[Closed] The Bird Zero Hardtail?

I'm also interested to hear what folk have to say about this bike. I am currently in the 45650B camp for my next purchase, but the Bird Zero is also definitely on my radar and not far behind at all.

No experience, but they've got a demo weekend coming up at Swinley on 15th-16th November if that's of use?

I have the Zero 1 with Sweep forks. I'm not sure that my opinion counts for much because I have very little to compare it to. My previous bike was a Kona Caldera from about 2002, so the geometry is very different. The Bird is certainly more agile and much more capable going down bumpy/rocky singletrack. I've ridden a Genesis Mantle a couple of times as well, and the difference in agility is noticeable. I think these are all pretty obvious though! I like it, although I think it'll take me a little while to get fully used to it and get the most out of it.

I demoed one, really did not get on with it.

Found it just to be a heavy dull lump, was also too planted to be fun, didnt really get it. Didnt feel sprightly pedaling, didnt do a good job at being fun.

I was walking in to buy one too, glad I tried it out.

Thanks for the replies. The reason I would get it is to replace my 29er which is a winter trail bike, I ride it to work, playing about on bike and maybe even do stuff like the Dyfi / CYB enduro in it if I am feeling brave and not riding them on my full suss.

I really liked how the 29er rolled over stuff and kept speed but it did feel heavy and less nimble. I assume a 27.5 would sit in between the 29-26 in terms of speed agility so would be ideal!

Try one of course, but wheel size may not be the reason your 29 doesn't feel agile.

Actually my 29 is pretty good but I really like the look of these and cannot justify owning both.

deanfbm - Member
I demoed one, really did not get on with it.

Found it just to be a heavy dull lump, was also too planted to be fun, didnt really get it. Didnt feel sprightly pedaling, didnt do a good job at being fun.

I was walking in to buy one too, glad I tried it out.

Out of interest, what were you looking for out of it, what style of riding? Do you have anything you're comparing it against or tried anything else similar, and what kind of bike(s) are you used to?

^I've had couple of "fun" hardtails, charge blender, NS surge 2, currently on a 29er hardtail, a pinnacle ramin.

I was looking for something like a blender, but a bit more sensible if you like, also something that felt a bit more sturdy than my 29er without losing too much efficiency, so i was comparing the bird to the blender and 29er in terms of fun and efficiency.

If anything, from memory, the blender pedalled better and was more fun, the 29er blows it out of the water in terms of efficiency.

What do you feel when you talk about pedalling efficiency?

I really liked how the 29er rolled over stuff and kept speed but it did feel heavy and less nimble. I assume a 27.5 would sit in between the 29-26 in terms of speed agility so would be ideal!

Some 26ers are slow and heavy.
Some 650B's are slow and heavy.
Some 29ers are slow and heavy.

Some are also fast, light and nimble. Wheel size is only one factor in bike design and spec.

Yes, totally agree with Paceman ^ far more than wheel size involved in the feel of the bike.

I was looking for something like a blender, but a bit more sensible if you like, also something that felt a bit more sturdy than my 29er without losing too much efficiency, so i was comparing the bird to the blender and 29er in terms of fun and efficiency.

brant
What do you feel when you talk about pedalling efficiency?

[img] [/img]

There's a review coming out in MBUK this month. I don't know what we'll get so its a bit of a risk... but why not check it out? Hits the shelves on the 19th (I think). Lets hope its a good score now I have said that 😯

Got my new bird zero 1 with sweep forks on Saturday, after testing one a few weeks earlier. I was going to get just a frame, but the full builds are insane value for money.

I had been looking for a new hardtail for a while, having had a cove stiffee for about 7 years (now my 13 yo sons). Tried a cotic soul, stanton slackline, on one and ragley. Tbh, my problem was also getting a good fit (5'5" female with 31" inside leg). I also have a FS bike, nukeproof mega 2012, and previously a cove hustler.

I really like the zero, rolls well, nice and planted, but very much fun when you want it to be and push it a little. More forgiving and flattering to my lack of skills than the cove stiffee was.

Must be something a bit special as it's the first complete new mtb I have ever bought!

My husband also tested one, and really liked it. He has only just got a stanton so may have to wait a little while to change. My 13 year old son also really likes it.

I'd say try one....

Mine is still in the dining room, I suppose I eventually will have to put it in the shed.

 I assume a 27.5 would sit in between the 29-26 in terms of speed agility so would be ideal!

Sounds like the Marketing Department has got to you.

I know someone with a Zero 2 with Revelation forks. He is very happy with it.

Go for a stanton switch back as its steel and more forgiving !

Don't care if it's all marketing, I still want one.

I think you should get a demo - a lot of people seem to be pleased with theirs on facebook - although it all depends on the previous bikes you have used I supposed as to what you will think of it.