Sheffield’s Airdrop Bikes Announces 2019 Airdrop Edit v3 Full-Suspension Frame

Airdrop Bikes has been enjoying a successful teaser campaign on social media drip-feeding fans on its new frame and what it will be made of. Finally, here are the official details.

After a few weeks of social media teasers, Airdrop Bikes has finally revealed it’s most up to date full suspension frame, the Airdrop Edit v3. We initially caught the scent of the Edit v3 launch a few weeks back with the original Instagram teaser which had us, and fans scratching our collective heads and ask if the Sheffield based bike brand were finally going carbon.

Today we can reveal that the answer to that question is a big healthy “No” and indeed the third iteration of the Edit is still manufactured from 6061 T6 aluminium but actually uses a new tube set with custom butted tubes and a sleeker visual appearance.

While on first appearance the updated Airdrop Edit v3 might look identical to the previous Edit v2, Airdrop state that pretty much every aspect of the bike has been reimagined and redesigned. In addition to the sleeker tube set, Edit v3 has had each of its CNC machined components re-designed for a simpler and cleaner look and to maximise mud clearance. The area where this re-design is most noticeable is around the new CNC machined chainstay yoke which has had its “loam shelf” completely removed.

The all new aspects of the Airdrop Edit v3 continue with new cable routing. Routing remains external but is cleaner than before and uses new CNC cable guides throughout.

Up front sees another significant design change to the bike which is now designed to make the most of shorter offset forks. Changes to the rear suspension linkage mean metric air and coil shocks are compatible with the new frame as are trunnion mounted shocks.

Airdrop has also taken a look at the geometry of the Edit v3. They’ve been conscious to ensure the new bike remains progressive while shying away from the more extreme numbers that other brands are putting out there. Reach ranges from 425mm on a small to 500mm on an XL frame, but thanks to a low-standover height and short seat tube there’s plenty of room to size up should you feel the need and all bikes have enough room for a 170mm dropper too.

The Edit v3 is designed to use a 37mm offset fork, that with the 64.5° head angle should mean the front end remains slack, but won’t feel quite as ‘wafty’ as some bikes. A steep seat post angle of 78.7° should mean very effective climbing and with a 170mm travel dropper, you’ll easily be able to get the saddle out of the way for the fun stuff.

As usual, Airdrop is going to offer the Edit v3 as either a frame only for £999 or with a choice of shocks, £1249 with a RockShox Super Deluxe RC3 or £1299 with Super Deluxe Coil RC3.

Customers not wanting to build their own bike or those who just prefer buying a complete bike starting from just £2999 for the Edit v3 Pro rising to £3699 for the Edit v3 Works. Specs for both bikes below.

Airdrop Edit v3 Pro

• Frame: Airdrop Edit v3
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe RT3
• Fork: RockShox Lyrik RC 160mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 1 x 12
• Brakes: SRAM Guide RE
• Dropper: Rockshox Reverb with 1x remote
• Wheels: Hope Pro 4 35W
• Tyres: WTB Vigilante 2.5 front, Trail Boss 2.4 rear
• Bar and stem: Truvativ Descendant 35
• Price: £2999

Airdrop Edit V3 Works

• Frame: Airdrop Edit v3
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Coil RC3
• Fork: RockShox Lyrik RC2 160mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12
• Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
• Dropper: Rockshox Reverb with 1x remote
• Wheels: Hope Pro 4 35W
• Tyres: WTB Vigilante 2.5 front, Judge 2.4 rear
• Bar and stem: Burgtec Enduro/Ridewide
• Price: £3699

If neither of those complete bike options floats your boat then Airdrop can also be contacted to build your perfect dream machine based around the Edit v3 with components of your choice.

Airdrop should have preorder info up on their official website now, and it’s expected that stock should arrive by March. More details available over at Airdrop Bikes.