The 2022 Orange Alpine Evo builds on the British's brand's iconic monocoque frame design and single pivot suspension with geometry updates, suspension kinematic changes and frame construction advancements.
These updates, Orange claims, make its latest 27.5in wheeled Alpine a true one bike quiver that should be capable of "dominat[ing]... in challenging and aggressive terrain."
Although, compared to the outgoing Alpine 6 I reviewed back in 2019 it's down on rear-wheel travel by 10mm, from 165mm to 155mm, and has less front wheel travel too, with 160mm.
2022 Orange Alpine Evo frame details
The latest Alpine has been treated to a host of under-the-bonnet performance updates which mean it's kept its iconic silhouette.
The front end's monocoque design and swing arm's 6061-T6 aluminium custom-butted tubes have been reduced in thickness, which Orange hopes will create the perfect balance of characteristics out on the trail.
According to Orange, the new asymmetrically shaped swing-arm is less prone to twisting under pedalling loads but still manages to retain lateral flex, which it claims helps to improve grip when the bike is leant over in turns.
Orange claims repositioning the driveside chainstay lower than the outgoing model, better integrating the bearing housings and decreasing tube thickness has increased longitudinal stiffness by 20 per cent and overall strength by 15 per cent.
Orange has done this by using finite element analysis (FEA for short) to ensure the new lighter swing-arm is strong enough to withstand the rigours of enduro riding.
Other changes include compatibility with SRAM's UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) and revised rear wheel dropouts that retain the Boost 148×12 axle spacing of the old bike.
Elsewhere, the frame has an under down tube bottle cage mount and also includes an under top tube accessory mount (frequently used for multi-tools, pumps, and tubeless inflators).
2022 Orange Alpine Evo geometry and sizing
Now sporting Orange's Evo moniker, the Alpine has been given the long, slack and low treatment.
Orange has slackened out the head tube angles to 63 degrees and steepened seat tube angles to 76 degrees.
Elsewhere, reach figures have grown, spanning 458mm for the smallest size Alpine Evo up to 513mm for the biggest.
Wheelbases are just as long, topping out at 1,301mm.
All four sizes of the 2022 Alpine Evo share a 445mm chainstay length, which is once again up on the old bike.
| Size | Small | Medium | Large | Extra-large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head angle (degrees) | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 |
| Effective seat angle (degrees) | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 |
| Effective top tube (mm) | 605 | 625 | 645 | 665 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) | 337 | 337 | 337 | 337 |
| Chainstay (mm) | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 100 | 110 | 120 | 125 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,236 | 1,258 | 1,280 | 1,301 |
| Reach (mm) | 458 | 476 | 495 | 513 |
| Stack (mm) | 589 | 598 | 607 | 611 |
The old Alpine 6 was available in five sizes from small to extra-extra-large, but even though the new model drops the extra-extra-large name, the largest bike now on offer is actually bigger than the outgoing model.
2022 Orange Alpine Evo suspension details
Now offering 155mm of rear-wheel travel, Orange says it's tuned the 2022 Alpine to be the "most progressive suspension of any Alpine model to date."
This, it says, makes it more playful and agile and offers more support throughout the suspension's travel.
However, Orange hasn't provided details on how much more progressive it is compared to the old Alpine, and whether it's more or less progressive than other models in its range.
2022 Orange Alpine Evo models, prices and availability
The new 2022 Orange Alpine Evo will be available to buy from Orange retailers and on Orange's website from 30 July.
At the time of launch, only one model will be available; the Alpine Evo LE. This launch edition model retails for £5,900 and is decked out in kit from RockShox, Shimano and a host of other big-hitting brands.
More models with different built kits will become available in the future.
2022 Orange Alpine Evo LE
- Frame: Orange Alpine Evo LE monocoque/6061-T6 custom-butted aluminium tubing, 155mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate 230×65
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, 160mm travel, 37mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT M8100 with Hope crankset
- Brakes: Shimano XT with 203mm/180mm rotors
- Seatpost: SDG Tellis 150mm travel
- Bar/ stem / saddle: Renthal / Hope / SDG
- Wheels and tyres: e*thirteen rims on Hope Pro 4 hubs with Maxxis Minion EXO tyres
- Price: £5,900
