Found this lurking in a second hand shop so just had to have it. It was no mega bargain but I think I got it for a fair price. It's a 19" so just the right size.

Anyway, the 'O' is the only 1990/93 Orange I'd yet to own and I've always fancied seeing what they're like. It's a bit tired but has no damage and the paint work is in pretty good nick. It came with USE post, Magura's, DX/LX/STX groupo and some Manitou Black forks that seem quite plush.

Not sure exactly what to do with it yet but I'm thinking of taking it back to a period correctish build involving DX, Pace and lots of polished bits. Think the orange Flite I've got will suite it as well. Saying that, it seems to rid well with the longer forks so even though I shouldn't I might give it a try with them.

Updates to follow as the changes take place. Advise and ideas on build direction always welcome.

cool. looks like it was once someone's pride and joy

I thought that too mate. Some one chucked a load of money at it at some point.

Personally I would fit the seat post the right way round.
But also strip it back to silver. I would forgo suspension and fit Alu-O Forks and a matching stem if you can get hold of them.
I think PACE suspension is getting boring with these and be nice to see something a bit different. Then if I could I would use a mix of DX/XT accurate for the year (RF+ etc..) if I could find it or a Suntour XC Pro/Comp in Microdrive mix as 1993 was a good year for it.
In an ideal world.

I'd be shot of the brakes as well unless you can remove the blue.

I'll keep my eye on this one, nice to see it in black and later decal styling.

Thanks Fluffy. All stripped down now so I can go which ever way I want. Don't think either the USE or Magura's will see service on the 'O' again tbh. Can't decide if it needs a re-paint or not We'll see.

I'm thinking polished seatpost, stem, bar and maybe forks. Might borrow the M732/5 from my Clockwork for the build.

As an extra bonus it turns out the rings are Middleburn and cassette M900.

Here's a few fork ideas from the stock I've got. Thoughts?

No
Yes
No

my thoughts exactly

Dude. I agree with them too.

Personally I think the Pace silver (#2) is all wrong and far too heavy for the bike, leave them for Clockworks.
#3 goes best but are they too long ?

Keep the maguras!

+1 #3

Well done Ed..... you've finally got one!!

Before you strip the paint...if your going down the respray/ powder coat route - don't forget to trace the Graphics off

.... I don't have these later 'O' graphics on file ( only the early one's like on my 'O's ) If you give us a tracing of these, I can make up the replacements for you!

Plans sound good BTW..... personally I like the RC30's. Suspension wise.... RC35's would be more suited to the age of the 'O'.

I reckon your frame# is something like A108 XXXX or A110 XXXX ?
I recently got complete back issues of MBUK 92/93. The 'O' was still for sale in 1993 (£465 for F+F!!) but the 4 production batches ( identified so far ) are all from 1991. I haven't seen any 1992 made frames so far....?
Colours were Satin silver, Orange white, Matt black (from 06/91) and Purple anodized option (£90) on the last ones sold.

Watching with Interest.
boy"O"boy

Mine's a A108nnnn - and has the older style graphics.

August '91 .... 3rd Batch. Triple top routed cable guides and replaceable rear mech hanger. Some of this batch have the later style graphics, some the original. Probably depends on which year the bike was sold. The '92 brouchure shows the 'old' style still being used.

Cheers,
boy"O"boy

Cheers for the feedback. The modern forks are both 80mm so too long although it rides well with the black ones. Might stick the RC30's on my Clockwork which will free up the RC35's for the 'O'

Like buses these things. Wanted one for a while and now I think I've scored two in a week! Pick the other up today so will probably make one up out of the best parts of both.

Thanks for the info Ben. The serial number is A1120209. I had assumed it was November 1992 but guess it could be December 1991? Thanks for the offer on the decals. What's the best way to copy them?