First Look: All-New Bird Aeris 9 – Pinkbike

Bird describes it simply as “a mountain machine with a bias towards gravity racing.” That might be a soft expression, though, because the bike pumps out 160mm of rear wheel travel as standard, but can develop 180mm with an optional linkage, can accommodate 160-180mm forks, and features adjustable geometry. which can get pretty wild.

The cables can be routed in or out of the tubes, but unfortunately not through the headphones.

frame details

The Aeris 9’s frame may look similar to Bird’s 150mm-travel AM9, but it’s an all-new aluminum tubeset designed to handle the stresses of 180mm forks. Among other differences, the Aeris 9 takes advantage of SRAM’s universal derailleur hanger.

One feature that’s easy to overlook is a reverse chip in the chainstay pivot (Horst) that simultaneously changes chainstay length, bottom bracket height, and frame angles.
The top tube-mounted shock can fit a large bottle even with a reservoir in tow. An optional shock link increases travel from 160mm to 180mm while using the same 65mm race shock. There is little information on the kinematics at the moment, but it is offered with both coil and air shocks.

Geometry

Bird has grown large in size. With sizes ranging from Medium to XL, the Aeris 9 is aimed at riders on the higher end of the spectrum; note that Bird also offers bikes with 27.5″ wheels with small sizes included. Medium is recommended for riders around 168cm (5’6″), while XL is for riders around 194cm (6’4″). With a reach of 544mm, the XL size might be best suited for those who push two meters.

The frame above is for the bike with the short chainstay flip-chip setup and a 160mm fork. In the alternate flip-chip configuration, the chainstay length is 6mm longer, the bottom bracket is 7mm lower, and the frame angles are 0.5 degrees more flex. Mounting a 180mm fork will reduce the angles by a further 0.8 degrees. In the short chainstay setup, the head angle goes from 64 degrees with a 160mm fork to 63.2 degrees with a 180mm, but this could go as high as 62.7 degrees with the lower flip-chip setup. Simple, right?

Adding to all that complexity, the effective seat angle changes by size, from 77° on the Medium to 78.5° on the XL, that’s at the steepest setting for fork travel and chainstay adjustment.

Specifications and Prices

Bird leverages its direct sales model to offer full customization of parts and configuration through its online configurator. Despite the supply problems, you can choose between almost all components. The idea is that you can get the motorcycle you want from day one, without wasting time or money changing parts to your liking.

You can choose parts from RockShox, Fox, SRAM, Shimano, RaceFace, MRP, Hope, DT Swiss, and Formula. You also have the option of Maxxis tires.

Do you want an XT shifter with your Deore transmission? No problem. Need to color match your headsets and hubs? We’ve got you covered. Do you need your handlebars to be reduced to 764.2mm? Sure, we will do it for you.—Bird

By today’s standards, the price is relatively cheap… I mean cheap. The Aeris 9 frameset starts at £1,430 and the entry-level build starts at £2,870. However, Bird recommends aiming a little higher up the pecking order, suggesting a build with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, SRAM G2R brakes, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil shock, Bird Factory wheels, Maxxis Assegai tires and Bird finish. and RaceFace. kit – for around £3,875.

The bikes are available to order internationally now at www.bird.bike. Demonstrations can be arranged in the UK at Bike Bothy’s stores in Pitfichie and Laggan, Glencoe Mountain and Bird’s showroom in Eversley, Hampshire.