I put an AB ring on mine which has a corrected chainline. Apparently.

I’ve got 1x M8000 cranks and it has holes for a granny ring as well. So yes :)

@thorpie – if you want a test ride, it might be worth joining the Bird owners group on Facebook and asking of anyone close-ish to you has one.

If you can, go and test ride both Aeriseses at Bird HQ so you can speak to Dan or Ben about set up for a proper test. That said, I didn’t and picked a mk1.5 Aeris based on the numbers and a phone call with Dan. Loved it ever since.

The problem with ribs is that, aside from taking bloody ages to heal, is that they’ll start feeling fine then you’ll have to make a small quick move and they’ll make you cry.

Take it easy for a bit or you risk really hurting yourself and your wife laughing at you because you can’t even get out of bed.

You’re a braver man than I drilling that … knowing my luck I’d probably punch straight through!

On a vaguely related note, I had to trim my reverb hose the other day and used some £3 clippers designed for cutting guinea pig claws. I’ve used them on brake hoses as well and they’re do a great job as the blades are curved and super sharp.

Re: Bird – I reckon we’re more likely to see a ~170mm Aeris before a 29er as that will pretty much cover the travel range. Personally I’d love a Ti Zero AM (did someone say mid-life crisis?)

Just looks like a 5 with bigger wheels and an even bigger price tag. Sure the Range Rover / Breitling gang will love it.

Zees with proper Shimano metal pads FTW.

Got an AB one on my Soul and on my Aeris, think they’re great, especially on awkward / techie climbs when you need to keep powering through stuff. No more expensive than normal rings really if you get the Black by Absolute Black versions from CRC.

I’ve got the same shock, with what sounds like the same noise / feeling currently back with Sram / Fishers.

From what I’ve read it sounds like a not un-common problem so I’m going to be pretty annoyed if I have to pay for it to be fixed.

I seem to remember reading on here that TF found what the problem was something to do with the anodizing but I could be wrong.

No real advice here either as nothing worked on our daughter aside from long drives or walks in the park. We tried everything. She’s 8 now and often says sleep is boring as you can’t do anything. She’s just very, very active.

What I will say though is whatever you do, find time for you and the Mrs. Sleep deprivation will put your relationship under massive pressure as you won’t think straight. It’s horrible but normal. My mum turned up with a chicken casserole one day and took our daughter out for a few hours. We ate then slept. It was amazing.

Another vote for Viewranger. The maps / tiles aren’t expensive and it means you don’t need a data signal to track where you are.

Bird, if only for the impeccable service you’ll get.

I’ve tried between 800 and 760 and stuck with 760 (all with a 35mm stem). Steering with 800 just felt really over pronounced, 780 felt good buy meant I still wacked my knuckles too much on the narrow stuff so I’ve settled on 760.

I’ve got the previous head unit running with the new 17 battery as a helmet light. Really bright, proper battery and very quick and friendly service. Recommended.

I’ve tried a number of cheaper lights and batteries from supposedly decent suppliers. You might get lucky but IME they’re a false economy as the batteries don’t last and head unit build quality isn’t as good.

@jon – if the 145 is as capable / adaptable as the mk1.5 Aeris, go for that. You won’t be ‘over biked’.

In typical STW style (ignore the question, recommend what you ride) – buy an Aeris instead :)

@kayak – if it’s within warranty I’d send it back. Wouldn’t be surprised if you get a new model.

@thisisnotaspoon – I’m about your weight and my Aeris (with a Monarch Plus RC3) does me proud so it’s possible, even for heavy and clumsy edjits like me. Have you tried an RS shock?

@davewalsh – Ditto. I just wished they’d increased the reach a touch too. Still looking…

Madison Zenith lightweight shell could be what you’re after.

Only worn mine a handful of times but I’ve used it when it’s been cool and that horrible misty/rain stuff as well as when it’s down to ~2° and windy but dry with just a base layer underneath and it’s been fine. Admittedly I’ve once had to use my homemade gilet (cheap skinny fleece with arms cut off and back of collar trimmed down) as well when I started getting tired and cold but it’s been great, especially for the price.

I think devash has it. Access is bloody ace. Steve Mason. Club UK. Come and meet my mates… What was I saying?

I’ve no idea what post truth means.

I’ve had / used all sorts up to £150 Japanese jobs and for day to day use you can’t beat Victorinox – not too expensive, easy to handle and sharpen up nicely.

The fancy ones are all very nice but having spent time in a commercial kitchen, you’re better off learning how to handle a blade rather than worrying about what type of steel or label is on it – a bit like bikes really :)

Have you heard about the magic tractor?
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It went down the road and turned into a field.

I’m 6′ 1″ and ride an XL Aeris (486mm reach) with a 35mm stem. It’s awesome.

My mate’s a smidge under 6′ and rides a large, again with a 35mm stem.

The guys at Bird are awesome and will help with sizing / sorting a demo.

It’s not 1×10 with 42t cogs per se – I’ve had that set up with an XT clutch rear mech and it worked a treat. My 11 speed XT works well and that has a 42t rear, my mate’s 46t XT cassette shifts fine as well. Chain too short perhaps?

@astura – if you could post some pics in different gears we might be able to pick up where the problem is.

I keep my tip slightly up. Not as much as I used to but that’s an age thing I guess.

@kimbers – I’ve just seen that on the Kona site they say you can buy an alu frame only… Now if only they’d respond to me when I tell them I want to give them some money…

@coomber – Thanks for the link, it’s a good read but it feels a bit ‘sponsored content’ to me – great photos, well written, not much else on the site (probably a really unfair comment so happy to be corrected!). Will see if I can get a proper go on one.

Edit: just read the ‘about us’ page and yep, sponsored content.

@coomber – I’ve tried getting some info from Kona on the Honzo a couple of times and they’ve not replied, but you’re prob right on the weight from what I can find. It’s pretty ‘robust’.

Would like to find a few more independent reviews of the Tarn.

I’ve looked at pretty much all of the above and discounted them as generally the reach isn’t enough. With the the Honzo I can’t find a frame only or get an idea of weight, and the Tarn is £600 for a standard 4130 frame.

Now, a Solaris with a slackset and and another ~35mm on the reach…

I’ve tried Shimano resin and Disco kevlar in mine. The latter were cheap and fine with a less solid feel than the former. I’ve just switched to Shimano sintered because whilst they aren’t cheap they last for ages and feel rock solid.

If you’re looking for low cost then I’d try the disco sintered. Used them in my m785s and they were define.

And beers? Can’t build a bike without some beers 8)

Check that the outer isn’t kinked anywhere. Also flush the outer with some GT85 in case it’s got shite in there.

Looking good but here’s a tip: you also need wheels ;)

Welcome to the flock :)

@core – I don’t *need* boost but if I’m buying a new frame, forks and wheels, I want to buy the latest “standard”. Cotic have moved the Soul to Boost so I’m guessing the Solaris will go that way soon.

This doesn’t help but I’m in a similar position to you and was put off the Pirmal by a) short reach [url=http://dartmoor-bikes.com/sites/default/files/documents/2016_Dartmoor_MTB_frames_geometry.pdf]420mm on a large[/url] and b) the 135×10 rear axle.

I wouldn’t be surprised if a new solaris will be along soon-ish so fingers crossed they’ll add a boost rear end and a bit more to the reach.