How do I replace my bearings on my Orange suspension bike?

What size seat post / front mech or bottom bracket will fit my bike?

How do I remove my rear shock on my suspension bike?

How do I know what shock bolt lengths I need?

What routine maintenance should I be performing on the rear suspension pivot of my bike to keep it working smoothly ?

What type of replaceable derailleur hanger does my bike take and where can I get one from?

How do I replace my bearings on my Orange suspension bike?

Looks complicated but its really quite simple. Firstly, you’ll need a 3mm and 5mm allen key, and a rubber mallet. (If you don’t have a rubber mallet then use wood, but make sure you put some cloth over it so you don’t damage the paint).

Note: this method is for Horiz-Hold welded pivot.

1. Remove the two dust caps with the 3mm allen key so the bearings are exposed. 2. Loosen the 2 bearing clamp bolts that clamp up the bearings with the 5mm allen key. 3. Using the rubber mallet, tap the drive side of the swingarm away from you. (Make sure you tap the weld so you don’t dent the frame). 4. Clamp up the pinch bolt on the drive side. Now go round to the non-drive side. With some force, using the rubber mallet again, tap (on the weld) the swingarm, away from you. 5. This will move the bearing off the pivot pin. Now slacken the pinch bolt and repeat the process until the bearing is completely off. Do the same for the opposite side. 6. To fit the new bearings, apply copperslip grease to the internal bearing surface. Centre the bearing with the pivot pin and tap it on. 7. Centre the swingarm on the pivot pin and torque up the bearing clamp bolts (16NM) and the dust caps (5NM). 8. Done

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What size seat post/front mech or bottom bracket will fit my bike?

We are often asked what size front mech, seat post or bottom bracket fits a particular model and this can be one of the hardest questions to give an answer to. Because we introduced running changes to each bike, knowing the year of manufacture does not help to clearly identify which variation of the model you may have. Some seatposts were shimmed to fit seat tubes, bottom bracket length is determined by the chainset you use (sorry but we don't check this with every chainset available) and front mech's could be top pull, bottom pull or even plate style.
We do not have records of frame numbers for older bikes so this cannot be used to accurately identify a model.

What we have tried to do is give an idea of what was produced over the years, please use this guide, measure the component you are replacing and try and get one with identical dimensions. Always check with your dealer that the part you are purchasing will fit, if in doubt let them do it.

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How do I remove my rear shock on my suspension bike?

"Easy" you might say but you'll be surprised how many people get this wrong
and damage their frame. Each shock bolt has a 5mm Allen key head either
side. One is to adjust and one is to lock in place with a key way on the bolt and in the frame. The one to adjust is the side with the washer on. The side with out the washer has a 'key' that slots into the frame, turning this side will damage your frame.

[UPDATE] We no longer use the old CrMo Seat Pin style of shock fixing. All models from 2000 onwards with 4mm shock mount side plates are compatible with the new style offixing. If you bike has 3mm shock mount side plates then you need to use the Crmo Seat Pin bolts, or adapt the new fixing's sleeve to fit (we do not supply them pre-machined to fit older models). We recommend this modification to experienced engineers only.

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How do I know what shock bolt lengths I need?

The threaded spacer sleeve between the Allen bolts comes in three lengths 29mm, 31mm and 33mm. If you need spares measure the outside dimension of the shock mount on your frame or swing-arm. This distance should match the sleeve length. You can buy them as a spare part here.

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What routine maintenance should I be performing on the rear suspension pivot of my bike to keep it working smoothly?

Your bearings are maintenance free. They come greased from new. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean your bike as this will remove the grease. Check the wear of the bearings every 6 months. Remove your rear wheel and rear shock and lift the swing arm up and down. If they feel rough then get a new pair!

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What type of replaceable derailleur hanger does my bike take and where can I get one from?

Replaceable derailleur dropouts changed on various models at different years. Your local Orange dealer should carry stock of dropouts. Alternatively you can check the components page on the site where we list the currently available derailleur hangers available direct from £14.95 plus P&P