Designing a trail capable full-suspension mountain bike that is capable of a good turn of speed is a tricky job, but Orange have given it a good go with the Four. 120mm of travel and 27.5" wheels are the heart of the frame specification, while RockShox Yari 130mm forks take care of the front end.
Shimano SLX may not be top of the line, but it has long been established as their no-nonsense level of components that just work without costing the earth.
An area that traditionally needs money spent not long after buying a bike is the cockpit - manufacturers can be guilty of choosing long stems and narrow bars, for reasons known only to themselves, but Orange are a small company that can easily react to customer demand. With a 50mm stem and huge 780mm bar we are happy to climb straight onto the Orange with no need to detour via the local bike shop.
Combined with the long top tube and wheelbase the Four is a superbly stable bike on the trail, tackling technical and steep ground with a confidence far outweighing that relatively short travel. The aluminium frame has been built light, a result of running shorter forks and consequently less stress, so it also has a turn of speed we more than welcome over long rides too. The only upgrade we would be burning to spend cash on is a dropper post, a spend that will make the fun Orange even more trail friendly.
So if long and hard rides are your bag, with a generous smattering of tough and technical descents marked into the route, then you will be well advised to throw a leg over the Four. Fast, light and yet deceptively capable, it should be on every trail riders shopping list.
