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Sorry guys posted a reply below which screwed the screen resolution up
not sure what to do about it.
After avidly reading countless build threads I thought I’d stick my head above the parapet and stick by 1st build out there for all to see and comment on, I've got big plans for the coming weeks /months, just gotta be finshed for Mountain Mayhem in June
Almost twelve months ago I wanted a cheap Retro full bouncer to hit the trails on as my bones are starting to feel every bump that my 94 F2 Pace encountered and I came across Rowley’s Orange X1 in original but tired condition, After promising Rowley that I’d take care of his X1 and solemnly promise not break it for bits I took her home, After spending a few shekels on my new purchase I hit the trails and so started a totally un-expected love affair.
Now I know I’ve chosen a model from Orange that’s quirky and courts controversial like a pot of Marmite, some love it …. Others hate it! :twisted: and everyone has an opinion, so go easy and Please don’t flame me ! I’ve heard most of the comments like “is that a P7 Cut ‘n’ Shut??” many times, I know this will never be an iconic bike, Unified Rear triangles never lived up to the hype and I’ll never be able to financially justify the time nor money spent on it... But I don’t care ! I’m rebuilding my X1 purely for my own enjoyment and to blast the local woods in Retro Style (okay last bit very subjective). Any help or pointers along the way would be most welcome.
My project starts with a 1996 Orange X1 in almost original spec built with LX M565/ STX-RC group set / Stratos rear shock and running Canti’s, The Dude even gave me the original receipt from 16yrs ago along with a pre launch clipping which was even older from MB UK or MTB pro that he’d saved from 1995 detailing Orange’s top secret project entitled X1 and its upcoming debut, This guy had loved the bike for so long it sort of felt like I was taking his daughter of his hands !
First thing to have surgery was the front end, The 63mm MK1 Judy’s had at best about 30mm of travel and rebound was painfully slow, Upon stripping them down the elastomers had crumbled to a nothing and the original rebound cartridge was devoid of oil, Having looked everywhere for a replacement rebound cartridge I had to settle for 80mm MK2 offering from Risse and a set of Springs courtesy of Wing Springs ….. And so started challenge #1
(Before I start I'm sure someone will come up with a obvious answer that would have saved me a good few hours)
MK 1 Judys use an M5 Bolt to secure the stanchion in the fork lower, MK2’s use an M6 bolt that physically won’t fit as the head (let alone the thread) is too big for the recess it fits into. After a search on Ebay I found a M6 to M5 adapter and after reducing the length of the shaft by the corresponding amount I screwed in the adapter and then set about grinding the Hex head to the same diameter as my R/S shaft. (see second picture)
Next up is surgery to the rear end which even for a newbie to the world of full suspension needs a makeover and the lovely URT backend and fork lowers are off for a lick of paint and possibly new chrome or a good polish for the frame
not sure what to do about it.
After avidly reading countless build threads I thought I’d stick my head above the parapet and stick by 1st build out there for all to see and comment on, I've got big plans for the coming weeks /months, just gotta be finshed for Mountain Mayhem in June
Almost twelve months ago I wanted a cheap Retro full bouncer to hit the trails on as my bones are starting to feel every bump that my 94 F2 Pace encountered and I came across Rowley’s Orange X1 in original but tired condition, After promising Rowley that I’d take care of his X1 and solemnly promise not break it for bits I took her home, After spending a few shekels on my new purchase I hit the trails and so started a totally un-expected love affair.
Now I know I’ve chosen a model from Orange that’s quirky and courts controversial like a pot of Marmite, some love it …. Others hate it! :twisted: and everyone has an opinion, so go easy and Please don’t flame me ! I’ve heard most of the comments like “is that a P7 Cut ‘n’ Shut??” many times, I know this will never be an iconic bike, Unified Rear triangles never lived up to the hype and I’ll never be able to financially justify the time nor money spent on it... But I don’t care ! I’m rebuilding my X1 purely for my own enjoyment and to blast the local woods in Retro Style (okay last bit very subjective). Any help or pointers along the way would be most welcome.
My project starts with a 1996 Orange X1 in almost original spec built with LX M565/ STX-RC group set / Stratos rear shock and running Canti’s, The Dude even gave me the original receipt from 16yrs ago along with a pre launch clipping which was even older from MB UK or MTB pro that he’d saved from 1995 detailing Orange’s top secret project entitled X1 and its upcoming debut, This guy had loved the bike for so long it sort of felt like I was taking his daughter of his hands !
First thing to have surgery was the front end, The 63mm MK1 Judy’s had at best about 30mm of travel and rebound was painfully slow, Upon stripping them down the elastomers had crumbled to a nothing and the original rebound cartridge was devoid of oil, Having looked everywhere for a replacement rebound cartridge I had to settle for 80mm MK2 offering from Risse and a set of Springs courtesy of Wing Springs ….. And so started challenge #1
(Before I start I'm sure someone will come up with a obvious answer that would have saved me a good few hours)
MK 1 Judys use an M5 Bolt to secure the stanchion in the fork lower, MK2’s use an M6 bolt that physically won’t fit as the head (let alone the thread) is too big for the recess it fits into. After a search on Ebay I found a M6 to M5 adapter and after reducing the length of the shaft by the corresponding amount I screwed in the adapter and then set about grinding the Hex head to the same diameter as my R/S shaft. (see second picture)
Next up is surgery to the rear end which even for a newbie to the world of full suspension needs a makeover and the lovely URT backend and fork lowers are off for a lick of paint and possibly new chrome or a good polish for the frame
