New Pivot Firebird - First Ride Report on this Aggressive 165mm Enduro Bike
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ส.ค. 2021
- The previous Pivot Firebird was (and is) one of our favorite enduro bikes on the market, but Pivot Cycles has never been one to follow the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality. Instead, they dove head-first into a complete redesign of one of their flagship bike offerings. The all-new Firebird has always changed with the needs of the market and their pro riders, and the latest iteration sees a firm and pointed shift towards Enduro racing. In short, Pivot set out to make a purpose-built bike to win EWS races.
The Firebird has always been Pivot’s no holds barred enduro race slayer, and this current generation takes that to the “nth” degree. It doesn’t take a keen eye to notice that there have been some major changes to the bike, with a completely redesigned rear suspension setup, linkage and overall frame. The new design offers the same DW-link suspension we’ve come to love, but with a vertical shock layout. This gives more room for a water bottle cage up front (a major complaint about the outgoing model) and offered Pivot the opportunity to fine tune the kinematics even further. The new Firebird sports 165mm of rear suspension travel, with a longer lower link and even larger emphasis on rearward axle path during the suspension stroke. Pivot backs that suspension design with aggressive geo numbers to go downhill as fast as possible, and more importantly geo numbers that are catered to the frame size. The bike comes standard with 29” wheels and 8” brake rotors on both ends with a 170mm suspension fork, signaling its aggressive intentions. Offered exclusively in Pivot’s Hollow Core carbon construction, this is a mountain bike serious about going fast.
Pivot offers three basic build levels for the Firebird under the Race, Pro and Team names, with price and parts spec ascending in that order. Within those levels are several other sub choices centered around the wheel material and suspension. Pivot offers a SRAM and Shimano model at every build level, as well as options for coil and air rear shocks. They also offer a Fox Live Valve setup for riders wanting to get the absolute most out of the bike. No matter what your budget and parts preference there is likely a Firebird to match. While it may seem small, this is a huge feature as you aren’t forced into a particular build level to get the shock type, or the brake/drivetrain brand you like. It’s something we’d love to see from more bike manufactures moving forward as you’re often forced up or down a build level if you have a preference between Shimano and SRAM.
Parts spec on our tester is top notch as one would expect for a price tag closing in on $10,000. Thankfully that same attention to detail is present through the whole line up, with Pivot prioritizing the important bits of gear like the suspension. They also don’t skimp on the details like their easy internal cable routing, universal derailleur hangers, and massive tire clearance on the rear triangle. It’s clear that the build line up is selected by people that know their bikes, and not a penny-pinching board room looking to maximize margin at all costs. Like the rest of their bikes, the new Pivot Firebird makes no apologies for its pedigree.
The new Pivot Firebird rewards wide open, aggressive riding. The DW link suspension pedals exceptionally well, yet still swallows rocks and roots. While many brands use flashy marketing to make up for lack luster suspension kinematics, Pivot lets the bike do the talking. The frame is stiff and snappy in corners, and the suspension is able to float through square-edge rocks and ledges effortlessly.
This new bike picks up where the outgoing Firebird left off, offering exceptional riding performance. I am very much looking forward to getting more bike park and off-piste laps for some proper vertical on this bike in the coming months. These days there’s less and less use for downhill rigs, and the Pivot Firebird makes a stronger case for that than ever! Stay tuned for a full review, but so far, we’re impressed with this purpose-built enduro race machine.
Get your Loam Wolf gear here:
store.theloamwolf.com
------------------------------------
FOLLOW US
Website: www.theloamwolf.com/
Instagram: / theloamwolf
Facebook: / theloamwolf - กีฬา
I’m at WinterPark right now, this is my idea of perfection here👍
Nice review. Can't wait to see the head to heads with the Yeti SB150. That bike absolutely ripped the same trails this one is targeting. I'm on a Lunch Ride SB130 and just put a deposit down on the Switchblade just to try something new. Yeti's climb so good but everyone seems to think Pivot is a better climbing bike class for class. My local trails are steep up and down so I need something that can climb without giving up the DH.
I Like. The steeper seat tube angle is a major Improvement. But you're paying a premium for the DW link and the performance is on another level.
Since one year I have the Switchblade 2020, I already own the Phoenix 27,5 (Blue/Yellow). But last months in Austiria I didn't use the Phoenix at all. The Switchblade is enough to ride everyting including uphill. Could sell both and buy a Firebird :). I will defently demo the Firebird somewhere in the upcoming demo's
You touched on what I said to my buddy the other day...I own a new pivot switchblade and we hit up thunder mountain last week. My SB handled that mountain like nothing...I said to him I don't need a bigger bike with bigger suspension as my SB hung with Santa Cruz v10s all day.
Right on thanks for sharing Colby.
I was there on my new Mach 6!
Your bike looks badass, bro 👍
Glad to see Andrew back. I was worried his diesel love took him away from y’all. But I do LOVE his diesel channel.
Haha. Yeah he definitely has been lured away by the scent of DEF fluid and LED-lit brodozers, but we wrangle him back from time to time... 😂
Always hard to say no to riding some sweet new bikes!
Absolute unit!
That bike looks awesome! Love the ability to choose drivetrain (SRAM 4 life). Also stoked to see another Enduro bike with DH ready geo and travel.
Nice man, thanks for watching.
Sram 4 life 😂
The legend lives
Haha. You made his day. Maybe he'll even make another video in the future.
The new pivot bikes are just getting really good. Also it was cool to see this bike being ridden down Suicide Trail.
We grew up riding Suicide. Used to be a whole lot rockier back in the day!
@@TheLoamWolf it’s an awesome trail, it’s already pretty chunky and loose through most of the trail. I can see it being even rockier.
Sui !!!!
I wonder if this would be distinct enough from my Ripmo for it to make sense to own both. I'm looking to add a 2nd bike for the park days.
So I’m 6’2 i can fit on large too? But what are the adjustments of build you can do on it? Like the stem and the handlebar.
How do you think it handles compared to other bikes? Is this one worth it, or should I consider others? -- For riding mainly steep, technical downhills, corners and small to mid sized jumps. I like to feel planted and in control rather than something 'poppy'. I would love a DH bike as that's what I love to ride, but I also ride them uphill, so I'd rather go Enduro so I have the uphill capabilities.
The other few bikes that have my interest: Transition Spire, Orbea Rallon M Team, Evil Wreckoning, and of course this one
Chillidog AKA “ The B-Roll King” ;). This bike looks like a freaking weapon! And a build under $7k from Pivot? Not much to complain about here!
Haha he missed everyone and wanted to come back and make a video.
@@TheLoamWolf I’ve been honing my craft with truck videos 😂
did you have any issue with the chain line from the top 2 granny gears making the chain grind pretty hard off the cassette?
is it that much difference from V1 firebird? is it worth upgrading to?
is this 29" or 27.5"?
I wonder what the tire clearance is on the rear triangle? Could you fit a 2.8 minion do you think?
super boost, so definitely with a 27.5 if you want to ride it +
Damn, that trail looks gnarly - Where was it? Also, no truck cameos? Need a parting shot of this in the back of one of the rigs, haha
Trust me I was tempted! Next video…. And that’s a pretty fun local trail here in So Cal!
Haha. I know right, we had a strict no diesel dork agreement. 😂
@@JustDiesels Which trail was it specifically? I'm assuming LA and not OC but part of it looked familiar, even though you could say that about a ton of trails around here
is that a grip x2 or grip 2fork?
Weight and size for 24 inch bike
is it a diesel?
Great review, did you find the large to small for your height? I’m 6’2 and was thinking Of getting a XL
same height and stuck between sizes... did you go xl or l?
How does it compare to other superenduro bikes? Like specialized enduro, transition spire, gt force, cannondale jekyll, norco range?
I would like to hear this as well
Can you run it mullet set up with the flip chip in high and still keep to geo?
yes
that thing looks fun as fuck
On a Large Mach 6 now. Definitely going eithe Firebird or Nomad. I’m keen to Pivot though. I ride Summit, Laguna and San Clemente. I was assuming just go Large in the FB but now I’m wondering if Medium is the right call. I’m 5’11. Any advice?
Based on what we're experiencing from the long front end and some traction struggles, you may want to go Medium. If you've got a local dealer try and stand over one and see what you think.
Naw , absolutely go with the large ! I got the ‘21 Mach 6 in large. I also put on a 50mm Renthal fat bar & a 40mm I9 stem . The bike is a horse ! And I’m 5’7 200 lbs .
@@georgewich9813 yeah same, I’m 5‘10 and on the L with a short stem it’s just a dream hahah
Any more I'm looking for a burly acoustic bike. I run my levo or levo sl wherever I can. The acoustic i run mainly at park or places ebikes aren't allowed.
Are you used to yo shorter bikes? At 6'3" the XL seems like a better fit
Yes most all of our team prefer riding bikes that are shorter, more playful, more maneuverable and more nimble than super long bikes.
Hey man, your riding a large...... What's your approximate size? Just so I know what size to order. Dam sick ride
I’m 6’3” and chose the large since I’m right between sizes. It could go both ways depending on your bike preferences!
I’m 6’0 and a medium was a perfect fit.
I want this to be my trail/enduro/park bike, have anyone used this bike in single track trails?
I have. Coming from a Ripmo it’s as agile in corners but with more traction
Is this closer to the Mach 6 or Phoenix?
Hanging ridden the firebird only, I would guess closer to the Mach 6
I think you mean reach length not reach angles :)
the bike industries are literally laughing at peoples faces !! 6k for entry level and 13k for the top model wow ahahah people are still gonna buy it so prices aren't going down any time soon.
Ton of less expensive options.
I know right? Sure, it looks like a great bike (although what new bike doesn't), but the cheapest spec costs several thousand more than the better specced Nukeproof Mega 290 Factory (which might not have fancy size specific chainstays, but does have very similar geometry in pretty much every important metric, not to mention arguably better race pedigree).
I admit, if I had an unlimited budget, the higher specced models do look awesome (I'd love a Firebird Pro XT/XTR Coil), but if I was even slightly considering one of the lower specced models I would definitely look elsewhere.
Most of the nicer brand mid builds are starting at around $5 to 6 k.
price is about right for the uber gucci
Pivot has always been one of the most expensive, least customizable bike brands. It is up to the buyer to decide if they find value in the brand. I personally don't.
Puh!!! Buy Friday (2021)and race Sunday(2022) you say? 🤨😅😆
I still don't understand why there aren't size specific bb heights
Manufacturing costs.
Do smaller frames need lower bb heights and longer ones higher?
Where is he riding? looks fun
Southern California / Santa Monica mountains.
@@TheLoamWolf Thanks!! Enjoy your channel and content, keep it up
@@shawnholgate4423 Thanks very much!
You chose Large. How tall are you?
He said he's 6'3", I'm also 6'3" and would definitely go for the XL
Cable rattling sucks, routing as well. I needed to put all the cables in foam to get it more silent. That is annoying for a bike in 2022 and at this price point.
Anyone have the weight?
Above 15 kg, depending how much yo invest in lighter parts, but you barely get it below 15.
what!? My go to diesel guy also does bikes. what are the odds
Chili dog left us to pursue his diesel obsession...he's definitely been killing it though.
what is your hight in cm?
Thanks!
About time they lost those super short chainstays
What about dropping down a size_
The reach on the medium is way too short and would make for a cramped cockpit... AND, If a rider who is 6'3" has to ride a medium, we may have to evaluate if this "Longer" trend has gone too far.
@@TheLoamWolf Isnt the reach on a medium way too long?
Park bike or nah?
i think mach 6 is more oriented to bikepark. Firebird is for racing.
No high pivot!?
Sorta goes with the brand...
haha. new high pivot Pivot
So if you can have only one bike for any trail, this is not? Not that versatile as the previous generation? Killer bike though!
You wouldn't want an enduro/DH bike to be an all-arounder but depends what you ride. If 90% of my rides are 2 hour cross country trails, then I'm not gonna want a Firebird. But if I'm hitting up the local bike park every weekend, then yeah, I'll take it all day.
@@topspot4834 I owned the new Switchblade and sold it for the Firebird. So you can understand my dilemma here. Haven’t bought it yet, but I am into thinking now.
@@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120 did you end up doing it?
GAWT DAYYYUUMM!!! $6k for base model?!?!?!? W>>>TTTT>>>>FFFFFF?!?!!??! $13k for a top model?!?!?!? Following in the footsteps of Specialized I see.....gtfoh.......
this was filmed on suicide trail!!!!
Oh you know just looking at a bike I can’t afford..I call it TH-cam riding
Haha. That’s good!! You are not alone.
6’3 on a L? Strange
Shows how big the bike is....I'm 5'10 on a large for thr 2018 Firebird and it'd a lot of bike....great for descending though.
Not everyone out there thinks longer is better. Different riding styles and terrain demand different bike geo. We’d much rather have a bike in the 475-485 range where others think anything under 490 belongs in 2017. Haha.
I'm also 5'10" and got the 2018 FB 29er in a Medium, fits perfect. It's a long bike and it looks like this new one got longer ...got lots of places for those water bottles now , must be nice
If the reach measurement increases with steeper seat tube angle things work well, I’m 5’10 and would go medium here. I originally road a Mach6 medium, reach was 415mm!
The S has similar geo to the L enduro bike I rode in 2016. At 6' I'd ride a M Firebird.
PF bottom bracket .WTF
That's not really a thing in this category of bike. Pivot's tolerances are tight to the point where it's a non-issue, and when done right, Pivot believes it's the superior option.
@@topspot4834 its a issue for me i believe threaded is way superior
@@topspot4834 and topspot can u tell me how you know this could it be you work for pivot
base model price is unacceptable.
It's a boutique brand. I think the price should be higher so more peasants are priced out.
Chainstays too short and reach too long, get it right Pivot, we like corners.
Meh…I’ll keep my enduro.
OMG!! 🍆💦💦💦!! Sweeeeeet bike brahhhhh!!