Fully agree with everything you say. I call the Firebird a perfect road trip bike. You can have tons of fun at a bike park or riding demanding descents but if the day requires more of a trail bike you don't feel like you're stuck on an inefficient monster - on tame trails the bike seems to be able to act pretty civilized and still let you enjoy pedally stuff.
I owned the previous firebird and now have this exact bike, in a medium as well. The bike is so amazing, even better than the last version. Love it so much i keep it in my room so i can stare at it every morning i wake up. Gotta love the silver sunrise.
I like seeing someone else who is 5"11 riding a medium. I was on larges for a long time and really like them going down hill, but all around, a medium is a much better bike for me. The reaches are so long now I don't feel good in climbing positions or moving the bike around in a large. I'm always hunched over and don't have the ability to maneuver the bike in techy sections.
feel the same way. Been riding an xl spartan for a few years as im 6'2". Love it downhill but feels so terrible climbing cause of how long it is for me. Recently tried a new Large sized bike and it felt so much nicer
I’m 5’11” and on a Large Switchblade, but Medium Firebird. Use my Switchblade for most trail riding I do (pedaling) and L just seems to work better for that application. I mainly use my Firebird for downhill (be it by lift or pedaling to the top) and the M is somewhat similar in reach but longer and slacker than the L Switchblade. Kind of perfect for playful jumps, drops, and flow lines.
@@rockthecatbox21 I am 6'1" and the Large Trek Remedy never felt right to me, and now riding an XL YT Capra (because they are odd sizes) I feel the same way. Going back to my days of riding old Medium Yeti's, I could almost bunnyhop 360 those on flat ground like a dirt jumper. I miss that playfulness and pop.
I rode my friends firebird back to back with my Spire, both medium with 38 factory. I was on a coil and he had an x2, but my spire came with an x2 so I know how how it feels. The pivot climbed like a much shorter travel bike, but it descended like one too. I would like to try it with a coil cause the air shock felt super harsh and had much less traction than my spire. Not supple like you said at all. It felt like an excellent long travel trail bike, and also like if you are very strong you can really attack descents it. However, it is definitely much less comfortable or confidence inspiring compared to the Spire. Definitely lighter and climbs better though.
They are two completely different bikes, built with different intentions. Apples and oranges really. I ditched my spire for the Firebird. Very happy with the decision
@@mathewmccabe2658 overall the Firebird promotes agility over the spires stability. It’s worth mentioning that I come from a race background but here you go- The price difference is significant but for good reason- I can tell the Firebird frame is much higher quality that’s spire. I blew through 2 warranties w the float x2 due to side loading issues on the spire within 2 mos. Been on the same shock on the FB for about 7 mos and no issues. The paint is so much higher quality on the Firebird, no question. Firebird feels like a more sturdy and stiff chassis compared to spire. Cornering-the Firebird gets through corners (especially tight corners) much more comfortably and consistently. Pumping through terrain- the Firebird is very rewarding with energy input. Not so say you have to always be “on it” but the more kyou put in, the energy return seems exponential compared the spire. Personally I don’t need plush and soft, which is where the the spire shines. I like firm and supported such as the Firebird. Simply put, The firebird is not as soft and plush as spire. That being said I am am very pleased with the small bump compliance and feel on the Firebird. Climbing- the Firebird has almost no pedal bob. The spire feels much more like a big bike when climbing. I did not get along with the slack HTA, long chain stays, and shorter reach on the spire. Felt like I was always battling trying to find my body position when descending. The long reach of the Firebird coupled with the short chain stay feels more intuitive for me. 64 degree hta feels more like a sweet spot. Spire at 63 was was great for steep stuff. But realistically I get more out of the all aroundness of the Firebird
@@LEGENDofBEANY firebird has stiffer suspension curve. Sentinel with a Horst link is more active off the top, better through chatter, but firebird has a bit more support for climbing and pushing through corners etc.
You do the absolute best bike reviews! I’ve been waiting on this one forever it feels like, glad it finally came out. I bought my firebird back in July, and couldn’t be happier. I found myself heavy on the front end at first as well, but now that I’ve adjust it’s amazing.
I have the medium 2020 firebird and love it so much - I've been toying with the idea of the new high pivot slash, but I love my firebird so much. Your two videos on this one and the slash have helped me answer the ponderings I had. I will be sticking with the firebird and upgrading to the small 2023 firebird. I had already decided on the small frame if I was going to go this way, and your comments on that sizing down hit it home that i am making the right call. I knew it was gonna be hard to move away from pivot..... thanks so much. 😉
This are the best reviews so far extremely accurate and to the point with not too many fillers. Love the intro I wonder if you can add the settings for the suspension.
3:28 Dude, how are you talking casually while flying through those trees?! I was trying to see the track you were riding and I think I crashed into 150 trees while watching you! Great review on my dream bike!
What are your thoughts between the new Firebird and the Evil Insurgent mx? Also i had v1.5 Firebird size Small. It wad great for techy trail riding being able to throw it around. The downside at speed, it wasn't as stable as it could have been. I'm 5'9\10", body by gorilla long arms, torso and short legs. I currently ride a M Calling, which I love for trail riding. Looking for something bigger for park and freeride.
great review as always. all this talk about how long chain stays balance out the long front end... seems like it rides pretty well! still fan of short chain stays!
I have always ridden med frames at 5'10" and 190 lbs. My trails are really tight and steep, but neither the climbs nor descents are extended. A shorter wheelbase makes an agile bike.
Would this be my best option for something that's more planted than playful, and good for trails, but more so hitting the downhills? (Interested in the coil). This would also be my first full suspension MTB.
You have sold me, certainly looks very good in your hands. Is it to much bike for an amateur old bloke like me. Currently on a probably over customised hard tail. Has a fox 34 on which at the time felt like an over kill, bike handles awesome though 🤘.
Love it! My 2019 firebird was my favorite bike ever- I bought a Stevo Pro this year, and I wish I had stuck with the firebird! Can you remind me the name of this descent trail? I biked it back in 2020 and I can't seem to remember it? Is it double black // double down? Love it!
I demoed a Firebird recently and when in the top two gears of an Eagle 1x12 the chain line to the chainring caused the chain to grind hard on the cassette. Did you find this at all? I would hope it was an issue with the demo I rode...
Something wrong with the settings on the gopro? :P When you turn its quite twitchy, its not as smooth as other vids hmm.. Couldent watch the vid as much, just had you in the bakground so i could listen while doing other stuff on the computer =) Nice review anyway ^_^
How would this compare to the Evil Wreckoning V3 which has a similar suspension design? I remember you saying the Wreckoning also pedaled really well. Which would you choose?
They're somewhat similar. I'd say the Wreckoning is more playful with the shorter chainstays and a bit more plush feeling. The Pivot has felt more firm from what I remember. This Medium pivot would probably be a better all around bike with that extra platform. You can't go wrong with either. Both great bikes cut from the same DW cloth!
It does...I would love to own this bike but won't buy one because of this standard. I've ovalized press fit BB shells and it's not fun. I also wish this bike wasn't using super boost Plus..
@@lucacadianalbert 100% with you mate. Threaded bb and 148mm boost spacing for me going forward. I have had my Chris King rear hub and threaded bb for years and they are moving from frame to frame. Santa Cruz can have my money :)
If I am 6 foot 1 but prefer a smaller bike would the medium still suit considering it has around a 470 reach on both settings or would it push the weight too forward.
That bike sure has a creak or two, too bad that someone hadn't fixed that before the video... there isn't any pressure on the crank/bb either, very sad.
I wish you wouldn’t alter sizing for a review video. Meaning you placed emphasis on something that is objective rather than subjective. We all know a medium bike is going ride differently than a large. I say this because I appreciate your insight on bikes. But this is such a wasted review on a good bike
@@Danwhit5 He chose a medium because he talked to Pivot and they recommended that size for him. Also, when you look at the size recommendation on their homepage for the Firebird, a rider at 5'11 (the reviewer in this video) is bang on a medium.
@@stefankonigsmayr7065 every single Wreckoning “breaks” after a few rides eh? Interesting. I’ve never heard of one of them “breaking” let alone all of them.
![OhGeesy x Lefty Gunplay - What It Iz [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L0yzW9t2ixk/mqdefault.jpg)
Fully agree with everything you say. I call the Firebird a perfect road trip bike. You can have tons of fun at a bike park or riding demanding descents but if the day requires more of a trail bike you don't feel like you're stuck on an inefficient monster - on tame trails the bike seems to be able to act pretty civilized and still let you enjoy pedally stuff.
I owned the previous firebird and now have this exact bike, in a medium as well. The bike is so amazing, even better than the last version. Love it so much i keep it in my room so i can stare at it every morning i wake up. Gotta love the silver sunrise.
Couldn't agree more!
Wish they will give their suspension setup.
I like seeing someone else who is 5"11 riding a medium. I was on larges for a long time and really like them going down hill, but all around, a medium is a much better bike for me. The reaches are so long now I don't feel good in climbing positions or moving the bike around in a large. I'm always hunched over and don't have the ability to maneuver the bike in techy sections.
feel the same way. Been riding an xl spartan for a few years as im 6'2". Love it downhill but feels so terrible climbing cause of how long it is for me. Recently tried a new Large sized bike and it felt so much nicer
I’m 5’11” and on a Large Switchblade, but Medium Firebird. Use my Switchblade for most trail riding I do (pedaling) and L just seems to work better for that application. I mainly use my Firebird for downhill (be it by lift or pedaling to the top) and the M is somewhat similar in reach but longer and slacker than the L Switchblade. Kind of perfect for playful jumps, drops, and flow lines.
I’m 5’11 and couldn’t imagine riding more than the medium. It’s perfect
@@rockthecatbox21 I am 6'1" and the Large Trek Remedy never felt right to me, and now riding an XL YT Capra (because they are odd sizes) I feel the same way. Going back to my days of riding old Medium Yeti's, I could almost bunnyhop 360 those on flat ground like a dirt jumper. I miss that playfulness and pop.
also 5"11, demoed a 2021 M Firebird. Felt like the reach could have been about 1-2cm more, so the new Firebird should be perfect.
I rode my friends firebird back to back with my Spire, both medium with 38 factory. I was on a coil and he had an x2, but my spire came with an x2 so I know how how it feels. The pivot climbed like a much shorter travel bike, but it descended like one too. I would like to try it with a coil cause the air shock felt super harsh and had much less traction than my spire. Not supple like you said at all. It felt like an excellent long travel trail bike, and also like if you are very strong you can really attack descents it. However, it is definitely much less comfortable or confidence inspiring compared to the Spire. Definitely lighter and climbs better though.
They are two completely different bikes, built with different intentions. Apples and oranges really. I ditched my spire for the Firebird. Very happy with the decision
@@Danwhit5 how do you compare them?
@@mathewmccabe2658 overall the Firebird promotes agility over the spires stability. It’s worth mentioning that I come from a race background but here you go-
The price difference is significant but for good reason- I can tell the Firebird frame is much higher quality that’s spire. I blew through 2 warranties w the float x2 due to side loading issues on the spire within 2 mos. Been on the same shock on the FB for about 7 mos and no issues. The paint is so much higher quality on the Firebird, no question. Firebird feels like a more sturdy and stiff chassis compared to spire. Cornering-the Firebird gets through corners (especially tight corners) much more comfortably and consistently.
Pumping through terrain- the Firebird is very rewarding with energy input. Not so say you have to always be “on it” but the more kyou put in, the energy return seems exponential compared the spire. Personally I don’t need plush and soft, which is where the the spire shines. I like firm and supported such as the Firebird. Simply put, The firebird is not as soft and plush as spire. That being said I am am very pleased with the small bump compliance and feel on the Firebird. Climbing- the Firebird has almost no pedal bob. The spire feels much more like a big bike when climbing. I did not get along with the slack HTA, long chain stays, and shorter reach on the spire. Felt like I was always battling trying to find my body position when descending. The long reach of the Firebird coupled with the short chain stay feels more intuitive for me. 64 degree hta feels more like a sweet spot. Spire at 63 was was great for steep stuff. But realistically I get more out of the all aroundness of the Firebird
How would you compare (if you can) the Firebird to the Sentinel?
@@LEGENDofBEANY firebird has stiffer suspension curve. Sentinel with a Horst link is more active off the top, better through chatter, but firebird has a bit more support for climbing and pushing through corners etc.
You do the absolute best bike reviews! I’ve been waiting on this one forever it feels like, glad it finally came out. I bought my firebird back in July, and couldn’t be happier. I found myself heavy on the front end at first as well, but now that I’ve adjust it’s amazing.
Much appreciated!
I have the medium 2020 firebird and love it so much - I've been toying with the idea of the new high pivot slash, but I love my firebird so much. Your two videos on this one and the slash have helped me answer the ponderings I had. I will be sticking with the firebird and upgrading to the small 2023 firebird. I had already decided on the small frame if I was going to go this way, and your comments on that sizing down hit it home that i am making the right call. I knew it was gonna be hard to move away from pivot..... thanks so much. 😉
I'm currently on a Switchblade and the Firebird might be my next bike. Great review!
This are the best reviews so far extremely accurate and to the point with not too many fillers. Love the intro I wonder if you can add the settings for the suspension.
1 review per month
Don’t want to miss ANY of these!
YIKES, DB & DD look hammered! So glad we have some rain back for some trial maintenance. Awesome bike, great review....YEEEWW!
Great review as always! A reviev of the Orbea Rallon would be nice.
3:28 Dude, how are you talking casually while flying through those trees?! I was trying to see the track you were riding and I think I crashed into 150 trees while watching you! Great review on my dream bike!
I’de love to see a strive review!
Just noticed that the geo dimension data on the opening shows the rear travel at 156mm. It should be 165mm. Every mm counts!
What are your thoughts between the new Firebird and the Evil Insurgent mx?
Also i had v1.5 Firebird size Small. It wad great for techy trail riding being able to throw it around. The downside at speed, it wasn't as stable as it could have been. I'm 5'9\10", body by gorilla long arms, torso and short legs.
I currently ride a M Calling, which I love for trail riding. Looking for something bigger for park and freeride.
Another great review! Firechicken with coil for the win. 👌 How does this compare to the Wreckoning?
That’s what I’m wanting to know from the guy riding in this video!
Got mine a week ago. It’s awesome 🎉
best enduro bike out there
great review as always. all this talk about how long chain stays balance out the long front end... seems like it rides pretty well! still fan of short chain stays!
The short chainstays seem to be more predictable in down hill cornering for me!
I have always ridden med frames at 5'10" and 190 lbs. My trails are really tight and steep, but neither the climbs nor descents are extended. A shorter wheelbase makes an agile bike.
Would be great to see a review of the We Are One Arrival!
Would this be my best option for something that's more planted than playful, and good for trails, but more so hitting the downhills? (Interested in the coil). This would also be my first full suspension MTB.
The cable rattle would drive me nuts. But it I love the review and want one
That's likely the shimano brake pads rsttling (known issue) or something on the rider.
You have sold me, certainly looks very good in your hands. Is it to much bike for an amateur old bloke like me. Currently on a probably over customised hard tail. Has a fox 34 on which at the time felt like an over kill, bike handles awesome though 🤘.
Love it! My 2019 firebird was my favorite bike ever- I bought a Stevo Pro this year, and I wish I had stuck with the firebird!
Can you remind me the name of this descent trail? I biked it back in 2020 and I can't seem to remember it? Is it double black // double down? Love it!
Your memory serves you right! Thanks for watching!
Man, my blood gets pumping when I hear that intro Ahh Ahh music.
The video looks great, can you share your gopro settings?
Hero 7 with karma gimbal on chest mount. 4K 24fps, Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.
I just sold my Switchblade for the Trail 429. I would love to have this as a "Big Bike"
Just did the same. Did you end up getting a bird?
Nice dude! What’s your height?
I demoed a Firebird recently and when in the top two gears of an Eagle 1x12 the chain line to the chainring caused the chain to grind hard on the cassette. Did you find this at all? I would hope it was an issue with the demo I rode...
Tuning
Something wrong with the settings on the gopro? :P When you turn its quite twitchy, its not as smooth as other vids hmm.. Couldent watch the vid as much, just had you in the bakground so i could listen while doing other stuff on the computer =) Nice review anyway ^_^
How would this compare to the Evil Wreckoning V3 which has a similar suspension design? I remember you saying the Wreckoning also pedaled really well. Which would you choose?
Also, amazing review as always!
based on the two reviews, get the Wrecker
They're somewhat similar. I'd say the Wreckoning is more playful with the shorter chainstays and a bit more plush feeling. The Pivot has felt more firm from what I remember. This Medium pivot would probably be a better all around bike with that extra platform. You can't go wrong with either. Both great bikes cut from the same DW cloth!
I have the same question. Thinking of dumping my spitfire and Wreckoning LB for a new Wreckoning or Firebird. Can't wait to demo both next spring
How does the previous version compare?! Is it a significant upgrade?
I never tried one of the previous firebird. I've heard good things!
Where is this trail??? Nice video!
Chuckanut Mtn, Bellingham, WA. Double Black to Double Down
Nice! Can you do a Rocky Mountain Slayer review?
Good riding bro
Thanks ✌️
nice footage
The descent part, the video was accelerated, right?
What bike do you ride outside of filming these reviews ?
I wish to see that you review the Santa Cruz Nomad 6....
What is creaking on the climb? Do these have a pressfit bb?
It does...I would love to own this bike but won't buy one because of this standard. I've ovalized press fit BB shells and it's not fun. I also wish this bike wasn't using super boost Plus..
@@lucacadianalbert 100% with you mate. Threaded bb and 148mm boost spacing for me going forward. I have had my Chris King rear hub and threaded bb for years and they are moving from frame to frame. Santa Cruz can have my money :)
want see more fire bird
is there a way to double like this vid? man that's a hot bike.....
Where are these trails? They look fun
Chuckanut trails in Bellingham, Wa
One thing I noticed is that it’s a noisy bike, something’s slapping / rattling around
If I am 6 foot 1 but prefer a smaller bike would the medium still suit considering it has around a 470 reach on both settings or would it push the weight too forward.
Large
Please review the Orbea RALLON :
What trail is this?
Chuckanut trails in Bellingham, Wa
That bike sure has a creak or two, too bad that someone hadn't fixed that before the video... there isn't any pressure on the crank/bb either, very sad.
Yeti sb130 please
Where's he riding at?
Chuckanut trails in Bellingham, Wa
must be nice
seems kinda noisy doesn't it?
(Dreams)
I wish you wouldn’t alter sizing for a review video. Meaning you placed emphasis on something that is objective rather than subjective. We all know a medium bike is going ride differently than a large. I say this because I appreciate your insight on bikes. But this is such a wasted review on a good bike
No it's not. He followed te manufacturers recommendation for sizing this bike. Look at geo charts, don't choose based on "sticker size".
@@Talos353 he clearly sized down. Listen to the commentary. Have a good day
@@Danwhit5 He chose a medium because he talked to Pivot and they recommended that size for him. Also, when you look at the size recommendation on their homepage for the Firebird, a rider at 5'11 (the reviewer in this video) is bang on a medium.
You say it pedals well and gets around corners yet the video cuts away at most tight switchbacks? Is that because you couldn’t make the corner?
My question to the dude shredding this video as usual is:
The new firebird or the Wreckoning V3
??
That would be N awesome comparison
@@stefankonigsmayr7065 every single Wreckoning “breaks” after a few rides eh? Interesting. I’ve never heard of one of them “breaking” let alone all of them.
What trail is that?