Sam has been steadily collecting a pile of parts to build up his SolarisMAX frame, when suddenly, Cane Creek went and made those Hot Pink launch edition Helm Mk2s. Fair warning, this incredible build will definitely split opinion, but we love the attention to detail and haven't seen anything quite like it before. Over to Sam:

"When I rode the demo small SolarisMAX last year on the Sandstone Way, and briefly round the Cotic demo loop to get it set up beforehand, I was blown away by how capable it is. A mile muncher that begs to be razzed down technical singletrack, such a versatile bike. Like many of you who have demo'd one over the last few years, the seed was sown, I had to own one.

I love riding hardtails, sure you can't go as fast down rough and gnarly trails as you can on a RocketMAX, but they offer a different kind of excitement as well as being simple to maintain and lighter for those longer days out when you fancy big views and pedalling, rather than winching and plummeting. I built myself a Soul a couple of years ago, which I rode a handful of times before it was commandeered by my fiancée, who has twice finished in the top 10 in the hardtail category at the Hope Women's Enduro on it; so that's definitely not my bike anymore. But now with this beauty, I'm back in the hardtail game.

I won't lie, the Hubble Purple sealed the deal for me. I wanted a SolarisMAX, but then when that colour arrived it became clear that I needed one. The plan was to build it in January when Hunt released microspline compatible hubs, but for various reasons I never quite found the time. I started gradually building a pile of parts when suddenly, out of the blue, Cane Creek dropped the super limited launch edition of the Helm Mk2 fork, in hot pink.

I (almost literally) jumped out of my seat. Frantic and excited emailing ensued, and by some miracle, there was a pair with my name on. I didn't really believe it until I had them in my hands, but they are real, and mine! Huge thanks to all at Cane Creek for making it happen, I am eternally grateful.

I may have gone a bit overboard with the details on this bike, so worth it though! Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, Toxic Barbie Pink Burgtec chainring and crank pre-load bolt. Purpley-pink Burgtec Bartender grips, pink anodised tubeless valves from Muc-Off, Hunt Trailwide wheelset, Hope stem, BB and headset, pink ano seatclamp from Superstar.

I took a punt on the Rainier dropper post and Loam Lever from Pacific North West Components, and I'm very impressed. Super easy to fit and the lever feel is the best I've ever had. 170mm travel too so its dirt jump bike low when it's all the way down. Great for the steeps. I love how the teal pad on the lever clashes with everything else on the bike.

My trusty Rust Components Ti handlebar has made its way onto this bike too. Love this bit of kit, feels great, looks ace, weighs nothing.

I've only had one ride on it so far, and boy is it fast! It loves Lady Cannings in Sheffield, but definitely put me in my place on Devil's Elbow, a local bridleway that wouldn't be out of place in an enduro race. It got down though, the geometry clearly gives the bike intentions that my ankles weren't ready for! Back to hardtail school for me. Baybutt got all excited about photography potential too, enjoy the photos."