I found my unicorn - Arrow DSS-3

[Roasted]

I wanted one of these in the early 2000s and went as far as going to the bike shop to enquire about ordering one, but they were a little bit out of my price range so never completed the order.

Then over a decade ago I did managed to get it's hardtail brother which is one of my favourite bikes, but still wanted a DSS-3.

Occasionally I'd have a search for one, I discovered that the Arrow website is still up and they have 1 frame for sale for $999 which was their show bike. I was in discussion with them to buy it but couldn't justify the expense, especially when import duty is included.

A few weeks ago a complete bike popped up in my saved search on eBay that I was lucky enough to bag.

It has a very good spec which I don't think I'll change much.
Marzocchi Z1s
Hope XC hub
Hope Mono brakes
MRP chain device
Thompson post
DMR rims
L&M Downhill cranks
XT gears
Easton EA50 bars
Atomlab stem
Romic Shock

Photo from the ebay listing

 

[clubby]

Nice. Never heard of them before but some pretty cool features. Like the concentric lower pivot at the BB.

 

[Roasted]

Nice. Never heard of them before but some pretty cool features. Like the concentric lower pivot at the BB.

They were one of the first to do 24" specific frames, although they will fit 26". I believe they were made in the same factory as Cove bikes.

 

[clubby]

That would make sense. Looks very similar to a G Spot.

 

[mk one]

Interesting bike. I know the hardtails but don't recall ever seeing the susspension frame.

 

[Roasted]

I have just got it out to give it a going over.

In general it's in very good condition


Not sure about the headtube sticker


Atomlab stem, not sure I like the design


L&M Downhill cranks, with X-Lite bolts. Not really a fan for square taper but these look like nice cranks so they can stay.


XT short cage


Forks may have been repainted


Not sure about the blue anodised bits


These grips have to go. Some nice blue anodised levers


After a quick clean the brothers meet for the first time.


Spot the difference between the Cove G spot and the Arrow DSS-3

 

[Roasted]

I have got a Marzocchi 4X fork that would suit this bike very well.




Not sure about the Romic shock. I'm considering replacing with an air shock, but there's not many choices as it's 165mm eye to eye.