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To any Bird owners out there...
I'm now in the build queue for an Aether 9 in size L but I'm kind of doing the sizing a bit backwards, as I haven't actually sat on one yet! Is there anyone near Manchester with one that I could sling a leg over please?
The Bird size guide and owners FB group all reckon L is ok for me but it'd be nice to get on one before taking ownership in early March.
Would also be good to chat build spec, especially anyone who's on MRP forks. I'm holding out for some Pikes to come back in stock but could be convinced by some positive real world experience.
Cheers!
Alex
Mines an ML and I’m in Sheffield if that’s any use to you. Could always meet in the middle?
Spec wise I bought frame only and transferred everything from my hardtail so fox 34 140 rhythm forks with the “wrong” 51mm offset. Seem fine. Was looking at some s/hand pikes but actually may build my hardtail up rigid for a bit instead…
Edit- I’m 1.8m tall so in between a ml and l. Decided to go down rather than up but I’m sure I’d have been fine with a L as well
I've an Aether 9 in Large ( bought from someone in Manchester - now near middlebrough)
I'm 182cm / 6ft and its long... but it depends what you are coming from.
I don't think its too long - but just different geometry . It feels very comfortable to ride, i just need to work out how to get it round corners better...
Mines got 150mm revelations on it and it still quite low on the front end..
Thanks for the feedback both!
Docrobster, thanks for the offer. I won't be over Sheffield way but if you are riding in the Peak of a weekend any time soon I might be able to meet up.
A ML here in Otley with 140mm Fox 36's. I'm 5'10 but with short legs so wanted the shorter seat tube of the ML so I can just fit a 170mm dropper in. I would have preferred more length so upped the stem to 50mm.
I’ll pm you if I’m heading out that way op.
The short seat tubes make it easy to go a bit smaller for something a bit quicker to turn rather than a steam roller. Or vice Versa.
I’ve got 5.5cm under the collar of a 180 one up dropper, so could have easily gone a size up. Wanted something that would turn quicker than my previous bike which had similar reach to the bird but 20mm longer wheelbase, most of that in the rear centre. I have 25mm spacers under the stem and 25mm rise bars to compensate for the lower stack. Can put the grips high enough and still not feel at all cramped. Definitely more of a trail feel than “enduro-lite”. Perfect for me in the peak.
Hey @frogrocket I'm south Manc and have a Large Aether 9 (also that I'm pondering moving on but that's another story). Drop me a PM with where you are and we can try to get something sorted.
6ft and on a large Aether 9 here too (up in Edinburgh if you're ever near here). Absolutely love it. I've got a 200mm dropper with 20mm under the collar. Went with 150mm Lyrik Ultimates and it flies.
Cheers all for the quick responses! What a handy old forum this is eh?
Cupotea have PM'd you, as sounds like won't be far from me in S.Manc.
Docrobster - cheers, always up for a Peaks ride (unless it's shedding it down, so most of winter to be fair 😉
DougD - Lyrik Ultimates would be on my list too - fingers crossed for stock coming back in! May be up Edinburgh this year so might shout you just for riding tips. Hopefully will have the bike sorted by then.
Hey @cupotea have PM'd you. Hope to be able to sort something out. Will bring you a couple of beers to make it hopefully worth your while too.
Just to reinvigorate this conversation, I'm looking at the Aether 9 (no carbon and external routing!) but it's going to be a faff getting up to Consett. I don't suppose anyone Bradford way (or closer than Consett!) would have a ML or L I could sit on to try the size?
Try the Bird Owners group on FB if you use it and haven't already tried.
A very nice person had offered me a look at their Aether 7, but I understand the 9 feels much bigger.
I'm firmly ML myself at 5'10 with a Aeries9 and Zero29 but I know four other owners, three of which are on Aether9s and they have gone by the size guide quite successfully.