The Orange Phase MX Team is a new e-MTB that combines classic single-pivot looks with sophisticated mid-drive motor technology.
Orange is a pioneering British mountain bike brand, with a somewhat traditional approach to frame design. Although the company adheres to the latest geometry trends, it still uses a single-pivot rear-suspension configuration and high chainstay design for its best electric mountain bikes.
With the new Phase MX Team, Orange offers e-MTB riders a mullet wheel configuration and lots of suspension travel. With a 29in wheel at the front and 27.5in at the rear, the Phase MX Team should roll with great steering confidence over technical trail features, while the smaller rear wheel delivers excellent agility and acceleration out of tight switchback corners.
Many suspension tuning options
Orange’s Phase MX Team falls into the enduro e-MTB classification. It runs a 170mm fork and 165mm of rear-suspension travel. Both the fork and coil shock are sourced from Formula, the Italian mountain bike suspension specialist that offers a selection of easily exchangeable and adjustable compression circuits for its components.
At the heart of this e-MTB is Shimano's best e-MTB motor, the EP8 mid-drive motor, which outputs 85Nm. This is not Orange’s first e-MTB, but with a 630Wh battery pack, the Phase MX Team promises a 25 percent greater range than the brand’s previous e-MTBs.
True to its purpose as an enduro e-MTB, the Phase MX Team sits at a 64-degree head angle, which should keep riders stable and centered over the frame on steep descents.
On the Orange Phase MX Team, you have that Shimano EP8 mid-drive motor to help you pedal. This negates any energy loss from suspension bob, while retaining the simplicity and lower maintenance burden that is part of the single-pivot design’s appeal.
The Phase MX Team build kit sees a selection of components biased toward exploring the most daring of trails.
Matching the Formula fork and shock are a pair of the Italian brand’s Cura 4 brakes and appropriately sized 203mm rotors. Those rotors are attached to e*thirteen LG1 EN Plus E-Spec wheels, rotating Michelin DH22 and DH34 tires, sized to a healthy 2.4in width.
The drivetrain is a blend of Shimano’s proven XT 12-speed shifter and rear-mech, driven by short 165mm e*thirteen Helix crank arms. Why so short? Because the e-MTB motor produces an abundance of pedal assistance and torque, reducing the need for lots of cranking leverage, and shorter crank arms reduce the likelihood of pedal strikes when riding across technical terrain.
At the rear of Orange’s Phase MX Team drivetrain is an e*thirteen Helix R cassette, with a 9-50t spread of gearing.
Completing the Phase MX Team build kit is a cockpit from Burgtec. The British component brand’s 800mm wide RideWide enduro handlebar is held in place with an MK3 Enduro stem of 35mm length. That combination should give a lot of steering leverage to any Phase MX Team rider.
Orange is pricing its new e-MTB at $7,900 / £7,300.
