Orange Bikes poised to appoint administrators

British off-road manufacturer Orange Bikes looks set to appoint administrators in the coming weeks.

The Halifax-based brand has been a staple of the mountain bike industry since it was founded in 1988. However, it has now filed for the appointment of administrators.

The decision appeared on caseboard.io on 22 December and Orange Bikes has since released a statement regarding the rumours.

"In response to current speculation regarding the position of Orange Bikes and the recently filed Notice of Intention to appoint Administrators:

"Orange Bikes and its associated companies are currently working with Specialist Business Rescue Advisory firm J9 Advisory, with a view to restructuring the businesses in order to provide a viable platform to service our customers in the best way possible, safeguarding jobs and ensuring the continuation and strength of the Orange Bikes business moving forwards.

"Further details will be released as soon as possible."

While there was no mention of the company entering administration in the statement, the fact that they're working with a business rescue advisory firm suggests that administration remains a possibility.

The news comes just days after it announced that its MTB factory racing team would not return for the 2024 season.

In a statement released to announce the closure of its in-house team, Orange Bikes said: "Orange Factory Racing won’t return for 2024.

"With so much uncertainty in the bike industry, challenges around the future of the Enduro World Cup Series and the sheer cost of running a competitive Factory-level team, we’re pressing pause."

However, the off-road specialists did also appear to claim that the brand itself wouldn't be going anywhere, adding: "We’ll return when the time is right. But for now, we’re ending on a high and will take a break to focus on our main goal of creating world-class bikes."

Clearly, the company hopes that a restructuring process will help it to reduce its debts, understood to be in the region of £500,000 according to their most recent accounts.

According to Singletrack World, Leisure Lakes, one of the brand's main stockists, ceased selling their bikes in 2023. The loss of sales will have likely added more woe to Orange Bikes' troubled finances.

The move by Orange Bikes follows several other cycling brands and suppliers hitting hard times in recent months, most notably Wiggle Chain Reaction Cycles entering into administration last Autumn.