Interested in an Aeris 9 but woud like to read some form of unbiased asessment before spending my very limited free time trying to get to a demo (or just buying one once they are back in stock). My gut says that it awesome just because, and my wifes Aether 9 has been great, but would like some real world opinion.
I know that streetpidgeon did a video but it isn't a warts and all review. Are there any owners who can shed light on what it is like to ride?
I'd expected to see some press review by now but nothing since the release coverage. Does @benpinnick know if there are any in the pipeline? I'm particularly interested to know about which shock is best under which circumstance or delivers best VFM.
Cheers,
S
I understand STW have one at the moment, so a test/review will be out at some point.
There's also plenty of owners opinions over on the Bird Facebook Owners Group.
@benpinnick does know aye.. But I can't really say other than STW have obviously told everyone there's one coming. The others will be out when the press peeps feel they want to drop it! Could be a while though.
I would say coil is the way for the Aeris 9, not to say air doesn't work, just coil is my favourite. The Mod is really nice and great value, although can run a little noisily - easy to bleed yourself mind.
Are you the same chap who asked on the owner's FB group the other day?
I've had some decent rides on mine in 180mm format now.
It pedals pretty well, especially with the firm lockout on the Mod shock. It swallows up bumps and stays composed rather than wallowing about. Handling seems well balanced, but I've been struggling with my fork setup a bit, so I've not totally clicked with the bike yet.
Frame is not lightweight, but not unreasonably heavy. Hike-a-biking isn't a problem though and as I said it's got a decent pedal response.
I'll probably do a blog on it once I've got the fork sorted and some more rides in.
Ben - Initially had an original Zeb which wasn't giving enough support on steep bits. Now got a 2023 Zeb which seems better but I'm still in setup phase.
Are you the same chap who asked on the owner’s FB group the other day?
That was me. Trying to work out the perfect bike stable and I might swop the AM9 for an Aether and a Aeris 9. Lots of sums to do first mind 😂
That was me. Trying to work out the perfect bike stable and I might swop the AM9 for an Aether and a Aeris 9.
Hi there 🙂
It can feel like a never-ending job trying to find the perfect stable, but I'm hoping the Bird will fill the "big bike" slot for me for many years to come. Especially with the two linkages to convert between enduro and freeride modes.
Grand, thanks all! Guess I will just have to be patient.
@benpinnick - do you know when stock will be back in? Are you planing on keeping the colours the same?
Yep. We've been testing a Bird Aeris 9. Surprise surprise it's really good. But it is my sorta thang admittedly. All the way down to the coil shock (coil lover here). @Shackleton what bike(s) are you coming from at the mo? I might have some thoughts on how it compares etc.
Cheers @Ben_Haworth , I'm a leggy 6ft on a v2 banshee prime (xl/785 reach, 135 rear, 150 lyrik, - 2 angleset) with a ccdb il coil. Riding in Scotland dunkeld/ballo/tweed etc. Natural up and down, rarely do trail centres and enjoy bigger days out with hikeabike. Have ht for mellower stuff.
Ideally looking for a bit more cush but still be able to pedal it uphill.
If you're in Scotland speak to the guys at Laggan Wolftrax and get a test ride. Rode the old Aeris last summer (2022). Only had it for a day so can't offer any real views, but I was definitely the limiting factor not the bike. I was also surprised how good it was peddling up the fire road.
If I can work out whether it is a contender then I'll make the trip to Laggan or pitfitchie, but between work, family and post-wrist surgery recovery, time is very limited!
@Shackleton am fairly certain you'd get along well with Aeris 9. I only really ride 'natural', generally steep stuff. I prefer running the bike in longer CS/slacker SA setting for stability. SA still plenty steep enough for ascending nicely. Would strongly recommend going coil, ideally with a climb switch, defo with decent LSC adjustment. That way you can quickly set it on the day depending what you're up to (firm for fells, soft for roots etc). Geo very sorted for bike's intentions. Loads of standover. 200mm dropper able. Looks like a pretty easy bike to live with in terms of maintenance/bleeding/cables etc. Suspension works great; soft > support > ramp etc. Well executed bike.
<u>@Shackleton am fairly certain you'd get along well with Aeris 9. I only really ride 'natural', generally steep stuff. I prefer running the bike in longer CS/slacker SA setting for stability. SA still plenty steep enough for ascending nicely. Would strongly recommend going coil, ideally with a climb switch, defo with decent LSC adjustment. That way you can quickly set it on the day depending what you're up to (firm for fells, soft for roots etc). Geo very sorted for bike's intentions. Loads of standover. 200mm dropper able. Looks like a pretty easy bike to live with in terms of maintenance/bleeding/cables etc. Suspension works great; soft > support > ramp etc. Well executed bike.</u>