[Closed] Capra AL 1 or Bird Aeris?

I have been looking at both of these as well and am veering towards the Aeris.

The Capra is heavier and I suggest that you have a look on the forums for issues with bottom bracket height/pedal strikes. Quite a few negative comments on YT customer support as well, possibly a result of their success but that doesn't really help when things go wrong. Interestingly, the published Capra geometry is identical regardless of changes in suspension.

Aeris is 140 or 150mm travel (switchable) whilst the Capra is 165 or 170mm depending on the shock - plus it's stiffer, slacker and shorter ETT & reach. They're different animals really, their uses overlap but the Capra is more downhill focused. I'd get the Bird, I'd rather have less travel but still the long and fairly slack geometry (especially with a 160mm fork).

Obviously I am biased so I wont comment on what bike to buy, but if it were my money I would definitely consider (if getting a bird) going GX and speccing the wheels as the DT E1700s. You save a few quid and end up with a better bike overall, as GX is similar enough in function to the X1, but the E1700s are a real upgrade and we do them at a bargain price (considering how much of an upgrade they are) and those GX bits are the parts you want to change out first as they wear out.

Thanks for the feedback and thoughts.

I'm starting to think that the Aeris is the right bike. Customer service is everything, so if there's any doubt about YT then that puts me off. Also the faff factor of sending things off to Germany, no thanks.

Ben - I'll be in touch about pricing up a spec. I can't quite stretch to Stuart's lovely machine, but something along those lines is what I'm after.

Customer service is everything, so if there's any doubt about YT then that puts me off. Also the faff factor of sending things off to Germany, no thanks.

It is important but nowhere near the main thing, how the bike rides is top of my list have you had a go on your mates bike?

You are right mikewsmith, how a bike rides is also very important.

My logic is that if I can't decide between the two, then go for the one with better customer service...

I've had a ride on a YT Wicked which I understand to be very similar to the Capra. Unfortunately my mate with the Aeris lives in London and I'm in York.

If there are any Aeris owners within an hour or so of York and you would be willing to let me have a ride, please get in touch!!!

We'll be in Hamsterley all next weekend... not quite 1 hr 😉 but better than a trip to Hampshire!

Wouldn't mind calling up to see you next week either

I'd emailed you a few weeks back asking if you were at Ard Rock but don't think I'm able to make it now. If you're at hamsterly it's a bit closer to me than Hampshire or Shropshire for pedalabikeaway

Ben - that's close enough for me! And one of my intended destinations once I finally make a purchase.

Have you got any details/a linky as I'd like to book a slot for the Sunday if that's possible. Or is it just a case of turn up and have a spin?

Throw in the Rose Uncle Jimbo and Orbea Rallon

Guys - what sizes are you after?

Ben

Buy a capra, save £500 if u don't like it buy a bird frame for £850 or whatever they are now and swop bits over, sell capra frame, you'd still be better off and you've had the fun of 2 new bikes.

Want to see whether a large or medium fits me better

5'8" but longer body / short legs. Was riding a medium 5 spot but had a go on both a large Bronson and large Nicolai and they felt good. Was gonna stick with a medium Aeris but you've only got the blue one in large and that's the nicest colour

Edit: it'll probably be Saturday when I can be there

I'm thinking large. 6 ft 1.

Longish legs but not very flexible so prefer a more upright position.

Mark rich - like you're thinking! 🙂