2020 Orange Surge Electric Mountain Bike
The great thing about electric mountain bikes is that they allow you to get to terrain that you wouldn’t usually be able to get to. This goes for riders of all abilities and fitness levels. The motor assists you enough to allow you to ride longer and have more fun. In this post, I am going to highlight the 2020 Orange Electric Mountain Bikes.
2020 Orange Surge Electric Mountain Bike Range
This bike is unmistakably an Orange. Its industrial style aluminium frame with unapologetic welds are in keeping with the Orange mountain bike range. The 2020 Orange Surge electric mountain bike is, in essence, an evolution of the Orange Alpine 6 electric mountain bike. It has been redesigned to be a much stiffer bike, with inspiration from the Orange 327 downhill bike. All this is so it can cope with increased torque from the motor. This is a bike that will perform best in the hands of a strong rider.
As Orange Bikes are built in Britain, there is an emphasis on weather protection and durability. It is super easy to maintain and service. Here is a breakdown and comparison of the Orange Surge electric mountain bikes range.
Below are the pros and cons of the Orange Surge Electric Bikes.
Pros
- Geometry suggests confidence inducing handling
- Great suspension setup
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- While 504wh motor is fine, other bikes have more power
- Quite pricy
Pedal Assist Modes: The Orange Charger has four modes. These will all assist your pedalling up to 16mph.
- Eco Mode: Riding support while enabling maximum range
- Trail: Gradual support for encouraging sportive riding
- Boost: Full support for maximum boost and uncompromised climbing
- Walk Assist: This bike also has a walk assist mode. This can be easily enabled with the assist switch
Motor Performance
Maximum power: 500 W
Nominal power: 250 W
Maximum torque: 70 Nm
LI-ION Battery
Integrated version (504Wh)
Charging: 80% after 2,5 hrs / 5 hrs from 0 to 100%
Battery life: 1,000 cycles
2020 Orange Surge Factory Electric Mountain Bike
The Orange Surge Factory edition is at the top of the Surge range of electric mountain bikes. It is packed full of features, making it one of the most capable electric mountain bikes on the market.
Specification
| rame: | 6061-T6 Monocoque UK Formed Custom Aluminium Tubing. Wheel Size: 27.5. Rear wheel travel: 165mm |
| Fork: | Fox Factory 36 Float 170mm 27.5 (black) |
| Rear Shock: | Fox Float X2 Factory 230×65 |
| Headset: | Hope 49mm Black |
| Stem: | Hope M35 x 35mm Black |
| Bars: | Renthal Fat Bar 800mm M35 |
| Front Brake: | Shimano Saint 203mm |
| Rear Brake: | Shimano Saint 203mm |
| Brake Lever: | Shimano XT |
| Rear Mech: | Shimano XT Di2 Shadow Plus 11spd |
| Shifters: | Shimano XT Di2 |
| Speed: | 11 |
| Rims: | Stans Flow Mk3 (Silver) |
| Front Hub: | Hope Pro 4 (Black) 27 |
| Rear Hub: | Hope Pro 4 (Black) 27 |
| Front Tyre: | Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 3c EXO TR |
| Rear Tyre: | Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 EXO T |
| Seat Post: | Fox Factory Transfer 150mm Kashima |
| Saddle: | SDG Radar Cromo Rail Black/Black |
| Chainset: | Shimano E8050 34t Ring |
| Bottom Bracket: | Shimano E8000 DU Integrated |
| Chain: | Shimano HG-X 11 |
| Cassette: | Shimano XT 11-46t |
| Pedals: | N/A |
| Battery (Wh): | 504Wh |
| Motor: | Shimano E8000 |
Features
At £7,800 it is quite an expensive bike, but look at all the lovely expensive bits that are on it! For example, its Fox suspension is pretty much as good as it gets on this type of bike. This bike comes with the Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain. This is electronic, which makes shifting gear fast, super smooth and precise.
To top of this fantastic specification, the Orange Surge Factory comes with the Hope finishing kit, 800mm Renthal Fat Bar handlebars and Stans Flow MK3 wheels shod with Maxxis Minion tyres.
This is a serious bike for the dedicated rider that wants to explore technical trails far and wide.
2020 Orange Surge RS Electric Mountain Bike
The 2020 Orange Surge RS is a serious piece of kit. It is a very high specced electric mountain bike, that can take on anything you can throw it at.
Specification
| Frame | 6061-T6 Monocoque UK Formed Custom Aluminium Tubing. Wheel Size: 27.5. Rear wheel travel: 165. |
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik RC2 170mm 27.5 (black) |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate 230×65 |
| Headset | Cane Creek 49mm For Tapered Steerer |
| Swingarms | Bolt Type Allen Key Head (Boost 148mm Hub) |
| Chain Device | Shimano CDE80 |
| Bottom Brackets | Shimano E8000 DU Integrated |
| Chainsets | Shimano E8050 34t Ring |
| Rear Mech | SRAM XO1 Eagle 12spd |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Shifters | SRAM GX1 Eagle |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle 1230 11-50T |
| Wheelset | Race Face Arc 30 27.5 (Grey) + Hope Pro 4 (Black) |
| Tyres | Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 3c EXO TR / DHR 2.4 EXO TR 2 |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RE 200/200 |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb 150mm with 1x Remote |
| Stem | Hope M35 x 35mm Black |
| Saddle | SDG Radar Steel Rail Black/Black |
| Handlebars | Renthal Fat Bar 800mm M35 |
| Grips | Strange 130 Lock – On Grips Black |
| Display | Shimano E8000 Cycle Computer |
| Battery | E8020 504wh Integrated battery |
| Drive Unit | Shimano E8000 |
Features
The 2020 Orange Surge RS electric mountain bike uses a Shimano E8000 motor with an Eagle drivetrain. Its 34 tooth chainring gives you a gear range of 500%.
As with the rest of the Surge bikes, the 504wh battery neatly sits in a sealed compartment. You don’t need any tools to remove it, so it is convenient if you are on a long day and need to swap batteries.
The SRAM Guide RE brakes are the same as on my Nukeproof Mega and I really like them. They are progressive, powerful and easy too modulate. There are lots of really nice components on this electric mountain bike in the shape of Hope Pro4 wheel hubs, the Hope finishing kit and the Renthal Fatbar. Despite the Orange bike’s industrial appearance, the cable routing on this new version of the surge, is neat and tidy, keeping them out of the way, preventing them being damaged. To help with the Surge’s durability, the motor is placed behind a metal plate protecting it from big hits from rocks etc.
This bike is for those that want a very capable and well specced electric mountain bike, but doesn’t want to spend close to £8,000 for the privilege.
2020 Orange Surge Pro 27.5 Electric Mountain Bike
This version of the Orange Surge electric mountain bike is for those that are of the Fox persuasion. It is a slightly lower specification than the RS, but if you look at the spec table below, you will see it is no slouch.
Specification
| Frame | 6061-T6 Monocoque UK Formed Custom Aluminium Tubing. Wheel Size: 27.5. Rear wheel travel: 165. |
| Fork | Fox Performance 36 Float 170mm 27.5 |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance 230×65 |
| Headset | Cane Creek 49mm For Tapered Steerer |
| Swingarms | Bolt Type Allen Key Head (Boost 148mm Hub) |
| Chain Device | Shimano CDE80 |
| Bottom Brackets | Shimano E8000 DU Integrated |
| Chainsets | Shimano E8050 34t Ring |
| Rear Mech | Shimano XT Shadow Plus 11spd |
| Chain | Shimano HG-X 11 |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX 11spd |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX 11-46t 11spd |
| Wheelset | Joytech front + Hope Pro 4 rear, Kore Realm 3.0 27.5 |
| Tyres | Maxxis DHR II 2.4 Exo TR 27.5 |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX 203/203 |
| Seatpost | SDG Tellis |
| Stem | Race Face Chester M35 x 40mm |
| Saddle | Kore Conex |
| Handlebars | Race Face Chester Stealth 780mm |
| Grips | Strange 130 Lock – On Grips Black |
| Display | Shimano E8000 Cycle Computer |
| Battery | E8020 504wh Integrated battery |
| Drive Unit | Shimano E8000 |
Features
The Pro is £400 cheaper than the RS. This price difference comes from using different components. For example, the Pro has a Shimano 11 speed drivetrain as opposed to the 12 speed Eagle on the RS. Also, you get the same amount of travel, but this bike has Fox suspension rather than RockShox. It doesn’t have the Hope finishing kit, but the alternatives used are still excellent and will not disappoint.
2020 Orange Charger Electric Mountain Bike Range
While the Orange Surge is designed to have long travel, the Charger is designed to have a more playful feel. It is for riders that don’t want or need all the travel offers by the Surge. Like the rest if the Orange mountain bike range, it uses folded aluminium to make up the frame and the swing arm. It also uses the familiar single pivot design. However, there is more to these bikes their industrial appearance suggests.
Pros
- Playful feel
- Rides like a normal non-electric mountain bike
- Great specification
- Looks great if you like the industrial style
Cons
- Power button could be better located as it is susceptible to water spray and not the easiest to get to
Pedal Assist Modes: The Orange Charger has four modes. These will all assist your pedalling up to 16mph.
- Eco Mode: Riding support while enabling maximum range
- Trail: Gradual support for encouraging sportive riding
- Boost: Full support for maximum boost and uncompromised climbing
- Walk Assist: This bike also has a walk assist mode. This can be easily enabled with the assist switch
The geometry features, such as short chainstays gives the bike a more nimble feeling.
Motor Performance
Maximum power: 500 W
Nominal power: 250 W
Maximum torque: 70 Nm
LI-ION Battery
Integrated version (504Wh)
Charging: 80% after 2,5 hrs / 5 hrs from 0 to 100%
Battery life: 1,000 cycles
Orange Charger Factory
The Factory is the priciest version of the Orange Charger electric bikes. Sitting at £7,700, it isn’t cheap, but there are less expensive options (keep reading). When it comes to the specification, you can actually order it with upgraded parts. You can even choose a different colour for an extra £100. There are nine other colours to choose from and a range of different decals.
Specifications
| Frame: | 6061-T6 Monocoque UK Formed Custom Aluminium Tubing |
| Fork: | Fox Factory 36 Float 150mm 27.5 (black) |
| Rear Shock: | Fox Float DPX2 Factory 230×57.5 |
| Headset: | Hope 49mm Black |
| Stem: | Hope M35 x 35mm Black |
| Bars: | Renthal Fat Bar 800mm M35 |
| Front Brake: | Shimano Saint 203 |
| Rear Brake: | Shimano Saint 203 |
| Rear Mech: | Shimano XT Di2 Shadow Plus 11spd |
| Shifters: | Shimano XT Di2 |
| Speed: | 11 |
| Rims: | Stans Flow Mk3 (Silver) |
| Front Hub: | Hope Pro 4 (Black) 27 |
| Rear Hub: | Hope Pro 4 (Black) 27 |
| Front Tyre: | Maxxis DHF 2.5 WT |
| Rear Tyre: | Maxxis DHR II 2.4 WT 27.5 |
| Seat Post: | Fox Factory Transfer 150mm Kashima |
| Saddle: | SDG Radar Cromo Rail Blk/Orange |
| Chainset: | Shimano E8050 34t Ring |
| Bottom Bracket: | Shimano E8000 DU Integrated |
| Chain: | Shimano HG-X 11 |
| Cassette: | Shimano XT 11-46t |
| Battery (Wh): | 504wH |
| Motor: | Shimano E8000 |
Features
The Orange Charger electric mountain bike has similar features to the Surge, in that it runs on 27.5″ wheels and they both use the same motor. However, the Charger has shorter travel with 150mm forks and 145mm on the shock. The suspension on the Factory version is provided by Fox, in the guise of a Fox Factory 36 Float fork and a Float DPX2 shock.
As with the Surge, manufacturing techniques used in the 329 downhill increase the swing arm stiffness. This will be something we will see in future Orange bikes too.
The downtube is slimmer than the Orange Alpine 6 E (this bike’s predecessor), but it contains the same BT-E8010 battery. Orange chose to stick with this battery so they didn’t have to delay the release of this bike while a smaller one was being developed. The downtube also contains the brake hose, gear cable, and Shimano Di2 cable. If you need access to these, all you need to do is take the battery out.
The motor is protected by a very cool looking stainless steel bash guard. It even has the Orange logo etched I to it. This is not just for show, it is a very tough way of protecting your precious motor from rocks and roots.
When it comes to sizing, the Orange Charger electric mountain bike comes in M, L and XL. The reach is quite long, which is in keeping with modern geometry. The standover hight of each bike is pretty low, meaning you can size up or down depending on your preference and riding style.
The Orange Charger has 27.5in wheels front and rear, and have 2.5in (front) and 2.4in (rear) tyres. The wheels themselves, on the Factory spec model, use Hope hubs and Stan Flow Mk3 rims. These are fast rolling and very tough. The other advantage of this wheel set, is that it doesn’t add any unnecessary weight or drag to the ride.
The 1 x 11 drivetrain uses a Shimano Di2 rear mech. If you are not in the know, this is an electronic gear shifting system that runs off the motor battery. It gives you fast, crisp gear changing that never misses a beat.
Electric mountain bikes are heavy, so they need good stopping power. The Orange Charger comes with Shimano Saint 4 pot brakes with 203mm rotors. These are high end strong brakes with good modulation, which help you keep everything under control. With this being the top end version of the Orange Charger, it has similar high end bits that finish off the Orange Surge. The Renthal Fatbar handlebars and Orange Strange lock on grips, top off a very well specced electric mountain bike.
The Orange Charger is the type of electric mountain bike for riders who prefer nimble and agile bikes. This is reported to be one of the most playful electric mountain bikes you can buy right now.
Orange Charger RS Electric Mountain Bike
The Orange Charger RS may be a much cheaper bike, but it still has a fantastic specification.
Specifications
| Frame: | 6061-T6 Monocoque UK Formed Custom Aluminium Tubing |
| Fork: | RockShox Lyrik RC2 170mm 27.5 (black) |
| Rear Shock: | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate 230×57.5 |
| Headset: | Cane Creek 49mm For Tapered Steerer |
| Stem: | Hope M35 x 35mm Black |
| Bars: | Renthal Fat Bar 800mm M35 |
| Front Brake: | SRAM Guide RE 200 |
| Rear Brake: | SRAM Guide RE 200 |
| Rear Mech: | SRAM XO1 Eagle 12spd |
| Shifters: | SRAM GX1 Eagle |
| Speed: | 12 |
| Rims: | Race Face Arc 30 27.5 (Grey) |
| Front Hub: | Hope Pro 4 (Black) |
| Rear Hub: | Hope Pro 4 (Black) |
| Front Tyre: | Maxxis DHF 2.5 WT |
| Rear Tyre: | Maxxis DHR II 2.4 WT 27.5 |
| Seat Post: | RockShox Reverb 150mm Drop with 1x Remote |
| Saddle: | SDG Radar Steel Rail Black/Black |
| Chainset: | Shimano E8050 34t Ring |
| Bottom Bracket: | Shimano E8000 DU Integrated |
| Chain: | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Cassette: | SRAM NX Eagle 1230 11-50T |
| Battery (Wh): | 504wH |
| Motor: | Shimano E8000 |
Features
This version of the Orange Charger electric mountain bike is a considerable saving over the Factory. But the specification will not disappoint.
The drivetrain on the RS gives you an extra gear than the the one on the Factory. This is because you get a SRAM 12 speed Eagle setup. These are great on conventional mountain bikes, let alone an electric mountain bike.
The RS keeps braking under control with the excellent SRAM Guide RE 200 brakes. While surprisingly, you get 170mm of travel on the front from a RockShox Lyric RCS fork. The shock also comes from RockShox, in the shape of their Super Deluxe Ultimate.
Orange Charger Pro Electric Mountain Bike
The Orange Charger Pro is probably the version most people will buy. This is because it is the one second from the bottom of the range.
Specifications
| Frame: | 6061-T6 Custom Butted OS Aluminium Tube |
| Fork: | Fox Performance 36 Float 150mm 27.5 |
| Rear Shock: | Fox Float DPX2 Performance 230×57.5 |
| Headset: | Cane Creek 49mm For Tapered Steerer |
| Stem: | Race Face Chester M35 x 40mm |
| Bars: | Race Face Chester Stealth 780mm |
| Front Brake: | Shimano SLX 203 |
| Rear Brake: | Shimano SLX 180 |
| Rear Mech: | Shimano XT Shadow Plus 11spd |
| Shifters: | Shimano SLX 11spd |
| Speed: | 11 |
| Rims: | Kore Realm 3.0 27.5 |
| Front Hub: | Joytech |
| Rear Hub: | Hope Pro 4 |
| Front Tyre: | Maxxis DHR II 2.4 Exo TR 27.5 |
| Rear Tyre: | Maxxis DHR II 2.4 Exo TR 27.5 |
| Seat Post: | SDG Tellis |
| Saddle: | Kore Conex |
| Chainset: | Shimano E8050 34t Ring |
| Bottom Bracket: | Shimano E8000 DU Integrated |
| Chain: | Shimano HG-X 11 |
| Cassette: | Shimano SLX 11-46t 11spd |
| Battery (Wh): | 504wH |
| Motor: | Shimano E8000 |
Features
The Orange Charger Pro differs from the other bikes in the range with respect to its specification. It is less fancy but perfectly adequate for most rider’s needs. This is bike you can have some great fun on by spending less money.
The motor goes though the Shimano SLX 11 speed drivetrain and stopping power comes from the Shimano SLX brakes. Although these are not as strong as the SRAM Guide or the Shimano Saints, they are not bad and are easy to maintain.
The Fox suspension will soak up the bumps very well. They just won’t feel as plush as the higher specced bikes.
Orange Charger S Electric Mountain Bike
The Orange Charger S is the “entry level” Orange Charger. Even though this is the least expensive version, it will get you out on the trails for a lot longer than a conventional mountain bike. This means more fun and fitness, and that is what mountain biking is all about.
Specifications
| Frame: | 6061-T6 Monocoque UK Formed Custom Aluminium Tubing |
| Fork: | RockShox Revelation RC 150mm 27.5 |
| Rear Shock: | RockShox Deluxe Select + 230×57.5 |
| Headset: | Cane Creek 49mm For Tapered Steerer |
| Stem: | Kore Cubix 35mm x M35 |
| Bars: | Kore Durox M35 780mm |
| Front Brake: | Shimano MT500 203 |
| Rear Brake: | Shimano MT500 203 |
| Rear Mech: | Shimano SLX 11spd Shadow Plus |
| Shifters: | Shimano SLX 11spd |
| Speed: | 11 |
| Rims: | Kore Realm 3.0 27.5 |
| Front Hub: | Joytech |
| Rear Hub: | Hope Pro 4 |
| Front Tyre: | Maxxis DHR II 2.4 Exo TR 27.5 |
| Rear Tyre: | Maxxis DHR II 2.4 Exo TR 27.5 |
| Seat Post: | Kore Dropper 150mm |
| Saddle: | Kore Conex |
| Chainset: | Shimano E8050 34t Ring |
| Bottom Bracket: | Shimano E8000 DU Integrated |
| Chain: | Shimano HG-X 11 |
| Cassette: | Sunrace CSM8 11spd 11-46T |
| Battery (Wh): | 504wH |
| Motor: | Shimano E8000 |
Features
The Orange Charger S differs from the Pro, mainly because instead of the Fox suspension you get a RockShox Relevation RC fork and Deluxe Select shock. Also the brakes are Shimano’s MT500’s rather than the SLX. You get the same motor and battery throughout the range though.
Which of these 2020 Orange electric mountain bikes are you most interested in. Please leave you questions and thoughts in the comments section below.
Thank you very much for describing all these bikes in the series. I think my best option is 2020 Orange Surge Factory. I know it’s a bit pricey. But I really appreciate the great suspension setup. Its Fox suspension is the very best and I’m happy to be able to afford it. Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain is also an awesome feature.
Hi Henry,
Thanks for your comment, the Orange Surge Factory is a great electric mountain bike. It is a superb option if you can afford it.
This was the right article at the right time for me and my wife. We have both been starting to hit the trails a little bit but are still definitely amatuers. I was impressed with the information on the Orange Charger S Mountain Bike since it is more of an entry level. Though it is designed to keep us on the trail longer, I am sure it will probably take us a while to build up to that. I was wondering though what the weight of this mountain bike is and does the weight make a difference for beginners? Thanks for the article.
Hi Mike,
Great to see you are getting in to riding. This is a good question, but the weight of the bike has not been released yet. However, it only really is an issue when it comes to putting it on a roof rack or lifting it over a fence. Electric mountain bikes typically weigh 18 to 22kgs.
Thanks for your comment.
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