Finally! My new bike is a...hardtail? This affordable brand might surprise you.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Just a note that I did indeed state the wrong head angle! Only ten degrees off haha…should’ve been 64 degrees rather than 74!

[@WECR]

Síi, me dí cuenta 😅 y como no sé Inglés tuve que retrocedér varias veéces ésa parte. 👍👍

[@racefaceec90]

it makes a refreshing change to see a pro rider riding a bike that doesn't cost the down payment of a house.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks, good to hear :)

[@cjbikes01]

with a name like that how doenst this man notice the raceface aeffect pun in there

[@ΑΣΔΦΓΗΞΚΛ]

I concur. And let's hear it for friction shifters, lighter precise shifting even with worn mechs, oh and rim brakes too. While we're at it, let's notice that practically ALL of this new fangled stuff we're fobbed off with is just designed to cost you more and reduce service life. And then we can note the number of knocks wheels have to take, and consider that carbon fibre really needs an ultrasound integrity check every time it gets a knock. Have you seen carbon fail? One moment it's there, then, without warning, it's not. Call it what it is: Carbon Reinforced Plastic CRP

[@ogden99]

As a Bird owner, I approve these messages 👌

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Bird friends

[@Jaymoid]

Great move Ali, love my bird! Good to have them featured on your channel

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Lots of Bird live in the comments, really cool to see :)

[@ianbiggs9930]

As an older person the wrong side of 60 your riding is so fluent and effortless, it's a pleasure to watch. So envious..!

[@icantgivecredit871]

I love that you've chosen 27.5" wheels and Shimano kit. Perfect ingredients in a recipe for a good bike build.

[@jonlavigne3270]

I love how the kitty is paying attention as you show him the bike.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Melts my heart!

[@YanDoroshenko]

I'm not a UK-based rider, but forward facing seatclamp should come on every single bike on the planet.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Agreed!

[@toooldfortwowheels2048]

Congrats on the sponsorship Ali, loved the production in this. Look forward to seeing you ride the crap out of it!

[@lenolenoleno]

You want the entire stem to be supported on the steerer = you need to cut the steerer so it's a few mm longer to allow for a 5mm spacer to sit on top of your stem.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

In my 28 years of riding having a stem set up like in this video has never caused me a single issue and was how we were told to do it, plus spacers on top of stems is just so bloody ugly!

[@lenolenoleno]

@@Ali_Clarkson Sure, it's how you were taught to do it 20+ years ago, but it doesn't mean it can't be done better (from an engineering perspective). I mean if aesthetics are the primarily driver then the long mid-deep dish roadie tubeless valve stems and absolute birds nest of cables are magnitudes of ugly beyond a small spacer above the stem. 😅

[@Ali_Clarkson]

@@lenolenoleno please don’t be one of those armchair engineers 🥲 “I know that’s been done like that for decades with no issues but you should do it like this instead because in theory it’s better”. I’m not trying to be offensive but even though I’d love more engineer knowledge and skills engineers drive me up the wall sometimes 😂

[@JogieGlenMait16]

Bird's popularity is going up after this build.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

That’s kind of you to say! :)

[@alimantado373]

Dude .. missed your uploads! Im in central London a lone rider. Most in London are on e-bikes now. Never heard of Bird, but im pure urban. The Pike forks are a good alternative to 'Fox 34's' for my type of riding. I will look them out You are my riding partner. Cheerrs for allo f your uploads I learnt to build a bike from scratch on this channel. .👍

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I’m really pleased to hear they’ve helped!

[@alimantado373]

@@Ali_Clarkson The amount of work and dedication you have put in through the years has helped many. No I thank you! 😇

[@xyrius]

Congrats for your new sponsor! The bike looks good and seems pretty solid!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks!

[@Emz_Jhaye]

Yaay! Bike build video! Sweet lookin bike! 😍 Nice colors! 👍 And the cute thief!!! 😸

[@Ali_Clarkson]

🤘🏻

[@emanuelgebauer7098]

Yeah welcome to the club! Absolutely love my bird aether 7, can't wait for your build

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Good to hear! Build coming soon!

[@beanman-mtb]

I can see your next Bird being the Aeris AM. I have an Aeris 9 myself but Bird are a fantastic company that I've also personally spoken to at festivals and a great bunch of guys.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Close but no cigar though I’m really keen to get one asap!

[@YanDoroshenko]

Now Ali will be flipping the Bird at the local trails. Cool bike choice!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I see what you did there!

[@EG3HC]

That is one good-looking bike. Enjoyed the build process, too!

[@jerryriding]

Really happy for you! You really deserved an mtb sponsor! Keep it up!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you!

[@ReturnOfTheGhoulScouts]

No-one gonna mention the swish opening and closing of that drawer with the bare foot?! May not be the wisest choice of "footwear" in the workshop, but obviously well drilled routine! Beautifully articulate video as is the standard.👊🏻 😉 oddly enough, usually end up watching these late at night, soothing enough to relax to yet engaging enough to keep me awake! Look forward to seeing the next Bird build - not even going to hazard a guess which it'll be - do they do a full sus?!!

[@danposs86]

Another Bird owner here 👍 The customer service you get from them really is top notch!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yeah that was a strong reason I was happy to work with them, I’ve only ever heard good things about how they treat their customers 👍🏻

[@jst88]

Fantastic move. I love my Bird, on my second one now!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Good to know!

[@ADI121195]

Awesome Ali great to see you happy with your sponsor let’s see you put them to the test

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Coming soon!

[@GaryB1980]

I've had a few Bird bikes. All have been very good value for money with excellent customer service!

[@glennoc8585]

My cat looks so much like yours she's just an old girl now. Nice build bro and that seat angle on the fly is a good addition.

[@dimensionsofearth]

Awesome Ali! Seeing you haven't ridden a dedicated hartail for that long I think you'll be surprised at how nice it is and what it can do on the trails! We know what you can do on the trials, I love a good enviromentally friendly alloy bike too

[@MrTobyRed]

Beautiful build, I love the choice of an SLX groupset, only change I would make would be to a XT shifter, as they make a HUGE difference on the feeling of the shifting

[@harrie205]

SLX /XT Gang

[@casestudymtb]

Extremely stoked for you! Seems like you've found yourself a nice home with Bird! Looking forward to your travels together!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yes! Thank you!

[@ThugZ3r0]

Cool! It's so much fun seeing you doing jibs in a trail hardtail, especially with such a close to life build. I'm watching you for last 6 years riding on one of these, so watching how easy you're doing these moves inspires me even more.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks very much! Gonna get out on it this week ideally…need to get these pads bedded in so probably just a trail ride before I send the jibs but I’m looking forward to getting it on some rocks etc

[@PM_13]

I love it when other riders can help me make my own decisions on bikes and parts. Thanks @ Ali for being true to who you are and for deciding to go with a more cost effective brands build. Epic mate well done! 👍🏻

[@Ali_Clarkson]

My pleasure!

[@75jonlaw]

Great looking build, they have nice range of bikes

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Agreed!

[@milansanty3332]

I just built a new HT with an On One Hello Dave frame. I love getting back to basics after having a full suspension for 4 years, as my first bike before that was also a HT. I learned everything on that before switching to the FS. Greetings from Germany! PS: Btw I'm still rocking the silver Hope Pro 2 evo front hub which I won on an eBay auction of yours last year. It's still running as new. Thanks again!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

That is awesome!

[@matthewvale4545]

Nice build, well done.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Great to see you on Bird buddy 👍

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Cheers dude, let’s go for a ride!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

@@Ali_Clarkson that would be cracking! 👌

[@dansacco1964]

Congrats on the sponsorship. Like many others I checked out Pivot after you partnered with them and was immediately put off by the price. Wouldnt have held it against you but riding for a more affordable brand seems like a better fit given the experiments and creative freedom you have with the channel. Looking forward to a variety of bird builds. Also now we can get lots of bird based corny jokes. Bird's team riders should call yourselves the peckers.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

The peckers 😂😂

[@todd_on_bikes]

Nice looking hardtail, Ali! And great riding at the end.

[@michaelc6044]

Looking forward to future videos on this as a fellow bird zero am owner

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Zero AM friends!

[@solfest9508]

Ordered some wheels from Bird years ago, only ones in Europe that had them in stock. Most wholesome online shopping experience I've ever had. They even took the time to tape them up and install valves for free. Definitely on my list for next bike.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Aw that’s great to hear :)

[@janeblogs324]

15:59 you can't use those cap screws/bolts without a pair of cup/cone alignment washers under the heads and on-top of the calipers. The brake adaptor is angled, but the bolts are not. As you torque it down the bolts will bend and point load these and the caliper. You can verify it yourself by tightening them till they just contact the caliper and you'll see daylight under the heads of the bolts.

[@magnusbjorkroth5190]

Idid built exact the same bike this winter and it's now my nr1 bike. Super fun and light.❤

[@duncanwright301]

BIRD!!! Yes that fits so well!!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Happy to hear you approve :)

[@duroxkilo]

you're looking great on this bike mr Ali

[@W250STUFF]

8:46 You might already know but you might want to put some grease on the thru axle, we find they will creek if dry.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Don’t worry I did 👍🏻

[@RobertBlando-ss9og]

Someone's celebrating Christmas early, and what a Christmas it is, imbued with the psychic satisfaction a fleshly scrubbed 11 year old would experience finding a Schwinn Sting Ray, replete with a Banana Seat no less, under The Christmas Tree early morning Christmas Day circa 1964 (a more innocent time)! Congrat's on your new wheels, enjoy and be careful! :)

[@diegodelossantos9244]

I'm from Manila, Philippines, 55 years old, wife and 3 kids. Been riding bmx since a kid, mtb for 5 years now. Bikes are expensive and I have been looking for a quality/affordable full suspension or hardtail for trail riding. The best option is buy a second hand bike. Very nice of you to feature a "budget" build. It shows that having a quality bike does not cost you an arm and leg. The bird frame is similar to our Weapon - Hammer frame.

[@SeraphXS]

ok, never heard of them tbh, looks epic and yeah, those tan walls do look sweet :D

[@Ali_Clarkson]

And now you have, my work is complete 😂

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

kids don't realize 15yrs ago what we rode this HT TAIL are amazing - I have a NUKEPROOF love it

[@TheLargerSound]

I knew it! Very good choice!!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you :)

[@mynameofc]

ive been interested in getting a bird frame for a minute now, great to see you repping a slightly smaller brand 💪

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Go for it!

[@GTIMAN2010]

Nice bike build!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks very much!

[@jurisx85]

Beautiful! Congrats

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you!!

[@brucemacdonald5532]

Hardtails for the win! Good to know the weather’s been rubbish with you too and not just in the Highlands! 😂

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Bad weather’s been isolated to all of Scotland, apparently England’s been dry 😧

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

Very Nice. 🤘🤘 good old 27.5" Hardtail still a rock solid choice for verstile riding. I'll never sell my Nukeproof Scout. That 'Bird' gonna fly down 'em trails.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yeah, I’m looking forward to seeing how versatile it is

[@alfrednOObel2]

The cat earned you an upvote before the content even started.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

He said “fanx” 👌🏻

[@skobli617]

Sick build man!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you :)

[@nathaniel__moore]

Congrats 👏👏 hardtails are the best

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you :)

[@paullmight42]

good looking frame

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I think so too!

[@Sunspot-19]

Ali, my chop saw does a nice job of trimming a steer cause I don't wanna burn the extra calorie to use a hackmaster 9001 saw!! Meanwhile, looking at your new friend looks like adventure factory with a very nice price point. Lovely build, Ali!! Looks very nice, and it suits fun time riding like a camp.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Now that’s a cutting method I could get behind!!

[@Sunspot-19]

@@Ali_Clarkson The laser marks the cut line clearly buuut, if we take too much off... Time to press in a new steer. Doh! Love that new build, mate!

[@tonymighalls9667]

Liking the Ali-bird connection!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Good to hear!

[@stevebennett3587]

👌nice build, been riding a ragley for the last year, but bird could be my next ride😎👍

[@Squirrelking4395]

LMAO, STW topic on pipe cutters just the other day. Totally with you on this!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Right on!

[@unzulaessig]

Lovely HT Enduro!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Bird did well 👍🏻

[@budycelyn]

lovely bike, absolutely love my hardtails np scout 27.5 and vitus sentier 29er, quite surprised that the frame you have didnt come with a UDH.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I think this was designed before UDH was released, I could imagine an updated version in the works (but that’s me just guessing)

[@budycelyn]

@@Ali_Clarkson yeah probably, still awesome bike :)

[@derspessartrauber8300]

Realy enjoyed this bike bild. I did a realy comparable bild a few years back when is was bit shorter on money and wanted too ride a nice bike. Bild myself a Cotic BFE 27,5 and man i love this bike. Just lile you i was looking into good parts where i need them (fork, wheels, brakes) and the rest i had lying around or whent with a cheep product. Soo im realy looking forward to some riding Videos and a long term review. Quite innterrestet how your hands are doing in the ruff stuff.

[@mtboutdoors40something]

My build is quite similar to you. This zero is such a good frame.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Glad you like it :)

[@amirhm6459]

Just Ali being Ali, really like your decisions, and great video as always

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks!

[@marianstankov4495]

I bet your next build will be Aether 7. Short chainstay, 27.5, suits 200mm dropper, slack with long reach, perfect for jibbing.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

😉

[@mattgies]

Haha, I had guessed Starling. I shouldn't have been so specific, apparently.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Starling are neat too!

[@freetechdk]

wooohooo i guessed right, but did not win, BUT congrads to the winner of the Bird parts.. Looking forward to more videos Ali 🤘🤘🤘

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you :)

[@sapinva]

Their Forge steel hard tail looks nice.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Agreed, wouldn’t mind trying one some time!

[@BigKidCasey]

Nice one. Suits you well

[@TheGrowbag84]

I think I called it first it would be Bird. Nice bike and well done.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

You did and you won 😂 send me a dm (instagram works well for me if you’re on it)

[@TheGrowbag84]

@@Ali_Clarkson For real?

[@Ali_Clarkson]

@@TheGrowbag84 haha yeah, I tried to contact you and actually left a comment on one of your videos (plus I say your name in this video towards the end 😂 )

[@TheGrowbag84]

@@Ali_Clarkson Just found the comment. I'll find you on insta lol. Thanks

[@tees_trials]

Lovely bit of kit Thali! Another stunner as always… When you gonna grease that workstand man? Makes me do a little sick in my mouth every build vid 🤣🤣

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Hadn’t thought about doing that haha, I’ll get it lubed up just for you!

[@tonkshred]

Looks so good! Love to see how you like that aenomaly , been into their system it raises your seat a little ? Would be great i cant fit long dropper in my frame

[@Ali_Clarkson]

So yes it does raise your seat a little, that’s only an issue if your post is maxed out and slammed otherwise you can just drop the post 10mm lower and everything will be fine 👍🏻

[@ashleytombs]

Congratulations on your new sponsor looking forward to seeing The other biker in the range and depending how other people spec their bikes I think 2K is about right for a aggressive HT Plus I hope your GF doesn’t mind you having a new bird to play with 😂😂

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Haha I’m not sure how she feels about it 🫣

[@stephenquinn8773]

I was very briefly talking to you and your mate up cathkin braes yesterday 😂 had no idea you where a youtuber just come across your channel 🙌

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Guy with the saddle?

[@stephenquinn8773]

@@Ali_Clarkson I was sat in the back of my car waiting on someone , asked about the tilting saddle , yeah 😂

[@sampah89]

11:27 A Shimano MS can be fitted with a TRP cassette too, so one can't simply answer straightforward it is gonna be a complete Shimano drivetrain. But then, since this is to be an affordable build, I guess it is to be expected.

[@hul8376]

Awesome video, i have never built a bike because i dont have enough knowledge to do it.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Just gotta learn as you go, play off on-line resources these days!

[@dagharaldbakken719]

Lovely bike🙌😃

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks ✌️

[@ryang5441]

I like a hard tail. I don’t have the best track record for safety and a good hard tail makes stuff that’s way smaller feel huge.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I think my first ride will be interesting!

[@RockMumbles]

Cool bike!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks!

[@mikethomas6051]

Nothing shouts more at what it is than a hardtail, original mtb!! Ali, have you looked at Ns bikes.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yes, their stuff looks nice too

[@sirpeter6109]

I really enjoy your build-videos. Perhaps you are going for the same frame I just build up: the Aether 7?

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Maybe 😉

[@sirpeter6109]

so secretive. I hope you make another build video for that one. Bird did the right choice with you, no doubt. Cheers.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

@@sirpeter6109 already filmed and (mostly) edited 😁

[@canardweb]

Hello Ali, that looks like a great and fun bike. Please check that BB concentricity and diameter as that 11:20 spin test is really concerning. You could get some serious under rotation and poor bearing life out of that. Also please don't ride an over tensioned chain. I understand the advantages of a short chain but transmission components are not designed to be run like that as they can get damaged and get you hurt. I wish you the best and don't want you to get injured so thats why I felt like I need to say this.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

The bb is fine, it’s brand new and packed with grease. Chain is fine too, I could’ve gone shorter but I was sensible with it…the chain on my trials bikes are run much tighter!

[@canardweb]

@@Ali_Clarkson I was talking about the BB area of the frame. That's why I talked about its concentricity and diameter. Packing it with grease won't help anything if it's not round, undersized or out of concentricity. The small spin test definitely shows the bearings are overloaded. That can lead to poor bearing life because of under rotation or some breakage, which is definitely better if avoided. If you decide to run it as is, then you are of course free to do so, but when you will take the axle of the crank set out for maintenance, I can assure you it will have signs of under rotation. Bike frame manufacturers have had a tendency recently to provide frames with very bad alignments thanks to poor tolerances required, which are cost cutting areas. I don't want to blame your sponsors nor do I don't want you or anyone to have a bad experience or get hurt. Good for the chain! I had the impression you wanted it too short for trials purpose but hearing you didn't go with it too short is a good thing!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

@@canardweb I feel you’re overthinking it

[@canardweb]

@@Ali_Clarkson No, I am just a consumer who constantly sees other consumers being sold bikes that don't fit into standards because out of tolerances. This leads to poor riding experiences, recurrent mechanical problems and some being fed up and leaving the sport. I don't want people to be unhappy, that's why I wanted to point out you have a problem with your BB. If it's good enough for you, good, because you have the mechanical knowledge to fix problems when they happen, but they shouldn't in the first place. Sorry for bothering you.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

@@canardweb the only real reason I’m defending it is that I honestly don’t think it’s an issue. I think theories can often get in the way of practicality’s. It happens in wheel building a lot, there’s people who’ll have strong opinions on how wheels should be laced, the exact lube to use, how much force should be used in stressing etc but I honestly think that people overthink things and the reality is that things can usually cope just fine outside the theoretical perfect conditions. You see a bb that didn’t spin and put it down to being made wrong, I saw a bb that has good seals and plenty of grease giving it more friction. I’m no engineer but I have built a lot of bikes and I have zero concerns about how it felt

[@oldetymebiker2405]

That is a beautiful frame.

[@Mystic_Fister]

What a beautiful build! How are the Pro 5 hubs? I built a set of wheels using your video, haven't built the bike yet

[@Ali_Clarkson]

So far so good! Glad the video helped too 😁

[@InitialP_Photography]

Just ordered me some of them Odi grips, my current grips are like concrete and make my CTS really bad, nothing worse than numb hands when trying to ride! Hope they help out.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Let me know how you get on

[@InitialP_Photography]

@@Ali_Clarkson Will do my man, hoping they help.

[@Fundas-bikes]

Your bike control is insane

[@LongPeter]

Ali puts Birds on things.

[@mr.hollingsworth9224]

Good vid awesome bike.

[@MTBScotland]

74 degree head angle?

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Too used to my trials head angle 😂

[@nirrec]

Bird currently only have 2 bikes in stock on their uk website... the cheapest still be over £2k... still an expensive option for most people 😢

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I believe (from what I’ve read) they are expecting new delivery of stock in the 4th quarter of the year, so very soon. Always a delicate balance to not over-stock but still have enough stock to last. Also tricky to hold enough stock to cover all price points, I’d assume they have price points that cover their biggest markets

[@adammoonface]

74.5° head angle!? 😉 Steeper than a Hex!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

🤦🏻

[@AH-sj1jn]

Are you going to do a Forge review? Tempted to invest but there are not many reviews of steel aggressive HT's and the pros and cons of them compaired to aluminium. Would love to know your opinion

[@Jackofafewtrades]

This video is extra spicy, isn't it? Also, Ali, you misquoted the HT angle around 3:00. Its 64.1° not 74.5°. Love the video and the bike, though. Always good to see people riding the attainable stuff.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I’m an idiot sometimes haha, I’ll see if I can add a caption to correct that

[@chilluphill]

love your vids :)

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks very much!!

[@danhalliday8858]

I’m always team ali but the foot!! The foot might have changed things

[@Ali_Clarkson]

😂

[@oreocarlton3343]

Total workhorse, I bet youll like it, hardtails work well with trials leaning mtbers.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I agree

[@stanb1604]

I'd consider them only if it wasn't a pain in the ass to ship here in Asia, not to mention the shipping prices.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Sadly I think that’s going to be the same from any brand with how much shipping costs have gone up :(

[@stanb1604]

@@Ali_Clarkson true that. right now if I want to buy anything from any brand, I'd have to check if they have a warehouse in Asia otherwise I'm not ordering.

[@seancashmore359]

i knew it