Orange Patriot returns this July

The long-rumoured comeback of the Orange Patriot was confirmed to the masses this morning, following some Patriot-esque looking prototypes appearing at the iXS MacAvalanche earlier this year – including the rig that won on the day.

Taking up a position between the Alpine 160 and 224, the new bike delivers 180mm of balanced single pivot suspension. The 2012 version will carry a 1.5" headtube to house a tapered fork with an external bearing bottom cup and zero-stack top. Orange say this is "The best option for strength and weight, but also future proofs the frame design and allowing compatibility with angle-adjust headsets."

Other features include standard ISCG tabs, a Maxle rear as standard and a ‘maintenance free’ 32mm pivot assembly. The build retains much of the character of the widely-used prior versions, with a low pivot placement, ensuring the suspension stays active, but contorlled and efficient. The head angle remains slack at 65.5 degrees.

Orange says the bike will be available form July 1st as a complete build or frame only package. The standard bike retails at £2,999.99 with a Fox Van RC shock, Marzocchi 66 RCV 180mm fork, Hope hubs, Avid Elixir brakes, Truvativ finishing kit and a RaceFace/Shimano transmission. The usual array of upgrade options will be offered, including the Cane Creek Double Barrel, Hope Tech V2 brakes, RockShox Reverb seat post, Gammut chain device and new for 2012, the Renthal Fatboy bar and Duo stem.