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I'm still trying to make my mind up on a new frame and despite longing for a steel hardtail I keep coming back to the Aether.
BUT
I can't afford a new fork if I go FS so would be transferring a 130mm Rockshox 35 over. The frame is optimised for 140mm and all geometry is listed with a 140mm fork, including BB height. Would a 130mm fork upset the balance and handling too much?
Ben sometimes pops up on here but get on the bird Facebook group if you have it and Dan will usually give you a reply, otherwise send them them an email and they’ll tell you. Bird customer service is some of the best.
Can you not get a 140 airspring for about £40?
The Bird Lads told me 130mm was fine (when I was considering a 9C) - so should be fine on the 9A. I'm sure I even saw it on the spec sheet at some point (the 9C) - can't see it now.
It’ll be fine. Also a 130mm fork at 20% sag is the same length as a 140mm fork at 25% sag.
Not that it helps the op but having recently joined the bird Facebook group there’s a couple of posts on there about running the aether 9 with a 130 fork but also a shorter stroke shock (210x50 instead of 210x55) to give 118mm rear travel so I’m sure it will be fine with standard shock and 130 fork
Can’t imagine it would be an issue - it’s only 10mm less. Will slightly lower your stack and lengthen the reach / steepen the head angle but minimal. Just stack some spacers under your stem if you have enough steerer to do it.
Or just buy a longer shaft - it’s a cheap thing to buy and not too difficult to change for a home mechanic.