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As the username suggests, I'm primarily a roadie, but have been into mountain biking for a number of years. However, my current mountain bike (a 2010 Boardman) is pretty much dead, and after a number of spills a few years ago (due to a combination of poor technique and old XC geometry on the bike), I've not ridden it much for a few years.
I'm thinking of using my employer's bike to work scheme to get a new bike, and having originally been looking at a Trek Roscoe, I've stumbled across Bird (conveniently they're based a couple of miles from me), and have been looking at the Zero 9 and Aether 9 (or possibly 9C).
The key question is which would be a better bike for me. It's not going to be a bike that gets ridden every week, and will be a mix of riding at Swinley and surrounding areas, as well as hopefully riding with my son (at 4 I'm trying to get him into riding a bike, but no single track yet for him).
In my view it comes down to whether the extra cost is justified, particularly as the Zero is ample for Swinley, versus the potential regret of getting the Zero and wishing a year or so down the line that I'd bought the Aether. I'm now in my early 40s, so the full susser might be a better bet in terms of wear and tear on my back and joints as well!
I'd appreciate the thoughts of anyone who has experience of either bike to help the decision-making process!
Get the A9 and regret nothing.
They were doing a deal recently. Not sure if its still on.
Yeah mega deal still on (you can’t customise the build) https://www.bird.bike/product/aether-9-special/
If I had to have only one it would have suspension front and rear so A9. I had the A7, loved it and I'd happily buy another Bird and no doubt will at some point.
I would go for the Aether 9, I currently own a 7 and if it wasn't for a long term injury Id be getting one of those on offer.
Consensus seems to be to go full suss. I’ve had back problems in the past (ligament and also muscle spasms) so the full suss might make sense from that perspective?
the question then is whether go go for the aluminium or carbon version (£50 in it)!
Also since you're so close to Swinley, why not go with a mate and demo both bikes at once? You used to get the cost of demo off the sale price.
I would get the alu aether9, but as you are near to Bird, do a demo then have a chat with the team about the build to get it right for you.
I've got a zero 9 and I love it. I wanted a nice spec for a reasonable price and not to deal with any rear shocks or linkage bearings. It's pretty capable and is as fast as my old 26" full sus. My feet definitely take a bit of a beating but zero (lol) issues with sore back or anything. I do all my riding in the Tweed valley.
I'd say it depends on what sort of rider you are. Swinley's singletrack is pretty smooth and flat, and I find the best way to have fun on that sort of stuff is sprint around pedalling like a nutter and hopping all the roots (if there any left at Swinley these days). For that I think hardtails are significantly more responsive and fun than bikes like an Aether 9 and if you're primarily a roadie, you might find the same. I'd try to get a demo.
Another Tweed Valley Zero 29 rider and I think it'll be more than good enough for your needs. As Bird are local definitely do a demo if you can, they are very helpful. I also reckon if you felt like you'd make the wrong choice they'd help you out with a frame swap.
I have an Aether 7 and a Zero29 (my wife has an Aether 9). I have had injections in my spine for sciatica too so I know about both bikes and back problems.
The A7 is a more laid back bike, capable of more than a 140/130 should be able to do - presently riding it in Les Gets. But on smooth trails it might be a little too laid back.
Having had the A7 for a bit I got the Zero, which is better suited to cross country trail centres (Dalby, Sherwood - Glentress would be a 50:50 call, either would do well).
Expect to ride the Zero like a hooligan to get the most out of it, and if you do it's silly fast.
So the correct answer is both. Get both.
And if you get the right size, neither will trouble your back (not doing your core exercises as you get older might though)