At Eurobike back in September Orange Bikes had a surprise for us on its stand. In amongst the usual gathering of steel hardtails and single pivot full sussers was lurking a road bike. Yes, a road bike.
Readers with a long memory will scoff at this being news, as Orange actually produced a road bike way back in 1991. Who can remember that far back? The Dynamo was an aluminium road bike that was developed heavily over the following years, with materials and compact geometry debuting. By 1995 the new D2 was being ridden to much success by Team Orange and Jon Clay, winning National Premier Road races underneath Tour de France veteran Adrian Timmis.
For some reason or another, the D2 soon went out of production, and was largely forgotten about. With the current boom in road cycling across the UK, the top cheese at Orange decided it’s time to get back into the game. The Carb-O is the result.
“Things have changed in Halifax, we are still the thrill seeking hardcore we’ve always been, but now with a smoother edge as our riding continues to evolve. A Saturday morning spin, weekday chain gang sessions, a sportive challenge in the Lake District: any opportunity to get on the pedals, escape the crowds and challenge our fitness. Getting into the hills has always been the simplest of aims, it’s just that we do it on the tarmac now and again. An Orange road bike may seem like a new idea to many, but the Orange Carb-O certainly isn’t out of the blue…”
The Carb-O features a full carbon frame using a monocoque process with a unidirectional layup optimising the frame in key areas to balance efficiency and comfort. The flowing lines are good to look at, with a slender top tube curving into a monostay seat stay assembly, which is lugged to boost stiffness for increased stability. Orange has pitched the bike at those who want a fast training bike, to do the occasional sportive or even dabble in some road racing.
The new Orange Carb-O will be available from mid-December as a complete bike and in very limited numbers. Featuring a full Shimano 105 groupset, Easton wheels and Easton finishing kit, we’ve chosen parts that hit our design brief to perfectly balance weight, performance and reliability. Retailing at £1899.99 and with only 120 bikes available.
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