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So new frame time is upon me and for the past few weeks ive been looking at these three.
All the same type of geometry and weight. The Bronson is being demoed Sunday, the Patrol ive all but ruled out due to warranty and paint, so that leaves me with the Airdrop edit, local enough to me in Sheffield to peak my interest, and slacker than a council estate prom date. What im asking is dealings with Airdrop and any worries over build and warranty as with the Bronson you get life and life on the bearings too.
Im just after thoughts and real world reviews if anyone can help please.
Cheers
I have had my V2 Airdrop Edit a Year or so.
No issues with it at all, Ed is very easy to deal with.
They have just released the V3 which builds on the previous two and making it even more efficient.
It pedals well, not that I do a lot of that, descends very well and loves to get airborne.
Very stable for whips and tables.
The Bronson is in a different price bracket isn't it? A Gorgeous bike too.
The Bronson frame at £1800 with a monarch R shock in alloy is a bit more with lesser spec the Airdrop would come with the X2 at £1400 just the warranty side again that would have me worried ,but saying that its normally a frame change for me every couple of years so no real biggy I guess
whats up with the warranty and paint of the patrol?
I've had no issues with my 3 year old suppressor's paint or build quality.
I'd probably not buy one though as I feel the travel and geo is far too much for what I ride.
I almost bought a patrol but landed on an airdrop edit v2 about 18 months ago. All the dealings I’ve had with Ed and James have been great. Although I have had no problems with my edit. I have heard of a couple cracking but pretty sure they were replaced no problem. New edit does look very good geo and price wise. Haven’t ever rode a nomad so can’t comment! If they are local definitely get by and see airdrop for a demo I think. If nothing else just for a good chinwag!
I had a demo at airdrop and Ed seemed great. A guy we sometimes ride with has one and it looks nice - I’d want a raw one I think.
I test rode one back to back days with a Bird Aeris 145 and I felt the Aeris was poppier so went down that route. It could be because the Airdrop had a slightly mismatched Yari / Coil shock combination on it though. The Aeris has a Yari / Rockshox Deluxe combo which just felt more balanced.
If you're local to Sheffield you should definitely contact Ed. He's pretty open to having people visit HQ and answering all your questions. The V3 in satin black is gorgeous!
It seems a shame to discount the Patrol - I can't say I've heard of any of the new ones cracking and they're just so much fun to ride. I've got an older carbon one and it's a really excellent bike. Its heft counts against it, but I doubt either the Bronson or Airdrop are light.
I have a friend who swears by Santa Cruz customer servicing, and ribble that the replacement bearings are amazing. It saves you a good deal in the long run, plus resale value will probably be better. The new Bronson looks good and reviews well.
Saying that I saw an Airdrop edit at Revs recently and it looked damn nice...
Test ride is the key though - you'll prefer one or the other...
Th V3 in satin black is simply stunning, I will try to give the lads a call tomorrow and see if I can get something sorted, I here the resale thoughts about the Bronson too but at the end of the day I wouldn't have thought there would be much in it after two years between the two frames given the Airdrop is £400 less with a far better shock on it in the first place 🙂
Demo. Pick the one you like best. I’m Bronson. Great bike and warranty and service are the best. Cost matters but I’d still pick the one that I like riding. Tried the Patrol. Just a bit hefty
Ive had the Edit v2 for a year and a half and its an awesome bike, the v3 in black will probably be my next frame. Dont think you'll find much better for the money!
Cheers for all the input, I've read loads on the Branson and it's climbing ability which will be one of the key factors, moon on a stick but I'm after a frame that will allow good climbing and yet turn and drop like it's on rails. I guess the demos will tell and while the Airdrop is great value the Bronson still holds my interest more.