The Orange Five is a long-standing favourite in the Halifax-based company’s range and for 2011 gets updated.

In the ten years the Five has been in existence, it’s been tweaked here and fettled there to keep it fresh, and the 2011 version continues this theme. It’s not a major overhaul, but a host of small changes should add up to a big change.

One of the biggest changes is a new headtube, it’s now tapered which is quickly becoming a standard throughout the industry, and means the stiffness in the front of the frame can be increased. A zero-stack and semi-integrated headset reduces stack height to keep the front end low without making the head tube shorter.

Move to the back of the frame and we find the 27.2mm seat tube has grown to a 30.9mm seat tube, a move prompted by the growth of height adjustable seatposts. Realising that many customers of the Five may decide to spec such seatposts, there’s also cable guides placed along the top tube.

And finally, there’s now ISCG tabs on the bottom bracket shell opening up new options for fitting a chain device.

There will be four models available, starting at £2199.99 with the Five S, the Five Pro (£2799.99), Five AM (£2899.99) and Five SE (£tba). The S and Pro are available now, but you’ll have to wait until 5 July for the AM and October for the SE. Follow the arrows or thumbnails below to view the bikes.

Five S – £2199.99

The Five S comes with a custom tuned Fox RP23 and the new RockShox Sektor fork up front takes the hits up front while the tapered steerer keeps the front end stiff. A 9-speed Shimano groupset keeps the gears turning with Avid Elixir brakes taking good care of stopping. Orange finishing kit, Shimano hubs, Mavic rims, and an SDG saddle finish off the sorted component package.

Five Pro – £2799.99

The Five Pro comes with a tapered Fox Float RL with QR15. Hope hubs keep the wheels turning with Hope Tech X2 brakes keeping them in check. Shimano Dyna-Sys takes care of the transmission with 10-speed SLX and XT providing a wider spread of usable gears with smooth and reliable shifting. Quality finishing kit completes the package, but if there’s anything missing, check out our custom options calculator.

Five AM – £2899.99

This is a harder riding version of our iconic trail model. Meant for epic climbs and terrifying descents, the AM is the bridge between the Five and Alpine 160. It climbs with the efficiency and accuracy you’d expect from the standard Five, but with a Fox 36 and Maxle rear as standard, it provides a slacker, more surefooted feel on the descents. Not hardcore enough for you? Upgrade to a Cane Creek coil shock and add a chain device

Five SE – (£tba)

Available in October, this bike will be specced with Shimano’s new XTR 10-speed groupset.

More info at www.orangebikes.co.uk