QUIVER KILLER PHOENIX

Pivot’s reborn Firebird could be their fastest trail bike ever

Long-travel 29ers are some of the most versatile bikes out there, true all-rounders that remove the need to have a ‘quiver’ of MTBs for different types of riding – and Pivot say their all-new Firebird is as fast as they come.

It’s stiffer, lighter and has a lower centre of gravity than previous versions. The frame has been redesigned, with a new rear shock position (vertical rather than horizontal), increased standover height, compatibility with both coil- and air-sprung shocks, space for a water bottle, and integration with Fox’s Live Valve electronic damping control system.

The geometry and suspension kinematics have been tuned for each frame size. Chainstay lengths vary from 430mm to 444mm (small to extra-large), while reach figures span from 445mm to 515mm. In the ‘low’ flip-chip setting, the head angle sits at 64 degrees (it steepens by 0.6 degrees in ‘high’) and the seat tube angle is said to be a steep 77.5 degrees (sizes large and extra-large). Thanks to the flip-chip, it’s possible to run the Firebird with mixed wheel sizes.

At the rear, Pivot continue to use the DW-link suspension platform, but it’s been tweaked for 2022, giving the 165mm of rear wheel travel a more rearward axle path and increasing progressivity so it’ll work with both coiland air-sprung shocks.

Prices start at £6,800 for the Race XT build and top out at a massive £15,600 for the Team XX1 AXS Live Valve edition. www.upgradebikes.co.uk