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Afternoon all-
I'm looking at 2nd hand buys just now, something FS to complement my HT for the usual reasons. I'm not awash with cash just now (who is?) so something a few years old is suitable for my budget.
I've always admired Bird Cycles (my HT is a Zero), and I know there were some Aeris owners on here. Would a 2017/18 Aeris 120 still be recommended?
On paper, it has all I need. Previous FS was a White T-130, so I'm au fait with LLS, etc. This Aeris hasn't had the suspension linkage change that adds travel, but thats no biggie, 120mm is fine.
Is it still a bike we like?
I'm on a 2019 Bird Aeris 120 (with the LT linkage) - absolutely love it and I find it to be brilliant. Saying that, depends how you ride - the bike is far more capable and competent than I am. It is brilliant and I'm happy to recommend it.
So yeah, go for it.
Bird may have some of the LT plates in stock - there is a plate that fits - https://www.bird.bike/product/rrr-linkage/ - so that will give you 130mm travel.
Thanks DB 🙂
Im just about to build my 120 back up Mullet. Still a great bike.
* Should declare an interest as I work for Bird *
I'm on an Aeris 145, I got it for a good price 2nd hand and because it was quite ahead of its time geometry wise it's still pretty up to date. I went with a fairly basic build but still have all the necessities
Thanks Ben 🙂
Yes indeed- we spoke when I bought my second hand Zero. I called you from the top of the largest hill in the area, babbling excitedly and telling you that my next bike would be an FS Bird, and that I'd be buying new from you. You listened politely...
Unfortunately only 50% of that promise was true, but one day I'll get something new from you.
DC- same here, and it looks like it should do me, cheers.
If you want an Aeris 145 LT then let me know
(sorry for the ad)
Sent you a message Jonzi
I got one of the last size L Aeris 120s on the offer the other week.
It's only had one outing (I'm keeping it for high days and holidays), but my initial impression is of a bloody brilliant bike that really charges when pointing down, but climbs really impressively too (I cleaned a section in the Peak that I've never got close to before).
I came from a Calibre Bossnut, so not exactly boutique, but the 120 seems like a huge step forward.
I would heartily recommend (based on one big ride).
@benpinnick what travel are you going to run the forks at and LT linkage or not? Tempted by this and guessing most 120's will be out of warranty for SH purchase purposes now so no voiding would occur?
@codybrennan there's an Aeris frame in the classifieds now, not mine BTW!
I'd been told the 120 should run a maximum of 140mm forks...I was thinking of a new set of forks and was considering going for 150mm but then didn't after a chat and check.
Forgot to add - I'm on my second frame - first one due to user ineptitude and managing to ovalised some bearing circles - I was sure the squeaking was from the BB so replaced that; then I figures it was rear wheel bearings so replaced those; turns out it was the main pivot bolt had worked loose - if I'd checked the bolts sooner it would have been prevented.
Anyway, last frame had a RS Deluxe RT3 DebonAir and the original LT plate - I thought it worked very well. The new frame has a RS Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT and the RRR LT plate - unsure if it is the new shock or the new plate but it feels more controlled and 'sorted' than the old setup. I've yet to adjust the rear shock settings but same air pressure and it feels as though it is the same rebound (unlikely to be identical though).
So can't be certain how much of a difference either update provides (new unsused shock against a shock serviced 12 months ago) but given I had no issues with the old one, this one feels even better.
The RRR LT plate does seem to work very well assuming it is contributing.
I also intend to do this, get a frame and swap the parts from a Boardman fspro. It'll be early next year as I've just bought a Solaris max frame from a mate. Apparently I can't have two new bikes at once or I'd be threatened with a divorce.
A mate has one as his second short travel bike for local rides - I’ve had a couple of goes on it (I had an aether 7 until going with a 29er Sentinel recently) and it’s still a very capable bike.
I’d be inclined to get the rrr linkage to run it about 130mm rear and run a 140mm fork on it. Should be a great all rounder trail bike. The main difference to the aether 7 was the 120 had a less slack headangle and I think marginally longer chainstays - perhaps also a slightly slacker seat angle. I’d probably pop on a slackset I think just to get it closer to the aether geometry - but it’s not hat necessary.