Bird Aeris custom build

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Bird is still a fledgling brand (sorry) but its buy-direct approach has seen its hardtails fly off the shelves. The Aeris, which first impressed us in a different build 12 months ago, is Bird's debut full-sus machine, and it’s a cracking example.

The British brand capitalises on the direct sales model by enabling you to pick and choose the parts you want – everything from the fork to the grips can be swapped to suit your budget or personal taste. This adds to already great value by avoiding those all-too-common swaps. Prices start at £1,595, but we built up a mid-range bike with the aim of striking a great balance of price and performance.

• Highs: Custom options mean no need for swaps after buying; aggressive geo allows for confident descending; supple, adjustable and well balanced suspension
• Lows: Flex in the frame when ridden hard; seat angle could be steeper
• Buy if: You're anyone other than a well-built hooligan of a rider

No spec list can make up for a poor frame, and, on paper at least, the Bird is on point here too. Geometry is modern and aggressive, with a low bottom bracket, fairly slack 66-degree head angle and long reach designed around a 35mm stem. The bike uses a Horst Link four-bar rear end, and travel can be adjusted between 140mm (5.5in) and 150mm (5.9in) – it takes just a minute to swap, and the firmer/shorter setting helps a bit with climbing.

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The sizing looks odd due to the unusually short seat tube, but this is made up for with a lofty seatpost. The short seat tube means you can upsize if you want an extra-long bike. Front derailleurs and chain guides are both catered for but there’s no room for a bottle cage. It’s not our job to tell you what looks pretty and what doesn’t, but mechanics will appreciate the faff-free external cable routing. Large and aggressive riders will find the frame a little lacking in stiffness though.

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