Orange mountain bikes is a British mountain bike company which has come to be known around the world. From little roots in Halifax, Yorkshire the company has become big enough and well respected enough to have sponsored two world champions: Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar.

Since the credit crunch reared its ugly head, a lot of importance has been placed on supporting British brands, which Orange mountain bikes undisputedly is. One of the company’s founders has lived all his life in Yorkshire and became interested in mountain biking after leaving school. At first he rode bikes made by a company called Muddy Fox but he moved away from the brand when he felt they were becoming more of an urban fashion statement than a serious off road bike company.

At this stage, still before Orange mountain bikes came into existence, lester Noble starting designing his own mountain bikes.He originally sourced bikes from the Far East to sell in the UK under the brand name Tushingham bikes.Later when he met his now business partner, Steve Wade who is another biking enthusiast they decided to set up a business together. With him, Steve Wade brought his engineering background and his existing sheet metal company, both of which proved ideal for starting a bike business.
Originally they worked together assembling bike parts bought in from Taiwan but later began manufacturing. And so Orange mountain bikes was born, with a name taken from a shortened version of ‘All Round Range.’ Today all Orange mountain bikes are manufactured and built in Yorkshire, apart from the cheaper range.

What really helped Orange mountain bikes make its name was the sponsorship of high profile riders. Further exposure was brought about by the use of the Patriot bike by the Animal/Orange team on British downhill courses. It was the production of the Patriot bike which led to the design of the 222 downhill bike which created much publicity and awareness abroad.
Orange mountain bikes have evolved and progressed so much from their humble beginnings. As well as being a firm favourite amongst British bikers, they are available through dealers in twenty six countries across the world.

1. Orange Mountain Bikes’ All Round Range
2. British Biking Legends: Orange Mountain Bikes
3. Women’s Bikes by Orange Mountain Bikes
4. The Diva by Orange Mountain Bikes
5. The Diva by Orange Mountain Bikes

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