UK-based brand Bird has updated its Aeris 9 enduro bike with a new frame allowing up to 180mm of travel at each end.
The frame will come standard with 160mm of travel and a downward performance bias. However, Bird will offer an aftermarket link that will increase the travel to 180mm superenduro style.
The side profile of the Aeris follows a common theme with its other models. Bird cycle
All of this is supported by a new tube set that allows the use of 180mm forks whether you have 160 or 180mm of rear travel.
To ensure the Aeris 9 is up to the task, it’s hidden in plain sight under Bird riders Liam Clement (EWS U21 racer) and Tomas Kapstis, as they’ve claimed multiple indoor podiums.
Bird Aeris 9 frame details
Jet Black is one of the color options offered by Bird. Bird cycle
While Bird offers a carbon version of its Aether trail bike, it settled on aluminum for the Aeris 9 build.
Byrd says that while the bike was designed for enduro use, he fine-tuned the anti-squat to keep the pedals well, while giving each size unique seat tube angles to ensure the rider’s weight distribution keeps in the right place no matter how tall (or short) the rider is.
Chains are sculpted for ankle freedom. Bird cycle
On top of the linkage that changes the travel is a flip chip in the rear triangle to adjust the geometry. This adds 6mm to the chainstay, relaxes the angles by 0.5 degrees and lowers the bottom bracket height by 7mm.
Those using 160mm forks will get an even more relaxed shape with an inverted chip, while those with 170 to 180mm forks will see the BB height return to values similar to the “standard” 160mm Aeris fork, but with an even longer and lazier motor.
The Aeris 9 was designed with shock absorbers in mind. Bird cycle
The frames offer the option of running cables from the inside, for a cleaner look, or from the outside, for those who want an easier maintenance schedule. The cables don’t go through the headphones because Bird says “we don’t hate you.”
Cables can be laid internally or externally. Bird cycle
The four-link suspension system has large main pivots, moving double-lip bearing caps to reduce the ingress of dirt and water and extend their life.
Other frame features include SRAM UDH, threaded BBs, room for 29×2.6-inch mountain bike tires, and “good-sized” bottle space in the smallest frame, even when using a coil-over shock.
Raw aluminum, ‘Jet Black’ and ‘Blurple’ (blue/purple paint flip flop) will be available.
Bird Aeris 9 geometry
The Burply paint flip flop seems to change color in the sun. Bird cycle
Bird has long been a purveyor of long and slack bikes, and that remains the case with the latest enduro sled.
Bird will offer the bike in four sizes, from medium to extra large (with medium long being the size you might not have guessed). This covers riders approximately 168 to 193 cm tall.
Bird Aeris 9 range information
Bird has long enjoyed offering customers the ability to customize their bikes from a wide range of suppliers, including suspension from Fox, RockShox, Formula, Cane Creek and Fast.
The brand has its own line of hand-built wheels, and on standard bikes takes care to choose components that give the best value for money – for example, using Shimano’s XT shifters on Deore-spec bikes, in light of the improved performance that upgrade gives in the real world.
Amazing color-matched Formula levers. Bird cycle
Bird says he’s happy to match the colors of seat collars, hubs and headsets, and will even cut your bars down to the width you need if you like.
Therefore, there are not many ready-made models.
However, frames start at £1,295 and bikes can be built for as little as £2,870. Bird offers 0 percent financing for 24 months.
Bird’s proposed £3,875 build looks like exceptional value:
- Bird Aeris 9 frame
- RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 180mm
- RockShox Super Deluxe Coil The ultimate shock
- SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain
- SRAM G2R brakes
- Bird Factory wheels
- Maxxis Assegai tires
- Bird/Race Face Finishing Kit
Although Bird is a direct sales brand, it works closely with The Bike Bothy, who have shops in Laggan Wolftrax and Pitfichie in Scotland where models can be seen.
Bird’s own showroom is in Eversley in Hampshire, while there will also be a demonstration fleet at Glencoe Mountain Resort (with assisted lift).
Further demonstrations will be at the Scottish Enduro Series round at Pitfichie from September 3-4, Laggan Wolftrax from September 9-11 and the Tweedlove Festival from September 16-18.
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