Filter Core Ltd Edition

The Filter was conceived as a rowdy trail bike. The new Core Ltd Edition delivers on that promise with the rowdiest build kit yet.

When we set out to design the Filter, the idea was for it to be a versatile platform; one that you could build in different ways. Every way we could think of was for it to be rowdy. Everyone at Airdrop put in a lot of time on Filters and James (bike designer) settled on a build that suits his favourite trails in Wharncliffe. And that's why we've put together this limited edition build - to take the Filter to the max. 

Instead of the Pike Ultimate, the core edition amps things up with a Lyrik Ultimate, adding strength, stiffness and an extra 10mm travel. That drops the head-angle out to 64.5°. Plus they're Boxxer red which is always good. We've matched that up with a Cane Creek DBcoil IL rear shock so you get all the plushness and plenty of tuneability without a weight penalty.

As ever we've specced Burgtec finishing kit (it is the best) but we've gone with James' preference for a higher front end with the RideHigh 38mm bar. Better on the steep stuff. And that these carries through to the brakes which are Code RSC. World Cup DH brakes on a trail bike? Why not. 

We've gone with the WTB Proterra Tough i30 wheelset and specced Michelin Wild Enduro tyres - Magi-X front and Gum-X rear. As always, they're set up tubeless. A suitably hardcore combo for what is undoubtedly a hardcore bike.

The Filter Core Ltd Edition is out now.

£3499

We've chosen a grey frame and silver chrome decals for this photo bike, but you can choose either grey or raw frame finish and there's the usual selection of decals.

James shredding his Filter prototype in Glassie earlier this Summer.

The Lyrik Ultimate 160mm ups the travel by 10mm and drops the head-angle out to 64.5° which is as slack as the Edit in it's stock setting. Yes they're a little heavier than the Pike, but they're also stronger and stiffer. The extra confidence you get is more than worth the tradeoff.

It's no secret that we designed the Filter to be a bike that requires a bit more rider input. You need to ride it more than some of the monster-trucks you can get these days. And that's a conscious choice because that's what makes riding bikes fun. But putting the Lyrik on means your front wheel's going to be writing cheques your rear wheel needs to cash! Hence the Cane Creek DBcoil IL. Tonnes of small bump sensitivity, good mid-stroke support and with the Filter's progressive kinematics it ramps up at the end. Tune it how you like. Flick the climb switch any time you need. And with the Valt lightweight spring there's no weight penalty.

SRAM GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain with a 32t chainring, 170mm cranks and 10-52t cassette. All the gears.

We don't spec a chainguide on the standard Filter bikes, although the frame does have ISCG05 tabs. But on a build like this it's the right thing to do. MRP's 1x top-guide is just the job: light, simple and unobtrusive. It's one of those fit-and-forget parts.

The WTB Proterra Tough i30 is our favourite no-nonsense alloy wheelset. Again, we've gone a bit more aggressive with the tyres on this build; where the Filter Works uses Michelin Wild AM, we've gone for the Wild Enduro (Magi-X front, Gun-X rear) on the Core Ltd Edition.

The Filter Core Ltd Edition is out now.

£3499

 Thanks to Callum Wood for the photo of James riding.