Orange p7

[-L-]

I've only just found this site after a rekindled interest in cycling (its an age thing!).

I've currently got a purple Orange p7, which as far as I'm aware, dates back to about 93/94. I always knew it would be a classic, because at the time, the bike mags hardly ever had 2nd hand oranges come up for sale. True enough, even today, it easily competes weight wise with the very latest bikes (its about 23lbs I think).

So for the time being, I have a couple of questions:
1) Where is the frame number? I believe this will confirm one way or t'other the age.
2) What size is the the Bottom Bracket and any recommendations on a replacement.
3) It was great sizing 15 years ago, but now I find it a bit small. (its c.17") and I'm 6'1". I'm loathe to sell it for pittance, (fond memories, XT2 thumbies, hope hubs, RC35s etc), but it doesn't cut the mustard for what I want to use if for nowadays (mainly commuting). Any thoughts about my plans to get a bigger bike and what I should do with it? I was thinking of maybe a cyclocrosser as a 2nd bike... What do you lot do with your "old" bikes?

Your thoughts please!!

-L- (also known as just "L")

 

[reanimation]

Hey welcome,

Orange was the best bike I had BackInTheDay, so I'm building another. I'm 6ft 1 or 2 and 17" bikes feel too small really now, not bad for chucking about but a tad short on a fast mission and long seatpost way up! 19's feel best on the retros for me, Saying that, Modern bikes seem to have shorted seat tubes anyway for clearance. Old bikes? we tend to keep em or buy em back!!

hard to replace that old bike from BITD.

Serial number under BB shell?

Not sure about length of BB.

 

[Mr Panda]

BB - depends what crank/shifter combo you're using.

If too small, but all components are good, strip it and fit onto a 19" frame which you will shortly buy or swap for your 17" one

 

[brocklanders023]

I had the same problem as you so let my old Clockwork go a few years back and have regretted it ever since. Keep your's and pick up another (larger) retro for your daily work.

If you like Oranges, stick with them. I once moved away from the brand but never got on with my GT. Sold it barely used and am a fully paid up Orange fan boy again now.

 

[-L-]

I took the bike into a local shop (remember I'm in Istanbul!) and we concluded that the drivetrain is realistically due for replacement (its creaking).

What are your thoughts? What to change it with. Currently on 8 spd with XT2 thumbies, XT rear derailluer and Deore Crankset...

 

[reanimation]

Find out whats creaking. My GF's next to new bike is creaking, and thats cos she didn't wash it months ago! :? so my plan is to remove the cranks, clean up, and refit the cranks with some grease, and carefully tighten.

Good chance you'll need a chain, and then maybe cassette if its old and worn, and then check the chainrings, see if the teeth are worn. clean all the other bits, followed by grease/oil. perhaps new cables if they are tight or worn.

Post up some pics we can help.

 

[banjaxt]

I used to have a black P7 c1995.
Still one of the nicest frames I've ever ridden.
Light as hell for steel and really responsive, yet forgiving at the same time.

If you're gonna replace the crankset/rings I always go for Middeburn RS series cranks and Middleburn rings. They're some of the lightest/trickest out there and have never let me down. I picked up a slightly worn set on eBay for £50 recently. Nice ones tend to go around the £80 mark. Middleburn still have a small stock of spares for RS3s but nothing any earlier, although RS1 "Rhinos" are awesome and somehow lighter than the newer ones if you can find a set. Middleburn Hardcoat rings will last you aaages if you get em too!

 

[-L-]

The funny thing was the guy in the shop who was trying to convince me that the Giant XTC2 was a proper mountain bike and my P7 is a good commuter, but not that great as a "proper" mountain bike. Up until that point, he was putting on a good show! I'll get some pics up over the next few days with a bit of luck...

 

[banjaxt]

The funny thing was the guy in the shop who was trying to convince me that the Giant XTC2 was a proper mountain bike and my P7 is a good commuter, but not that great as a "proper" mountain bike. Up until that point, he was putting on a good show! I'll get some pics up over the next few days with a bit of luck...

Typical sales technique - make you feel bad about what you've got so you buy something newer and shinier.. Load of ballix IMO.

Your P7 might be old(ish) but its still a kickass ride, BiTD or not... :twisted:

 

[dyna-ti]

The funny thing was the guy in the shop who was trying to convince me that the Giant XTC2 was a proper mountain bike and my P7 is a good commuter, but not that great as a "proper" mountain bike. Up until that point, he was putting on a good show! I'll get some pics up over the next few days with a bit of luck...

:shock:


:roll:



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not sure id trust his opinion of your drivetrain now :?
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I'm 6'3" and had a 21",but i always thought i'd have been better picking the 19" frame ,i'd deffo recommend it for yourself @ 6'1"