Bird Aeris Reviews... In the market for a new bike

TheGava

Hey guys, I'm wanting a new bike and I've narrowed it down to 3 bikes (possibly more)
So far in the running are

Giant Trance1 2015 http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p5813/GIANT-TRANCE-27-5-1-2015

Specialised FSR comp http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/enduro-fsr-comp-2015-650b-mountain-bike-ec070343

Bird Aeris 2 http://shop.birdmtb.com/aeris/aeris-2.html

I used to own a 2014 trance 2, and have sort of test ridden a Spesh around a car park. It's just the Bird that eludes me!

The Aeris is the front runner at this time....... I will use it to ride Green routes with my boy (6 year old) to riding Any trails in the uk! My local trail is Dalby/Hamsterley but we get up to Scotland/Wales 4/5 times A year, so I want a bike to do it all.......

I'm after some real world reviews opinions on the bird or any other bike I may have missed... I spoke to one of the guys at Bird today who was very helpful.. But as its a 4 hour drive to get to the store (10 hour round trip after riding/chatting/lunch) it's just to far at the moment for me..

My questions after reading the mags/internet
(1)it says the back end is a bit flexible?? I'm 19 stone, what are people's opinions? Will I notice it??
(2)Also a big factor for me is I like to go uphill as well as down! How does she climb??
(3)I was recommended a Large, I'm 6'2 with a 33in Leg. Anybody around that height to let me know how they think the sizing is??
(4)What's the weight of your Aeris?? I don't want a tank...

I know the best thing to do is test ride it, but it's just to far and it's a lot of money to spend and make a mistake if ordered online.. Hoping to catch the guys if they do any demo days up north at the beginning of the year!

So any reviews etc are greatly appreciated and thanks for your time if you reply

cooldad

I suggest giving Bird a call back, assume you spoke to Ben?

I know they were trying to get some out to local dealers to make it easier for people to get a ride, they might have someone closer to you.

Ask him about your concerns. Not that it means anything, as you don't know me from a bar of soap, but I know Ben well, and no way would he try and sell you a bike that isn't right for you to make a fast buck. He's a straight guy and a bike nut. You also get serious warranty and easy back up - directly to the top.

Bikes are good enough to win races, with a bit of help from some decent riders.

https://www.facebook.com/birdmtb.co.uk/photos/a.135411659977726.1073741828.128246220694270/447849825400573/?type=3&theater

Ben in the middle so you know who you're talking to.

TheGava

Thanks CoolDad, I think it was Dave I spoke to. He was extremely helpful. Sorry if I misheard his name...

I did more research on the bike this evening hence the questions. I wish they were local as id of being down today, you can't beat real people's opinions that's why the post!

I asked the question regarding any demo bikes/demo further afield but that's not happened yet going to be happening in the near future At certain shops (Wrexham)

I've already decided the spec of the Aeris, the hardest part is which Colour???? Ha

BloggingFit

I own an Aeris and am extremely happy with after a good three months worth of riding on it. A very capable bike and excellent value. To answer your questions:

1. Not something I've experienced myself but I'm a bit lighter at 14 stone. I feel I push a bike reasonably hard and it's always behaved well for me. To be honest you may feel some flex if you push but then I can't see it being anymore than most other options.

2. Climbs better than you think it would and I don't mind a bit of climbing either. Works better in 140mm mode at the back for a good pedal platform.

3. I have a medium at 5'10 so given it's geometry a large should be ok for you.

4. Aeris 2 should come in under 30lbs but rides a lot lighter. Tyre choice will have more of a bearing as to how fast it rolls anyway.

cooldad

Dave would be right, but if you want serious riding advice speak to Ben.

I've also ridden with Bloggingfit, or rather he waited while I panted up behind, a few hundred times it felt like.

Way out of my league, so sound advice from someone who can actually ride.

I just play and pretend.

TheGava

Thanks BloggingFit, very helpful reply

As CoolDad says, when I next get the opportunity to speak to Bird I'll give them another ring..

If anyone body else has anymore comments about the Aeris would be good to get some more feedback on the bike!

Thanks again guys