Pivot has morphed the shape of its big-hitting 29in-wheeled Firebird enduro bike to look closer to its other bikes, the Switchblade, Mach 4, Mach 6, and Trail 429.
Now with a vertically-positioned rear shock, Pivot claims it lets it make the frame more compact, leading to a "stiffer, lighter [design], and a more centralised and lower centre of gravity."
Thanks to the change in design, other improvements include a decrease in standover height, plenty of water bottle clearance, compatibility with all shocks – coil- and air-sprung – due to a progressive shock rate, and the ability to integrate Fox's Live Valve electronic suspension damping control.
2022 Pivot Firebird suspension kinematic and geometry updates
Beyond the frame's looks, headlining the changes to the Firebird are its updated geometry and suspension kinematics, both tuned to each bike's size and corresponding rider's needs.
The geometry is adjustable between low and high positions, but this was also present on the old bike.
| Size | Small | Medium | Large | Extra-large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube length (mm) | 375 | 410 | 440 | 470 |
| Top tube length (mm) low/high | 598/597 | 624/623 | 641/640 | 665/664 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 95 | 108 | 118 | 128 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) low/high | 64/64.6 | 64/64.6 | 64/64.6 | 64/64.6 |
| Seat tube angle (degrees) low/high | 76/76.5 | 76.5/77 | 77/77.5 | 77/77.5 |
| Chain stay length (mm) low/high | 431/430 | 434/433 | 438/437 | 445/444 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) low/high | 350/355.8 | 350/355.8 | 350/355.8 | 350/355.8 |
| Standover height (mm) low/high | 662.1/667.2 | 672.4/677.9 | 693.5/698.8 | 704/709.4 |
| Wheelbase (mm) low/high | 1207/1206 | 1239/1237 | 1267/1266 | 1300/1299 |
| Stack height (mm) low/high | 615.4/612 | 627/624 | 636/633 | 645/642 |
| Reach (mm) low/high | 445/450 | 468/473 | 488/493 | 510/515 |
Shifting between the two positions, via a flip-chip on the seatstay pivot, swaps the head angle between 64 degrees (low) and 64.6 degrees (high), and changes the bottom bracket height by just under 6mm.
The change also affects the reach figure by 5mm per size, where the low position is slightly shorter.
The previous Firebird – last updated in 2018 – used short 431mm chainstays coupled with lengthy reach figures (from 429.3mm to 495.3mm) across its entire range of sizes. That's all changed for the 2022 model.
The flip-chip also means the Firebird is compatible with 27.5in wheels front and rear or a mullet setup.
Adjust the flip-chip to the high setting and install a 17mm lower headset extender cup, and the Firebird is 27.5in-wheel ready.
Now each of the four sizes – that span from small to extra-large – get incrementally longer chainstays, starting with a 430mm/431mm (low/high geometry position) figure on the small bike, extending to 444mm/445mm (low/high geometry position) for the extra-large size.
The different chainstay lengths across the sizes aren't created by different rear triangles, this part of the bike remains identical across the range. Instead, the changes are made using different front ends, where pivot placement alters the chainstay length.
Although Pivot was keen to shout about the long reach figures on the old model, the 2022 bike's numbers have grown. The small bike now starts at 445mm (size small, low setting) and grows to 515mm for the extra-large in the high setting.
Elsewhere, seat-tube angles have steepened significantly from 74.5 degrees to 77.5 degrees (size large and extra-large, high setting).
Clearly, then, the 2022 Firebird has an aggressive, descent-focused shape. The changes were surely influenced by the American brand's top-tier Enduro World Series race team, including riders such as Morgane Charre and Eddie Masters.
2022 Pivot Firebird kinematic changes
Although Pivot's collaboration with Dave Weagle's DW-link suspension isn't news to anyone – and the layout features on all of its full suspension bikes – the suspension on the newest bike has been inspired by its Phoenix downhill rig's kinematics.
That means the 165mm of travel has a more reward axle path in its movement compared to the old bike. This, Pivot claims, helps to "erase square edge bumps and maximise control."
The rear end has also been tuned to be compatible with coil- and air-sprung shocks. This means it's going to be fairly progressive. The 2022 Firebird's stock builds are offered with both coil- and air-sprung shocks.
2022 Pivot Firebird frame details, construction and tuning
Not only has each of the Firebird's sizes got proportional chainstay sizing, Pivot claims it's tuned the bike's tubes to offer the same feel across all sizes and potential rider weights, much in the same way it did for the Switchblade.
It's done this by performing an "independent strength to weight analysis" for each of the frame's sizes to create those across-the-board characteristics.
That analysis was implemented by changing the tube size and carbon lay-up depending on the frame's desired traits. Pivot says this has "ensured optimal ride characteristics for all rider profiles," although frame tunes of this nature are impossible to subjectively test, unless one person can lose or gain a significant amount of weight or height!
Elsewhere, the frame is specced with Pivot's Super Boost Plus rear axle spacing, which sees the gap between the rear dropouts measure 157mm.
It has a straight 1.5in head tube, uses the PF92 press-fit bottom bracket standard and has ISCG05 chain guide mounts. It's been designed for 31.6mm seatposts and is compatible with SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger.
There are two water bottle mounts, however the mount under the top tube is designed for tool or accessory storage rather than hydration.
This is dubbed the Pivot Dock Tool System and has been developed in collaboration with Topeak and its Ninja tool kits.
2022 Pivot Firebird specifications, models and pricing
Given the 2022 Firebird is a fully-fledged enduro bike, each of its models is kitted out with hard-hitting, descent-focused parts.
Each of the models features Fox's 38 fork, with the least costly getting the Performance GRIP damper version, while the range-topper is specced with a Live Valve FIT damper.
It's the same story at the rear end of the bike where top-end bikes get Fox's Factory DHX2, Float X2 and Live Valve shocks and the lower-end models are fitted with Performance Elite models of the same shocks.
Drivetrains start out with a Shimano SLX/XT mix or SRAM GX/X01 Eagle spec and elevate to full Shimano XTR M9100 or SRAM's XX1 Eagle AXS.
Because the lowest-specced 2022 Firebird is decked out in high-performing parts, it comes as no surprise that starting prices are high.
The entry-level Firebird costs £6,800 / $6,099 / €6,599, while the range-topping models max out at £15,600 / $ 13,099 / €14,249.
These prices firmly cement Pivot's position as a high-end manufacturer, and while most of you (us included, by the way) are aghast with the cost, there are plenty who will pay.
2022 Pivot Firebird Race XT
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Performance Elite Float X
- Fork: Fox Performance 38, GRIP, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano SLX M7100/XT M8100
- Brakes: Shimano SLX M7120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Performance Elite / Phoenix WTB Volt Race
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Race / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss M1900 on DT Swiss 370
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £6,800 / $6,099 / €6,599
2022 Pivot Firebird Race X01
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Performance Elite Float X
- Fork: Fox Performance 38, GRIP, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle/X01 Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code R
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Performance Elite / Phoenix WTB Volt Race
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Race / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss M1900 on DT Swiss 370
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £7,450 / $6,699 / €7,249
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro XT/XTR – air shock – alloy wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100/XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700 on DT Swiss 350
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £7,600 / $7,299 / €8,099
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro X01 – air shock – alloy wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700 on DT Swiss 350
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £9,200 / $8,199 / €8,949
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro XT/XTR – air shock – carbon wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100/XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £9,100 / $8,649 / €9,499
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro X01 – air shock – carbon wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £10,700 / $89,549 / €10,349
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro XT/XTR – coil shock – alloy wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory DHX2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100/XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700 on DT Swiss 350
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £7,800 / $7,499 / €8,299
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro X01 – coil shock – alloy wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory DHX2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700 on DT Swiss 350
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £9,550 / $8,399 / €9,149
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro XT/XTR – coil shock – carbon wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory DHX2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100/XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £9,300 / $8,849 / €9,699
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro X01 – coil shock – carbon wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory DHX2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £11,050 / $9,749 / €10,549
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro XT/XTR – Fox Live – alloy wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Live Valve
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, FIT Live, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100/XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700 on DT Swiss 350
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £10,550 / $8,999 / €9,799
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro X01 – Fox Live – alloy wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Live Valve
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, FIT Live, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700 on DT Swiss 350
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £11,750 / $9,899 / €10,549
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro XT/XTR – Fox Live – carbon wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Live Valve
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, FIT Live, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100/XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £12,050 / $10,349 / €11,199
2022 Pivot Firebird Pro X01 – Fox Live – carbon wheels
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Live Valve
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, FIT Live, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Pro
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £13,250 / $11,249 / €11,949
2022 Pivot Firebird Team XTR – air shock
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Team
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £10,550 / $9,599 / €10,399
2022 Pivot Firebird Team XX1 AXS – air shock
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 AXS
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb AXS / Phoenix WTB Volt Team
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £12,900 / $11,399 / €12,549
2022 Pivot Firebird Team XTR – coil shock
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory DHX2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Team
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £10,850 / $9,799 / €10,599
2022 Pivot Firebird Team XX1 AXS – coil shock
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory DHX2
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, GRIP2, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 AXS
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb AXS / Phoenix WTB Volt Team
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £13,250 / $11,599 / €12,749
2022 Pivot Firebird Team XTR – Fox Live
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Live Valve
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, FIT Live, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: Shimano XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Team
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £12,600 / $11,299 / €11,999
2022 Pivot Firebird Team XX1 AXS – Fox Live
- Frame: Firebird, 165mm travel, 12×157mm Super Boost Axle
- Shock: Fox Factory Live Valve
- Fork: Fox Factory 38, FIT Live, 170mm travel, 44mm offset
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 AXS
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Seatpost/saddle: Fox Transfer Factory / Phoenix WTB Volt Team
- Bar/stem/grips: Phoenix Team / Phoenix Team / Phoenix Factory
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail on Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5in WT, TR, 3C, EXO+ MaxxTerra (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 29×2.4in WT, TR, 3C, EXO+ MaxxTerra (r)
- Price: £15,600 / $13,099 / €14,249
