Orange 223

[oryx]

I would like to know some information about this frame. First, what's the stroke of the shox... I would like to know if it's a frame that can do dh a day and freeride (dirt jumping, ans 4cross track, no big huck) the other day ? Is it a solid ride for the small weight of it. I'm currently running a rmx 2005 and I want to change to something smaller and more light. Would it be a good choice ? Is the floating something really important for this bike ? Any comment would be appreciate. Thanks.

http://www.eastsidefreeride.com/album/photos//50-bikes/223_edited.jpg
http://www.eastsidefreeride.com/album/photos//50-bikes/2231_edited.jpg

[Midas]

They are super dope bikes. I would say get the floating rear break is break jack is something that bothers you, I races 2 seasons on one without it and break jack was never an issue. They are super snappy and light bikes and super manoueverable the 5th can be dialed in alot better than what I was running on mine (Vanilla RC) I did use it to jump and rip 4x just for fun but I had it built up as a DH bike so it wasnt the best, I would have rather been on my BMX or a HT to jump and a smaller travel bike for 4x or just atlease a singlecrown fork. The frame is super adjustable too with BB height, head angle ect and is super easy to take care of. I sold mine back in December but I am just getting the 224 now so not a big switch at all. I would reccomend picking it up.

[johnathan]

All i have to say is British built quality company through and through its designed specifically at dh riding but i should think it would be able to handle freeride no problems, a couple of my friends in the uk use theres purely for freeride and its nearly two years old now and not a problem with it. There failry light and they last and as has already been said easy to adjust and maintain.

[CreamyCanuck]

I have a 222 (2001 frame), essentially the same as the 223. I find it to be an amazing frame. Fully loaded with Sherman Slider up front and a Pushed R/C in the back the bike weighs only 44 lbs and handles very well. The light weight lets you really throw the bike around and the design is simple so fewer mechanical problems. I also don't use the floating brake and found that it just required a slight change in you riding style and the brake jack becomes unnoticeable. The only time I get brake jack is when I screw up a corner and brake too late instead of letting the bike take me through the corner. The bike rocks for DH, flys through the air as well as your abilities can make it fly, and soaks up the shore like a pro. Now if only I could ride like a pro it might help. I would buy the frame again and have no regrets.:uk:

[oryx]

Thanks ! any other input ?

[Mountain Dewd]

Doesnt sound like its the right fit for you. And thats coming from a orange fan/former owner.

The 223 is a dh bike, straight up for race, hardcore dh trail use ect.

Though the frame might weigh less than your rmx it will be even more dh specific geometry wise. the frame has a 3 in stroke shock.

From reading what you are looking for keep looking, there are frames that can be a better fit for what you want, look for bikes in the 7-8 in travel range.

the orange patriot 7 would be perfect probably, thats the orange i used to ride and it was a awesome all around bike. Also check out buillits, vp frees, iron horse 7 point 7's, trek 77's, yeti asx's, and many more. the bike style it sounds like you are looking for is extremely popular and you should be able to find a good frame that fits your style.

I know a full on sexy dh rig like that can sound appealling, but it will be a miserable ride for anything but hardcore dh.