Orange Crush Review
- High-quality alloy frame
- Dialled trail geometry
- Component upgrade options
- Partial internal cable routing
- No dropper post on Crush S
- Only RS has custom colour options
Discipline:
Hardcore HardtailUsage:
Riding every trailWeight:
Coming SoonThe Orange Crush is a versatile mountain bike that you can ride confidently on almost any trail.
2020 Update
For 2020 the Orange Crush review also includes 29ers. Like the 27.5” bikes, there are three different models of the Orange Crush 29 and the spec is similar to the smaller wheeled versions. With a 65° head angle and 310mm BB height, the geometry of both bikes is much the same. The main difference is that the chainstays are 15mm longer on the 29ers. Other than the wheel size the main component difference is the fork travel, this is 10mm less at 140mm.
Updated: 19th December 2019
Overview
A classic hardtail mountain bike with thoroughly modern geometry, it is easy to see why the Orange Crush is held in such high regard. A true hardcore hardtail, this is a bike that comes alive when the going gets tough, yet is happy to cruise around mellow trail all-day-long. While not as quick up the climbs as a lightweight cross-country hardtail, the Crush makes up for this by offering much more fun on the descents.
We review the three models in the Orange Crush range, each built around same great frame. The trail read component spec on all three bikes is dialled for aggressive trail riding, and there are some neat touches which help to deal with wet British winters.
The steady evolution of the Orange Crush continues for 2018 with the introduction of Boost rear hub spacing. As well as offering plenty of mud clearance, the 148mm rear hub and reshaped seat stays allow you to run wider tyres, up to 2.6”, for a smoother ride on rough terrain. The frame angles remain much the same as the previous models, with just a couple of millimetres added to the reach for a thoroughly modern feel. The 65-degree head angle and low 310mm bottom bracket height offer a confident ride, so you can really push your limits.
The frame is made from custom butted 6061-T6 aluminium alloy tubes which combine lightweight with robust strength. Internal stealth dropper post routing is combined with under-the-top-tube gear and rear brake routing for easy access. Neat touches like the front facing seat clamp slot, to keep water out of the frame in damp conditions help the Crush to stand apart from the crowd. The Crush RS is available in a range of custom frame colour and decal options.
Seriously tough frame and kit with ‘slack, stretched and slammed’ hero geometry for flat-out fun. Bike Radar
150mm of front suspension travel gives the Crush plenty of hard hitting capability.
Each model in the Orange Crush range gets a 150mm travel suspension to give the bikes plenty of hard charging potential. The Crush S is fitted with a RockShox Revelation RC fork as standard, while the Crush Pro gets a Fox Performance 34 Float fork. At the top of the range the Crush RS is fitted with a RockShox Pike RCT3 fork with refined compression damping adjustment.
As with most Orange bikes you can upgrade various components on the bike, including the fork. You can upgrade the Revelation on the Crush S to the Fox 34 Float fork which is fitted as standard on the Pro. Similarly, you can upgrade the fork to the Pike RCT3 on the Crush Pro. With the Crush RS you have the option of upgrading to a super stiff Fox 36 or even a Cane Creek Helm fork.
With component upgrade options available on Orange bikes, you can customise your Crush before you buy.
Each model in the Orange Crush range gets a 150mm travel suspension to give the bikes plenty of hard charging potential. The Crush S is fitted with a RockShox Revelation RC fork as standard, while the Crush Pro gets a Fox Performance 34 Float fork. At the top of the range the Crush RS is fitted with a RockShox Pike RCT3 fork with refined compression damping adjustment.
As with most Orange bikes you can upgrade various components on the bike, including the fork. You can upgrade the Revelation on the Crush S to the Fox 34 Float fork which is fitted as standard on the Pro. Similarly, you can upgrade the fork to the Pike RCT3 on the Crush Pro. With the Crush RS you have the option of upgrading to a super stiff Fox 36 or even a Cane Creek Helm fork.
The Crush rolls exclusively on 27.5” wheels. Each model gets a tubeless ready wheelset with wide rims and tubeless tyres. This means that you can take advantage of this puncture reducing technology straight out of the box. The wide rims offer great support for the tyres especially when you are running lower tyre pressures.
Both the Crush S and Pro get Kore Realm 3.0 rims which are ideal for wide tyres, especially when running lower tyre pressures. The RS gets Race Face ARC 30 rims laced to Hope Pro 4 hubs which are ideal for riding through wet British winters. The RS is also available with a wide range of different rim and hub colour combinations.
Point it down the trail and hold on tight because the bike rips up everything in its path while charging down the trail. Bike Rumor
The Orange Crush is a versatile mountain bike that you can ride confidently on almost any trail. In the right hands the Crush is capable enough race enduro on. The high-quality frame is built to last and is worthy of future component upgrades even if you don’t take advantage of the various options when you buy the bike.
Hardtails are a great way to improve your riding skills and the Orange Crush is the kind of MTB that all mountain bikers should have in their collection. Whether sessioning corners in your local woods, riding trail centres or heading out for all-mountain adventures, the Orange Crush makes a great alternative to a full suspension trail bike.
