If you’re in the market for a burly enduro bike that can handle rowdy descents but still pedal well, the Pivot Firebird is likely on your radar. But how does it perform when taken out of its element? We tested the Firebird on Gooseberry Mesa in Hurricane, Utah—an area known for its technical cross-country riding rather than big mountain descents. Here’s how it handled the challenge.
First Impressions of the Pivot Firebird
We picked up a Pivot Firebird demo from Over the Edge Hurricane and took it straight to Gooseberry Mesa. This is not a trail that an enduro bike is typically designed for, but since we live and ride out of our van full-time, our bikes need to be versatile. Also, most riders can only afford to have one bike, so we wanted to see if the Firebird could be that all-rounder.
Key Specs:
- Travel: 170mm front / 165mm rear
- Fork: Fox Factory 38
- Shock: Fox Performance Float X
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT derailleur
- Brakes: Shimano SLX
- Frame Size Tested: Large (Rider height: 6’1”)
- I tested the Large and Medium in the parking lot and the Large was clearly the right size.
- Price:
$6599$4999 – Ride SLX/XT
Climbing Ability: Surprisingly Capable
For a long-travel enduro bike, the Firebird climbs impressively well. It felt well-balanced, and I noticed that it actually thrived when I got out of the saddle. The power transfer was solid, making it easier than expected to clear techy uphill sections.
That said, the Shimano SLX brakes felt underpowered, especially compared to the TRP brakes I’m used to. Also, the stock handlebars weren’t my favorite—I prefer a bit more rise and sweep.
Handling on Technical Trails
The Firebird is known for its stability at speed, but I wanted to see how it handled Gooseberry’s tight and technical sections. At first, the bike felt long and sluggish in slow-speed moves. But as I adapted, I found that it could still navigate tricky lines fairly well.
On descents, the Firebird felt like it wanted to charge. Despite the terrain not being ideal for an enduro rig, I had no issues finding grip and control. The suspension did a great job of soaking up ledges and square edges, making the ride smoother than expected.
Playfulness and Maneuverability
Initially, I found it a bit hard to manual and bunny hop, but after adjusting my body position, I was able to get the front end up more easily. The bike rewarded an aggressive (forward) riding style, and once I got used to it, I had more fun popping off rocks and small ledges.
Final Thoughts: Is the Pivot Firebird a One-Bike Quiver?
Would I pick the Pivot Firebird as my go-to do-it-all bike? It depends. If you’re looking for a big-mountain enduro machine that can also handle the occasional XC-style ride, it definitely holds up. The climbing performance was better than expected, and it remained fun on a trail where it definitely wouldn’t be my first choice.
Pros:
- Excellent power transfer when climbing
- Stable and confidence-inspiring on descents
- Handles technical terrain surprisingly well
- Quiet overall, with some cable rattle
Cons:
- SLX brakes lacked power
- Stock handlebars didn’t feel ideal
- Feels big in tight, slow-speed moves
- Not easy to bunny hop or get off the ground
Who Should Ride the Pivot Firebird?
If you mostly ride enduro trails, bike parks, or rowdy backcountry descents but still want a bike that won’t completely suck on flatter terrain, the Firebird is a solid option. But if you’re primarily riding tight, twisty, slow-speed technical trails, a smaller, more agile bike would be a better fit. I’d checkout the Pivot Switchblade
Would I Buy It?
Honestly, I’d love to try this bike on a proper enduro track or bike park to see how it truly shines in its intended environment, but for now… This isn’t the bike for me. As I ride more bikes I’m finding that I feel less confident on bikes with shorter chainstays. If you can, demo one before you buy to see how it fits your riding style. And if you’re looking for deals on a high-end enduro bike, the Firebird is still a relevant contender in 2025 (if you like a short chainstay).
Have questions about the Pivot Firebird? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer. And if you’d like to see me test other bikes, drop a suggestion!
Additional Links
- More MTB Reviews & Van Life Adventures: Subscribe to The Vantastic Life on YouTube
- The Best Mountain Bikes I Rode in 2024: A Personal Rating Guide Read HERE
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