Strange – Gearbox bikes

Walking on to the Orange stand we were surprised to see two gearbox bikes. They’re not in production yet, but are early prototypes that clearly signal where Orange want to take their brand. And their working name is Strange.

The first is very reminscent of Nicolai’s current gearbox bike, but that’s probably down to the fact it uses the same Rolhoff 14 speed gearbox. More interesting is the Suntour 7 speed (which will soon be updated to the new 14 speed model) powered model. The Suntour unit is smaller and lighter, and allows a lighter build, and also a lower bottom bracket. Only four of these currently exist so it’s still early days, but it looks promising.

There’s a Suntour 7-speed box inside…	…and a 14-speed Rohloff in there

Five, Patriot and 224

These have been subtly tweaked for next year. Smoother lines are the most noticeable difference, as is the currently in-vogue kinked top tube – the Patriot also gets a reinforcing gusset. Next year’s 224 also gets a CNC’ed lower shock mount.

P7 and Clockwork

Orange’s original Clockwork was something of a classic. Launched in the late 80s, it offered a more affordable alternative to the company’s high-end Prestige. The Clockwork was in the Orange range until the mid-90s, when it turned into the C16R for a bit until aluminium took over. But for 2007, the Clockwork is back. A limited run of 400 Clockworks are being made available – the frame isn’t the same as the original, but the paintjobs are. Several different specs will be on offer, the one pictured is in the £1,500 region. Meanwhile the P7 gets modernised with new decals.