THE BENCHMARK HARDCORE HARDTAIL – GOES UP ANOTHER NOTCH

When it comes to swift but gnarlyhardtails the Orange Crush line-up is the benchmark others aim for. The original aluminium hardcore hardtail gets a 2022 tune-up to keep it ahead of the game. The frame has gone through a couple of geometry adjustments and a few construction refinements. First, and most obvious, isthenew one-piece chainstay yoke. It is forged for maximum toughness and provides improved lateral rigidity for pedalling performance, and leaves plenty of clearance for larger tyres, while giving the chainring plenty of space to breathe in muddy conditions.

The new frame features a tapered headtube, giving us more weld area to add strength and provide more support for the lower headset bearing.Where others skimp on the bottom bracket shell, we belive the extra strength benefits of a 73mm width in this areapays back big-time of a hardtail that gets the thrashing we know a typical Crush will get.

GENRE DEFINING GEOMETRY

For the new frame’s geometry we’ve pulled things forward(seat-tube 75.5)tomake the ride a little more aggressive, slackened the front-end (headangle 64.5and 63.5 on the Crush 27.5)and stretchedthe wheelbase for stability, while keeping the reach roomy(480mm on a size Large). Coupled with the reduced offset forks we now spec, the rider’s weight pitches perfectly in the attack position for more balanced weight distribution and let the front wheel find grip and prevent front endwash-out. That’s not happening here – getting that front tyre biting in and letting the bike flow is what the Crush is all about.

There are plenty more details to admire on the new frame; a strong and secure bolt-through rear rear axle, new cnc-ed cable grommets that not only look great, but keep things tight when everything else around you is getting loose. Some neat newgusseting around the seat-stays add strength and confidence.

This is one of the most significant updates to the Crush hardtail platform in years, in testing we’ve fallen in love with it all over again. It’s not all about bouncy bikes, sometimes you just have to take the fight to the trail, and the new Crush takes itto another level.

Features

• Brand NewFrame designed in Britain

• 5 year frame warranty with Limited LifetimeCrash Replacement

• Custom butted 6061-T6 aluminium frame

• Frame geometry for 140mm travel reduced offset fork

• Bolt through 12 x 148 hub spacing

• NewCNC Chainstay Yokedesign givesclearance and strength

• Tyre clearance for29 2.6 tyres

• 73mm BB Shell with ISCG 05 tabs

• NewTapered Head tube ZS44/ZS56

• CNC Cable grommets

• Minimal design cable & hose guides

Specifications

Frame RockShox Lyrik Select 140mm 29 Headset FPD 44mm / 56mm zerostack Crankset SRAM SX Eagle 32t Rear Mech SRAM SX Eagle 12spd Chain SRAM SX Eagle Shifters SRAM SX Eagle Cassette SRAM SX 1210 11-50T Eagle Bottom Bracket SRAM DUB Wheelset WTB ST i30 rims on Strange 29 Hubs Tyres Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 3C Exo / DHR II 2.4 Exo 29 Brakes SRAM Guide T 200/180 Seat Clamp Strange Bolted Stem Burgtec Enduro Black 42.5mm Saddle WTB Silverado SL Handlebars RaceFace Chester 780mm M35 Grips Strange Grappler Lock-On Seatpost KS Ragei 150/170mm Drop

Geometry

6061-T6 Custom Butted OS Aluminium Tube Frame Size M L XL Seat Tube Length 17″ 18″ 20″ A. Head Angle 64.5 64.5 64.5 B. Seat Angle 75.5 75.5 75.5 C. Top Tube 643 658 675 D. Top Tube (effective) 630 652 675 E. BB Height (from ground) 310 310 310 E. BB height (axle DIFF) -68 -68 -68 F. Chainstay 445 445 445 G. Headtube 120 130 140 H. Wheel base 1229 2154 1278 J. Reach 460 480 500 K. Stack 657 666 675 O. Fork Offset 44 44 44 Standover 691 708 749 Stem length 50 50 50 Unless otherwise indicated all measurements are in mm. Frame angles are measured static, without rider sag. Bottom bracket height from ground is with 756 mm tyre.