Fellow Firebird29 Rider good review but can I just share that you should be riding a Medium size, might solve the traction problems. I understand you got it used and you can technically ride a large but not ideal. Try to ask Pivot support and 100% they will suggest a medium. Bigger bikes should work well for downhill though. I'm 5'11 using Steel Blue Medium and I still find it big coming from a 2017 Large Pivot mach6 bike. 2019 they updated to bigger sizing. Have fun with the Firebird29. Definitely a keeper! Thanks
It will be interesting to see what Pivot comes up with next. I've listened to a few interviews with the owner and its incredible how much attention to detail he has. For example customers were having issues with rattling cables and so rather than going with innertubes which fill up with mud. he designed cable clamps allowing you to make the cables so tight with-in the frame that they cant rattle.
I’m beyond impressed with the craftsmanship of my Firebird. It’s really cool to read your comment on Pivot which makes me more optimistic about the future of the FB 🤘
You know it very well now, you've pointed out some nice things that hopefully Pivot will pay you for helping them improve. Hey Pivot, need a consultant? I think you have one right here, send this man some love.
This bike is soooooo close to being perfect. Pretty much what you said: 1-2 degree steeper seat tube, 1 degree slacker head tube, water bottle inside the triangle, and the only additional thing I'll add, is lengthening the chainstay for XL frames by 5-7mm would make it perfect. Sucks that the newer version is just a copy of the Specialized Enduro...Pivot really had something with the 2019-2020 version, but just missed the mark of making it something legendary...
@@MILTONATOR I've demoed it. Its ok, but it's heavier and just a copy of the Specialized Enduro. The only cool thing is that it got size specific chainstays. If you were to buy it with out trying, the only advice I'd give is size down...
Great video. I agree with your points on the geo and the water bottle in the frame. I’m looking at either this or the Ripmo for my next bike, hopefully pivot has some nice changes this year
Great review bro!! I enjoyed your detailed experience review. I’m looking at getting one also. Also looking at the Fox 38. Have you tried the Fox 38 also? Let me know. Keep up the great content!! Regards Cesar
I know exactly what you mean. Absolutely useful ! The modern, progressive geometry with long reach, needs a different riding technique. Old school riding technique doesn't work. Your front wheel will wash away. You need the balls and the trust to bring your weight forward, onto that front wheel. You're leaning on the bike, not standing on it. I'm an old school rider with flat pedals. If the reach is too long, I can't keep my heels down and I slip forward on the pedals. ... With my setup I feel like I'm turning the bike over the rear axle. I'm 175cm tall and have chosen the medium nomad v4. With 40mm rise bars and 35mm stem. Completely different than your bike, haha. I believe I could not ride your bike. Are you able to lift the front wheel up and make a manual?
Would be interesting to hear your opinion on yeti sb165/150. Its geo is quite close to what you mentioned as improvements for the firebird plus water bottle)
I demo’d the Sb165 back when it released and it was impressive. As great a bike as it is, in my opinion, it didn’t feel as fast as the FB (probably due to it being 27.5) it didn’t pedal as efficiently and it didn’t feel as solid either. My thoughts 🤷🏻♂️
Love the video! I’d love to demo a firebird and see how it compares to my evil wreckoning v3 They seem like such similar bikes on paper. Can you run a coil on a firebird?
@@MILTONATOR Sweet! I’m getting some new rims in the next few weeks with onyx hubs! I’ll hit you up when I get them. You can take the Wreckoning out too 👍🏻
Oh wow you're riding a Large. I am 5'9 as well and I am riding on a medium Firebird and I thought that was long haha. I also hate that it doesn't fit a water bottle on the inside of the frame as well.
What’s crazy is the geometry on this Large Firebird is nearly the same as a Medium Commencal Meta AM, another bike on my radar. But yeah, will probably downsize to a Medium when the 2021 comes out
@@MILTONATOR Oh wow. Hopfully I run into to you at some point out at you local trails. I have been riding out there more. I have the Tan and Orange version of the Firebird. So if you see that bike it might be me haha.
Hi! I am planning to buy Pivot FB same color as yours, Race 01. What’s new for year 2021? I am 5’8 and I don’t know if medium is the right size for me. Please let me know if I should get large or medium size.Thanks!
@@MILTONATOR i just watched your DVO Topaz review. Like the topaz tunibility your video was crystal clear of the differences of other shocks. I currently ride a sb130 and would like a little more smoothness along with plushness. Thx for the review.
@@MILTONATOR According to Pivot, you're not even in the size range for a Large. You're squarely in the M and can even ride a S at the max range. You can prefer whatever you'd like, but you will probably have to lean forward more awkwardly due to the extra reach to get the right balance.
@@MILTONATOR I was on a chat with a rep from Pivot and specifically asked about the 2019 version. The latest version gains about 20mm in reach for each size.
Regarding the water bottle issue. Grab a SKS Topcage water bottle mount. Here in phx (pivot prime location) just about everyone on the FB 29 runs it. I do on my RipMo af as well. It’s a great solution.
Slacker headtube right? Not steeper
Yes! Did I mess that up ?🤦🏻♂️ Copy/Paste the “Steeper Seat Tube” label and failed to update it to read “Slacker”
Just ordered the 2021, man I’m stoked! Watching everything I can on this machine. Nice breakdown, thanks 🤙
Congrats man! 🤙🤙
Fellow Firebird29 Rider good review but can I just share that you should be riding a Medium size, might solve the traction problems. I understand you got it used and you can technically ride a large but not ideal. Try to ask Pivot support and 100% they will suggest a medium. Bigger bikes should work well for downhill though. I'm 5'11 using Steel Blue Medium and I still find it big coming from a 2017 Large Pivot mach6 bike. 2019 they updated to bigger sizing. Have fun with the Firebird29. Definitely a keeper! Thanks
Agree! Going Medium on the 2021 🤘
It will be interesting to see what Pivot comes up with next. I've listened to a few interviews with the owner and its incredible how much attention to detail he has. For example customers were having issues with rattling cables and so rather than going with innertubes which fill up with mud. he designed cable clamps allowing you to make the cables so tight with-in the frame that they cant rattle.
I’m beyond impressed with the craftsmanship of my Firebird. It’s really cool to read your comment on Pivot which makes me more optimistic about the future of the FB 🤘
Great review brotha! That's a really nice bike.
Thanks man! Pretty satisfied with it 🤘
You know it very well now, you've pointed out some nice things that hopefully Pivot will pay you for helping them improve. Hey Pivot, need a consultant? I think you have one right here, send this man some love.
Thanks man! 🤘
Bike looks great man! Digging the Dvo
Thanks man! Loving this bike
This bike is soooooo close to being perfect. Pretty much what you said: 1-2 degree steeper seat tube, 1 degree slacker head tube, water bottle inside the triangle, and the only additional thing I'll add, is lengthening the chainstay for XL frames by 5-7mm would make it perfect. Sucks that the newer version is just a copy of the Specialized Enduro...Pivot really had something with the 2019-2020 version, but just missed the mark of making it something legendary...
Not gonna lie, would love to get a few rides on the new one 🙃
@@MILTONATOR I've demoed it. Its ok, but it's heavier and just a copy of the Specialized Enduro. The only cool thing is that it got size specific chainstays. If you were to buy it with out trying, the only advice I'd give is size down...
Great video. I agree with your points on the geo and the water bottle in the frame. I’m looking at either this or the Ripmo for my next bike, hopefully pivot has some nice changes this year
Not ridden one, but based on reviews the Ripmo can do no wrong. Waiting on Pivot 🤞🏼
Great review bro!! I enjoyed your detailed experience review. I’m looking at getting one also. Also looking at the Fox 38. Have you tried the Fox 38 also? Let me know. Keep up the great content!!
Regards
Cesar
Thanks Cesar! I’ve not been on a Fox38 yet. The thing with Fox is to know that the Grip2 is the way to go on the 36 or 38
Time flies by so fast, maybe it's Covid, but feels like only just got it, damn I feel like you only just got your Capra lol
😂
What a good bird 🤘🏼🎥🚲💨🦅
Looking like a Seattle Seahawk 😝
I know exactly what you mean. Absolutely useful !
The modern, progressive geometry with long reach, needs a different riding technique. Old school riding technique doesn't work. Your front wheel will wash away. You need the balls and the trust to bring your weight forward, onto that front wheel. You're leaning on the bike, not standing on it.
I'm an old school rider with flat pedals. If the reach is too long, I can't keep my heels down and I slip forward on the pedals. ...
With my setup I feel like I'm turning the bike over the rear axle. I'm 175cm tall and have chosen the medium nomad v4. With 40mm rise bars and 35mm stem. Completely different than your bike, haha. I believe I could not ride your bike.
Are you able to lift the front wheel up and make a manual?
The short chain stays make it pretty easy to pop that front wheel up. Still learning my manuals, keeping my balance. The Nomad4 is a sick bike 🤘
Awesome review! Has Pivot stated on when they will release their 2021 line??
Thanks! Not that I’m aware but they’ve released the Switchblade and Mach 6 Soooo, hoping the FB is next 🤞🏼
Would be interesting to hear your opinion on yeti sb165/150. Its geo is quite close to what you mentioned as improvements for the firebird plus water bottle)
I demo’d the Sb165 back when it released and it was impressive. As great a bike as it is, in my opinion, it didn’t feel as fast as the FB (probably due to it being 27.5) it didn’t pedal as efficiently and it didn’t feel as solid either. My thoughts 🤷🏻♂️
Blue green! Noice combo🤙
Thanks man! Was nervous about the DVO green but worked out OK 🤙
Love the video! I’d love to demo a firebird and see how it compares to my evil wreckoning v3 They seem like such similar bikes on paper. Can you run a coil on a firebird?
Yep! Coil compatible. Let me know when/if you wanna take it for a spin
@@MILTONATOR Sweet! I’m getting some new rims in the next few weeks with onyx hubs! I’ll hit you up when I get them. You can take the Wreckoning out too 👍🏻
@@TrailDogsMTB 🤘🤘
Oh wow you're riding a Large. I am 5'9 as well and I am riding on a medium Firebird and I thought that was long haha. I also hate that it doesn't fit a water bottle on the inside of the frame as well.
What’s crazy is the geometry on this Large Firebird is nearly the same as a Medium Commencal Meta AM, another bike on my radar. But yeah, will probably downsize to a Medium when the 2021 comes out
@@MILTONATOR Oh wow. Hopfully I run into to you at some point out at you local trails. I have been riding out there more. I have the Tan and Orange version of the Firebird. So if you see that bike it might be me haha.
@@DwayneVance heck yea man! 🤘
Next video, update, sold bike and got "insert any bike"! Bahahaha 🤣
3:50 imagine arriving on top of the trail and see a guy speaking to a helmet like Hamlet to a skull 🤣
I’d be curious to see how different the dw link and bikes handle from the 🔥 🐔 and the RipMo af
You and I both :) Still curious on the AF as it's been on my short list since it came out.
Such a sweet bike.
Thanks brother! 🤘
Hi! I am planning to buy Pivot FB same color as yours, Race 01. What’s new for year 2021? I am 5’8 and I don’t know if medium is the right size for me. Please let me know if I should get large or medium size.Thanks!
Hey! The geometry hasn’t changed since 2019 when first released. Definitely recommend a Medium for 5’ 8” 🤙🤙
@@MILTONATOR thank you!
You are making me rise some doubts about my Capra, wich share some aspects with this bike, except it's even less pedal friendly...😬
The Capra is a great bike, man. If it fits your style and preference 🤘
Like your bike but i love my 2019 santa cruz hightower v1 do u ever have or test one of this bike?
Thanks man! No, I've not had the privilege to get on one, but I hear they're pretty awesome.
Thanks for making me want another bike. 🔥🐓
🤘😝🤘
Is it a plush ride?
Very plush
@@MILTONATOR i just watched your DVO Topaz review. Like the topaz tunibility your video was crystal clear of the differences of other shocks. I currently ride a sb130 and would like a little more smoothness along with plushness. Thx for the review.
At 5’-9”, aren’t you more in the range of a medium? I’m 6’ and rode a L Firebird.
Now a day sizing is a matter of preference. But yes, I could ride both M and L. The M would likely feel more lively
@@MILTONATOR According to Pivot, you're not even in the size range for a Large. You're squarely in the M and can even ride a S at the max range. You can prefer whatever you'd like, but you will probably have to lean forward more awkwardly due to the extra reach to get the right balance.
@@MrSatchelpack you must’ve just looked at newly released Firebird. That bikes geo changed significantly. Either way, a matter of preference
@@MILTONATOR I was on a chat with a rep from Pivot and specifically asked about the 2019 version. The latest version gains about 20mm in reach for each size.
Regarding the water bottle issue. Grab a SKS Topcage water bottle mount. Here in phx (pivot prime location) just about everyone on the FB 29 runs it. I do on my RipMo af as well. It’s a great solution.
for sale ?😆
Not until the 2021 is released 😁🤘
Counting down the days til the new Firebird gets released. Have a new switchblade and betting the new Firebird will resemble that
I’m right there with you! Can’t wait 🤘