Project Pipedream

The last time we saw this project, it was still a bunch of parts in boxes in need of a bit of spannering. After a nice layer of dust had gathered on all the parts, I finally found the time to put it all together, and here's the result. Quite a looker I think you'll agree.

I liked the Sirius we tested last year so much that I had to build one up for myself. It's been a long time since I've ridden a steel hardtail, and the £225 Pipedream (available in a range of fetching colours) tickled my wallet just enough. I bought a 19.5in in Racing Red (it's not actually called that, but that's what I'm calling it). The frame isn't built out of any particularly pimpy metal, but it is all put together very well. A slightly dropped top tube, well placed cable guides over the top, classy decals and a lovely headbadge.

To deck out the frame I chose mostly FSA components, and more by coincidence than anything the red graphics on the wheels, stem, bars, cranks, seatpost and saddle matched the frame nicely. With SRAM X7 shifters and rear mech, a Shimano LX front mech and an old set of Hope Mono M4 discs, the bike goes and stops perfectly. It also smooths the trails nicely, thanks in part to the slender rear stays being nicely compliant, and the Magura Menja forks up front. The 100mm (also available in 80mm or 130mm) air sprung and oil damped forks are easy to setup - the supplied shock pump even has recommended air pressures stickered on, which is a neat touch. The Dual Arch Design gives a noticeable increase in tracking and steering stiffness over other forks. The action is already very plush, but feels like they'll get better once they're bedded in.

So far, so good then. Stay tuned for more in-depth reports on all the bits and bobs over the next few weeks.