Orange Bikes has filed a notification that it is appointing administrators to take control of the company.
The news comes after the British manufacturer announced it would not be supporting a factory team for 2024.
Orange cited rising costs and market trajectory for this decision, saying: “With so much uncertainty in the bike industry, challenges around the future of the Enduro World Cup Series and the sheer cost of running a competitive Factory-level team, we’re pressing pause.”
Founded in 1988, Orange is best known for its single-pivot aluminium mountain bikes, many of which have become cult classics.
Orange’s current range consists of 33 models, spanning mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrid bikes and children's bikes.
Of these, the relaunched Orange Patriot was the latest to be released by the brand, with all bikes still available to order through Orange’s website.
While appointing administrators is a warning sign of the financial situation at Orange, we can’t yet say whether this will be the end of the brand.
A statement released after the news broke read: "Orange Bikes and its associated companies are currently working with Specialist Business Rescue Advisory firm J9 Advisory, with a view to restructuring the businesses in order to provide a viable platform to service our customers in the best way possible, safeguarding jobs and ensuring the continuation and strength of the Orange Bikes business moving forwards."
Orange is not the only company suffering in the face of challenging market conditions. Online retailer Wiggle announced it was appointing administrators in October.
The drop-off in demand across the cycling industry is often attributed to a boom in bicycle sales during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Many industry players have been left with too much stock, reducing overall demand and leading to this downturn.
