well regards Orange's line up, it has been streamlined over the years
examples, from 10 colour options to 6, 27.5 full suspension, 3 sizes, 2 models, that's 6 frames, same with 29er, although they introduced the linkage bikes which basically doubles the amount of frames made, there is a part of me that says if you think the new design is better you should drop the old design, running both might not be ideal but there will aleays be people who want the single pivot, i realise most think it's old school but with modern shock technology it works fine and is the most reliable system on the market.
rx9 is one frame/fork with about 6 models due to different specs, speedwork is a slightly different frame, and frankly should be more different as it needs a longer top tube. the kids bikes they run for 2 to 3 seasons and although i don't stock them they do sell in the bigger dealers. the e bikes have generally been well recieved, i have sold 3, bearing in mind they start at £7000!
the thing i dread is someone buying the name and sticking it on a BSO.
and yes during covid they did struggle, they sold hardtails and gravel, but covid buyers were not orange 5 buyers etc the limit on a covid buyer was 1500 to 2000 in real terms unless it was electric. so they got rid of all the hardtails etc and then had nothing to sell so they struggled, then by the time they got bikes the market had dropped off.
a perfect storm of a nightmare for them.
