1992 Orange Aluminium O

[boy"O"boy]

Nice does that frame15 meant it was the 15 built there wasn't that many os made was there did they only build them for 2years or something

Yeah. The frame number is A9102015.
Basically, that's the 1st Gen Aluminum 'O' (it's original colour was the matt silver)
Frame number 15 is the lowest number I know of on here so far, which makes it the earliest production Aluminum 'O' ( I used to own frame #20 which was also a 17" in matt silver - so I'm guessing the very 1st ones were all the same colour and size? )

The "O" appeared in the Orange Catalogue from 1991 - 1992, co existing alongside the Aluminum Elite for the 1992 year before being dropped in favour of the Elite for the following year.
The were 4 revisions in that time

Gen 1 - A9102XXXX frame numbers. Riveted cable guides on top and down tube. Non replaceable rear derailleur hanger.
Matt silver or Orange and White fade

Gen 2 - A106XXXX frame numbers. As above but with welded rather than riveted cable guides on the top and down tubes. Satin Black introduced to other colours.

Gen 3 - A108XXXX frame numbers. Cable guides now all mounted along top tube. Replaceable rear derailleur hanger. Chainstays are 1/2" shorter. Matt Silver, Orange and White fade, Satin black.

Gen 4 - A112XXXX frame numbers. As Gen 3 but chainstay bridge deleted. Same colours as above but last models added an Anodised purple colour. Revised decals in line with 1992 range.

Only just noticed seeing 2 frames as I never seen in flesh that the back bars are square and the brake callipers bars aren't welded in the middle of the frame and the cable guides on the top bar are staggered and going down the back there welded on the side nothing at All like my p7 or clockwork or c16 quick question my c16 is frame is a 1995 light grey now I always wanted a dark green one did they do a c16 in dark green that year. Or I want a dark green clockwork but struggling to find one

Details of frame differences in "O" models in pictures here.

Thread '1990 Orange Aluminum "O" prototype - The Iceman returns.'

Aug 16, 2024

Hi all. Where to start with this one? ....this has so many stories to tell!

This Orange Aluminum prototype is well known to the forum. When discussing the evolution of the Orange Aluminum "O", the Pre-production versions are often referred to as the 'Iceman'

This is the 'Iceman', so called as it has a Ice mans "O" decal on the top tube. Who is Ice man actually is... Nobody knows? Could be the nick-name of an Orange team rider, test pilot or Orange employee. Maybe it's a privateer racer taking the name from the top gun film... Maverick, Iceman, Goose etc?

As far as...

• boy"O"boy
• Replies: 30
• Forum: Reader's MTBs --> 1997

• 
• 

Very nice,i find the O to be a very underated frame. Its a great ride which us why i chose it to race at the malverns. Are you bringing the 'ice man'?

100% agree! Not that I'm biased
I prefer the ride of a 17" frame over a 19" which should be my correct size. Rode both sizes over the same trail on the same day once.... Just to confirm my preference.
Yeah. The Ice man cometh!

Cheers
boy"O"boy

 

[baron von greenback]

Thanks mate that's great info I have another read about the iceman incredible story didn't know they did an anodised purple one never even seen a pic of that

 

[FluffyChicken]

Very nice,i find the O to be a very underated frame. Its a great ride which us why i chose it to race at the malverns. Are you bringing the 'ice man'?

8 didn't like mine that much (3rd gen). Unfortunately my thread doesn't have to many pictures. It was OK, it was better than my PACE F3 though.

I should maybe give the Elite a go. A proper one, that these newfangled E2s and things. I do have an Elite but it's too small for me.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Only just noticed seeing 2 frames as I never seen in flesh that the back bars are square and the brake callipers bars aren't welded in the middle of the frame and the cable guides on the top bar are staggered and going down the back there welded on the side nothing at All like my p7 or clockwork or c16 quick question my c16 is frame is a 1995 light grey now I always wanted a dark green one did they do a c16 in dark green that year. Or I want a dark green clockwork but struggling to find one

Completely different frames, the squared stays were the iconic/marketing feature of the Aluminium-O

(Look for a 10th anniversary Clockwork for a green one, best in another topic though)