Orange are an established and respected mountain bike brand, founded in 1988, but they’re returning to Tarmac with the launch of the Carb-O road bike.
“Speed is our speciality – we create the fastest bikes we can,” reads Orange’s press release. “The Carb-O is our return to the black stuff, a freshly squeezed take on the road scene.”
Orange’s first foray into the world of skinny tyres came in 1991 with the Dynamo, which evolved into the Formula and Ti-di before the introduction of the D2.
The frame was ridden across the UK by Jon Clay and Team Orange, and by 1995 winning National Premier road races underneath Tour de France veteran Adrian Timmis.
But what of the Carb-O? The carbon fibre frame is kitted out with a a full Shimano 105 groupset, Easton wheels and Easton finishing kit.
“The front triangle is a true monocoque offering with the unidirectional carbon layup optimised to handle specific directional loads and manipulate them to balance efficiency and comfort,” according to Orange.
“The distinctive monostay is lugged to make the rear of the bike strong and stable at speed, with the longstanding reliability that informs everything we do. Technology shared with the very best but customised for our perfect ride.”
The Carb-O will be available from mid-December, retailing at £1,899.99 – only 120 bikes will be manufactured.
