The Hazzard Racing boys are now well settled in on Orange Bikes and this year are all racing a full EWS season beginning in Colombia in March.
Orange recently announced two Hazzard Racing models that come equipped with the same exact spec that Joe Barnes, Lachlan Blair, and Fergus Lamb will be running for 2020. It's a limited edition run, with only ten of each model (the Alpine 6 and Switch 6) being produced.
Spec highlights include a healthy smattering of components from Hope, a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain, a Formula Selva S fork, and a Formula coil shock. Wait, a Formula coil shock? When did that happen? Formula currently don't offer a coil shock (or an air shock for that matter), but it's clear that there's one on the way. They haven't released any concrete details yet other than the fact that there will at least be a 210 x 55mm and 230 x 65mm options, since that's what the Switch 6 and the Alpine 6 use.
From the photos, it's clear that there's a low speed compression dial and what's likely a climb lever at the front of the shock, and then rebound is adjusted at the rear. It'll be interesting to see if Formula bring any elements of their Compression Tuning System (CTS) over to the shock. CTS allows riders to quickly swap out the compression valve on their fork in order to customize its behavior – that would be a unique touch if it ends up being a feature of this shock.
While we wait for more details to emerge, let's take a closer look at Joe Barnes' bike.
Joe runs a medium size frame on the Orange Five that he uses for hacking about, but sizes up to a large for his race bike. The Alpine 6 is his frame of choice for EWS duties with the Hazzard Racing white and coral colour scheme.
Joe has gone for a slighlty lighter weight build than his team mates, but that only really means he's gone for smaller dicscs and standard brake hoses
Hope Tech 3 V4 brakes.
| This is a huge honour for me to showcase a bike that I have been involved in from the ground up and is now reaching the public. The frame specifics, component spec and suspension tune are all from our 2020 Hazzard Racing build kit and ready to be shredded.— Joe Barnes |
Another look at that Formula coil shock.
It was a joke. I.E. "No suspension issues and no flex issues." and " hardtail trials frame so I am sure their full suspension would work just as well."
old foes bikes made a lot of noise as well, but at least they had nice-looking welds
None of it is hydroformed.
There is only one drawn tube on the bike and that is the seat tube.
The head tube and bottom bracket, along with the dropouts and pivot areas are machined.
The frames are ‘quenched’ after being made though as a treatment to align the molecular structure in the aluminium again.
With that said, they’re not noisy anymore and they ride superb. Very lively and bang on geometry.
Down tube on an orange has the same effect with rocks. Use a small hammer to get the rear swing arm sound and chain slap
I realise these bikes won't appeal to everyone but if people are going to take the piss please try and come up with something a bit more original and slightly amusing if possible. Thanks.
They could just fill the frame with a structurally aiding but mainly dampening foam... Space here for some DIY with some expanding foam?
I just like to drop a ridiculous comment here and there. Like comparing the rear suspension performance of a hardtail to a frame with 6 inches of travel. As in they are pretty much the same. LOL
Though I did see the Melvins and High On Fire the night before.
Given that the shock seems to be in development, and the availability is so limited, I wonder why though that these weren't branded "Strange" (the proto/dev/works/whatever Orange sub-brand). Does that program still exist?
Interesting choice the coil shock
If you plot force vs displacement for the shock, there are 2 points that matter, sag setting, and max bottom out force. Whether you draw a line through them (coil shock), or a curve (air shock), doesn't matter for safety. The bike will ride different, but neither is better. The air shock will have better small bump compliance, but the coil shock will track better over bigger hits and have more midstroke support
Plus, I think the Joker could handle Mike's style of riding. Mines' built up to be a trail bike, a very plush and good-pedaling trails bike. I like it. And if you don't like it, try not to take it personally.
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Absolutely. As ling as they’re bled well, thats the best way to run them
But was riding a Santa Cruz Heckler for quite a while, and you can indeed get used to it, up to a point where you use it on purpose.
Doesn't look like those are mass produced. And Nicolai still useses straight tube's and nothing else.
On the marketing bullshit for bikes I agree with you, it's gone to far.
But I still believe linkages have their place on a bike.
- that’s a melon, boy...
But if you try sometime you find,
You get what you don't want"
Full review tomorrow
It started out as an '01 Ellsworth Joker, with a frame upgrade (read, "lifetime warranty") in '05, that I use as a loaner bike for former BMX rippers who ride with me. They love it. Howzabout you review that bike? I can loan it to you......