With thanks to thegreatape and gaidong I believe I'm going to be able to get the cash together to get the entry level Bird Aeris 10.
I haven't realy got the money to do any big upgrades but any views on what would be a key upgrade please based on the fantastic customisation approach of Bird? I'm thinking:
http://shop.birdmtb.com/aeris/aeris-10.html
1. orange the clear winner, can't afford to upgrade the shocks or wheels, i'm planning on moving my existing dropper and I don't know what a chain device is!
2. the groupset and brakes are worth the £20 and £10 addition respectively to go from Deore to SLX
3. the £30 for ice-tech rotors all round will be useful for a summer trip down to the Alps but an extra £20 for bigger rotors all round is unnecessary?
4. I know nothing about cranksets but sticking with raceface for value seems sensible, not sure if £20 to upgrade from Ride to Aeffect is worth it?
5. Complete guess but that the WTB Trail Bosses on both front/rear are better than all of the Maxxi options.
6. Mate says I have to get a Renthal bar, no option! 🙂
Cheers for any feedback,
Dan
Morning Dan,
Great to hear you might join The Flock. Have you booked for a test ride yet?
If money's tight then I personally wouldn't bother with upgrading the groupset. The only substantial difference I'm aware of between Deore and SLX is that the latter cranks are Hollowtech whereas the former are solid (but machined behind obvs). Tiny difference in mass and bear in mind that a lot of the RaceFace stuff Bird spec on more expensive models are solid too. The brakes, derailleur etc are so similar so not to be worth it IMO. Both Shadow + clutched, Servo Wave'd etc.
On the contrary I'd say the disc upgrades are well worth it. I always want max stopping power and the 203mm front does the business.
No need to upgrade the bouncy bits; the new HLR fork is highly rated and is standard equipment on the new Cotic Rocket (with a spirited defence from Cy).
No need for a chain device unless you're really hammering it. I don't have one.
As for tyres (and the rest really), give Bird a call and discuss your needs. That's one of the things I really like with them; you call, they (the owners and designers) pick up personally and take their time. Ben Pinnick spent 40mins on the 'phone with me so I could set up my fork and shocks.
As for the Renthal bar, your mate is fully correct! I know it was just bad luck but I found a problem with my Renthal carbon yesterday so am switching to standard version. The colour will go nicely with the X-Fusion stanchions anyway. Bird offer the standard bar I think.
Cheers,
Gaidong
Hmmm, sitting in bed early in the morning I've had a peek at the Bird shop. I still think it isn't strictly necessary but getting the Deore to SLX drivetrain and brake upgrade for just €30 is pretty hard to overlook isn't it!
I presume you're going to run 1x10 if you're looking at the RF cranks? I ask as a difference between the Ride and Aeffect crank is that the former will have a 30T minimum chainring (and not many options for those with 104BCD) whereas the Aeffect's direct mount means you can do what you want. Depending on the state of your legs, and whether you go for the cassette extender, a 30/36 climbing gear might be a bit tough - I know it wouldn't be low enough for me.
Be aware too that Bird can supply the XF Sweep in its full 160mm travel glory. I got mine like this and it's never been that extra 10mm that caused me to dab on a climb. And then always fun to have it on the way down 😆
Cheers Gaidong. Yup, popped over at lunch on Friday. Turned out to be 15 mins drive from work. Agreed, all the guys were great and took loads of time settimg the bike up for me.
I don't have much of a reference point but the bike felt lovely.
Got it, go big on the discs!
Thanks again for your time,
Dan
... Good post note! Yup, I think you're right, I'll get the SLX, it's not going to kill me. To be fair, no, the 1x11 is a step too far money wise so was going to stick with the standard 2x10. Hadn't appreciated that the cassette choice had a bearing on that so I think I'll see if they mind me popping down to talk final spec. D
Hi Dan,
I didn't mean 1x11 but 1x10. The Aeris 10 can be bought (for the same price I think) as a 1x10 or a 2x10. A 2x10 crank with 24/36 rings will give a 491% range on the standard ('old') XT 11-36 cassette. That would cover all gearing eventualities. However, a single chainring 1x10 set up with the same 11-36 cassette will give a 327% range, or 364% if you buy their 11-40T cassette expander.
This compares to the 11 speed options of 382% for the 'new' XT 11-42 cassette, or 420% for the SRAM 10-42 cassette. So if you want to go 1x you basically have to pick your chainring for the lowest possible gear you'll need, and then live with whatever the top speed is. I ride 11 speed 11-42 with a 32T chainring but could probably do with a 30T. I'll probably just wait until the 'new new NEW' 11-46 XT cassette comes out. And then I'll probably go singlespeed. Or something else!
Enjoy!
What awaits you and your buddy
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