Why the Patriot XCEL?
This is the top dog lightweight Patriot, lighter and higher spec than the Patriot XC, featuring the Fox 36 Talas R Fork and Hope Mono Mini brakes. For hard and fast big-trail riders this is the bike to have.
The Patriot is without doubt the most versatile bike in the Orange range. Its all round ability allows it to ably perform as an all day all-mountain trail bike, yet it excels as a full-on free-ride rig in severe Alpine terrain.
The Patriot’s frame has been completely revised with new state-of-the-art folded downtube and swingarm sections. This ingenious new frame shaping gives a bigger contact patch between the CNC machined head tube and the downtube for a stronger welded join avoiding the need for unnecessary gussets. The addition of a CNCed shock mount on the swing-arm disperses shock loads into the wider area of the swing-arm’s body, reducing the stress at the shock’s connecting point.
Improved standover clearance is provided by the lowered top tube, giving extra confidence when things get hectic. Adding a gusset at seat-tube/top-tube joint for extra frame durability.
Optional Rock Shox Maxle compatibility on the rear drop-out is the icing on the cake, bringing a tool-free quick-release 12mm bolt through rear axle to the Patriot.
Single-pivot simplicity means reliability. The tried and tested Orange pivot design is rock-solid and easy to maintain. With the adjustable geometry feature, the Patriot is a breeze to set-up for any riding style.
Experience:
Strengths: Relatively light for the travel, super stiff, single pivot, hand built.
Weaknesses: None that I have noticed, the frame amplifies all sounds on the bike, loud hubs, rattling chain, etc.
Similar Products Tried:Intense Uzzi SLX, Santa Cruz Heckler, Specialized FSR, Cheeta Prowler, Cannondale Super V.
Bike Setup:Romic rear shock (makes all the difference), full XTR, Grimeca 4pot brakes, Nokian NBX tires, Thomson post and stem,easton bar, Fox Talas fork.
Bottom Line:This is by far the funnest bike I have ever owned!! It climbs very well, pedals great, feels lighter than it is, dives into turns like a GPmoto bike, likes to take to the air, and is super stable and predictable. My advise is to go and buy an Orange, put on a Romic shock and you will have one great machine. On the plus side not everyone and there mother has one on the trail. The best bike I have ever thrown a leg over!!
More information in 2007 Shanghai Cycle Show