British brand Bird has a new 2020 mountain bike model which blends progressive geometry with moderate travel, the Bird Aether 7.
With the Aether 7, Bird wishes to cater for those riders who desire a long front-centre frame with slack angles, yet without too much rear suspension travel.
As mountain bikers have become aware that geometry can at times trump outright travel numbers for quality of trail feedback and overall riding experience, shorter travel bikes have become fashionable.
If you are riding steep Alpine trails with vicious rock gardens and black graded features every week, a 160mm bike is certainly fit for purpose. But those bikes can be overkill on most trails and on singletrack with a strong flow element, too much travel can render a disappointingly muted riding experience.
Bird’s Aether 7 rolls on the more agile 27.5" wheel size and features 130mm of rear travel. The frame’s fork rating is 140mm and its anchor geometry numbers tally a 65-degree head angle and very roomy reach numbers.
Sizing varies across five reference points (S, M, ML, L, XL). All the frames are definitely in the long geometry category. As a benchmark length number for comparison, Bird’s Aether 7 has a 504mm reach number if you order the L.
General frame details include a 12x148mm boost rear hub spacing, durable 73mm threaded bottom bracket and 31.6mm seat post, which features internal dropper routing.
A feature of Bird’s frames is their short and straight seat tubes, which allow riders to run very generous dropper seatposts. Bird even markets its own brand name V2 dropper, with a substantial 200m of travel.
Riders will have a choice of complete Aether 7 bikes, but if you are a follower of Bird Cycle Works due to their ability to deliver progressive geometry at affordable prices, a frame kit will probably be the best solution. The Bird Aether 7 frame retails for £1050.00. You can buy the Bird Aether 7 here.
