Orange Bikes has a new EPO (Electric Powered Orange) in its range, the Surge. Loosely based on the Alpine 6 E and Alpine, this new bike has been completely redesigned.
Previously, the two bikes shared the same geometry apart from the top tube and reach measurement, but now the brand feels the frames are different enough that a new name was needed.
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In a large, the head angle of the Surge has lost half a degree (now 64 degrees) to the Alpine 6 E, the reach is 1mm shorter, the stack is 2mm higher, the chainstays are 11mm longer and in-turn the wheelbase has gained 17mm.
Orange says the Surge’s revised design and shape is one of the biggest advancements from its predecessor, with the new construction and tubing profiles in the front triangle said to increase stiffness without adding unwanted harshness. The down tube is also substantially slimmer for the brand's more typical ‘organic’ profile.
The back-end borrows from the 327 DH bike to better handle the additional weight and torque produced by the motor. Orange has also made the battery easily removable to allow riders to complete ‘double battery rides’, and the fastening bolts have been replaced by a key for quick swaps — additional batteries will be available and come with a protective cover as standard.
Orange has also put quite a bit of work into tuning the suspension kinematics for the best possible ride quality.
The shock mount has been made to accommodate a new 230x65 metric rear shock, and travel has been increased from 160mm to 165mm paired with a 170mm fork. In an effort to reduce the anti-squat value and reign in the pedal kickback, Orange has also increased the amount of progression in the system.
While there are plenty of shiny new features on the Surge, the bike retains from the Alpine 6 E 27.5in wheels, Boost 148 rear hub spacing with single pivot linkage, internal dropper post routing and a five-year warranty.
The new Surge will be available in four model specs with prices ranging from £5,600 to £7,800 and numerous upgrade options available. The Surge will also be available in a choice of nine paintjobs and three decal options, although paint by Orange will cost an additional £100.
The Surge should be available via Orange retailers from 3 June.
Orange Surge RS specifications
- RockShox Lyrik RC2 170mm Fork
- RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate 230x65 Metric Shock
- SRAM XO1 Eagle 12 Speed Drivetrain
- Race Face Arc 30 27.5 (Grey) + Hope Pro 4 Tubeless Wheelset
- SRAM Guide RE 200/200 brakes
- RockShox Reverb 150mm with 1x Remote
- Shimano Steps motor
- £6,800.00
