Bird Aether 7 bike build, a perfect UK trail bike for less than you think!

[@danielanthony1054]

There's something so beautiful about that frame color and the matching fork lowers. stunning bike!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

It really is!

[@BTB_Works]

26:30 Doing trialsy stuff on a full sus, well, I have a love/hate relationship with. It's very fun, however, this brought my poor Scott FR20 from 2012 to its knees by breaking the chain stay and cracking the head tube.

[@jurassicollie7458]

Bloody beautiful bike, love the videos keep it up Ali!!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks very much!

[@jurassicollie7458]

@@Ali_Clarkson No, thank you for being on youtube 🙏

[@freetechdk]

I love the RAW look of the bike .... A future mod to the bike could be to strip the color of the rear mech so and other anodized / painted parts to also make them look raw. But awesome looking bike.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I did do a trials build where I stripped everything I could to silver…was certainly interesting

[@greengonzonz]

Thanks Ali. The effort put into the script hasn't gone unnoticed ❤ 😂😂😂

[@casestudymtb]

Your A4's are about to get a whole lot louder, but also, holy smokes, are the sintered ever powerful. A trade off I'm more than willing to make to save my hands.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Still bedding them in but so far so good, slightly noisier line you said but not too bad!

[@woodysmuddy]

Ive been riding Bird Cycles for nearly 10 years (aeris 1.5). The bikes have changed the way I ride immensely. Im more confident and having even more fun. The customer service has been unbeatable too. Ive not looked at purchasing another brand since owning one.

[@drumandbassob0007]

man am half way through this vid and its like a comedy so many laugh out moments your pretty funny ali looking forward the the rest of the vid

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you :)

[@drumandbassob0007]

great work your editing must of took for ages with so many litlle subtle piss take jokes, hilarious bike build

[@skobli617]

Another sick build! Your wheelbuilding video building some trials wheels on your kitchen table was my first introduction to your channel. Also the silver hub/black spokes/black rim combo looks bling AF

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MrPlum1282]

Another beaut build, Mr C! Enjoy dude! 👊🏻

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks again!

[@sirpeter6109]

Nice build. Good choice of frame too (very unbiased opinion).

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Right on!

[@Sunspot-19]

It's a Bird, it's a plane, it's SuperBike!! Looks lovely, Ali!! Big Bertha, um, Betty, When's the cat gonna steal a fork for you, Ali?? MEOWER POWER!! Love the Pinnd pedals. When my Defacto's go away, a pair of Pinnd gonna replace em. Have Longnecks on alla my bikes. Love em!

[@MattRose30000]

Stepping on your freshly laced spokes is a really good idea. I usually just ride a few meters and then uninstall the wheel again to readjust the tension, but this seems so much quicker.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

It works so well!

[@LukeRichardson1981]

Beautiful bike! I'm a roadie and don't do MTB at all, but it's always neat to watch build videos to see what people are doing since I like building up bikes from the frame as well (both of my daily riders are bikes I built up by myself).

[@thebarrydodds]

Not built up a bike for a while so enjoyed that. Complete builds are great but every mtber should do this at least once.

[@canardweb]

Great looking bike Ali. The raw look will always get me. Very good editing too

[@naimatakku]

This video gave me BOM vibes. Loved it! Hope to see your riding videos and review soon.

[@Jaymoid]

🙋 I've got one of these! Zero regrets, bird were really good to deal with, so helpful.

[@Grrg]

Looks super nice, I usually don't like that pike color but that frame works with it

[@beerenmusli8220]

Just WOW. This is one really nice looking bike build. And usualy, I don't even like tan wall tires

[@thetrailnomad]

With 200mm you won't need the downhill position of the Switchgrade. That's why I went for the two position on my new build.

[@gibbonRS]

Great build Ali. Regarding the seat being a bit too high, I had the same issue when I built my hardtail. Solved it by trimming some excess length off the seat tube and allow the collar to sit a bit lower, which it looks like you might have room to do unless the post hits the bend in the frame.

[@YanDoroshenko]

Love the EX511 rims. I'm around 115 kg with the bike and have been destroying rear rims for ever. I haven't managed to do anything to EX511s though, even through riding park with way less pressure than would be reasonable. Still running straight as an arrow.

[@customerisalwaysrigh]

Love a raw alloy bike!

[@dimensionsofearth]

House brand stuff is excellent these days and so are alloy bike frames! The Rockshox Pike is also the first truly magnificent fork I ever owned, the crowns never creak, the maintenance is dead simple and the fork rides smooth

[@Styrleden]

The bike looks great! Udh is the future and it's a shame that it doesn't come with it but overall it seems like a great bike

[@oldetymebiker2405]

That is one sharp looking bike! I freaking love how everything matches, but doesn't look gaudy. It looks like a 5K bike. Great build man.

[@robinrai4973]

I loooove silver/raw finishes on bikes, tan walls too I use a saw but am team pipe cutter - it and a file is all you need compared to having a saw, file, vice, and clamp, and can do it on the bike instead of taking the fork out after measuring

[@duncanurquhart6508]

I went green Lyric 150mm with raw finish but now I'm massively envious of that colour match.

[@bigbird2451]

I learned that cutting towards you lesson by doing it myself. I was whittling some oleander, which is poisonous, got caught up on a knot and followed through right into my belly. Thankfully it wasn't too deep. The scar is barely there. But I've never done it since.

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

The Cute Theif has good taste in bike builds 👌

[@ifitrollsrideit530]

Lovely bike! You should add a high quality bike horn and swanee whistle to that tool kit for the double entendres though!

[@B19D91]

That's a sick build, love the color!

[@joetaylor486]

Gorgeous build Ali. Colour matching approve!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks so much 😊

[@peteys_mtb]

had mine over 2 years! never getting rid of it!!

[@connorcampbell144]

Awesome. Would love to see a review video in the next few months!

[@eartharrow6772]

From the side is it öiku or BIRD? Looks sweet and I do love a silver or unpainted frame

[@danposs86]

As a Bird AM160 owner, I approve of this build 👍

[@SeraphXS]

backward rear tyre, after the tubeless gunk, oh I bet that was fun :D

[@dansacco1964]

Awesome build. Cant believe how affordable their bikes are.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

You and me both!

[@SveduP3ll3]

Silver rims and this would have been perfect. Would fit really nicely with the tan sidewalls.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yeah that would be sick actually

[@orangedog73]

I have the 9C and the Forge, my wife has the Zero 29. The carbon AM keeps looking at me.

[@woduk]

Great bikes bird, I’ve a zero am hardtail I’ve had ages. Not thought to look over there full suspension offerings.

[@woduk]

Those unite bashguards are great, got one on my bike too

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Sounds like we have similar tastes 😁

[@saefeasf]

A brown saddle and brown grips would be awesome for this build

[@Ali_Clarkson]

You’re not wrong

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

The commentary on this was brilliant. I was amused by it all. Now, can it take stabilisers?

[@rouxenophobe]

The thru axle really should be part of the frame price, with the option being to select (& pay) for the lighter one if desired. Nit-picky I know... but it pushes the price from £593 (hmm, tempting), to £612... let me see what else I can get....

[@ratinthecat]

New build videos are always a pleasure for those of us without the money or space for a another bike. What I am looking forward to building this winter, with the help of your tutorials, is some wheels. Any thoughts on Bitex hubs for a budget XC wheelset?

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Nice one Ali 👍

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks 👍 ride soon?

[@saefeasf]

🎵Bird, Bird, Bird is the word 🎵🎶

[@Ali_Clarkson]

B-b-b-b

[@tonymighalls9667]

I know someone who’s got one of these, it is a super nice bike

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Not heard a single bad thing!

[@emanuelgebauer7098]

So I have a hex and a bird aether 7. Same bikes 🥳 Now I just need some of your skills 🫣 One small note on the derailleur hanger: it's so slim that you can fit one in the crank-axle (at least in my sram nx). That's pretty awesome, don't think a udh fits in there :)

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Bike friends! And thanks for the tip, I’ll give that a try and see if it fits in the shimano axle!

[@planeandsimple431]

Stunning build. Especially love the raw frame- I can't stand these wimpy pastel colors of late. One tech thing; lubing threads is always recommended but, I thought getting lube between the nipple seat and the rim was top priority as well- thoughts? Time for a shred vid. Cheers!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Glad you’re keen! So I’ve always been under the impression that getting lube between spoke heads and rim was a big no no. My teacher learned from Sheldon Brown so I guess he said not to do it…I vaguely remember that it can encourage spokes to come loose but how true that is I don’t know. It’s probably one of those things that doesn’t actually matter, I don’t lube the contact and my wheels are fine but I’m sure if they’re built well they’d still be fine if I had lubed it.

[@audunskilbrei8279]

Damn. I need this frame in my life now. I wonder if they ship to Norway.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I think their site has info on where they can ship :)

[@garretrackley4617]

We pretty much only get summer here in texas😅

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Don’t rub it in! 😭

[@MTBScotland]

just need to get it muddy now

[@Ali_Clarkson]

On it!

[@ollien3359]

Nice one! What air compressor do you use?

[@ADI121195]

I’m liking the look of that frame Ali what travel is it I’m looking for a frame that will replace my orange alpine 160 it’s running 180 forks on it so big enduro style bike wandering what bird have that could cater to my needs also Ali where do you get that grease gun with the brush on the end I need one if that’s what it is or am I just seeing it wrong watching on my ohone

[@Ali_Clarkson]

So this is their baby 130mm bike. They do a couple of longer travel bikes…the Aeris 9 which is almost identical in looks to this frame but had slacker geo and 160mm of travel (or 180mm with a link upgrade). They also do the Aeris AM which is a carbon version with 160mm which looks lovely!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Oh and the grease syringe is from Radar Labs 👍🏻

[@ADI121195]

@@Ali_Clarkson nice one Ali I’m not a fan of carbon but the 160-180 travel sounds really appealing mate I’d go for a build but having a broken alp I need a frame replacement that will go with my parts I don’t suppose you could give me a price could you mate really appreciate the feedback btw man was just saying to my mate that you always get back to your viewers. I can’t wait to see what you get up to on that beast

[@erickcampos2238]

It would be better to install a cnc stem. But it is just my opinion

[@lentz_al]

14:57 will cap it off toply😂

[@stuthebearded]

Where did you get your grease syringe? I've been after something like that for a while

[@NoBrakes23]

Radar Laboratories - good stuff.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Indeed!

[@sapinva]

I've never bothered to check the direction of a tire. Unsurprisingly, it makes no difference at all. I can confirm that my fakies are just as bad on the reversed tires as on the correctly mounted tires.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

😋

[@Dani-El.]

Noice.

[@TyBrenninger]

Are these bikes welded in the UK?

[@streetpigeonmtb]

They are not. Bike builds are put together in the UK 👍

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yes as said, not welded here but they are assembled here

[@knott4me561]

Welded in Taiwan by a highly renowned factory who manufacture for a lot of brands

[@jonathanberg1434]

Nice bike, thought about buying that frame! you are exactly my size, what are your thoughts on the sizing? Geo chart looks a little long for the ml :) Also: damn, these are some skills ^^

[@TimInertiatic]

How is your freewheel locked up without a chain on the bike? (The rear wheel spin)

[@ReignT5]

How would this bike compare to a Polygon Siskiu T8 since that costs less than 2k

[@Ali_Clarkson]

The polygon seems like a great bike for the price…some of the spec is similar (SLX group, similar (but shorter) post etc), even the suspension is decent but the bird with my spec has better suspension, better wheels (hope hubs vs shimano), better brakes (even with my upgraded Hayes ones), you’re also getting a lengthy warranty, hand built wheels and a fully hand built bike in the UK etc

[@dzonipapi]

Ali, how tall are you? Looking to cop a hex but dont know if ill fit im 188cm tall

[@chrismade123]

lol hubsound without chain blocked😂

[@benpc1794]

Hey Ali. I've got a pretty much brand new try-all rear 26 tyre up for grabs at the mo, would you be interested?

[@howiesk8]

Possibly controversial opinion - much prefer all dropper posts to be down in beauty shots of bikes! What do you reckon?

[@ashleytombs]

Following on from last comment Even with the brakes Etc. for under 3K is pretty nice I’m not a fan of Tan walls but with a non-painted frame it looks so nice

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yeah I’m pleased it costs less than many frames go for these days!

[@ashleytombs]

@@Ali_Clarkson Yeah I bet A lot of people are happy. About that too 4-5k Just for a frame when you can buy a decent bike for half the price It’s a no-brainer

[@northride5291]

No more headset thwacker ? !

[@greengonzonz]

Video idea.... ride fakie everywhere😂

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I’m actually pretty bad at fakies so it was important I got the tyre on the right way 😋

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The aenomaly switchgrade is pretty great I wish for a mid position in between neutral and completely in your balls 😂 Great product, don't forget to put loctite it might creak 😅

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Do you have the two or three position one? This one is the three position and it has a nice flat middle option

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

@@Ali_Clarkson the three position in black and gold/black on two bikes, almost perfect with the one up dropper on my Jeckyll but on my giant trance X29 (~68° real seat tube angle) with the pnw Ranier gen 3 the middle and "climbing" position are alright but the "party mode" is pointing straight up 😅🙈

[@kembryrsegdu9372]

poor echo frame

[@Jqteadventures1659]

If it isn’t less than £500 than it’s more than I think 😂

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Not gonna see this one in the argos catalog 😂

[@Jqteadventures1659]

@@Ali_Clarkson defo not lol that’s why I can’t afford one lol I got a jamis highpoint A1 from go outdoors for £500 absolute bargain and that was paid with birthday money lol

[@thecodfather4425]

you are like a BMXer on a MTB :@)

[@Clive-z3u]

£3k 😂😂😂

[@ΑΣΔΦΓΗΞΚΛ]

£3k? For a bicycle? Do one

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Tell me you’re not a cyclist without telling me you’re not a cyclist 😂

[@ΑΣΔΦΓΗΞΚΛ]

@@Ali_Clarkson 3* 8 mate. Fool and their money soon parted, as they say

[@Ali_Clarkson]

@@ΑΣΔΦΓΗΞΚΛ how much would you pay?

[@ΑΣΔΦΓΗΞΚΛ]

@@Ali_Clarkson I do lots of miles touring in, into and around the Scottish highlands. I carry a lot of weight, usually 2-3 weeks supplies plus tent and equipment and comprehensive toolkit and spares So shaving ounces with carbon reinforced plastic (let's call it what it is CRP) would produce pointless marginal gains, as well as a fragile bike It's horses for courses I guess Been using an alloy frame, steel fork and rim brakes for years. An entire new drive train comes in at £80 over the counter, that's 42-32-22 and 11-34 which gives me ratios comparable to this 1* fad nonsense. But that's important because I wear them out regularly through both use and abuse - the terrain I cover is often punishing, I get through a pair of wheel rims a year So, what *would* I pay? I guess I'd go up to £3k, but that would have to be a Rohloff hub gear and a belt drive with decent hydro disc brakes and I'd expect the frame to be titanium for that. As it stands I've probably spent half that in five years on running the bike I've got

[@Ali_Clarkson]

@@ΑΣΔΦΓΗΞΚΛ we’re definitely doing different things (though I am about to do a series on building a bike as cheap as possible, finding an abandoned frame, using a local bike charity to find used parts etc) so your budget will definitely be different than most serious MTBers. For a full-suss frame that’s got a well designed linkage, build and geometry you’re not going to find anything new for under 1.5k, add decent suspension and that’s another 1-1.5k, powerful discs are a few hundred…good wheels probably another £500 at the absolute minimum and then all the other gear and you’re very quickly at that 3k margin. Sure you can get cheaper but for 3k you’re getting something very very good and will last longer. My last bike was over 8k and I honestly think that’s getting a bit ridiculous especially when this bike rides just as well at nearly a third of the price. Also I don’t agree that carbon is “plastic”…it’s in the name, it’s mostly carbon.

[@tees_trials]

What a stunner!!! Silver surfer ii 👌🫶

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Haha lots of things to strip on this if I wanted 😂