Finally, some recognition to the absolute best priced bike in the market, along with the configurator making you able to get a bike around 3.4k with top of the line suspension and + all the awesome wheels that bird offers you in the configurator, and decent brakes. Any other brand would be charging for exactly the same from 5k € to 8k € Should been best trail bike of the year since 2018 or whenever it whas released, literally no competition, with the ripmo AF and propain coming second
... if *Misplaced* ?!? Why would anyone DO That?!? ... if *Stolen* ?!? Why would anyone Do THAT!?! ... if desired, and sought out at a LBS near you...??? Good Question...
Hey Adrian, yeah it's a shame some of the brands can't quite make it over the water. We try to get as many international brands in tests when possible, but for obvious reasons, that doesn't necessarily make them all winners! I often look over the Atlantic and see some of the awesome bikes you guys have, and feel really jealous haha
Given the current state of things I can’t say the following remains true. I ordered the first run of Aether 7 to the United States. It cost I think $50 or so in import duties.
Shame that there are no proper contenders for the 27.5 inch wheel category this year, I think a lot of the mtb community still use and still prefer 27.5 inch wheel bikes.
What is up with the bottle mount? it looks intriguing to me, did you have it angled so that you can fit the standard fidlock bottle in ? edit - may I know what it is called?
We've videos of the YT Jeffsy here - ruclips.net/video/A2zEarVlymw/видео.html , and the Canyon Spectral and Propain Hugene still to come, as well as a Trek Slash and Whyte G180 from our Enduro Bike of the Year test.
I'm not sure that's quite the case. There are others with similar geometry, but on balance, I'd not say 'many' ? Within a similar price category (and commonly found in the UK) The Saracen Ariel 30 is similar, the Privateer 141 gets close. But a 130mm travel trail bike in Large with a 500mm+ reach and 65 degree or below head angle and 77 degree seat angle isn't super common on bikes hovering around £3000. Regardless, it's a great bike and the geometry works very well 👌
Everything functions properly ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of RUclips. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!
That bike looks like a 90s rig, with the bad cable routing, and big naked wields. It must ride unbelievable to win because it looks pretty unrefined and cheap.
That is one ugly looking bike. The spec is good for the money, but the frame looks so cheap. No BB protection, chainstay protection from 1999 and the laziest external cable routing I've seen above 1.000,- in years. Hard to believe, that this thing rides so much better than the competition, to justify that.
Depends on what you mean by 'basic' doesn't it. A basic bird build come with pikes, deluxe select +, DT Swiss wheels and full deore groupset, decent maxxis tyres. While some other brands do come close, say that you could get that spec for £600 less is a stretch.
@@tonyparkin3379 those Saracens are brilliant value and the 30 pro looks really good but the wheels really where they have let it down sadly. But I don't think you would be paying for niche with the birds, it's more of a economy of scale thing. But at least it's not paying for marketing gimmicks and sponsorships.
@@tobyg4556 I don't know man, there are some awesome bikes out there now for $3000 USD or less. YT has the Izzo and Jefsey Comp, full carbon, fox rhythm and NX equipment for $3000. Fezzari has some sub $3000 USD bikes that are really well equipped. $3000 pounds is is actually the same as a $4000 USD YT Izzo/Jesfsy Pro with Fox Performance Elite and GX equipment. You can get a Canyon Spectral 29 Carbon Frame for $4000 USD too. I know this is a UK review, but just saying. I know YT is available over there too, not sure about Fezzari and some of the other brands with good builds. I know they have limitations on the bikes they can get their hands on, etc. I'm just speaking purely from a price standpoint, $3000 pounds isn't really a crazy deal for this bike.
Not sure I agree, talking from a UK perspective. UK prices are shit at the best of times (compare sterling cost of Ripmo AF with US dollar price!!!). YT and Canyon were very competitive until Brexit, but I think those days are over. I got my Bird AM9 with great kit for £2800 last year. The big winner for me is getting the components you want - that means I can spend my money on what I value, taking into account my budget. And that's not all ... great (!!!) customer service.
I think it'd be unfair on Bird to not give them the win just because they're not the biggest brand out there. If we give 'big' brands the win we get called out on that too..! In the UK Bird is a pretty well known brand, though internationally, not as much.
Also the best brand with the best customer service on the planet 😂 They also really listen to the riders/buyers on what bikes they want to see in the line up. bird is the word.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you think the Bird Aether 9 a worthy winner? 🏆 Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
When do we get to check the review of the Propain Hugene?
@@jormol I’ve just got one and it’s amazing!
@@jonundercover I can believe that, enjoy! Just a pity that @BikeRadar is not uploading the review!
No its not, configure it on there Site, its more expensive and still only AL, Propain is Carbon at same price.
It's a obvious sign of summer when bike of the year reviews are here!
Thanks for watching, have 1,000,000 BikeRadar gold stars on us ⭐️ It certainly didn't feel like summer when we shot the video just a few weeks ago! 🌨
Bird customer service is top notch as well! Love my AM9.
I have a frame on order. Can't wait for a new build day.
Finally, some recognition to the absolute best priced bike in the market, along with the configurator making you able to get a bike around 3.4k with top of the line suspension and + all the awesome wheels that bird offers you in the configurator, and decent brakes. Any other brand would be charging for exactly the same from 5k € to 8k €
Should been best trail bike of the year since 2018 or whenever it whas released, literally no competition, with the ripmo AF and propain coming second
Got the 27.5 version. It rips, in rough or smooth, and loves air like proper birds do.
Still regret selling my am9! The aether 9 looks dialed!
The bike of the year is the bike you can find 😁
... if *Misplaced* ?!?
Why would anyone DO That?!?
... if *Stolen* ?!?
Why would anyone Do THAT!?!
... if desired, and sought out at a LBS near you...???
Good Question...
looking forward to the spectral review. Have CF8 2021 29er with x2 and the bike rips! And for the price/value/spec it is no brainer.
Great review. Super clear explanation of the benefits of long reach coupled with short chainstays - cheers!
Thanks for watching!
Where are the nukeproof, Ibis. Rocky Mountain or Yeti bikes? No mention to those amazing bikes?
Nukeproof was represented in the Enduro bike category. Yeti were over budget and we couldn't get a RM.
@@TomMarvin1 Thanx for the reply. and the Ibis with their AF versions? those bikes are SICK
@@sebastianriosochoa5829 I ride the ripmo AF, love that bike.
@@tonykasunic1 got a Raf too ;) its incredible.. getting spare set of wheels so I can use it as a XC bike too
Truly superb machines ☝️👌😎
How is this a paid promotion video? Thanks
Hi Chris - the paid promotion was for the Muc Off, Garmin and Fox sponsorship, as detailed in the description 👌
Enjoy your reviews... half the bikes you review I've never heard of, not sure we have them in America.
Hey Adrian, yeah it's a shame some of the brands can't quite make it over the water. We try to get as many international brands in tests when possible, but for obvious reasons, that doesn't necessarily make them all winners!
I often look over the Atlantic and see some of the awesome bikes you guys have, and feel really jealous haha
Given the current state of things I can’t say the following remains true. I ordered the first run of Aether 7 to the United States. It cost I think $50 or so in import duties.
Bird bikes are great.. dare say people will go on about carbon but some of us prefer alloy and external routing for easy maintenance..
can you review the giant trance x 29 2, you really go into detial!!!
Shame that there are no proper contenders for the 27.5 inch wheel category this year, I think a lot of the mtb community still use and still prefer 27.5 inch wheel bikes.
I've had 29ers there just not as playful tbh
Absolutely brilliant bike, got to agree with everything said! I might be biased since I own one
Please test the Liteville 301 MK15
What is up with the bottle mount? it looks intriguing to me, did you have it angled so that you can fit the standard fidlock bottle in ?
edit - may I know what it is called?
bird makes the bottle mount. It comes with the frames, but is also sold separately: www.bird.bike/product/aeris-aether-bottle-cage-adaptor/
@@bikenejad thanks!
I’m sure it’s an awesome bike. But that bottle touching the shock looks janky.
The whole bike looks janky, but seems like a great bike for the price. Definitely a bike that prioritizes function over form.
Looks like a Nukeproof Reactor :)
Will there be videos of the other bikes in the test?
We've videos of the YT Jeffsy here - ruclips.net/video/A2zEarVlymw/видео.html , and the Canyon Spectral and Propain Hugene still to come, as well as a Trek Slash and Whyte G180 from our Enduro Bike of the Year test.
Not the privateer 141 ?
@@TomMarvin1 still waiting
Looks like you will be waiting till July/August to buy one of the peg............!!!
Looks like you dropped a couple of kilos from going up them hills.
🙏🏻
Look at the shock/bottle clearance though! Horrendous. Glad I went for the Hugene.
the perfect bike
The external cable routing is a shame. Propain or YT should have win.
Ah, the 3000 to 3000 pound price limit. very sensible.
I'm surprised there weren't more comments about that, I listened to it 3 times like what did he just say?
At least they tested for a large range of prices. 3000-3000 range
Never heard of this brand. Similar geometry to many others.
I'm not sure that's quite the case. There are others with similar geometry, but on balance, I'd not say 'many' ? Within a similar price category (and commonly found in the UK) The Saracen Ariel 30 is similar, the Privateer 141 gets close. But a 130mm travel trail bike in Large with a 500mm+ reach and 65 degree or below head angle and 77 degree seat angle isn't super common on bikes hovering around £3000. Regardless, it's a great bike and the geometry works very well 👌
What effect on pricing did Brexit have on top of the general increases for everyone else in the world because of the Pandemic?
14% import duty for starters on bikes coming from the EU!
Everything functions properly ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of RUclips. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!
Nice bikes, Bird were great value for Europeans before brexit. :D
Carbon Bikes should be the winners of 2021!
That bike looks like a 90s rig, with the bad cable routing, and big naked wields. It must ride unbelievable to win because it looks pretty unrefined and cheap.
Dare say your a carbon snob.nothing wrong with alloy.
I ride alloy frames, there many nice ones.
That is one ugly looking bike. The spec is good for the money, but the frame looks so cheap. No BB protection, chainstay protection from 1999 and the laziest external cable routing I've seen above 1.000,- in years.
Hard to believe, that this thing rides so much better than the competition, to justify that.
Too heavy..
£2800 for basic build is £600 more than big brand. You paying for niche.
Depends on what you mean by 'basic' doesn't it.
A basic bird build come with pikes, deluxe select +, DT Swiss wheels and full deore groupset, decent maxxis tyres. While some other brands do come close, say that you could get that spec for £600 less is a stretch.
@@tobyg4556 saracen ariel 30.dt swiss rims.maxxis dhr tyres, deore 12 speed. Fox float performance rear, bomber z2 130 front £2200.
@@tonyparkin3379 those Saracens are brilliant value and the 30 pro looks really good but the wheels really where they have let it down sadly.
But I don't think you would be paying for niche with the birds, it's more of a economy of scale thing. But at least it's not paying for marketing gimmicks and sponsorships.
@@tobyg4556 I don't know man, there are some awesome bikes out there now for $3000 USD or less. YT has the Izzo and Jefsey Comp, full carbon, fox rhythm and NX equipment for $3000. Fezzari has some sub $3000 USD bikes that are really well equipped.
$3000 pounds is is actually the same as a $4000 USD YT Izzo/Jesfsy Pro with Fox Performance Elite and GX equipment. You can get a Canyon Spectral 29 Carbon Frame for $4000 USD too. I know this is a UK review, but just saying. I know YT is available over there too, not sure about Fezzari and some of the other brands with good builds.
I know they have limitations on the bikes they can get their hands on, etc. I'm just speaking purely from a price standpoint, $3000 pounds isn't really a crazy deal for this bike.
Not sure I agree, talking from a UK perspective. UK prices are shit at the best of times (compare sterling cost of Ripmo AF with US dollar price!!!). YT and Canyon were very competitive until Brexit, but I think those days are over. I got my Bird AM9 with great kit for £2800 last year. The big winner for me is getting the components you want - that means I can spend my money on what I value, taking into account my budget. And that's not all ... great (!!!) customer service.
And the winner is.....another bike brand no one has heard of
Is that a problem though? A small brand that is showing up the big 'cool' brands. And everyone loves an underdog.
I think it'd be unfair on Bird to not give them the win just because they're not the biggest brand out there. If we give 'big' brands the win we get called out on that too..!
In the UK Bird is a pretty well known brand, though internationally, not as much.
Also the best brand with the best customer service on the planet 😂 They also really listen to the riders/buyers on what bikes they want to see in the line up. bird is the word.