Filter MX Frame & Rockshox SDLX Air Ultimate (2027)

As promised, giving another review after spending more time on the Filter.

It's been two months, dozen of local trail rides, couple of rides in higher mountains and one enduro race. The bike did that all just as I wanted. It's playful (but not too much to get out of control), offers SUPERB traction and support, and I feel myself as a driver, not as a passenger. To me it gives much better experience compared to bigger bikes (160+ travel, <64 HTA, 29/MX wheels). I'm not putting as much weight on the front as I had to on previous enduro sleds yet I feel absolutely in charge. But that's probably a personal bias/story.

Overall, local mellow trails started bringing more fun while rowdier/steeper stuff got more exciting and challenging because of that underbiked feeling. But the key with the Filter for me is that I get that underbiked feeling (steeper HTA, shorter wheelbase, less squish) without reliability trade-off. I'll see how it handles with time but the build quality and how sturdy it looks make me feel convenient. May try 160 mm fork but don't wish for more travel.

External routing proved to be a great feature (had a brake swap), washing the bike has been non-complicated, it doesn't collect mud much, though some areas of the rear triangle might give that impression.

Finally, I just love the way it looks. Makes me pumped to ride just by standing in the same room with me.

Thank you, Airdrop! Hope I can justify Edit or Slacker one day to come back for them :)

Been a fan of Airdrop's story, so had some high expectations. They were exceeded. Beautiful and thought-out frame. Carefully packed parcel. The bike looks fast and fun. Screams "ride me!" standing in a room. I blindly ordered "chrome black" decals, they look stunning!

Pleasure to build because of the attention to details. Delivery to Germany was quick, received it in two weeks after placing an order. Outside UK this frame costs a bit (not much) more, considering added EU taxes, but is still worth each cent. Plus, knowing that my money went to the people who care, makes it an even better purchase.

Will write another review (or update this one if that'd be possible) once I'll get a chance to start riding in a couple of weeks. So far, couldn't ask for better quality and, almost forgot, customer experience. Andy answered all of my questions (some were silly, I know) and helped with placing an order when I had some issues with payment method. I really feel valued here.

Thank you very much!