Orange PHASE MX PRO Review

In the automotive and motorcycle world, Japan has always had a reputation for being a breeding ground for excellent engines. Shimano is doing its utmost to live up to this reputation in the e-bike world with the EP801 engine. Even nasty steep sections are effortlessly climbed by the motor. The Shimano EP801 conveys a riding feeling. The average range can become a problem especially for long mountain bike rides.

Even nasty descents get smoothened by the good Fox chassis. The thick 38mm stanchions on the fork provide an extra dose of steering precision and performance. Bad brakes reduce the riding pleasure. Fortunately, this is not the case with the PHASE MX PRO. With their four pistons and 2 disc brakes the SRAM brake brakes good. The drivetrain and components have a subordinate but not to be neglected importance when it comes to EMTB. Even the bike brand product managers know this and don't aim too high with mostly average components. The moderate head tube angle provides a good compromise between stability and agility when going downhill. The reach is also right there in the middle ground. For additional points in downhill handling, the low bottom bracket integrates the rider well into the bike and pulls the centre of gravity down. Short chainstays and and a slack seat angle make the front end light in steep climbs. To keep the front wheel on the ground, you need to consciously lean forward. Hell yeah, the geometry is killer! Here the remarkable know-how of the Orange developers is videly visible. The deep bottom bracket can however lead to crank strikes in technical uphills and disrupt the climbing flow.