Joe's Bike

Since launching the Hope Bike Build Video on Facebook a few weeks ago, we've had a lot of interest in our custom build service. This is Joe's bike. Joe's a big fan of the purple Hopetech components, and it shows. 

For those of us who were mountain biking in the mid-90's, purple anodised components will always have a special appeal. I was just getting started as a teenager at that time so I could never afford any of the purple bling, but that didn't stop me lusting after it. I never did get anything purple in the end, but Airdrop customer Joe has helped me scratch the itch was the latest custom build.

When Joe came for his demo ride he was thinking about getting an Orange Five, but thought he'd better give Airdrop a go first. He loved the demo but I think the real clincher was when we started talking budget. For the same price as a stock Five he discovered that I could build him a full custom Edit v2 with his dream Hopetech kit throughout. And it allowed us to make some particular component choices to suit his riding style and physique. The result is a totally unique bike.

First stop was the wheel set. Joe's a big lad, so he wanted a strong set of wheels and tyres that he could put through the wringer without getting buckles or flats. We fit the Hopetech Pro 4 Enduro wheel set to a lot of bikes, and they come as standard on the Edit Pro and Edit Trail models. But Joe wanted something with a wider rim that could support a heavier tyre and give it a broader profile, so we went for the Pro 4 hubs (in purple, obviously) with the new 35w rims. The 35mm internal (40mm external) rim really makes a much stronger wheel. They're a bit heavier too, but that's a compromise Joe was willing to make. In terms of tyres we stuck with Maxxis but beefed up the front to a Minion DHF 27.5x2.5" and changed the standard rear High Roller II for an Aggressor 27.5x2.3" DoubleDown. 

I must admit that I thought purple decals and purple Hopetech kit throughout would be a bit much. But actually Joe showed really good judgement with his choices and it's turned out really nicely. The cranks are Hopetech's new crankset in purple, with a Hopetech Stainless bottom bracket in purple, but with a spider less retainer ring in black.

On a Hopetech bike the choice of brakes is obvious really: The Tech 3 E4 brake. They're super powerful, fully adjustable and reliable as anything. And of course, available in purple. The lever blades and master cylinder top cap in black matches nicely to the cranks and chainring.

The Edit v2 takes a 180mm rotor natively without the need for a rear brake mount adapter so the 180mm floating rotor looks really nice and clean. Joe went for a 203mm rotor up front for maximum stopping power.

Full Specification

Custom Bikes

All Airdrop Bikes are built to order, which means that we can do part or full custom builds, to suit your needs. If you're thinking about building up a new bike, probably the best place to start is our frame sets, or maybe you'd be better off with one of our frame and fork bundles. But if you've got an idea for a full custom bike, give us a shout and we'll be happy to put together a custom build quote for you. It doesn't have to be a blinged-up bike Like Joe's; maybe you're on a budget or you only need part of a bike - we're pretty flexible.