Pivot has hit a few out of the park recently. The Mach 4 and Mach 429 Trail were well-sorted bikes that were more capable than what their 115mm of travel would suggest. Pivot followed that up with the Switchblade, a 135mm bruiser with on-point geometry and versatile wheel size capabilities, which netted a huge sweet spot.

But what if Pivot actually blended all this new geometry and DW-Link suspension refinement with a bike that actually had significant travel? The Pivot Firebird is the answer with 170mm of front and rear travel. Now, we can actually find out what capabilities this platform can really handle.

Bernard tackles the bike park with the new Firebird.

Bernard Kerr tackles the bike park with the new Firebird.​

What is it?

The Firebird now features Pivot Phoenix DH-inspired long reach measurements combined with a 65-degree head angle to deliver stability and handling.

For enduro racers, the tough and light Firebird's climbing traction, descending capability, and good acceleration make it a good choice for the steep Enduro World Series course. For park riders, the Firebird's long front-center and short chainstay combination provides that nimble, snappy feel that encourages bold line choices while staying fully in control at high speeds.

New Reynolds Enduro carbon wheels are used.

New Reynolds Enduro carbon wheels are a nice touch.​

Pivot Firebird Features

  • Full carbon frame featuring Pivot's proprietary hollow core internal molding technology
  • Phoenix DH-influenced long and low geometry
  • Short 430mm (16.95") chainstays
  • 170mm dw-link rear suspension with upper clevis and linkage and double wishbone rear triangle
  • FOX Float Factory X2 rear shock
  • 170mm Fox 36 Factory fork
  • 27.5 wheel compatible, fits tires up to 2.5" tires
  • Boost spacing front and rear
  • Front derailleur compatible with Pivot's stealth E-Type mounting system.
  • 180mm rear post mounts (no adaptor required)
  • Pivot Cable Port system for easy internal routing of shifters, brakes and droppers and full Di2 Integration
  • Internal dropper post compatible
  • Cold forged alloy linkages with Enduro Max cartridge bearings
  • New quieter rubberized frame protection
  • Available in sizes S, M, L, XL for riders between 5'4" to 6'7"

Geometry is long and slack.

Geometry is long and slack.​

Key Measurements

Taking a page from the Phoenix DH Carbon's progressive geometry, the Firebird features some of the longest reach measurements we've seen. That's combined with stubby 16.95" chainstays. The resulting long front-center keeps the front wheel in contact with the trail on the ups and gives the Firebird a well balanced, highly capable technical climbing ability over rough terrain.

When descending, the Firebird's long and low geometry puts the rider "in" the bike for increased stability at high speeds and on steep technical challenges, while the short chainstay measurements provide a maneuverable, dynamic ride that makes it easy to put the bike where you want it.

The rear triangle is the stiffest bike now in the Pivot arsenal.

The rear triangle is the stiffest bike now in the Pivot arsenal.​

DW-Link Suspension

Dave Weagle, the brains behind dw‐link and Chris Cocalis, Pivot's president and founder, collaborate on every Pivot suspension design. For the Firebird Carbon, they have created a bike that uses the best attributes of the dw‐link for improved downhill and climbing performance. With the dw‐link's anti squat and variable wheel travel path, Pivot was able to optimize the Firebird's rearward axle path in the first third of the travel to provide better square edge bump absorption (similar to the Phoenix DH bike) with pedaling efficiency similar to the Mach 6. This ensures that the new Firebird Carbon both descends and pedals well.

1x11 Shimano cog with 46t cog.

1x11 cassette with the new Shimano 46t cog.​

Suspension Components

The Firebird is spec'd with the Fox Float X2 factory shock. This choice is based directly on feedback from our top racers - the Fox Float X2 air shock offers incredible control and a plusher feel allowing riders to go faster with greater confidence. The X2 shock features independent high and low speed compression and rebound adjustments, an EVOL air sleeve for coil shock-like sensitivity, Kashima coating and the X2's new RVS (Rod Valve System) for damping control and a plush ride. Between the high low speed compression and rebound adjustments, as well as air spring and air volume adjust. The Fox Float X2 is highly tunable shock for the entire ranges of rider weights and course conditions. To match the Firebird's rear suspension, Pivot paired it with the newest 170mm Fox 36 Factory boost fork.

Continue to page 2 for a comprehensive FAQ on the new Pivot Firebird Carbon »

Long bars and a FOX under bar dropper lever.

Long bars and a Fox under bar dropper lever.​

FAQ

Which size bike?
The new Firebird features long and low geometry with a sizing philosophy similar to the Phoenix DH. The Firebird's reach measurements push new limits (they are long). Additionally, with both shorter seat tube and head tube measurements per size, riders have a wider range of bike sizes to choose from depending on your riding style and preferences. Some riders may find it comfortable to go up or down a size depending on their reach and stem length preferences. Below is a general guideline:

Small: 5'4.5" - 5'9"
Medium: 5'7" -5'11"
Large: 5'10" - 6'3"
X‐Large: 6'2" +

No more water bottle mount in the front triangle.

No more water bottle mount in the front triangle.​

What dropper post length?
The Firebird uses a 30.9mm size post and features a low stand-over height and short seat tubes to allow the use of longer travel dropper posts and/or more flexibility for a wider range of rider sizes. There are some limitations that each dropper post can accommodate for each frame size based on the individual riders saddle height, so it is important to check fit before choosing the travel and model of dropper post for your bike.

What hub/wheel spacing does the Firebird use?
The Firebird uses the boost 148mm X 12mm hub/wheel spacing. This is a new hub design with wider flanges so you cannot take a current 135mm, 142mm, 150mm, or 157mm hub and change end caps to convert an existing hub.

What travel fork can I use on my Firebird?
The Firebird was designed a 170mm fork. The maximum travel length that can be used on the Firebird is 180mm travel.

Front tire is a Maxxis DHF 2.5 WT.

Front tire is a Maxxis DHF 2.5".​

How wide of a tire can I run on the Firebird?
The Firebird was designed to run 27.5 wheels with up to 2.5" tires. Pivot is partial to the new line of Maxxis Wide Trail tires that come in either 2.4" or 2.5" depending on the model. All Firebird complete bikes come with 2.5"Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5" Wide Trail front and 2.4"Minion DHRII Wide Trail rear. The Firebird is not 27.5+ compatible.

What front derailleur does the Firebird use?
The Firebird uses an e-type Shimano side-swing style front derailleur only. Shimano produces the new e-type side-swing front derailleur in Deore and SLX for 10 speed drivetrains and XT and XTR for 11 speed drivetrains.

Can I run a chain guide on the Firebird?
Yes. The Firebird features ISCG05 mounts on the frame. Most upper guides on the market will fit and you can either use the ISCG05 mounts or some of the more compact versions that attach to an E-Type front derailleur mount. For full upper and lower guides, we recommend the MRP AMG for the Firebird.

What headset do you need?
The Firebird uses a ZS (zero stack) 49.6mm top and can also accept a standard 1.5 external top cup. This large upper cup design provides more room for riders wanting to experiment with angleset headsets to adjust front end geometry. The lower (bottom) cup is a (zero stack) 56mm size.

Continue to page 3 for more on the new Pivot Firebird Carbon »

Always sideways with Bernard Kerr.

Always sideways with Bernard Kerr.​

How large of a rotor will fit on the Firebird?
The Firebird was designed for a 180mm rotor. However, a 203mm rotor will clear as well.

What type of rear brake adapter do I need?
No brake adapter is needed for a 180mm rotor. However, many manufacturers make adapters for larger rotor sizes, in which case you would need a 180mm direct mount/ post to post adapter.

What cranks and bottom bracket will the Firebird accept?
The Firebird will accept all cranks designed for the boost system and compatible with a press fit 92mm bottom bracket. Boost system means that the rear hub spacing is 148mm and the chain-rings have been shifted out approximately 3mm from where a traditional crank designed for a 142mm rear hub would be so that the chainrings will line up properly with the new position of the cassette on the 148mm rear hub.

Can you run non-boost cranks?
In some cases you can run a conventional non-boost 1X or 2X crank. The Race Face NEXT 1X and other Cinch system 1X cranks are dual compatible between standard 142mm and 148mm boost rear ends. Some smaller chainring combination 1X (30 and 32T) Shimano XT and XTR 11 will also work. In some cases 2X standard cranks may also work with 24/34, 26/36 and 22/36 combinations. Shimano's new 11 Speed XTR and XT standard cranks feature both 24/34 and 26/36 chainring options which work perfectly with the Mach 6 Carbon frame as Shimano's chainline dimensions already tend to run wider than others in the market. There may be other 2X non- boost cranks available that will work although it is dependent on specific chainline and chainring size. If the chainline is not out far enough, the front derailleur clearance may be tight when shifting into the small ring as the front derailleur mount on the Firebird is also shifted outwards to accommodate the boost design.

What is the eye-to-eye shock length and stroke length on the Firebird?
The eye-to-eye shock length is 8.5 inches and the stroke length is 2.5 inches.

If you want to run a different brand of shock on the Firebird, what else do you need to know?
The Firebird shock uses M8 through bolt hardware on the front and no hardware on the rear. Shock spacer dimensions are 22mm wide front. On the rear of the shock, the spacer hardware and bushing will need to be removed as the strut mounts directly to the shock body. Some shocks may have a different spec then the Fox shock (that the Firebird Carbon is designed for) and may not fit properly. Also, as Pivot cannot test every shock on the market, riders assume some risk if they choose a shock that does not fit properly or is not tuned correctly for the bike. The frame is designed around a large volume air can. Pivot runs medium compression valving and medium rebound damping.

The people of Pivot are the key to the company's success.

The people of Pivot are the key to the company's success.​

Can you put a coil-over shock on a Firebird?
In general, Pivot does not recommend that you run a coil-over on a Firebird. The Firebird was designed to work with the progressiveness of an air spring. The Firebird is slightly more progressive in the end-stroke then the Mach 6, however still not fully optimized for the linear nature of a coil shock. In most cases, running a coil-over shock on the Firebird Carbon will result in hard bottoming and could result in damage to the frame and shock. However, if you are a diehard coil shock rider, Pivot has done extensive testing with the PUSH industries ElevenSIX shock and they can custom tune a shock for the Firebird.

For more information please visit https://www.pivotcycles.com/bike/firebird/.