Pivot Firebird - Crankworx Whistler 2016

Aug 18, 2016
by Vernon Felton  

2017 Pivot Cycles Firebird

Pivot debuted a new version of the Firebird today that borrows heavily from their latest carbon Phoenix downhill bike. Though “enduro” quickly stopped being a style of riding and magically morphed into the most abused noun in several languages, it’s hard to escape the notion that the Firebird could be the right kind of tool for that kind of job. Pivot wrangles 170 millimeters (6.7 inches) of efficient-pedaling DW-Link suspension out of the 7.1-pound carbon frame.

bigquotesThe old Firebird was a capable bike, but this new version takes it to another level. The Firebird borrows heavily from our latest Phoenix carbon downhill bike--with a longer, lower geometry and an incredibly stiff, double wishbone rear end. In testing, the Firebird proved the stiffest model we've ever produced...yet it weighs less than 28 pounds in our top-end build. - Chris Cocalis



The Nitty Gritty

• Purpose: enduro / park
• Frame: Carbon front section and swingarm, DW-Link suspension, ISCG mounts, internal cable routing.
• 7.1-pound frame weight (size Medium)
• Di2 and front-derailluer compatible
• Wheel size: 27.5-inch, with room for 2.5-inch tires.
• Boost 148 spacing
• Wheel Travel: 170mm (rear), 170mm (front, capable of running 180)
• Updated geometry: 65-degree head angle, 74-degree seat angle, longer reach (445mm/17.52" in size Medium) and shorter (430mm/16.9") chainstays
• Four sizes: Small, medium, large and X-large
• Nine different build kits
• Price range: $4,999 to $9,899
• Available: Now
• More about the Firebird at Pivot Cycles




2017 Pivot Firebird
The reach has grown (on a size large Firebird) from 400 to 465 millimeters.

Pivot Cycles Firebird
The Firebird was designed to work with an air-sprung shock's progressive spring rate. If you absolutely must run a coil, Pivot recommends PUSH industries ElevenSIX coil-over, but is adamant that the FOX Float X2 is the best performing option for the Firebird.l


Pivot firebird

Firebird Gets the Longer/Lower Treatment
"The old Firebird kind of embodied the short and tall geometry thing," quips Cocalis. While that might be overstating things a hair, there's no denying that the new Firebird benefits from a geometry makeover. The reach on a size Large frame has grown 65 millimeters (2.5 inches) to 465 millimeters (18.31 inches). While they were at it, Pivot trimmed the chainstays, lowered the bottom bracket lowered, relaxed the head tube and steepened the seat tube. The Firebird isn't Mondraker-long--for comparison's sake, a size Large Mondraker Dune has a reach of 493 millimeters (19.4 inches)--but the new Firebird is certainly a different, more modern beast than its predecessor.

2017 Pivot Cycles Firebird

The Geeky Bits
The Firebird will take a 180-millimeter travel fork, though Pivot designed the bike around 170 millimeters. It's a given that the Firebird may see as much use at the bike park as it does on any enduro course and when you follow that train of thought, you can bet that some riders are going to want to throw a coil-over shock on this thing. "The Firebird has a more progressive stroke than our Mach 6, so, yes, it's possible to put a coil over shock on this, but a clevis mount puts a lot of stress on a coil-over shock. Besides, the Fox Float X2 that we spec on the Firebird is really the best option--it works incredibly well on this bike."

Pivot notes that if you simply must have a coil-sprung shock on your bike, a custom-tuned PUSH industries ElevenSIX shock will work a treat--they've done extensive testing with Push, using that shock. Other coil-sprung shocks, however, could well result in a ton of bottoming out and some potential for frame damage. In other words, you're probably better off with that FOX Float X2.

When Pivot introduced Super Boost 157 on their Switchblade, some speculated that we'd see new Pivot models incorporating the wider DH-width hub spacing, but, nope, it's not here on the Firebird. Cocalis' reasoning is straightforward. "It's not a plus bike or a 29er--it doesn't need it. We were able to achieve all the stiffness and chainguide compatibility that we wanted with Boost 148."

And for the record, the Firebird is not 27.5+ compatible. 2.5-inch tires are as wide as you're going to want to go here.

Pivot offers nine different build kits mated to the Firebird's carbon frame. You're looking at a price range of $4,999 to $9,899. Is there a lower-cost aluminum model in the works? Though Cocalis doesn't entirely rule out an aluminum option, you shouldn't hold your breath.

"We won't have an aluminum option in the near future," says Cocalis.

The market for lightweight, pedal-friendly long-travel bikes only seems to be growing. How will the new Firebird fare against the likes of the Santa Cruz Nomad, Specialized Enduro, Mondraker Dune or GT Sanction? Only time will tell. By the time you read this, Firebirds will be available to the public.

Want to see the Firebird in action? You can check out Pivot Cycles' video right here.


MENTIONS: @pivotcycles



Author Info:
vernonfelton avatar

Member since Apr 11, 2014
202 articles

197 Comments
  • 50 2
 Why are these geo charts always blurry?
  • 15 3
 Blurry, but I can just about make out 465 reach on a large, so sounds like they've moved on form the ridiculously cramped geo of the Mach 6 (which was 425 in XL, and only 414 on a large)
  • 13 1
 Because you are on your phone and you should have bad settings concerning picture's display on your browser (to save data for exemple). No problem on computer. Wink
  • 13 1
 Someone doesn't believe in using a GIF without anti-aliasing. Noob move.
  • 12 1
 @honourablegeorge: Reach has grown considerably. The reach on a size Small Firebird is now longer than the reach on a Large Mach 6.
  • 10 0
 @vernonfelton: About damn time, too. Glad they've seen the light.
  • 3 2
 I'd guess because they are lower resolution images and likely scanned or photographed from a catalogue. If you're on an iPhone, modern Android phone, iPad or use a desktop computer or laptop with a higher resolution (Retina MacBook Pro, etc) the screen will have more pixels per inch than this image does, hence the blurriness.
  • 7 1
 @vernonfelton: Yeah - I honestly thought the Mach 6 geometry chart was a misprint when I saw it. Couldn't beleive how short it was. It got taken off the list pretty fast.
  • 4 1
 @vernonfelton: glad this isn't made for micro people like the older Mach 6
  • 1 1
 @Eneite: I have noticed this on my last 3 phones, all android but high pixel density. The pinkbike site in general is pretty terrible on mobile, and given 60+% of the sites traffic would be mobile I don't think saying "it works on computer" is good enough.
  • 1 0
 Yep, there are Geo metrics in there still a mystery to me
  • 52 21
 Came here to see a video of Bernard Kerr scrubbing into a stoppie and doing chilled out one handed coasting wheelies, but all I see is an expensive bike looking as if Salvadore Dali painted a Nomad. Such a D-I-S-A-P-P. I think it is pivotal for this company to show more of Kerrs riding.
  • 27 3
 @Kezzerr: thank you. I'm am throwing money at the screen as we speak. Just like that other time when Emily Batty was presenting the 32 Cast-step fork.
  • 9 1
 There's a link to the video at the bottom of the article.
  • 4 0
 as if the bike doesn't sell itself, they add the guy with the British accent... brilliant.
  • 6 0
 ...and Eliot and Emilie dammit!
  • 4 3
 why would I watch that Kerr guy I only watch R-dog and coastal crew stuff cause im a BRO
  • 3 1
 Because his chamois smells of lavender
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: isnt lavender like a french thing? lilac is probably a britisher smelly flower but I could be wrong im not a certified british person.
  • 1 0
 So if you got one for a lengthy comparison to your not inexpensive Carbonjack in exchange for a writeup, you'd decline?
  • 1 0
 @ceecee: off course I would not decline, I'd be delighted. In fact I am already making arrangements for Troll-reviews on video, since I am friends with pretty much every major shop in town so I can rent sweet bikes. The issue is that most bikes these days are great, I've been there in 2008 with my Nomad, I knew how terrible most other 140-170 bikes were back then. So I am not going to honey-dick blood thirsty trolls with negatives, but I expect the party lending me the bike to expect me to be super nice. Everything with a pinch of salt. I own an awesome bike so nobody is making me a huge favor by lending me a bike and I am particularly callous for bike jewelry like carbon rims, bars or high end driver trains.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: But the bloodthirsty trolls are constantly being honeydicked with negatives. I don't burn money any more than the next congenitally conjoined twin, but as a back to back to back comparison on a very stout 140mm 29" hardtail (Flow vs. Nox Farlow) clearly shows, carbon rims are superior to alloy in all respects but one. If I were going to split the difference, front wheel would be carbon. A Polish Antidote glossed up by robots on Uranus is hardly anti-jewelry.
  • 26 0
 a frame built to last.
Cool.
Enduro/park. That was called free ride once.
Sweet.
  • 2 0
 Freeride aint dead? MY17 must be the year
  • 5 0
 Freeride => Mini DH=> Park => Long travel Enduro => ?
Seems 180mm travel bikes change category every 3 or 4 years.
  • 26 3
 Talk about targeting the market; enough suspension to slay downhill, yet the really climbable suspension layout to murder enduro, all packed into a lightweight, super stiff carbon frame. Well done pivot!
  • 7 1
 Agreed, but as popular as the notion of "Enduro" has become are there that many riders doing it? Well, I suppose enough riders think they are doing it , I suppose.

Very nice bike though, and I'm very glad they didn't mess with the M6.
  • 4 0
 I have a Cube Fritzz with 180mm front and rear, and I love it! The fact they are producing new climbable mini DH rigs gives me more options when buying a new bike. I can't shuttle every day with a DH bike but I also hate the 160mm on gnarly tracks. A good beefy 180mm travel bike is a great compromise.
  • 6 0
 @MikerJ: I went Spartan over Troy because I wanted something that felt more like DH bikes I rode in the past, but reasonably climbable. Something I could take on local trails, but also show up to the bike park with. As much as modern 140-150 bikes are amazing, this segment right here is what I want out of a bike.

The only real caveat I have to this statement is that I have a slack hardtail for doing XC laps, but I've taken the Spartan out on those same trails, & I wouldn't call it the end of the world if it was my only bike. but that said, if I were shopping for one do everything bike, the shorter travel bikes would perhaps win me over.
  • 2 0
 @MikerJ: here in CO Enduro has pretty much taken over the gravity race scene. All the fast guys and gals show up at BME and there's only a couple of DH races still on the calendar.
  • 2 1
 @dthomp325: Enduro races get all the coverage too, but it's sort of funny that most of the BME races are capped at ~250 riders, whereas there are plenty of XC/Marathon/100 miler/12 Hour races that have 2-3 times that number of riders. Despite what the flavor of the day media coverage would have you believe, the truth is that there are far more people racing XC on a regular basis than Enduro.

I can see why coverage would be biased. Enduro is a lot easier to cover, and can yield a lot of great action shots. Not against Enduro. I think I'd enjoy it, but XC is far more popular in regards to actual participants.
  • 3 1
 I'm just happy that the enduro crowd is pushing towards ever lighter bikes with ever more travel.
Love seeing fork/rear shock travel standards increasing on most of the "trail" bikes these days.

...Remember when every bike with 170mm looked like a banshee chaparral? haha, its almost embarrassing to look back at the mid 2000 era of ultra beefy hydro-formed/ machined aesthetic...almost.

(Nicolai, knolly, Foes, Canfield, norco, transition... you know who you are...)
  • 5 0
 @MikerJ: I'm not sure if whether people are actually doing Enduro matters. Its more just whether people are buying that style of bike, which they clearly are. 99% of the time I go to XC trails nowadays everyone I see is riding an Enduro bike even though a trail/XC bike is much more well-suited for their capability and frequented areas.
  • 1 0
 @shredjekyll: It seems like the most popular bikes are the ones that are a little smaller than this (or my Spartan, for that matter.) I'm seeing a lot more people on the 150mm-ish bikes like the Bronson, or a Stumpy Evo, or a Troy. Bikes that are made for overall competency, compared with this bike & other 160mm+ beasts that are really made to pedal up fireroads or moderate single track, & win races on the way down.

Most people only have one bike. If I were in that boat, neither my 120mm trailbike, nor my 165mm Spartan, would have been my bike of choice.
  • 3 1
 @TucsonDon: Enduro races have to cap rider amounts because it is essentially a time trial (1 rider at a time) for each stage. Whereas XC/Marathon/100 miler/12 Hour races are mass starts. If there was no cap the race would go on forever because you cannot do awards or anything until everyone has returned. Yes you could put a time limit on the race, but if you have so many riders in the que for each stage and it takes more than an hour to get through because there are so many riders you just pissed off a bunch of people that spent more time waiting in lines than racing. 250 is actually a lot for an Enduro and takes a coordinated effort to put on such an event.
  • 4 0
 @dthomp325: Downhill is still the pinnacle of pure speed and ability and suspension design ! ! !
  • 2 0
 @TucsonDon: I was commenting on gravity racing, not XC, but since you mention it I'll comment. Yeah, some XC races like Whiskey Off Road have huge fields, but let's be honest, they are mostly comprised of hack riders. How much of the amateur field is actually competitive, 20%?

I don't see that at all in BME, where most of the field is competitive. It takes a lot of skill just to get down a BME stage safely, and while I have a ton of respect for people who can ride for 100 miles, I think the average skill level at a BME race is far, far above the average XC race.

@truehipster DH may be the pinnacle of gravity elsewhere, but that's no longer the case in CO. The toughest competition and most talented competitors are now found at enduro races.
  • 2 0
 @dthomp325: FWIW, as a Tucson rider, there's a bit of a myopia regarding disciplines other than XC here. I've been treated like I'm "not a real mountain biker" more than once because I ride technical stuff, & don't do 25-50 mile days.

Partly because of that, a lot of out of town people think that's all Tucson has to offer, but it's not true! We aren't Val di Sole, but we've got some fun techy riding! Go check out some youtube clips of La Millagrosa or Bug Springs!
  • 1 0
 @groghunter: I ride Lemmon and the other Tucson areas every chance I get.
  • 1 0
 @dthomp325: Thanks! I guess that part was targeted at anyone who might think we don't have good riding here, not you specifically.
  • 1 0
 @groghunter: Just watched a couple of clips of La Millagrosa - looks like great fun. Reminds me of some of the old-school barely maintained trails lurking around home here in Adelaide. Had to laugh at the first one I found where the rider complained that it was too techy.
  • 1 0
 @OldOtter: There's some fairly techy bits. No jumping from boulder to boulder silliness like old school DH courses, but enough for a trail with far too much climbing to be fun on a DH bike.
  • 1 0
 @MikerJ: it's growing. I'd say if we were to see the data on 160mm bike sales it would be a boom category. Seems everyone selling their trail bikes and going longer, slacker, deeper round here.
  • 1 0
 @Shreddy-McShredface:

You know, I really don't ride my DH rig nearly to its fullest capability anyway. And, while it may get me down the hill faster the stakes are higher when something goes wrong. - my bones don't bounce like they use to. Besides, I'd rather spend more time on the course than the lift anyway. My next DH bike likely won't be a "DH" bike but will likely be something like the Bird.

My Mach 6 has three years on it and does every thing from trail to park ridding and I love the bike and dealing with Pivot has been great.

With all that said, I think I'll pick up a Firebird, when I hit the Powerball.
  • 1 0
 @road-n-dirt: I understand the reasons why. It was just something I noticed. Even the Arizona State Championship series (MBAA) had over 600 racers at the last XC race of their's I went to (two or three years ago). I think they both take a lot of effort to put on, and I'm glad that there are promoters putting in the effort to put on both of these types of races. Something for everyone. I look forward to trying one soon. I just got a 2.5 DHF and Minion SS to play on some new local lift-served riding we have here in Grand Junction (not in Tucson anymore) at Powderhorn, but I'm bummed I'll miss their last Enduro of the season, conflicts with some other plans I had. I'll probably do one next year. Maybe a BME.
  • 16 0
 Definitely my new bike............................................................................................. if I win the lottery
  • 17 0
 Why do single rider mountain bikes get all the coverage on PB? Where's the tandem mtn bike reviews?
  • 4 1
 I agree! I've been looking to pick up a tandem trail shredder, but I've had a hard time finding reliable reviews. Would like to see more PB coverage on the emerging tandem scene.
  • 2 0
 @JamesPA: A pair of pros hucking sweet lines on a tandem at Crankworx would be a great addition
  • 2 6
flag SlodownU (Aug 18, 2016 at 8:12) (Below Threshold)
 Because getting 7ft of bike around single-track and switchbacks isn't exactly on everyones wish-list.
  • 4 0
 @hbar314: Definitely. I'd sell my fat bike for a ticket to see Remy Metailler riding shotgun with Loic Bruni tricking out the senders on A Line.
  • 12 0
 @SlodownU: Not with that attitude its not
  • 4 0
 @SlodownU: But, one tandem is going to be lighter than two singles...ipso facto faster times on the course.
  • 7 0
 @SlodownU: I heard a rumor that TrailForks is going to start listing tandem-friendly trails.
  • 2 0
 Most trails that I've been on when I see tandem mtn bikes seem to be pretty friendly to tandems. I think just like any modern trail bike you just need some seat time to get the hang of how it handles at speed and in the big technical features.
  • 3 0
 Everyone bitching and complaining about the cost of "single" person bike. I'd like them to start making carbon, full-suspension tandems just so I can grab my pop-corn, beer, and watch that show on this site.
  • 2 0
 Since carbon bikes aren't really catching on I can't imagine they would make the jump to the more aggressive world of tandem mtn bikes (normally referred to as mandems)

#tandemlife #mandem
  • 3 0
 @SlodownU: Don't give the "more reach is always better" crowd any ideas!
  • 4 1
 @miles-e: Half the people "loving" the more reach thing have never actually ridden a bike with more reach.
  • 3 0
 I'm glad somebody finally brought this up. I was a little scared to, what with all the hardcore single rider riders on PB. I don't know where my marriage would be without having the tandem in our lives, it really saved us. Bring on the tandem reviews!
  • 2 0
 The couple that pedals together, stays together.
  • 1 0
 @vernonfelton Any tandem reviews currently in the pipe?
  • 1 0
 @bigcheese1:
I mean, as a followup to Yoann riding A-line on a cross bike it would be great to see him doing something equally as awesome on a mandem.
Chit, if you can't find another pro rider to throw on the back then just throw a blow up doll on the back and call it done.
  • 2 0
 @SlodownU: the geometry on the new tandems has been completely revamped from what I've read, so I'd guess the reach is pretty progressive without being overly aggressive. Lots of dynamic adjustability as well to dial in the fit.
  • 3 0
 @JamesPA: I must have some pretty old geometry on my tandem. Riding in the back you can almost reach around to the front bar.
  • 2 0
 tandem trials.
  • 13 2
 ..another 5-9k bike that pinkbike pedals great uphill...and slays the downhill. what will they think of next? a mountain bike?
  • 2 0
 @Skadakar: The HD3 and RFX are skewed more towards all-around trail, so they both probably climb better than this (less wheelbase). Having ridden both, they are phenomenal all around. This bike is more DH than trail.
  • 16 4
 Needs a Kashima X-2.....
  • 7 2
 The black still looks amazing
  • 5 0
 I think the black looks better - especially if you want that dark murdered out style
  • 2 1
 @Grmasterd: on your bright neon red bicycle?
  • 4 0
 @chrisingrassia: www.pivotcycles.com/bike/firebird - you can get black - which is good cause black will always be the new black
  • 1 1
 @Grmasterd: ah yes, with lovely pretty aqua blue logos and accents everywhere.

This is dark murdered out: us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/enduro/587/capra-cf-pro?c=260
  • 1 0
 @chrisingrassia: bc nobody has ever got black decals aftermarket? pointless anyways, this looks like a nice bike but I have no interest in - and as cool as murdered out is I'm a raw aluminum finish kinda guy for pure aesthetics
  • 1 0
 Darkshima looks better.
  • 3 0
 @passwordpinkbike: wins "best user name of the day"
  • 1 0
 anyone knows the size of the shock?
  • 2 0
 @tiagomano: Eye to eye is 8.5 inches and stroke is 2.5 inches. Cheers.
  • 8 2
 7.1 lbs for a Medium seems a little heavier than I expected for a carbon frame. For comparison, the GT Sanction weighs almost the same but is in aluminum while the Santa Cruz Nomad is almost a pound lighter (although the Firebird is comparably longer).
  • 4 7
 It is heavier and super long and looking at their website they say a large fits 5'10"-6'3". That's a huge range and not specific enough. With these kind of bikes you think they would just make the sizes for people 5'6" to 6'6". Then you would get much more specific sizes and better fit because you aren't trying to cover such massive height ranges.
  • 11 2
 Remember it's a stout 170mm park/ endurbro bike here. Not a 140mm trail bike
  • 6 1
 Right. You wouldn't want a bike this big to be skimping on layup. It could still be built to under 30lbs, which is less than some 110mm 29ers.
  • 1 0
 @PHeller: You're not getting a bike like this under 30lbs especially once you put the pedals and real tires on, unless you spend another $2k on carbon wheels.
  • 1 0
 I just bought an Evil Wreckoning, and it weighs 7.9 lbs with a Monarch. I think these bikes are built downhill strong and stiff. At least I hope, since they weight similar to a carbon DH + airshock frame. There are obviously lighter options out there, Yeti, SC, likely the new Specialized and Treks.
  • 2 0
 @SlodownU: My GT Sanction weighs 29.2lbs with Mavic Crossmax wheels, Raceface Atlas pedals, 2.3 DHF/2.3 Aggressor DD tires.
  • 2 1
 @ski-or-die: Is it a size small?
  • 1 0
 @SlodownU: Medium, and actually 29.3 now that I look back, but still...


www.pinkbike.com/photo/13359811
  • 5 0
 @ski-or-die: Lets be honest, 30-31lbs for a bike with as much travel as a Sanction and Firebird really isn't that bad. Would you really want a 26lb bike for the type of riding a bike like that is intended to do?
  • 2 0
 @SlodownU: Indeed, I fully agree! I love these new long travel "enduro" bikes, and think the achieved weights are spectacular... Freeride isn't dead, our bikes have just gotten lighter.
  • 8 1
 Conspicuously absent from the article is the use of a PF BB.
  • 3 0
 It's a BB92.
  • 4 1
 It's funny how more companies are moving back to threaded BB and that gets highlighted in the description for that particular company, but when they have the crappy press fit BB, its not mentioned. Embarrassed maybe?
  • 3 0
 The Original Firebird was aa beast it really did climb like a goat and was great on the descents. I loved mine when I has it, only thing was that any small change in the shock would throw it out of whack. I'd love one of these though they look sick.
  • 2 0
 Its interesting how they put so much emphasis on the exact shock and the use of the climb switch. 170mm is a lot of bike to pedal up a hill, so it will be interesting to put it against the Santa Cruz Nomad, Specialized Enduro, Mondraker Dune etc. All bikes that pedal pretty well fully open.
  • 4 0
 Definitely interested to see linkage design analysis.. But you know you will enjoy the downhill, so suck it up on the climb... All guys I have seen with a coil on an enduro bike I have asked them if the coil sucks to pedal, the answer: YES AnD I Don't CARE
  • 2 0
 My Spartan needs a flick of the compression lever to climb technical stuff, full open it will suck up technical features & stall. but as @Lagr1980 said, I really don't care. It's worth it for the near DH bike capability on the downs.
  • 4 0
 most DW-link bikes have a pretty significant linear or regressive leverage ratio in the last like 30-50% of travel, so it's not surprising to read that. gives a lot of midstroke support while allowing full travel with an air shock, but definitely not as progressive as you'd want for a coil or maybe even the newer debonair-type air cans. will be interesting to see an analysis.
  • 10 8
 Catch a full review in next month's Dentist Magazine.
  • 1 0
 @b26-4-Life: There is no most DW bikes in this segment, there is the HD3 and RFX. Lets not create myths here, both of those bikes were designed around linear air-cans with a very light compression tune to run around 30% sag, and both still ramp up very nicely at the end of the stroke.. You can fine-tune how much with the volume spacers.
  • 1 0
 @SlodownU: I didn't say they weren't well suited to the shocks they are spec'ed with, and I agree that the shock tune and air-can matches the leverage ratio, but we're talking about why these bikes aren't necessarily suited to a coil and that's still true. I take it back about the debonair-type cans, yes you can still add volume spacers as much as you want there. But if you look at it historically you see the trend, basically all of the Pivot Mach X's, Mojo X's, etc, even the iron horses, have that last 50% linear or regressive stretch.
  • 2 0
 @b26-4-Life: Fair point, but DW is pretty tuneable. The old DHR's and Sundays were spec'd with coil shocks. Looking at the numbers on this bike, I'd bet that they tuned it more to the DH end of the spectrum. You could probably throw a Boxxer or 40 onto the front of this bike too.
  • 1 0
 @b26-4-life: I can't speak to previous dw link designs, but I have a pivot switchblade and it has a nice, progressive ride. I don't know how many spacers come stock in the shock, but I'm able to use full travel when needed and only get a harsh bottom out when I screw up. That said, pivot says you can't put a coil on it.
  • 1 0
 @b26-4-Life: I'll put money on it that this has a progressive ending rate. Like the Phoenix I'm guessing, which is moderately progressive all the way thru. And spec'd with a coil (rc4) before the x2 hit the market.
  • 2 0
 I loved my old Firebird 26" model. I ended up selling it a few years ago, and recently, I still saw the thing on the trail. Even the old one pedaled great and was still really active and plush. With a Zoke 55 on it, and the aluminum frame it was pushing 34 pounds. This new one looks great.
  • 7 1
 That looks killer Drool great to see Pivot redesigned the Firebird!
  • 4 1
 With all of the time and money spent on development and they could not have found a better way to route that derailleur cable?
  • 6 4
 I also wish more companies would start using 157mm rear spacing in lieu of 148. Or even 150... Sure, the fact I already have three sets of 157mm wheels may bias this opinion...
  • 3 2
 How is this a "park_enduro" bike? That's not even a thing, sure you can ride an enduro bike in the bike park but bike parks are about smashing out runs, hitting jumps, and going big and not pedalling up hills . How's a feather weight carbon bike the right choice for that? Sick bike but it is what it is and park and enduro aren't even close
  • 3 0
 Out of all the new bikes on the market this Firebird is by far at the top of my wish list!
  • 3 0
 And just like that Super Boost is dead. Maybe they will release Super Duper Boost?
  • 8 0
 No. We've reached Peak Wide Hub and things are swinging back the other way. We'll be riding 130mm hubs in the rear soon for "enhanced weight reduction", "reduced heel rub" and "improved lateral trail clearance". Wink
  • 4 0
 @vikb: And then they take it a step further and reintroduce 26" wheels as having better spin up, lower weight, stiffer, and more playability.
  • 3 0
 @mtnman4life: 26+ is coming next, just wait and see.
  • 1 0
 @SlodownU: This is true, I have proof....
  • 3 0
 @pivotcycles are your bikes still two years warrantee or lifetime for the new models? Thanks
  • 3 0
 Guess I could trade my 2013 26" Firebird for a lottery ticket. If I can come up with another dollar..
  • 4 0
 Validates my 2012 Canfield One :-)
  • 2 1
 A little disappointed in the looks and no water bottle mount. Aside from that, banging. Pivot should do well with this, their line up has being hanging for a bike like this.
  • 3 0
 i think there are some bottle mounts super low on the DT, near the massive dangling gear cable.
  • 8 5
 Fail! Cable disaster under BB like a bra without filling
  • 3 1
 Oof, good lookin' out. Not something I'd be willing to tolerate in a 2017 bike, even Specialized finally got rid of their rat's nest. it's even got internal routing, just to drop it out 4 inches above the BB? Ridiculous. They could at least put a skid plate on there like Devinci, FFS.
  • 1 0
 @groghunter: Ya I've never liked that design on Pivots either. If you run Di2 I think you may be able to keep the cable internal all the way (if it's like the 429)
  • 1 0
 @grgsmith: That's probably for the dropper, so Di2 isn't going to help. not sure why companies don't realize that everybody would much prefer those cables up top. Like I pointed out, Devinci does it on the Spartan, but puts a skid plate over it, so I'm willing to forgive it a bit there. This Pivot is intended for the same kind or rowdy riding, though, it should really have some protection to the downtube as well. or at least if the dropper needs to exit the frame, do it from the top of the tube, not the bottom.
  • 1 2
 @groghunter: I'm pretty sure that's not for the dropper - it's hard to tell from the pics but it goes back into the driveside seatstay (in the very first pic you can see it through the chainring). It's exactly how routing is done the 429SL and other existing Pivot frames. Dropper is all internal, from seatpost to where it exits near the headset.

What bugs me even more than this bike is that the 429 trail has external routing ON THE DOWNTUBE Frown External routing is convenient but please not on the downtube. It gets covered in mud, makes cleaning hard, is exposed to rocks and other damage, etc.
  • 2 1
 Why does it have to stick out so far? Well, you better tuck that in. Gonna get that caught on a tripwire
  • 1 0
 @grgsmith: upon further inspection, you are correct sir, it's a derailleur cable.
  • 1 0
 @todd: and don't forget to change your socks every time you stop.
  • 2 1
 @todd: THE SWINGARM HAS TO MOVE UPWARDS, THERE IS A LOOP TO PREVENT CABLE TUG AND MIS-SHIFTS
  • 2 1
 @groghunter: IT DOES.....DO YOU NOT SEE THE PROTECTION IN THE FIRST PHOTO? IT HARDER TO SEE ON THE BLACK ONE.
  • 2 0
 @fastandlow: A rubber guard is not as burly as a skid plate, & doesn't give them a place to hide that cable. My bike has the der cable exit on the top side of the downtube, & follow the line of the pivots, no loop required. AND STOP f*ckING YELLING.
  • 1 0
 agree. it takes one errant projectile or a wayward stick or so to f sh up. why on earth design a bike so spendy with a chance of major mishap?
  • 3 0
 I like the black version on the website as well, very good looking
  • 2 1
 Im the idiot who bought the Mach 6 carbon 3 weeks ago... Before I knew this was coming out.....Mach 6 is a BMX bike compared to this..dayyyummmm daniel!
  • 3 0
 this is a first, it's a pivot, and i want one. nice work
  • 2 0
 Like it that they have different stack height for different sizes... some shitty companies just do one size fits all
  • 3 2
 Damn, that's a good looki......wait a minute. What's that under the BB?? Sigh what a let down. Why can't these designers figure out how to run the cables over the BB?
  • 1 0
 Exactly my thought.
Finally a longer reach Pivot, excellent!
Then they route the cables underneath the bike and continue to beat the baby blue color usage to death. Faceplam.
Like the Mach 6 wait for version 2 once they've moved the cable routing and dumped the baby blue from the colour scheme.
I'm guessing it's press fit too?
  • 3 0
 That's an attractive looking bike.
  • 2 0
 I only have €, so can I start throwing it at the screen, or do I need to exchange first?
  • 3 0
 Price range: $4,999 to $9,899 i am out.
  • 1 0
 Typically, I'm not all over a bike like this... however, this one seems rather intriguing. Especially given the geometries and what looks to be some DH breeding.
  • 1 0
 They very nearly copied the nomads geometry and numbers within fractions of an inch and fractions of a degree here and there. So it really comes down to VPP vs DW link.
  • 3 0
 nah the nomad's reach is like an inch shorter per size, at least until the new one comes out i'm guessing.
  • 1 0
 @b26-4-Life: hopefully the nomad will retain the same sizing. It is spot on at the moment. Th pivot is less than an inch longer nearly every other measurement is so close it's nearly identical. I guess mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery.
  • 3 0
 @poozank: i am pretty sure they will stretch the new nomad a bit.
  • 1 0
 @MTB-Colada: I guess we will se. I hope not though the size range is dialed right now. I also know they wouldn't change it unless there was a definite benefit not just to go with trends. Take the XXL v10 for example.
  • 1 0
 @poozank: True. I am just basing my view on the fact that they stretched the Bronson a bit last year. I also wouldn't mind a bigger XL, or indeed an XXL!
  • 4 1
 No superboost - No sale.
  • 1 0
 Yeah kinda baffled as to why they hyped that up on the switchblade and then didn't use it here
  • 1 0
 Beautiful looking bike for sure!.. But if I had the coin I still think the Nomad wins my hart.
  • 2 0
 Where can I buy this in the UK and how much? Such a nice bike!
  • 1 0
 These type bikes are getting closer to the geo, peddle ability and travel of my Liteville 601, but not yet
  • 3 0
 take my money now!
  • 1 0
 Internal external Dangling routing.....is that better...?........just stupid......give me external any day.....
  • 1 0
 Did Pivot just buy too many 125mm droppers? How can this bike not come with a 150?
  • 3 0
 It can. We've got 100, 125, 150 and 65 carbon droppers in stock.
  • 1 0
 Yet again intense had a 5k entry build now pivot
  • 5 4
 Pivot firebird 10 - 0 specialized enduro
  • 1 0
 That's a beautiful looking bike!!
  • 1 0
 Nice bike. Too bad it's so expensive
  • 1 0
 Lovely bike ! My first Endure bike was Firebird , like a lot !
  • 1 0
 What's the starting price for this bik
  • 2 0
 Smooth as Silk
  • 1 0
 Am I allowed to not like the rear linkage?
  • 1 0
 So it's a freeride bike with a new label. Looks good
  • 2 0
 Needs more logos.
  • 1 0
 Downtube logos will be going away on some brands soon...just to be a punk to the industry.
  • 2 0
 It's sooo preeetyyyy!
  • 1 0
 First Pivot I've seen that I would consider buying.
  • 1 0
 What a dream bike! I need to demo this thing pronto!!!
  • 1 0
 Me want! That bike is drop dead sexy Drool
  • 2 2
 Hey Look! .... It's a Devinci Spartan
  • 1 0
 is it PF BB?
  • 3 0
 yes
  • 1 0
 $10k hahahaha
  • 2 3
 First they hype Super Boost. New aggro park bike, Bastard Boost. SMH.
  • 2 1
 Ya why not go 157 and make it 2 wheel size bike
  • 2 1
 Super Boost is obsolete. It's done. Blink and you missed it. Wink
  • 1 3
 IMHO, it's just the 170mm version of Mach6.
  • 2 0
 you know...just with real geo stats..
  • 1 0
 what are you saying TroubleZone13? the Firebird and Mach6 they have the same exact geo except 170mm?
  • 1 4
 Looks really good, very similar to the nomad. But labeling it as a park bike is pigeon holeing it
  • 1 0
 I don't know about that poozank. the new firebird looks exactly like the Yeti SB6C except the 170mm travel
  • 1 0
 @momoy: look at the geometry specs. It's nearly identical to the nomad. The yeti isn't as aggressive
  • 5 7
 7lbs for a carbon frame. Are you kidding me? My v10c weighs 28lbs.
  • 4 2
 Yeah it seems heavy for what it is.
  • 10 1
 Your Santa Cruz V10C does not weigh 28lbs.
  • 2 0
 @ski-or-die: lol thank you
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