We give you the lowdown on the new Edit v4; what we've changed, why and how we made it all happen.

We love the Edit v3 (and so do plenty of you) but we can't stand still for too long; Mountain Biking is too progressive for that. The new Edit v4 represents an evolution of the Edit. The same tried and trusted kinematics and layout with a handful of carefully considered updates to ensure the Edit remains the best it can be. 

This wasn't a ground-up redesign in the way the v3 was. As a small, homegrown bike brand producing everything in small batches, we can bring updates in as and when we choose or when we feel that we can change things up for the better. We don't have to worry about model-years or competitive advantage; for us it's purely about making the best bikes we possibly can.

So What's New?

We'll deep-dive into each point below but the short version is:

• A new one-piece CNC machined rocker
• Increased clearance for the latest generation of shocks
• An externally butted seat-tube
• New geometry aimed at refining the sizing
• Lighter alloy pivot hardware throughout

In addition to the technical changes to the Edit v4 frame, we've also made a bunch of improvements to the range, the specs on the Edit v4 bikes and the way we're doing custom build options:

• Updated build kits: new Luxe, Deluxe and Works bikes
• Handbuilt wheels on the Works bike
• New range of custom build options with an online bike builder tool (coming soon)

Geometry and Sizing

It's been almost two years since we launched the Edit v3 and in that time we've learned a lot both from our own day-to-day riding and from customer feedback. Whilst we're not afraid to go our own way when we need to, we're also ready to listen and learn, and to use that to improve.

One of the key trends was for customers to choose to upsize, particularly in the overlap between Medium and Large. It's not so much a question of the dimensions of either bike and more a question of where we chose to split those two groups, so we were keen for the Edit v4 Medium and Large to be sized more definitively and make that choice easier for customers.

We also listened to a number of customers whose concern was around the 'Effective Top-tube' dimension which when published originally gave the impression that the bikes were shorter than they are. In truth that was driven by the (for the time) extremely steep seat-angle and was not a reflection on the reach of each bike at all. Nevertheless, it was clear that there was a preference for bikes to be a little longer and so we have added 5mm to Small, 10mm to Medium, 5mm to Large and 5mm to X-Large. As a result the Edit v4 is longer across the board and the sizing is more evenly distributed. You should now be able to follow our sizing advice with more confidence.

We also chose to drop the seat-tube lengths to get absolutely maximum standover clearance on all sizes. With the advent of longer drop seat posts there's really no longer a need for tall bikes - even for tall riders.

The key performance elements of the Edit's geometry remain the same. We love the way the Edit rides so if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

◄Edit v4 Geometry

	Size	S	M	L	XL
A	Reach	430	460	480	505
B	Seat Tube	400	425	450	480
C	Head Tube	115	120	125	130
D	Stack	598.1	602.6	607.1	611.6
E	Wheelbase	1187	1219.1	1241.3	1268.4
F	Head Angle	64.5°
G	Seat Angle	74.5°
	Seat Angle at 600mm	78.7°
	Seat Angle at 700mm	78.1°
	Seat Angle at 800mm	77.7°
H	Chainstay	435
I	Bottom Bracket Drop	-12
J	Fork Length	552
K	Fork Offset	37

◄Edit v4 Frame Spec

Frame	Airdrop Edit v4
Material	6061 T-6 Alloy
Travel	160mm front / 155mm rear
Wheel Size	27.5"
Bottle Cage Mount	Yes
Front Mech Mount	No
Rear Shock Size	205x60mm Metric
Rear Shock Mount	Trunnion upper / M8x25mm lower
Bottom Bracket	73mm BSA30 threaded
Chain Guide Mount	ISCG05

Headset Top	1 1/8" / 44mm inset (ZS44)
Headset Bottom	1 1/2" / 56mm inset (ZS56)
Seatpost Diameter	30.9mm
Seat Clamp Diameter	35mm
Rear Axle	Boost 148x12mm Maxle compatible
Rear Brake Mount	Post
Minimum Rotor Size	180mm
Maximum Rotor Size	203mm
Maximum Tyre Size	27.5" x 2.6"
Cable Routing	External with Stealth Dropper

◄Edit v4 Sizing

S	155cm - 167cm (5'2" - 5'6")
M				165cm - 178cm (5'5" - 5'10")
L							175cm - 188cm (5'9" - 6'2")
XL										185cm - 198cm (6'1" - 6'6")

One Piece Rocker

The new rocker design is CNC machined from one solid block of 6061 billet. Going from two separate rocker plates to the new one-piece design increases stiffness in this area and reduces the amount of lateral force the shock gets exposed to. The result is improved suspension performance, better bearing life and a more reactive ride. It also looks badass.

Developing the one-piece rocker was a major project in its own right. We started by working on a series of variations to the existing two-piece design, using different material thicknesses, different pocketing and three or four different kinds of alloy. It was all about tuning the strength and stiffness characteristics and balancing those against weight. It became apparent quite quickly that to make significant gains we would also need to redesign the rocker pivot housing and seat tube, resulting in a much heavier solution.

At that point we concluded that a one-piece design would be better suited to the application. We had originally steered away from that idea because we were concerned about cost; machining a piece of this size and complexity takes time. Big brands could approach this problem by forging two separate pieces and welding them together but producing frames in small batches as we do means CNC is the better option. Ultimately we concluded that we wanted to improve performance and so we'd have to suck up the extra cost.

We worked through a series of iterations to the one-piece design before we arrived at the stiffness, strength and weight characteristics we were happy with. The result you see in the finished Edit v4 gives us those lateral stiffness gains with the same seat-tube layout and pivot housing as before, without needing to compromise on weight.

Increased Shock Clearance

As with any vertically-mounted shock layout, the clearance between piggy-back shocks and the down-tube is a challenge. When we were developing the Edit v3 kinematics (the first stage of the frame design) trunnion mounted shocks were yet to be announced and the only drawings available were from Rockshox and Fox. Since then, more manufacturers have joined the party and some of their designs are a bit more space-hungry than others. With that in mind we've altered the down-tube bend profile on the v4 to create more space in the front triangle, enough to clear the latest generation of shocks. That means more shock options for Edit v4 riders, especially if you're taking the frame only option.

Externally Butted Seat Tube

Just a small change and one that's very hard to see unless you're looking for it. The Edit v4 now has an externally butted seat tube which means it tapers out from 35mm at the seat clamp to 36mm at the widest point. That's a 2.5mm wall thickness in an area with a lot of welding, providing even more fatigue resistance and extra reassurance for riders.

Alloy Pivot Hardware

With the exception of the lower shock mount, all pivot hardware for the Edit v4 is now alloy; that's all-new bolts, axles and spacers. We've put a lot of rider testing time in to ensure that the alloy hardware will stand up to the rigours of real world riding. The new hardware is a lot lighter and more than offsets the slight increase in weight from the one-piece rocker.

New Edit v4 Build Kits

As ever the Edit v4 will be available as a Frame Only option for anyone wanting to build their own bike ground-up, plus there's a frame with Rockshox Super Deluxe Air and of course a Rockshox Super Deluxe Coil option. The real icing on the cake is the top-of-the-range EXT Storia Lok v3. But for those of you looking to have a full bike built to order, the new range has something for everyone:

Preorder Now

Edit v4 Luxe

Hardcore all-mountain bike built around our Edit v4 alloy frame with a tried & tested spec. Built for going off not showing off.

Rockshox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ Shock

Rockshox Lyrik Select Fork

SRAM GX Eagle Drivetrain

SRAM Code R Brakes

OneUp v2.1 Dropper Post

WTB Proterra i30 Tough Wheelset

£2999

Shop Now

 

Preorder Now

Edit v4 Deluxe

Building on the Luxe bike's solid foundations by adding Ultimate series suspension and brakes. The core rider's choice.

Rockshox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate Shock

Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate Fork

SRAM GX Eagle Drivetrain

SRAM Code RSC Brakes

Rockshox Reverb Stealth Dropper Post

WTB Proterra i30 Tough Wheelset

£3499

Shop Now

 

Preorder Now

Edit v4 Works

The Edit v4 gets our Works treatment: zero compromise on suspension and drivetrain with an in-house built wheelset.

Rockshox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate Shock

Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate Fork

SRAM X01 Eagle Drivetrain

SRAM Code RSC Brakes

Rockshox Reverb Stealth Dropper Post

Hope & DT EX511 bespoke Wheelset

£3999

Shop Now

 

Hand Built Wheels

When you can't buy the wheels that tick all the right boxes, what do you do? Build them yourself!

Wheels are hands-down the trickiest item to get right on a bike. The WTB Proterra wheelset we fit on the Luxe and Deluxe bikes are the result of a years-long quest to get a wheelset that's just right for a hard-hitting bike that's also conscious of price. And before we committed, we tested them. A lot. But when it comes to the Works bike, we needed something extra.

To our minds there are very few pre-built wheelsets that really hit the mark in terms of performance, and even fewer (actually, none) that are available at the right price. So we decided to look at it the other way round and ask what would our ideal wheelset be, if we could have it? A well-sealed and reliable hub with spare parts readily available, something capable of withstanding a grimy British winter. A tough 30mm rim that can stand up to being bounced of gritstone baby-heads all day long. Well built and ideally hand-finished to ensure a long-lasting build.

All things considered the right parts and the means to do it became obvious. Hope Pro 4 hubs, DT Swiss EX511 rims, Wheelsmith spokes, brass nipples and prep. All built in-house by ourselves in Sheffield.