Pivot Cycles Firebird Pro SRAM X0 Eagle – Air

The Firebird Pro X0 Eagle Transmission – Air is built for enduro racing, combining Pivot Cycles’ extremely light Hollow Core carbon frame with a wonderfully plush Fox Factory dw-link^TM suspension inspired by Pivot’s premiere downhill bike, the Phoenix. It offers 165mm of rear travel and an impressive 170mm of front travel.

The DH-inspired long dw-link^TM maximises the rearward wheel path with 165mm of travel to give impressive levels of handling on the descents, yet still enables it to climb efficiently if uplifts aren’t an option.

The progressive geometry of this bike, with its relaxed head angle, long reach and equally long wheelbase, promotes stability with sharp responsiveness to inspire confidence at high speeds. Since the build is tailored to match different sizes of rider, for example by adjusting the length of the chainstays, the same performance will be delivered, regardless of your height.

The bike benefits from SRAM’s X0 Eagle Transmission wireless drivetrain, which can be fully set up in minutes via an app, without the need for adjustment screws or tuning post-setup. It eliminates the derailleur hanger and mounts straight onto the frame via the axle. Rather than being shielded by the hanger, the derailleur includes a mechanism called the ‘Overlord Clutch’, which moves it inboard and out of harm’s way on impact.

No hanger means less chance of failures and allows the cassette to move 2.5mm outboard for a 55mm chainline. This is turn means the crank is optimised for Boost and Super Boost, without the need for a wider Q factor.

The cassette features graduated cog progression, with minimal difference from the 52t cog to the next two, which are sized at 44t and 38t respectively. Shifting is therefore smooth, making changing gear on steeper terrain easier. As well, shifting is possible under loaded conditions, so the harder you pedal, the better your bike will shift.

The chainring has been beefed up in this drivetrain, while the aluminium crankset is billed as SRAM’s most advanced yet, with an exceptional stiffness to weight ratio. Meanwhile, the strong Flattop T-Type chain promotes superior shifting performance and low wear.

The shifter has exemplary adjustability and ergonomics, plus it can be mounted on the left or right, depending on which hand you prefer to use when shifting. You’ll be able to accelerate with confidence, too, knowing that the SRAM Code Silver Stealth four-piston calliper brakes will give you ample braking power when needed.

The Firebird is made to work with 29” wheels, but the flip chip will allow you to effortlessly adjust the frame geometry for different conditions or to accommodate 27.5” wheels or a mixed setup. The default is a low bottom bracket setting, which will optimise your control on fast, steep terrain and make room for wider tyres.

Flipping the chip raises the bottom bracket to accommodate a mixed wheelset, while inserting the 17mm extended headset cup achieves a perfect fit for 27.5” wheels. The head angle is steepened too, and together these adjustments encourage better cornering at speed and more efficient climbing.

This model uses the light alloy 30mm-29" DT Swiss XM1700 wheelset with DT Swiss 350 hub and 36t ratchet for rapid engagement. An all-rounder, it lives up to that claim, thanks to rims with a concentration of material only where needed for durability, a ratchet system with sloping teeth for minimum drag and instant engagement, and sturdy hubs and quality spoking that enhance the ride feel.

Benefiting from Super Boost Plus 157 spacing, originally pioneered by Pivot, enables the Firebird to use short chainstays, which are great for tight cornering, tyre clearance and a stiff rear swingarm. The Boost standard furthermore moves the drivetrain out 6mm, promoting better tyre clearance and mud shedding capabilities.

All these elements add up to a bike that handles superbly and manages to be both light and durable. It’s therefore possible to throw it around the singletrack with precision and confidence that the relaxed head angle, long reach and wheelbase will keep the bike stable at speed.