Pivot Firebird XT/XTR Air 2022 – As fast as it looks?

The Pivot Firebird XT/XTR 2022 stands out like a sore thumb. Literally! The reason is pretty clear. But the bright-orange paint finish isn’t the only reason why Pivot’s eccentric-looking enduro bruiser stands out from the crowd in our “Best Enduro Bike of 2022” group test. The Firebird also stands out from the competition with its outstanding climbing performance and excellent handling. But is it really as fast as it looks and, if so, is it enough to secure victory in our “Best Enduro bike of 2022” group test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best enduro bike of 2022 – 11 models in review

Just by looking at the new Firebird, you can tell that Pivot’s enduro bruiser is anything but understated. With its bright-orange frame and colour-matched 170 mm FOX 38 Factory fork, the Firebird XT/XTR wins the eye-candy stakes before even getting to the trail. Following up on our ophthalmologic allusions, the eye-catching look comes at an eye-watering price, because the 29” Firebird XT/XTR retails at a whopping € 9,499. In typical Pivot style, the new Firebird relies on a DW-link rear suspension system that generates 165 mm travel. Big and replaceable seat and chainstay protectors shield the full carbon frame from impacts while the cables are routed internally through the frame and securely clamped at the ports. However, those cables emerge by the bottom bracket, causing a loud and annoying rattling noise on rough trails. We recommend securing the cables with zip ties or wrapping them in a foam sleeve to prevent them from slapping against the frame. The frame of the Firebird features a bottle cage and a tool strap mount on the top tube, which is compatible with any conventional tool strap, though Pivot also offer three matching tool straps from Topeak at an additional charge. The top tube also has an additional cable port for the FOX Live Valve system in case you want to run it. That being said, it’s not really necessary given that the Firebird is already an excellent climber even with its conventional suspension system.

The spec of the Pivot Firebird XT/XTR Air 2022

While it might be hard to tell from the pictures, we can tell you that the colour of the frame matches the FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 fork perfectly. The stylish Firebird XT/XTR tips the scales at 14.4 kg and, as the name suggests, comes equipped with Shimano XT four-piston brakes and 200 mm ICE-TECH brake rotors. For the drivetrain, Pivot combine a high-end XTR derailleur and matching cassette with an XT shifter. The cheaper XT shifter doesn’t entail any disadavantages when it comes to shifting. For the cockpit, Pivot rely on 800 mm Renthal FatBar carbon handlebars and use I-SPEC clamps to attach the remote of the 175 mm FOX Transfer dropper to the brake levers.

The Firebird also features a minimalist chain guide but doesn’t have a bashguard despite the integrated ISCG mount. The wheel and tire combination doesn’t do justice to the potential of the Firebird and isn’t suitable for its intended use. Here, the Arizona-based manufacturer combines MAXXIS tires with the puncture-prone EXO+ casing and a lightweight NEWMEN A30 SL carbon wheelset with a Super Boost Plus rear hub. Both the 2.5” Minion DHF front and 2.4” Minion DHR2 rear tire come with the harder MaxxTerra rubber compound. As usual, this combination poses a real dilemma: more grip or better puncture protection?

The geometry of the Pivot Firebird XT/XTR Air 2022

With four available sizes from S to XL, there should be a suitable Firebird for everyone between 157 cm and 200 cm tall. A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to adjust the geometry of the Firebird to suit your needs and preferences. This lets you adjust the head angle by 0.6°, the seat tube angle by 0.5° and the bottom bracket height by 6 mm. Moreover, Pivot employ size-specific kinematics and chainstay lengths in order to provide consistent handling across all sizes. Our test bike in size L has a fairly low front (636 mm stack height) and 438 mm chainstays, which are short for a bike with a 29″ rear wheel. At 440 mm, the seat tube is also on the short side but still allows you to insert the dropper post all the way into the frame. Together with the 488 mm reach, all of this ensures great freedom of movement on the bike and allows you to choose your frame size based on your desired reach.

The stiff rear suspension of the Pivot Firebird XT/XTR provides endless reserves and is particularly suited to active riders. However, passive and inexperienced riders will struggle to generate enough traction.

The Pivot Firebird XT / XTR Air 2022 on the trail – Our riding impressions

The Firebird loves moving fast, especially uphill. Here you can really feel the benefits of the light wheelset and thin tires which, together with the neutral-pedalling rear end and efficient suspension, make the Pivot one of the strongest climbers in the entire test field. Only the Kenevo SL with its electric motor and the CAPRA with the electronic Flight Attendant suspension system come out on top on climbs. That being said, the pedalling position is slightly stretched and not at all suitable for long rides, mainly due to the interaction between the long top tube and low front.

The Pivot Firebird XT/XTR has lots of potential, both up- and downhill. Unfortunately, the combination of puncture-prone tire casings and lightweight carbon rims limit its potential significantly.

Downhill, you’ll need good riding skills and spotless technique to unlock the full potential of the bike and prevent it from bucking you off the saddle. Pivot’s eccentric enduro bruiser requires an active riding style and a great deal of concentration to ride from one trail section into the next. Once you’re at one with the bike, the Pivot is extremely precise, agile and damn fast. The rear suspension feels nearly bottomless and allows you to ride with minimal damping on the FLOAT X2 shock, yet still bails you out with its huge reserves if you get yourself into a pickle. However, having to be vigilant all the times while riding can be exhausting in the long run. Bikes like the Orbea Rallon and SIMPLON Rapcon have a similarly good suspension system and more intuitive handling, but can’t keep up with the incredibly lively character of the Firebird. For experienced and active riders, the Pivot Firebird XT/XTR is a mean carving machine with a plush suspension system and plenty of reserves. However, newbies and less experienced riders shouldn’t ride the bike in this spec.

Tuning tips: tires with more robust casing | secure or wrap the cables

Conclusion

The Pivot Firebird XT/XTR Air 2022 clearly distinguishes itself from the competition, not just because of its bright orange finish. It combines solid climbing performance and agile, precise handling downhill with super-progressive rear suspension. However, the lively and honest character requires an experienced rider and active riding style. Moreover, we recommend upgrading a few components and securing the cables to the frame.

Tops

• suspension offers plenty of support and reserves
• super agile and sufficiently smooth

Flops

• demanding handling
• cables rattle against the frame
• tires don't do justice to the potential of the bike

You can find out more about at pivotcycles.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best enduro bike of 2022 – 11 models in review

All bikes in test: Cannondale Jekyll 1 (Click for review) | Canyon Torque CF 8 (Click for review) | GT Force Carbon PRO LE (Click for review) | Nukeproof Giga 290 Carbon Factory (Click for review) | Orbea Rallon M-Team (Click for review) | Pivot Firebird Pro XT/XTR – Air | Rocky Mountain Altitude C90 Rally Edition (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X01 AXS (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon 170/165 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | YT CAPRA UNCAGED 6 (Click for review)