The Orange Switch 6 is not a new bike, the mixed wheelsize mullet machine came out at the start of 2020 (read our Orange Switch 6 RS review), but this new Team suffixed version is worthy of a shout out. Why? Because we think it looks very freaking rad. Sure, Oranges get loads of flak for not looking like every other sleek lined mountain bike out there but we like the cut of their jib. It’s possibly because we know that if it looks like an Orange, it probably rides like an Orange. And Oranges are some of the best mountain bikes out there.

View from the rear

Anyway, back to the Switch 6 Team. Available from Orange dealers today, this is the version of the Switch 6 that Orange’s sponsored enduro race team uses. Lachlan Blair, Joe Connell and Tom Wilson will pilot these machines at the Enduro World Series, some British National Enduro events and select UK and European races. It’s essentially dripping with custom tuned components from the Orange Factory Racing partners.

Burgtec and Formula with E13 lurking in the background

The suspension is custom tuned and developed from testing sessions in Italy, working directly with Formula factory technicians. The bikes also feature Formula’s Cura 4 disc brakes, E13 rims, Michelin Wild Enduro tyres and a selection from Burgtec and SDG.

Purple fabulousness

Orange Switch 6 Team need to know

• Front: 160mm
• Rear: 145mm
• Wheels: F29/R27.5
• Build spec based on Orange Factory Racing bikes
• Frame handbuilt in Britain
• Monocoque 6061-T6 aluminium frame
• 5 year frame warranty with Limited Lifetime Crash Replacement
• EWS ready race tuned geometry
• Custom tuned Formula MOD Coil Shock 210×55
• Custom tuned Formula Selva S 160mm 29 Fork – with CTS and Neopos
• Streamlined cable routing
• 64° head angle
• 76° seat angl
• 485mm reach (Large)
• Frame bottle bosses
• SRP £5200

Barney’s favourite rear shock

Orange HQ: “The Switch 6 features all the frame updates that we’ve integrated into the latest line-up; Metric shock, 76° seat angle, 64° head angle, with a generous 485mm reach on a size large and a reduced offset fork, this bike is clearly set-up with the aggressive rider in mind.”

SDG finishing kit

“Aimed at racers and fast trail riders this genre of bike has become the hottest ticket around, whether you call them a ‘Mullet’ or ‘MX’, the mixed size wheelset makes a massive amount of sense, but only if you apply the right geometry.”