Pivot Firebird

Pivot Firebird
The Firebird was new to 2009, but I missed getting to try it out last year. The Firebird has 167mm of travel in the rear and 160mm in the front. This long travel bike eats up terrain, and allows you to fly down anything, soaking up terrain, rocks and undulations like crazy. It rails around the berms, and flies through the air with ease.

On steep loose climbs the suspension would drop out on me, which meant an immediate unloading of the rear end and all lose of traction. It happened a couple of times on the circuit I did, and it was a bit unnerving. All in all, the Firebird was a nice bike, and it ate any terrain I could throw at it for lunch, albeit with the occasional unloading rear end.

Innovative linkage

See all the latest 2009 Bikes and Products from Pivot Cycles Here!

I am a bit addicted to the wonders of the big wheeled 29ers and the DW Link suspension, so I was looking forward to trying out the Pivot 429. Last year at the dirt demo I felt that Pivot had some issues with their rear suspension, but I was told that their issues have since been resolved.

Might as well face it, you’re addicted to love

Geez, I have the Robert Palmer video stuck in my head now. The lipsticked women with the pale skin, heavy makeup, dark hair and seductive expression make me laugh. Yes they are playing the instruments, NOT. Anyway, I digress.

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