MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Finally managed to get a demo on the new Bird Aeris yesterday.
Ben Pinnick from Bird very kindly drove up to Cannock after being pestered for a couple of months!
We rode for 29km of Cannock's splashiest trails including, Dog, Monkey and 3 runs down Stile Cop.
It was a fantastic day out. Really really enjoyed it.
I rode a medium orange bike kitted out with SLX 2x10 drivetrain, Pikes, Zee brakes, the X-fusion shock and their own carbon wheels (I didn't check to see what hubs).
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Ben rode a large green bike (decals are black on production model). That was zee 1x10 with turbine wheels.
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I really enjoyed the ride.
For some reason (and I can't quite put my finger on why - maybe the forward geometry, maybe the shock curve), it rode like less of a handful compared to other similarly slack bikes I've tried.
I rode it in 140mm mode all day and had a blast.
Obviously this is Cannock, and not my local Peak District, but I kept trying to seek out rocks, roots and steps to test it out. I'm fairly confident I got a thorough impression of it.
The best thing I can say about it is that the bike was fairly invisible and just let me get on with riding. A bit like the Pike forks that I've ridden a few times now.
Pedalled really well (we even had a road drag), and even though it wasn't as poppy as my Maverick, it still felt as good as anything I've ridden this year.
Anyway - A deposit has just been made on a shiny orange one. Now I've got to wait and hope my current bikes can get me through the winter!
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Other bikes I've ridden in the quest for my perfect bike were:
[b]Knolly Warden[/b] with CCDBCS (Love the look of these, but felt overbiked for the first time. I would like to test again with different shock settings. Stiffest rear end by far. Also the new Endorphin might be more my style)
[b]Bronson C[/b] with CCDBCS (felt pretty good, but a little bit stuck to the ground)
[b]Solo C[/b] with Fox CTD (liked)
[b]Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Carbon 29er[/b] (little bit stuck to the ground but not as bad as Specialized-of-old and I also decided I didn't really want 29er steering)
[b]Banshee Spitfire[/b] (shock was a little broken and didn't have a dropper, but I still liked it - firm and fast)
[b]Banshee Phantom[/b] (best 29er trail bike I've ridden)
[b]Banshee Prime[/b] (also really liked - for just ploughing through everything yet still being poppy - heavy though).
Did the bargain price of the Aeris sway me? - maybe - but also Ben's attitude and speccing knowledge helped (and the fun colours). It turned it into a no-brainer vs the Solo which was coming in at £4700! Even the Banshees were difficult to build less than £3500 now that the prices are steadily climbing.
Here's a quick vid of me making a bit of a hash of some jumps at Stile Cop:
I'm liking the look of those; when I'm due down South next I'll give them a call about a demo around Swinley.
Good to get some real life feedback Alex, I am also looking at an endorphin or spitfire, but the bird has defiantly caught my eye also now, did you pre order just a frame or a bike (which spec)
Demo weekend at Swinley on 15th & 16th November by the way. Though might be already booked up.
My goodness, you do look like a reet sexpest :d
Bloody good review there and ya did alright not to case that double (thumbs up)
jameswilliams54 - MemberGood to get some real life feedback Alex, I am also looking at an endorphin or spitfire, but the bird has defiantly caught my eye also now, did you pre order just a frame or a bike (which spec)
I'm getting a full build - It'll take me days of pouring over specs to decide. In theory, I'm trying to stay within 3k, but build the lightest version of it I can.
singlesteed - MemberMy goodness, you do look like a reet sexpest :d
Ha - you should have seen my 'tache last week!
(I'll stick it in the Knolly thread so you can have a laugh).
Looks great!
Am I being stupid or is it impossible to find any detailed info on the Aeris on their site? Ah... more hunting, it seems there is a 'shop' site and another site with everything else on it.
http://www.birdmtb.com/aeris-150-2/
It all makes a lot of sense. Very low BB and very long wheelbase, so could be too much bike on more twisty pedally trails but that's a personal thing. What length cranks are they speccing?
This is a good link to the build specs:
It all makes a lot of sense. Very low BB and very long wheelbase, so could be too much bike on more twisty pedally trails but that's a personal thing. What length cranks are they speccing?
Didn't ask about the crank length. I thought it might be too much too, but Cannock [i]is[/i] pretty pedally/twisty and I had no issues, despite not being used to a 785mm bar.
That was what sold me really. Many other bikes I've been on that are similarly slack/long/low felt like a compromise. I never really noticed that it on this (except that Cannock need to upgrade their tree-spacing to match current trends!)
Is it running on bearings or bushings then? And is it named for the Final Fantasy character?
Their bikes and build options do look good.
Aeris 1 build would be pretty close to how I would do it myself
akak - MemberIs it running on bearings or bushings then?
Enduro Max Bearings apparently
I've only just noticed the lack of bottle bosses 🙁 Ah well.
what do they weigh in at? lovely looking bikes
I think the top one is 28.5lb
The one I rode felt about 30lb to lift, but that's just a guess. It was 2x, so maybe a touch more.
Maybe Ben can chime in.
Someone on the Swinley facebook pages demoed one a little while ago - in Scotland maybe - and liked one so much he bought one - even though he has a carbon Bronson already.
I think he said the Bird was different enough from the Bronson to warrant it.
A little part of me just wants to get the £1500 one (Add a dropper) just to see what a ripper it would be for the money!
Especially as I didn't have any problems with the X-fusion shock.
The 1550 model is around 31.8 lbs, down to just over 28 on a light build. I suspect Alex's spec will be about 28.5.
Cranks are 170 standard, 175 on xl, 165 on xs. You can however change it out if you like.
PS - Not that I want you to change Alex... but yes the £1550 one is a total ripper! Its not the lightest out there for sure, but every component is totally sound and its better riding than a lot of bikes 2/3/4 times the price... but I would say that wouldn't I?
Ben - I like the flexible build idea?
Will you supply cranks that can take a 28T front ring, as it's rather hilly here 🙂
I've only just noticed the lack of bottle bosses Ah well.
Don't worry Alex, I will throw you in an Osprey pack like my blue one, but in black (I know you would want a black one) for free for being a top guy and travelling down to demo the bike 🙂 They are the nuts. Anyone who wants bottle cage bolts probably doesn't want an Aeris 😉
Ben - I like the flexible build idea?Will you supply cranks that can take a 28T front ring, as it's rather hilly here
All our Cinch cranked models run a 28 option...for free. Thats the Bird way!
Anyone who wants bottle cage bolts probably doesn't want an Aeris...
I thought half lid, goggles and water bottle was the authentic Enduro (TM) look? 😉
Not any more. Now you need a FF helmet Enduro is all about the backpack.
On hubs, the ones you rode were some bird protos... on production carbons its DT 350 SPs.
Ha! The bottle cage isn't the biggest deal, but I like heading for the hills with a filter water bottle. It's ok, you can get filters for a camelbak hose too!
Ta for the info on the hubs.
I'm the guy who had an Aeris in Scotland for 10 days and as Turner Guy points out I was comparing it to my carbon Bronson, fitted with the same suspension (CCDBCS & Pike), but otherwise as the orange Aeris pictured above. I wrote some thoughts on the bike which Bird placed on their webpage called 'My Aeris Adventure'.
Long story short is, in my mind, the bike is very different to my Bronson. It's more lively, as stable, climbs a tad better and carries what weight it has very well. I rode 6-8hr days in Glentress, Innerleithen, the Perthshire hills and Laggan over 10 days and it felt comfy for big days out.
I've ordered a full build and spent some time with the Bird guys working out which model. In fact I left them with a smaller bill than anticipated, how often can you say that after negotiating a bike deal?
Honest and direct with their advice, they're bikers first and foremost which helps massively.
Thanks for the post! How was the medium for size? I'm 5'10 and am struggling to decide between the medium and large given the longer top tube.
I was worried too. Considered a small for ages. Then had a go on the med and it felt fine. Much like all the other Mediums (except the Rune - that was a tad short).
I'm 5' 10" too.
That 35mm stem makes all the difference.
And what lead times are you expecting for this beast?
On the length in general, having only briefly sat on one the immediate thing I noticed was it was a fair bit longer than my Nomad... which isn't hard given Santa Cruz bikes being traditionally quite short 😀
Think it felt around the length of my c456, maybe a bit longer, not sure. Didn't ride it anywhere, but the reach was fine for me.
Not sure what size frame that was Ben had with him at the time though. My Nomad however is a medium and the c456 a short (which is longer than the Nomad medium 😉 ).
I'm a reasonably proportionate 5'10" and have a large Bronson, but the medium Aeris was perfect for me and what I've ordered. The forward geo gives you space across the bike but the design allows for plenty room below you to maneuovre the bike around easily.
Quick question. Does the Aeris sport cable guides for a non stealth dropper?
All the pics seem to show just one cable guide for the rear DR under the TT.
I'd be loathe to ditch my perfectly good standard LEV 🙁
No it doesn't specifically as all but one model has a reverb stealth as standard... But we have offset the dual guides under the tt so you can either use the spare if 1x or strap a second line to the guides. There's plenty of room to have another line zipped on and it will be hidden away from sight so you'd never know it was just tied on.
Just been sent the final spec options to choose from.
This is the build I'm currently thinking.
Will add my own OneUp 42t cog and Rad Cage.
Maybe the carbon cranks are a touch overkill?
Now it's been a month from demo, I'm starting to question my thought that the X-Fusion shock was good enough. I bet most people are going with the CCDBinline or CCDB
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Thoughts?
Yeah ditch the carbon cranks for SLX and upgrade to your choice of CCDB.
The rest looks good.
Great spec.
I'd definitely opt for the CCDB Air over any other shock.
Mine feel's fantastic and was a huge improvement over all other shocks I've tried.
The cranks are mainly asthetic. SLX or XT are fine and match your sepc but I'd stick with the Next's if you can afford it.
Next SLs are very light (which you've said is a priority), but realistically you'll notice a bigger change going to the CCDB I'd have thought.
If it was my bike
Cranks I would go either SLX or Turbine Cinc 32t NW
Shifter would be Saint
Brakes would be Zee
Shock would be CCDB Inline
CCDB and shimano cranks would both add weight though. It'd be as low and central as possible though so would have the least adverse impact on handling of any weight on the bike.
IME the X-fusion is fine on a trail center, and OK on normal trails, but felt a bit odd over rocky sections. Depends where you ride mostly, Peaks or Lakes I'd get the best and most reliable shock possible, trail centers and XC I'd get the X-fusion and peel the sticker off.
I'd go with Shimano cranks (SLX or XT), the CCDBA (ridiculously good!) and a 180mm rotor on the back too. SLX mech and Saint shifter ideally.
Shifter would be Saint
Ah - thanks for the reminder. I wasn't impressed with the latest XT (felt like sram of a few years ago).
Is the Saint or XTR smoother/less clunky?
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Brakes would be Zee
I liked the Zee brakes I tested, but I've also ridden the XT on lots of bikes too - a little more instant and obviously lighter. I can't remember finding them lacking modulation.
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IME the X-fusion is fine on a trail center, and OK on normal trails, but felt a bit odd over rocky sections. Depends where you ride mostly, Peaks or Lakes I'd get the best and most reliable shock possible, trail centers and XC I'd get the X-fusion and peel the sticker off.
This is part of what I was worrying about. I did the test-ride at Cannock, yet ride in the Peaks.
I don't like making such a big change without riding though. The x-fusion was enjoyable around Cannock and I'm not looking for a sofa - as you can see in the photo - I don't weigh much either.
I definitely can't go above the current cost though, so an upgrade to CCDB (or inline) would also mean moving to XT cranks.
I'd probably do that then. I've never ridden a bike with a CCDB, but the X-fusion was a step down from a float, and everyone raves about the CCDB being better than aything else (i.e. a float).an upgrade to CCDB (or inline) would also mean moving to XT cranks.
You won't miss the cranks. If anything XT is probably stiffer which IMO is more important than weight almost anywhere on the bike.
Ah - thanks for the reminder. I wasn't impressed with the latest XT (felt like sram of a few years ago).
Is the Saint or XTR smoother/less clunky
I like the clunkyness. Not really a clunk, more of a definate tick, but I didn't like the older shimano feel, it was too smooth.
ok - ta - so why would someone use Saint over XT?
All the bikes I tested either had 1x11 or XT afaicr. I actually [whisper] prefered the sram shifters [/whisper].
AlexSimon - MemberIs the Saint or XTR smoother/less clunky?
Saint is bolt-action, basically SRAM-feel copy. Best Shimano shifter ever imo but you might not like it if you prefer the smoother feel.
I've not used the latest XTR but the earlier 10-speed one was very smooth, which to me is just broken-feeling and feedback-free but might well suit you better?
It's probably just what I'm used to.
2002 XTR 9-speed Rapid rise (not the flappy paddle things)
Nothing will be as good 🙂 🙁
The 10 spd XTR shifter is very light and smooth, to the extent that for me on the steeper bumpier bits of natural trail around Aberdeen I found it hard sometimes to get one gear at a time. The Saint shifter is a bit more positive which I like better.
[i]I definitely can't go above the current cost though,[/i]
Delay the order by a month (or more) and save?
I could do that b r, but I'm saving instead to visit a friend in Vancouver. I figure whether I have carbon cranks or not is pretty trivial compared to taking the bike out to the North Shore and Whistler.
Whenever I've strayed from Shimano cranks I've ended up regretting it for one reason or another. Usually when I've needed to take them on or off.
I'd go for a carbon bar instead if it was my build.
🙂
Carbon bars are in there (Next SL 35mm)
Carbon wheels are also in there (Bird's own with DT Swiss hubs)
As you can see, it's a bargain 🙂
Won't they let you have the Sixc bar? Thought Next SL was the XC range?
Yes, the SixC bar is on the list - But I weigh 58kg and 760mm is wide enough. They do a 35mm diameter option so I can't imagine it being unsuited.
I'm just jealous you are getting one. Mrs B won't let me - I have to spend my bonus on decorating, a sofa and carpet 🙁
So what's the final spec? Has Ben given you an ETA?
I had a chat with them on Friday and was (once again) very impressed with their helpfulness, advice and level-headedness.
Final spec is still as above, but they aren't too concerned if the only thing that changes is the shock, so I'm giving it a bit of thought. They are confident of having great Cane Creek base tunes available at launch.
I've never been given a firm date - when I ordered it said Feb.
I'm already getting twitchy and I've still got to wait 10ish weeks!
Still - on the bright side, I'm not dragging my new bike through the mud in the dark, like I am my Maverick 🙂
The tune they had on the Medium I took to Scotland certainly wasn't far off if they think it was, for me anyway.
I've ordered mine with a CCDB Inline and if I had to choose between fancy cranks or suspension I would go CC every time, especially if I were going to the places you intend to go (lucky bugger).
(lucky bugger).
Fingers crossed - nothing's set in stone!
Has it arrived yet? I'm really wanting to Aeris 1 (need to work out where the money will be coming for it). Coming from a Whyte 146, I'm not expecting to notice the back end being flexible - looking t the design it is a larger triangle that what I have now so it should have plenty stiffness...I'm also not a hard rider and don't tend to go looking for air...but it seems to be ticking all my boxes!
Slightly stuck on size...frame looks very small so I'm thinking the XL, but I dropped Bird an email and got a very useful reply back so it'll be a Large (riding a large 146 but I'm not convinced it is the right size for me - got about 5-6" height difference from saddle to bar and I'm getting the idea that nowadays, the variation should be much smaller so you don't get the racer position...would probably help me ride harder stuff as I wouldn't be feeling like I'm already pitched over)...
Anyway, I'm monologuing...if the bike has arrived, how is it riding?
I was told the end of March for frames, April for complete bikes. We shall see......
I took one out for a demo around Swinley and loved it. It's a really easy bike to ride fast. Jumps and corners amazingly and still seemed to be somewhat playful, despite being a long bike with a large wheelbase.
Yep, hopefully be able to tell you more in a couple of weeks.
There's a chance I'll be testing mine in the Pyrenees. Probably for it's first ride! Frames due end next week, we're driving to France the following Weds. I've been nailing lucky rabbit's feet to the workshop wall in the hope it'll give the guys time to build mine and ship it to me.
I had a sizing conversation with Ben. At 5ft11 (short legs) was dithering as always between a M and a L. But Ben convinced me to go with M, which sounds a similar conversation to you DB.
Looking forward to getting mine as the trails are drying out.
There's a chance I'll be testing mine in the Pyrenees. Probably for it's first ride!
I'm 50/50 as to whether that is a fantastic way to get your new bike sorted or a nightmare waiting to happen with bits coming loose or something needing replacing. I'd do it anyway 🙂
I've been nailing lucky rabbit's feet to the workshop wall
They don't sound all that lucky....IGMC
Well we're taking the van, so I'll have the spare bike in there. It certain;y wasn't lucky for the rabbits 🙂
I have just about everything ready and waiting to build it up, apart from the frame!!
Mine is an XL, which felt bang on at 6'3 with long arms and legs.
How are you guys getting on with your Aeris'? I'm thinking of pulling the trigger. Only query for me is DB Inline or Air as I'll be going frame only.
Also, any photos of the black frame would be ace!
Some pics of the black on the Bird Cycleworks FB page.
Yep but the pics are all at a funny angle! A good side on would be ace
Yep still loving mine. Has another 200km since that review. Including a 90km ride from home to a big day out at the FOD and back again, and a visit to Bike Park Wales. Where I enjoyed it more than my old NP Mega AM. Not sure why, just felt more confident.
If you ask Ben/Dave at Bird, they'll sort you out some better pics I'm sure. I know Ben's not a huge fan of the inline (or he wasn't when I bought mine) v the DB. I've never had a shock as 'good' as the DB before but it is absolutely amazing.
Run mine in 140mm rear travel setting most of the time. Stuck it in the 150mm for BPW. Not sure I could tel the difference, sure better riders could.
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I got the standard Monarch RT3 Debonair. Not sure if i would really apprecite the DB or a RC3 Debonair+.
Is there really much of a difference?
Had a ride on a friends large frame and it felt decent. Very different to my giant reign, longer and forced me into an attack position a lot more. I noticed the wheel.size to look at but not in a difference in the ride. Heavy bike, which is putting me off a bit. Going to try and test an orbea rallon as well to get a comparison