Logan's intro was classic. He sure liked that stick, ha. Normally not a fan of "guest appearances", but his demeanor (and riding) is a good complement to JKW's!
Definitely interested in what you would think of both of these vs the old altitude. I've got an instinct that I've been considering turning into an altitude and even in the shorter travel instinct configuration, I absolutely love it!
I have a 2023 Altitude and have ridden both the 2024 Altitude and the Firebird. You pretty much nailed it. The Firebird is the best bike I've ever ridden in terms of tech climbing and anything that involves pedaling through tech. Pointed downhill and it feels like a long legged trail bike, but with the same vague front end feel that the V2 Ripmos have and a comically short back end. You also need to size down on the Firebird, Pivots sizing is ridiculously big. Both versions of the Altitude feel like absolute weapons when pointed downhill, fast, confident and precise, with the 2023 being a bit more nimble and tidy. I ride my 2023 in pos 1, full slack/full progressive with the chainstays in the long position, I would probably ride the 2024 version in a steeper setting.
Good video! - I've got Pivot's T429 and the Firebird. Love these bikes. Both super agile and fantastic for any trail. Firebird for more aggresive shredding ofc. I use them mainly on natural mtn trails, full of loose rocks, roots and various unexpected features. Both of these bikes jump very well
Fully agree with the Float X over X2 on most bikes. Easier to set up, keep feeling good, and just more fun on more trails. Even on long travel enduro bikes, or Shuttle Lt in my case. Makes sense on the “electrified” firebird platform that feeling would translate. Good vid guys!
I could hear that brake line/shifter housing rattling in that frame! (only cause i had to fix this issue on my personal bike, Jagwire housing damper went a long ways right where the internal guides open up briefly). I found the altitude to be the happiest in Pos. #2, with 25% sag It took a while to figure out this bike, but man its SO good now, brought back some of that pep that made the previous model good.
Thanks for the altitude Set up feedback. I wanted to do a video trying all the adjustments, but had to give the bike back a couple weeks ago. Anyhow, I’ll probably post up a longer term review vid soon!
While they're all incredible bikes, if I had to choose, I think I'd stick with my previous gen! It's a bit less bike and jives better with how I like to ride
@@JeffKendallWeed😂 if the KendallWeed garage only had space for one bike, and we roll with this forbidding dystopia for a moment, which of these three would we find in there?
I had a Firbird with a Coil before, and just ordered another one with a float X2. I probably won't get to ride it for a few months, which set up did you like better? I typically ride coil, but took advantage of the deals going on right now and figured I'd give it a try.
Curious, what does out of the saddle climbing feel like on them? Asking because i never hear this covered by anyone really and i do it enough to either be annoyed or not. Makes a difference which bike i pick for ceratin trails where a 45 minute seated climb is just too much sitting. Jumping out of the saddle every 5 to 10 minutes for a minute or so it actually a relief in these situations. Some bikes feel like a 200mm DH bike when you do it and others dont. Anyway thx for reading this far. -J
Yeah, it's a full on enduro rig. So if the Altitude feels bigger than that, I hope that helps give some info as to how giant it'd be compared to what you're used to riding!
I have a firebird and weigh about 150 lbs . Currently running the X2. Think the Float X would be an upgrade? I kinda feel like the X2 is overkill for me honestly.
You should give the Santa Cruz Megatower a try if possible. It has very similar geometry to how you have the Altitude set up but a very different suspension and frame feel.
@@JeffKendallWeed I own a Megatower and have spent some time on the Nomad as well and ended up preferring the Megatower for the same reason's you're generally not a fan of mullets. I do think the Nomad is a more approachable bike for most riders though and they're both worth trying since its amazing how differently they handle given the only differences is the rear triangle, some kinematics tweaks, and the smaller rear wheel.
@@JeffKendallWeed The Megatower prefers a more active riding style and tends to be less forgiving of "passengers" and requires pretty diligent leaning of the bike to get it to corner quickly which is why the reviews on it tend to be mixed. The Nomad is a fair bit more easy going comparatively.
Thanks Paul! I actually do have a trip vlog from Florida going live next week! I was hoping to ride New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Georgia all this year, but I got distracted by too many sweet new bikes!
@@JeffKendallWeed Check out Pisgah, Dupont, and Bentonville. If you happen to pass through the Cincinnati area, Devou park has the best trails around.,
Arkansas: www.pinkbike.com/news/video-riding-in-arkansas-with-jeff-kendall-weed.html Asheville (well, Old Fort): th-cam.com/video/K9O4JU3t42k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=lv94E7WvlZ13BFnx I've only ridden BMX in Ohio! Maybe one day!!!
Maybe it's just me, but for some reason, Logan makes me think of mountain biking T.J. Miller 🤔 maybe its the glasses or the hair or his slow deliberate tone when speaking. If nothing else, he's a sure fire stunt double should there be a bicycle chase scene in Deadpool 4.
Jeff thanks for making this video those are exactly the two bikes I was looking at. I ended up going with the Firebird! What front fender do you have on that Fox fork? I need to get one
Congrats on the new Bike. I think he made a great choice! That fender is a fox extended model bought directly from Fox. I believe Jenson usA sells them as well.
I'm a Rocky guy. I demoed a Pivot 429 Enduro and found it a bit under-gunned on some chunkier tech and a bit nervous at higher speeds. It was great at the slower tight tech and easy to manual bc of the short chainstays. I eventually went with a 2023 Rocky Instinct bc the fit was perfect and the longish chainstays make it corner like few bikes out there. I ride mostly hand-cut natural trails w flat turns and a lot of pedaling. The Rocky is the tool for my terrain. Great riding and the best head to head I've seen in a long time.
Nice bike..but the world of mtb has changed…since the invention of the e-bike..there is no reason to buy expensive enduro bike anymore.. its xc or dh an e-bike in between.
LOL I disagree. I've been riding eBikes since 2019, and I still prefer the analog trail or enduro bike experience. I'd much rather have a sweet enduro bike, and a cheaper eMTB as a backup/exploration/recovery bike. But that also depends on where you're located and how ya ride!
Well I just don't want to be pushed by an electric motor. Would make me feel like an elderly. Don't know how representative I am of the global cycling or enduro population. Surely in the minority, just don't know by how much. It's not even about being able to afford it, I just don't want it. I don't need extra downhill practice that much and can climb by myself just fine, if it takes time it takes time.
Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
amazing ! I like the 2-rider format, the fall colors, the camera angles towards the sky
Thanks Honzi!
Great video! I always love when Logan makes an appearance.
Logan's a great rider, and he always has good input. Stay tuned for more Logan's Lounge!
Beautiful riding, Jefe! And nice video! Love, Dad
Thanks Dad! love you!
Logan's intro was classic. He sure liked that stick, ha. Normally not a fan of "guest appearances", but his demeanor (and riding) is a good complement to JKW's!
Thanks Stinky! Logan has had a ton of appearances in the channel going back to at least 2018 or so… I think of him as a regular!
Nice video... was cool having back to back videos of the same events from different angles. Lots of editing work for my pleasure. Thanks Jeff🙌
Thanks for watching!!! Enjoy San Diego for the winter!
Definitely interested in what you would think of both of these vs the old altitude. I've got an instinct that I've been considering turning into an altitude and even in the shorter travel instinct configuration, I absolutely love it!
I have a 2023 Altitude and have ridden both the 2024 Altitude and the Firebird. You pretty much nailed it. The Firebird is the best bike I've ever ridden in terms of tech climbing and anything that involves pedaling through tech. Pointed downhill and it feels like a long legged trail bike, but with the same vague front end feel that the V2 Ripmos have and a comically short back end. You also need to size down on the Firebird, Pivots sizing is ridiculously big. Both versions of the Altitude feel like absolute weapons when pointed downhill, fast, confident and precise, with the 2023 being a bit more nimble and tidy. I ride my 2023 in pos 1, full slack/full progressive with the chainstays in the long position, I would probably ride the 2024 version in a steeper setting.
Thanks for the review!!! Both great bikes. Rocky for the rad, pivot for the pedaling!
Pivot changed the sizing recommendation - now M all the way to 183cm
Exactly how I ride my 2022 Alti 🤙
Good video! - I've got Pivot's T429 and the Firebird. Love these bikes. Both super agile and fantastic for any trail. Firebird for more aggresive shredding ofc.
I use them mainly on natural mtn trails, full of loose rocks, roots and various unexpected features.
Both of these bikes jump very well
Thanks Borewicz!
Great review
My 2025 Nomad climbs like a beast, plush/+traction but still feels efficient (I set up stiff/small sag)
So does the 24' best purchase of my life. It's like a cheat code without cheating
Fully agree with the Float X over X2 on most bikes. Easier to set up, keep feeling good, and just more fun on more trails. Even on long travel enduro bikes, or Shuttle Lt in my case. Makes sense on the “electrified” firebird platform that feeling would translate. Good vid guys!
Thanks Chase! I actually love the X2 on my Shuttle SL, but ya in general, I’m happier on the lil guy!
Been waiting to see you ride the new altitude since I saw it earlier this year!!!
Did you see the review video I published back in April?
Awesome vid !! You guys are so good
Appreciate the kind words, stoked you dig it!
I could hear that brake line/shifter housing rattling in that frame! (only cause i had to fix this issue on my personal bike, Jagwire housing damper went a long ways right where the internal guides open up briefly). I found the altitude to be the happiest in Pos. #2, with 25% sag It took a while to figure out this bike, but man its SO good now, brought back some of that pep that made the previous model good.
Thanks for the altitude Set up feedback. I wanted to do a video trying all the adjustments, but had to give the bike back a couple weeks ago. Anyhow, I’ll probably post up a longer term review vid soon!
You should review the Rocky Mountain growler.
So how did Logan like these two bikes compared to his previous gen Altitude?
Yes 😂
While they're all incredible bikes, if I had to choose, I think I'd stick with my previous gen! It's a bit less bike and jives better with how I like to ride
@@loganpatricknelson good to hear, happy previous gen owner myself!
@@JeffKendallWeed😂 if the KendallWeed garage only had space for one bike, and we roll with this forbidding dystopia for a moment, which of these three would we find in there?
Looks like so much fun. awesome video.
Thanks Victor!
I had a Firbird with a Coil before, and just ordered another one with a float X2. I probably won't get to ride it for a few months, which set up did you like better? I typically ride coil, but took advantage of the deals going on right now and figured I'd give it a try.
Curious, what does out of the saddle climbing feel like on them?
Asking because i never hear this covered by anyone really and i do it enough to either be annoyed or not. Makes a difference which bike i pick for ceratin trails where a 45 minute seated climb is just too much sitting.
Jumping out of the saddle every 5 to 10 minutes for a minute or so it actually a relief in these situations.
Some bikes feel like a 200mm DH bike when you do it and others dont.
Anyway thx for reading this far.
-J
Would love to see you on a La Sal Peak and compare. 🙏🏻
Thanks for the feedback Paul!
I tested the Firebird for a day. It is A LOT of bike.for the trails I ride. It felt like a monster truck pedaling
Yeah, it's a full on enduro rig. So if the Altitude feels bigger than that, I hope that helps give some info as to how giant it'd be compared to what you're used to riding!
I have a firebird and weigh about 150 lbs . Currently running the X2. Think the Float X would be an upgrade? I kinda feel like the X2 is overkill for me honestly.
You should give the Santa Cruz Megatower a try if possible. It has very similar geometry to how you have the Altitude set up but a very different suspension and frame feel.
Thanks Azzy! I also want to try the Nomad!
@@JeffKendallWeed I own a Megatower and have spent some time on the Nomad as well and ended up preferring the Megatower for the same reason's you're generally not a fan of mullets. I do think the Nomad is a more approachable bike for most riders though and they're both worth trying since its amazing how differently they handle given the only differences is the rear triangle, some kinematics tweaks, and the smaller rear wheel.
I hear TONS of Nomad love, and very mixed reviews on Megatower. No idea how similar/dissimilar those two are tho!
@@JeffKendallWeed The Megatower prefers a more active riding style and tends to be less forgiving of "passengers" and requires pretty diligent leaning of the bike to get it to corner quickly which is why the reviews on it tend to be mixed. The Nomad is a fair bit more easy going comparatively.
6:00 "Plusher in the rear end"... mountain bikers dream
Love my Firebird!
Cheers Burke! It's a great bike- made even better by an aftermarket shock!
Jeff....it would be great to see you come out East and ride our trails. Vastly different experience than those out West.
Thanks Paul! I actually do have a trip vlog from Florida going live next week! I was hoping to ride New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Georgia all this year, but I got distracted by too many sweet new bikes!
@@JeffKendallWeed Check out Pisgah, Dupont, and Bentonville. If you happen to pass through the Cincinnati area, Devou park has the best trails around.,
Arkansas: www.pinkbike.com/news/video-riding-in-arkansas-with-jeff-kendall-weed.html
Asheville (well, Old Fort): th-cam.com/video/K9O4JU3t42k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=lv94E7WvlZ13BFnx
I've only ridden BMX in Ohio! Maybe one day!!!
Does the Rocky Mtn have the same suspension design as the Intense Tracer?
Maybe it's just me, but for some reason, Logan makes me think of mountain biking T.J. Miller 🤔 maybe its the glasses or the hair or his slow deliberate tone when speaking. If nothing else, he's a sure fire stunt double should there be a bicycle chase scene in Deadpool 4.
His voice also gives me Napoleon Dynamite vibes.
Any chance of you getting ahold of an Atherton S150 and giving us some feedback on that bike?
Jeff thanks for making this video those are exactly the two bikes I was looking at. I ended up going with the Firebird! What front fender do you have on that Fox fork? I need to get one
Congrats on the new Bike. I think he made a great choice! That fender is a fox extended model bought directly from Fox. I believe Jenson usA sells them as well.
Hell yeah first commenter again! Can’t wait to watch the video. I’m sure it’s another banger as always
Thanks Taylor, I appreciate it!
How does these compare with a gen 5 slash
"interesting black trail" that's exactly how I felt when I rode that trail haha it did get slightly spicy by the end
Is this Oregon? Your turning skills are so good.
Thanks John!
Great video. Question, have you retired your Bomber Z1 or are you still using it? Haven't seen or heard much recently.
I ran it on the Ripmo V3 for a bit, and filmed some, but haven't had enough time on it to validate another video. Yet!
Should have added the Yeti SB160 for a 3 way.
Which one is easy ride
🤫
One is better than the other one! And the other one’s better than the other one. 😅 heck yeah.
A great pre-Christmas "stock-ing" filler... Comparing what you ride and we buy gives a lot more insight into what we should expect.
Great idea, thank you! So dissect the highest selling bikes vs what I thought about them? Hmm....
(There is a render artifact at 2:29)
If only it were an artifact… Your guy forgot to push a button lol 😂
I almost bought some element powder, but it’s way too expensive. I guess premium fuel is just for rich people.
You guys skills ate top notch. I know my knees would collapse on the first drop😅
I'm a Rocky guy. I demoed a Pivot 429 Enduro and found it a bit under-gunned on some chunkier tech and a bit nervous at higher speeds. It was great at the slower tight tech and easy to manual bc of the short chainstays. I eventually went with a 2023 Rocky Instinct bc the fit was perfect and the longish chainstays make it corner like few bikes out there. I ride mostly hand-cut natural trails w flat turns and a lot of pedaling. The Rocky is the tool for my terrain.
Great riding and the best head to head I've seen in a long time.
Thanks for the detailed feedback, glad you enjoyed the vid!
HELLO PLEASE SEE RANDYS ALBERT RADIAL REVIEW
I always wondered how many Firebird owners drive an actual Firebird or Trans Am. Probly none 😂
They might have a firebird logo on their 10” buttplugs “proud to ride with no lube! dry!!!”
LOL there could be some!
I almost bought one just because of the name, not gonna lie.
Frame not analyzed for stabilization, click analyze
😂
Seems like too much travel for 90% of riders?
obviously the cat in the intro puts the RM Altitude far and above the firebird. sorry, pivot, I don't make the rules
😻
Nice bike..but the world of mtb has changed…since the invention of the e-bike..there is no reason to buy expensive enduro bike anymore.. its xc or dh an e-bike in between.
LOL I disagree. I've been riding eBikes since 2019, and I still prefer the analog trail or enduro bike experience. I'd much rather have a sweet enduro bike, and a cheaper eMTB as a backup/exploration/recovery bike. But that also depends on where you're located and how ya ride!
Well I just don't want to be pushed by an electric motor. Would make me feel like an elderly. Don't know how representative I am of the global cycling or enduro population. Surely in the minority, just don't know by how much. It's not even about being able to afford it, I just don't want it. I don't need extra downhill practice that much and can climb by myself just fine, if it takes time it takes time.