Bird Bikes

BigAl

See the link on the Bike Radar homepage.

I have to say they look great.

Specs of the various build options look nicely thought out (even the option of a ladies specific saddle!)

I've recently bought a new hardtail, so it won't be for me, but best of luck to Ben Pinnick and his partners.

(For the cynics out there - I neither know Ben, nor have any affiliation with Bird Bikes)

lawman

Certainly look forward to seeing how they evolve over the next few years, Ben has hinted at FS bikes in the past, even carbon IIRC, more British brands at reasonable prices are always good in my book!

supersonic

I am hoping he sends me one to test.

BigAl

supersonic wrote:

I am hoping he sends me one to test.

I bet you are

I may have to loiter around Swinley a little more!

benpinnick

supersonic wrote:

I am hoping he sends me one to test.

You just need to get to Future towers next week and grab it SS.

benpinnick

BigAl wrote:

See the link on the Bike Radar homepage.

I have to say they look great.

Specs of the various build options look nicely thought out (even the option of a ladies specific saddle!)

I've recently bought a new hardtail, so it won't be for me, but best of luck to Ben Pinnick and his partners.

(For the cynics out there - I neither know Ben, nor have any affiliation with Bird Bikes)

Thanks Big Al, much appreciated.

benpinnick

lawman wrote:

Certainly look forward to seeing how they evolve over the next few years, Ben has hinted at FS bikes in the past, even carbon IIRC, more British brands at reasonable prices are always good in my book!

FS will be out later this year. 140/150 mm travel 'trail' bike .... Carbon HT designs are done, but creating the molds is an expensive game, so it probably wont make it to proto until late 2014.

VolatileMike

One of the best looking hardtails I've seen. I've just bought a FS but when new bike time comes, these will definitely be on my (bike) radar 8)

cooldad

Disclaimer because I do know the guys and Ben is my friend, but even as a well known cynic I can say that not only can Ben actually ride quite well, the whole process has been a serious labour of love.
If you can't decide on the colour, buy two.

mcnultycop

They look really nice.

BigAl

Didn't realise it was being (part?) funded via an 'online crowd funding platform'. Missed that.

Not that I have any 'spare' cash, what with two 13 year olds and a bike habit of my own!

I also notice that Ben is down as the (only) assembler :shock: . Reckon you're gonna be pretty busy and indexing gears / fitting headsets/ sorting out tubeless wheels / etc may start to lose it's appeal.

supersonic

benpinnick wrote:

supersonic wrote:

I am hoping he sends me one to test.

You just need to get to Future towers next week and grab it SS.

Not likely up here in Yorkshire! I need to move to Bath!

benpinnick

BigAl wrote:

Didn't realise it was being (part?) funded via an 'online crowd funding platform'. Missed that.

Not that I have any 'spare' cash, what with two 13 year olds and a bike habit of my own!

I also notice that Ben is down as the (only) assembler :shock: . Reckon you're gonna be pretty busy and indexing gears / fitting headsets/ sorting out tubeless wheels / etc may start to lose it's appeal.

You'd think so but I can assure you, I will never get bored of assembling bikes from box fresh parts.... I ran a software company for 10 years with all the stresses and strains that produces, setting up Bird has been awesome. Stressful but in a great way. I would be happy to just build bikes for the rest of my days.... Messing about with other people's crappy, muddy, poorly maintained bikes though? No thanks. I feel for the mechanics out there!

supersonic

At least they are all the same! I used to build 20 a day!

BigAl

benpinnick wrote:

BigAl wrote:

Didn't realise it was being (part?) funded via an 'online crowd funding platform'. Missed that.

Not that I have any 'spare' cash, what with two 13 year olds and a bike habit of my own!

I also notice that Ben is down as the (only) assembler :shock: . Reckon you're gonna be pretty busy and indexing gears / fitting headsets/ sorting out tubeless wheels / etc may start to lose it's appeal.

You'd think so but I can assure you, I will never get bored of assembling bikes from box fresh parts.... I ran a software company for 10 years with all the stresses and strains that produces, setting up Bird has been awesome. Stressful but in a great way. I would be happy to just build bikes for the rest of my days.... Messing about with other people's crappy, muddy, poorly maintained bikes though? No thanks. I feel for the mechanics out there!

Yep, you're right. Living' the dream

Seriously, (and without wanting to blow smoke up your ***) I admire you for doing something you love.

Gonna have to drop by next time I'm down that way

BigAl

supersonic wrote:

At least they are all the same! I used to build 20 a day!

I think part of the point is that they aren't

minley1

Just read the review on these, well done Ben & team, it's great to see some homegrown talent and products, I will keep my eyes peeled around Swinley for a look at one.

benpinnick

We're just round the corner from Minley (next to Warren Heath)... Drop by sometime for a cuppa.

Cqc

Wow! Benpinnick your the owner?! Good for you- living the dream indeed! I really like the look of your hard tails so congratulations, and any news when the FS will be out? And will there be 120mm travel and 160mm travel ones like on the old website or a 140/150mm one like you said? I'm very impressed by the whole customisation thing, etc. so really amazing job!

WindyG

Nice looking bikes, may well be looking at a Zero toward the end of the year.
Ben will you be selling frames as well as complete bikes?

benpinnick

WindyG wrote:

Nice looking bikes, may well be looking at a Zero toward the end of the year.
Ben will you be selling frames as well as complete bikes?

y

Thanks WindyG. Frames are out now. £375 with axle and clamp, or also with factory fitted cane creek headsets from £400.

We're also doing frame &fork packages for great prices from just £705 for Velvet 130 rl2s.

Northwind

Must admit when I first saw this, I thought it'd never come to anything- top work fellers.

WindyG

Cheers Ben, i'll certainly keep you in mind for my next build.

Ferrals

Have to say they look very very nice. Nice a mouth of stand overheight. Love the blue. Well done guys!

minley1

benpinnick wrote:

We're just round the corner from Minley (next to Warren Heath)... Drop by sometime for a cuppa.

May just do that, ride over Bramshill fairly regularly.

ej2320

That hardtail looks so rad!
I'd love to see what the bike media make of it, but it looks to have all the making of a slack fun hardtail!
Great work Ben

The Rookie

A sensibly priced replacement mech hanger as well......it's the small things! Best of luck Ben.

benpinnick

Thanks guys. Took one out for a little play this weekend. I'm no DH racer but it was fun playing with the boys on the big rigs at the English champs this weekend

Angus Young

So, tell us how it rode...

The Rookie

Out of interest, are you prepared to divulge your frame supplier?

felix.london

Only just seen this. Excellent stuff Ben!! They look great. Good luck. I shall be pointing anyone that's in the market for a new hardtail your way for sure.

I still owe ya for that shim you sent me (it currently has pride of place on the Votec)

Once again - good luck