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Hi all, today I decided to sell my much loved but too small for me 29er fs frame. I am looking for something with longer reach, like my Pace RC627, and have narrowed it down to either the Bird Aether 9a or the Privateer 141. There’s plenty of positive feedback on the Bird on this forum but not much on the Privateer. Has anyone got experience of the latter?
Exactly the same choice I had a few months ago.
I went with the Aether 9 in the end and it's a very good bike!
I need to warranty the shock though as it's got a weird clunk that I can feel (and hear) when riding.
Once that's sorted my frame is going up for sale. Reason being, I slightly prefer how my Banshee Phantom rides after all lol.
the Bird is a slighty better climber than the Banshee and it's a bit longer. It's a cracking bike and very capable too!
Oh and I used to have an RC529 in XL, but never got on with it (think it was just too big).
When do you want it? If you’d like it soon then your choice is limited
I am not in a rush, the first step was deciding to sell my current frame as the parts will be moved over to the new frame. I will need to strip it down and sell it. I will happily ride my hardtail until I can get the frame I want.
I like the idea of the Bird but can’t really decide whether, at 6 ft 3, I would suit the L or XL. I had the same choice when I bought my Evil The Following mk1. I went for the L and regretted it as it was way shorter than my Pace. I am really enjoying the longer reach on my hardtail.
There doesn’t seem to be as many Privateers about though to get comments on.
Well, I'm 6' 2" myself and the Large was plenty big enough. I reckon you could get a 200mm dropper easy at your height too!
Go on the Geometry Geeks website and compare the reach and TT length from bikes you like (and fit).
I think the L vs XL will come down to riding style and preference. I seem to be comfortable on most things around 475-500mm reach, assuming they have a sensible top tube length and seat tube angle.
Thanks, I was leaning towards the L as it is similar to my XL sized Pace. I don’t think I’ll regret going down a size like I did with the Evil.
Shameless plug, but let me know if you want first refusal on a Ron's Burgundy Aether 9 frame (once I've sorted the shock).
It's only about 10 rides old!
…possibly.
I went through the same dilemma, ended up going with the Bird and love it. Am 6ft with a large and running a 200mm dropper with a bit of room to spare.
Which shock is on the frame?
It's a Cane Creek DB IL coil. I've had one on an Intense before and really liked it. It generates grip like nothing else I've had too!
I was thinking in the same debate. I've got the bird aether 9 in the end. I'm happy with it. But I'm sure the 141 is just as good but different. Think the aether 9 is more poppy and playful bike and the 141 more for the charging.
So it depends on if you want a more playful bike or more ground flying bike.
Have a look at the am9 too and build it light. I probably should of done that as I'm riding more park now 🤣
The aether 9 has a very short back end on the XL so I'd not be sure about that. I'm on a large at 6'2 which feels about right but at 6'3 I'd definitely go with a XL.
Also it depends on when it is available. It could be months
I think I’ll pass on that, thanks anyway. Ron Burgundy is probably the the one colour I wouldn’t want.
That’s the dilemma. I think I am doing more natural trails than bike parks so I am leaning more towards the Bird. I was wondering if anyone had ridden a Privateer. The seat angle is quite high at 78 deg (static), how would this feel pedalling on the flat?
I expect I will go for the Bird. They have an X L in stock but not a L. I might give Bird a call to discuss sizes and possibly arrange a demo.
I need to warranty the shock though as it’s got a weird clunk that I can feel (and hear) when riding.
I had that on my Aeris. Turned out to be nothing more that one of the shock mounting bolts needing tweaked up. Worth checking if you haven’t already.
Size-wise I’m 6’ and ride a large Aeris and Aether in 27.5 flavour.
Given my 5’10” son pinched the Aether for the Alps while I rode the Aeris (and he dropped me quite happily), I’d not be sure that at 6’ 2” or 3” an XL wouldn’t be better.
I’d want a look/chat/demo.
Wild Card: Cotic FlareMax?
Propain Hugene. Absolutely rips and the pedalling platform is insane.
Long wait though. I waited 7 months but it was worth it.
@igm cheers for the suggestion, but I've checked every moving part before arriving at the shock 🙂
I thought it might be the shock bushes at first but it's barely 10 rides old and they still seem tight (no movement when it clunks).
I was really tempted by the 141 at the point it was an even split at the time. Might sound silly, but I went for the Bird because my fork suited the colour better hehe.
BetaMTB (the old Bike mag team) were really impressed with the 141.
Just pulled the trigger on a large Aether 9a in raw finish. No idea when it will turn up. I bet the trails will stay really dry now! Still, now I can justify to Mrs Stigheed why I have more than 1 bike.
Nice one, I reckon you won't be disappointed with it. I really liked mine, pedals really well and descends just as good. I just prefer the poppy, lively nature of my Phantom.