Orange Fives have been on the mountain bike scene since God was in short trousers and they've justifiably carved out an impressive reputation as capable workhorses. The single pivot is easy to care for and well placed for sending power down to the trail, the aluminium box section frame is built in the UK and tough as old boots, and the geometry is perfect for tackling tricky mountain trails.
The Stage 5 is basically a Five on steroids, boosting the wheel size from 27.5 to 29 inches for more trail galloping capability while speccing a 135mm travel rear end to maintain the technical abilities of its smaller brother.
Our Pro build choice is bottom of the range but still sports perfectly capable and worthwhile shiny bits, with Fox Performance 34 forks, SRAM Eagle 12 speed drivetrain and good old Shimano SLX hydraulic discs for reliable stopping power - handy for when you're tempted up to speed by the capability of the setup.
There isn't a great deal to change out when the box is open either, with excellent 780mm Race Face bars gripped by a 40mm stem, a cockpit ideally suited to the bike length and trail conditions you might expect to be careering down on such a bike.
Verdict: A very capable trail bike that would take you through any UK mountain you care to point it at.
