Orange already offers the Crush in a 27.5″ wheel version, and a 29″ wheel version. Now, you can get the best of both worlds with the new Orange Crush MX. Joining the ranks of Orange’s mixed wheel size range which includes the Switch 6 enduro and Phase e-MTB, the new Crush MX brings mixed wheel size benefits to their “Harcore Hardtails.”
Running a 6061-T6 custom butted aluminum frame, the Crush MX is designed around a 140mm travel fork for 29″ wheels. Out back, there is room for a burly 27.5 x 2.6″ tire with plenty of mud clearance. Cable routing is kept external with the exception of the internal dropper post routing which tucks into the frame through CNC machined cable guides.
Further frame details will be available once the bike is officially launched, but we’re going to assume that this will have many of the same specs as their other 2021 Crush hardtails including Boost 12 x 148mm hub spacing and a threaded 73mm bottom bracket with ISCG 05 tabs.
Orange points out that only the first 50 bikes produced will include a raw brushed finish to the aluminum, and will be available in November. After that, each Crush MX available in March will be painted in sparkling silver.
Offered in four frame sizes, geometry numbers include a 64.5° head tube angle, 43mm reduced offset fork, 75.5° seat tube angle, 430mm chainstays, and fairly long reach numbers.
The Crush MX will be sold from the outset as only a Pro spec build, though Orange mentions an R spec build that will be released at a later date. The Pro spec build includes a Shimano SLX 1×12 drivetrain with Race Face cranks, a Fox 34 Performance fork, SDG 150mm dropper post, Burgtec bar and stem, their new Strange Grappler grips, Maxxis tires, and WTB rims and saddle with a price of £2300.
Available for preorder today, with the first 50 bikes expected in November.
