ Orange Five in ‘Diva’ Blue with sparkle lacquer over the top. I only call it Diva Blue because that’s what the stock Orange Five Divas come in but actually it’s a great colour and would provide someone with a really amazing looking bike. Up close it looks like a colour wash over bare aluminium rather than an actual colour so if you’re interested, maybe give Cycleworks a call?

As for me, I should have my new bike early next week and will be out in the Surrey Hills soon after.

About the author

Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.

Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.

An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.

If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.