Kind of struggled at the begining to get the right spring (had a BOS Stoy, not the RC4 on the picture) and cockpit height/length (so I kind of hated the bike the first time I went on it ), but once you have all that sorted, it is superb.

It does feel a bit harsh when you brake in the rough stuff, but that's what you can expect from singlepivot frames. Other than that, it took everything I could throw at it in Wales or in the Alps like a boss. Rear end is flexy like I love it (a friend who tried it found the rear end pretty stiff, but he's like 40kg lighter than I am .... ), and the front end is pretty stiff.

No maintenant required, and it made me laugh when I saw a few friends who had to redo all the bolts on their frame everyday because they got loose after a few runs.


One thing though, if you're taller than 1.88m, I wouldn't recommend it. I'm around 1.85, and I found the bike to be on the small side. I had a Commencal Supreme 6 in L/XL before, with a 50mm stem and it was perfect for my size. Switched to a 60mm stem, soon going to put an offset headset (from Works Components, increases toptube length by 7mm) and I should be much much better. Already running a 60mm stem, and it was a lot better than the 28mm I put at first

 wow sounds super sick man i am 152cm so that wouldnt be a problem for me infact probably the oposite problem

i had a 223 before and now have a patriot but absolutly loved the 223 and would definatly buy an orange dh bike if i was to get a dh bike. they just feel bomb proof and so playful.

there was one reason why i got rid of the 223 and it was because of my height i was around 145 when i had it and it was a 15" frame with boxxers on the front

but now if i get into downhill more i would definatly get the 224 or something similar

 Well I believe the Small size of the 322 would suit you fine

In case it's too big or small, you can always play with the stem length, like taking a 10-15mm if it's too large, and then move to a 30-40mm when you're done growing up

Haven't ridden the 223/224, but the main problem they had was the suspension was degressive. It was kinda easy to blow thru the travel of these bikes. On the 322, the suspension is linear (roughly progressive, but mainly linear ), so it makes a bike that stays higher in it's travel and can take more big hits, without sacrificing small bumps compliance.

Oh and I would definitely recommend some BOS stuff, but they're super expensive (and may be just waaaaaayy too stiff for someone of your size and probably weight ^^). You may want to stick with Boxxers as they have more flex.

 yeah i do fancy a 322 but its all down to money but mostly space i did find on the 223 though that the suspension took the small bumps but did blow through its travel quite easily but yeah the boss stuff is way to expensive although i do love it