Bike Check: Joe Barnes with his Orange Five Enduro Machine

<b>Joe Barnes checks in from Fort William and takes you through the bike he rides most, his Orange Five. By Joe Bowman.</b>

Having ridden an Orange Patriot last year, Joe has been spending more time on the Five, which is a 17-inch size, because it's a bit lighter.

Joe doesn't tinker with his set up too often. He'll adjust for specific tracks, but is running "standard settings" with 30-percent sag.

Only 28-pounds. Ti bolts where possible. Joe believes a light bike makes for a more enjoyable experience on the trail.

The Fox Float 32 with 150mm travel works well at home. He's thinking about a 36 for the rougher enduro events in Europe. A Fox RP23 with some off-set bushings rounds out the rear suspension.

Off-set shock bushings help Joe get the angles where he wants them without having to use an Angleset, which would alter his bar height.

Raw finish, custom stickers, timing clock and mud guard round out the Joe's personal mods.

Keeping the power down on the brakes is crucial in the muddy conditions Joe rides most. He has Hope Race brakes with 160mm rotor rear and 180 front.

50mm stem and 760mm bars with a timing device to keep track of his training and progress.

Wheels built with Mavic 719 rims and tubes have been working for a few years now. This summer, however, Joe might try a tubeless set up.

Shimano drivetrain. 165mm XT crank arms, 32 front ring and 11-36 keeps the bike moving up the mountains or down.

Shimano DX pedals. Always clips for Joe. Straitline chainguide for 32-tooth chainring.

At home, Joe prefers a standard seat post because they're light and keep things clean in the cable department. When competing, however, he'll throw on a Gravity Dropper.