Long term review of the 2022 Pivot Firebird

Find all the details and info about the Firebird at my long time support Jenson USA's website here: jenson.sjv.io/.... Anything you purchase there will help support my channel!
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to www.DrinkLMNT.... to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Big thanks to Industry Nine in their support with more amazing Enduro 315 Carbon wheels for 2022. Check out what they offer thru this link over to their page at Jenson USA: bit.ly/Industr... (affiliate link)
A big thanks to PNW Components for their support in 2022! Check out the PNW cockpit items here: bit.ly/PNWComp... (affiliate link)
I have a NEW supporter that I’m excited to announce- Remedy Supply Co! Remedy is an amazing company that makes delicious, ethically sourced coffee. Based in Auburn, CA, I am pleased to announce a promo code (JKW15) that will earn you 15% off your first order! Take advantage of that deal here: bit.ly/RemedyS...
Did you know I post a new riding tutorial every month? These are ONLY posted to my Patreon page, so join now to see these rad videos! Here’s the full list of my riding tutorials posted through May 2022:
How to jump found gaps: / 67255256
How to stoppie turn: / 65842496
How to drop: / 64552391
How to LEAN in corners: / how-to-lean-in-63176556
How to Ride Light on the Bike: / how-to-ride-on-61941975
Riding technique differences between hardtails and full suspension: / 60435182
How to rut track: / 59366938
5 tips to make flat trails more fun: / 58058983
5 tips to improve bike control and balance: / 56839920
How to levitate out of corners: / 55607066
Three simple cornering tips: / 54371316
How (and when) to rock roll or drop: / 53126562
How to jump with fluidity- and not DEAD SAILER! / 51914476
How to Lanual: / 50695443
How to climb ledges without a bunny hop: / 49476021
Which brake to use when: / which-brake-to-48108425
Different bikes, different riding techniques: / 46925782
How to ride FLAT PEDALS through the ROCKS: / how-to-ride-flat-45662347
How to ride wet roots and steep chutes: / 44507851
How to ride with style: / how-to-ride-with-43349450
How to jump for height vs distance: / 42202183
Common manual questions answered: / 41006264
How to land jumps: / 39928153
My 3 favorite skills drills: / if-i-could-only-38809964
How to manual: / how-to-manual-37684861
Cutty: / 36579859
Manual a berm: / 35496772
How to ride in Sedona: / 34436065
Switchbacks: / 3-ways-to-33345804
Nosewheelie: / 32742504
Bump jump: / 31881231
Trials basics for trail riders: / 31145344
Tight berms: / 30389457
Aggressive braking: / 29579507
Confidence for mountain biking: / 28817411
Cornering: / 27981205
Flowing/pumping down the trail: / 27288868
Stoppie through turns: / 26296762
Technical climbing: / 25234847
Boost jumps: / 24161821
Bunnyhop: / 23396959
Utilizing the wheelie on the trail: / 23017910
How to wheelie: / 21879606

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.

[@hodgestryan]

If i could ride like one person it would be Jeff

[@caseyjoe4827]

If I could ride one person it would be Jeff as well

[@timbrassinne719]

If I could ride like one person, it would be myself. If I could ride with one person, it would Jeff.

[@mosaclipz6549]

Phil atwil and mr penton

[@noblesseoblige2365]

Guess you just gotta practice and work hard. Jeff has definitely earnt his skills with scars and injuries

[@MikeesTexas]

I really appreciate how much time you spend running these bikes on a variety of trails and running them with both coil and air. Keep it up👍

[@KahluaBomb]

I love that "long term" in the bike world is basically one year. Talk about churn for new bikes

[@KeanuSwayze]

Appreciate the "fake news" callout on sizing down. So much hype for that floating around "tha innanet" right now. Anytime I've sized down I feel like I'm riding a BMX about to go OTB when things get remotely fast and/or steep.

[@jimi272]

Absolutely! I rode a L Hightower a few years ago. L Firebird fits perfectly!

[@ettoremarinello3951]

i just got myself a pivot shadowcat and absolutely love the bike, quality and finish seems better than anything i ve seen so far

[@JeffKendallWeed]

What's a Shadowcat???

[@ettoremarinello3951]

@@JeffKendallWeed the 27.5 trailbike from pivot 😁

[@tagzedawg]

@@JeffKendallWeed replacement for the Mach 5.5

[@AORNova]

@@JeffKendallWeed Just got myself a Shadowcat as well and it is one fun yet composed bike. Smiling all the way down the trail !

[@ishamw2329]

Great review, I have a Switchblade currently but interested in the Firebird! Would be cool to see you ride the new SC megatower or a Transition!

[@Doubledragon0719]

Would love to see you get on a Revel rail 29 as it falls into “conservative” geo category similar to the Rm altitude with a different touch on suspension design

[@topspot4834]

I really like Pivot's current lineup. It's got something for everyone, and hasn't given up on 27.5" ... I think the majority of riders, who don't race and are just looking for a trail bike they can take to a bike park, both the Switchblade and Mach 6 are the best options. I'm 5' 7 and have shorter legs, so I went with the small Mach 6. If you're not looking to break any speed records, and just want a bike you can have fun with at the bike park, but still be good on your local trails, this is a great option. Two slight critiques are pressfit bottom bracket and 157mm rear spacing. Pressfit is different on a higher end bike cause they have stricter tolerances during manufacturing, so I haven't heard any creaking, but I'd prefer threaded cause there's more after-market options.

[@andersonsridebikes]

Late comment incoming! I’ve been watching your videos of you riding the Firebird without realizing that the Firebird was winning me over. I’m tall and heavy (260lbs) and I’ve been riding the Specialized Enduro. In truth, the enduro is simply too leveraged for a heavy rider like me to set the rear shock up properly. Ive been running the EXT E-STORIA, because it’s literally the only shock that fully supports my weight on the highly leveraged Enduro. I just sold my Enduro and ordered the Firebird because of the DW link! I can finally run an air shock! Hooray! I can’t wait to ride that dude! Thank you for excellent content!

[@michaelguerrera1463]

If I could ride with 10% of those skills. Then again I'm 53, been on road for some time. Had a rigid "MTN" in the early 90's, getting back into trails with my Roscoe 9

[@santanalor9771]

I'm really digging the video style of riding and story telling.

[@NextLevelRiding]

Pivot advertised the small for those upto 5'8" It was the first time they had adjusted the sizing due to the new updated geo. I wouldn't necessarily go with the blanket statement of if you're a medium get a medium. Everyones bike sizing preference is different and if you're on the cusp of sizing you should really lean towards the size that is more inline with your usual reach preferences. Some people prefer longer bikes and some prefer snappier easy to throw around bikes. I for instance LOVE the smaller frames and at 5'8" have an awesome time on smalls - although it all depends on the kind of riding you're into.

[@erikklumpp3464]

Just bought a firebird and I am in love

[@gbrox17]

I would love to see you riding something like the new Santa Cruz Hightower 3 or Bronson MX!

[@LastAphelion]

I've been seeing hype around high pivot bikes like the Forbidden Dreadnought and Deviate Claymore, I'd love to see you shred a high pivot like the Forbidden and hear what you think about them!

[@ousqa]

I think he needs to ride the contra mc

[@LastAphelion]

@@ousqa I just watched the Pinkbike review of the Contra, wow what a bike

[@ousqa]

@@LastAphelion yeah seems like a superb bike except for the price tag lol, though if I had the cash I'd definitely be riding that.

[@micheandmikey]

Happy Hour & Spirit Bear...love that trail! Thanks Jeff, Bobby, Stan & crew!

[@jeffreying]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Orbea Rallon.

[@stephenyeung1115]

For that last shot, I was thinking “where is the landing????” and then you splashed into the water.

[@btom42]

I know you said a medium is a great size, but I’d be curious to see you compare a medium firebird to a small firebird

[@astreets1]

Awesome bike! I’d like to see a review of the Specialized Status. I’ve been riding a Status 140 and really liking it as my first full suspension bike.

[@DavidFoundCo]

That was my first full sus bike too but upgraded to a Marin alpine trail 8

[@mrmotomoto]

Interesting that you find a Horst-link to easier to pop and jump. I just went to a Ripmo from my old-faithful 2013 Spesh Enduro 26er and the find the dw-link way more supportive. When I push down it pushed me back up. On my enduro, it wasn’t the case. It was really active and had tons of traction everywhere but I’m looking forward to boosting off of things with this new bike.

[@viktorbaran9401]

Great video! Would love to see a comparison to the SB150 :)

[@adrianunser332]

Would absolutely love to see a review/hear your thoughts on the Scor 4060 [either travel set]. Thanks for the killer content!

[@markelfstrom3173]

Great review. Cool watching you rip. Love my Firebird and stoked to get this 2nd summer riding it. Best bike yet.

[@doctajuice]

Had a Mach 6 for a couple years now and it feels like riding a 160 travel bmx bike, which it seems like pivot has a particular knack for designing bikes to feel like that. Not necessarily the fastest but definitely the most fun

[@trentvlak]

Mach 6v3? Has a cult following, I hear. Will never give up mine.

[@doctajuice]

@@trentvlak yeah it'll beat me up a little in the crazy chunk but when the trail is flowy with lots of stuff to pop off, it's completely alive

[@adrnln_jnke]

Always enjoy watching your honest reviews. Next time you're in the Phoenix area, give us a shout, would love to ride SoMo or Hawes with ya.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Chris! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZDTfZ2Vaqx8fs0

[@malonea27]

I now need a DW sticker for my DW-link bike, thanks Jeff.

[@f1pilot22]

Thanks pivot for building such an awesome bike.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It's a good one!

[@f1pilot22]

Just sold mine for the Shuttle LT!

[@nicksknives7777]

I ride a trail 429 and really like it great all around bike. best handling 29er I have ridden. Just feels right.

[@158158cow]

Daaaang the hop into Spirit Bear was spicy 🔥

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

I’m picking up my Firebird in Durango this week. Looking forward to exploring the capabilities this summer and how it compares to my Mach 5.5.

[@scottk.8494]

Great riding and review! If I can ride half as good as you someday I'll be happy. I'd love to see how you like and ride the Growler. I just got back into MTB after being away from it for about 6 years, my last bike being a 2012 Mojo HD 160. I recently got a leftover 21 Growler 20 and put a used Z1 140mm fork on it, PNW XL grips, Rainier 3 dropper, Loam Lever, my old Formula One brakes, Deity Black Label bars, and Specialized Butcher/Eliminator tires. I'm riding better than I ever have and I'm not missing rear suspension at this point. It's a fun ride and I love my budget build entry back into mtb!

[@gabeah]

Would love to see you test the pivot 429 enduro and hear your comments as a one quiver bike

[@hansonwang2121]

Great review Jeff! Comparing the firebird and altitude which bike do you feel is more versatile? Which bike would you rather ride on trails that aren’t super gnarly? Would you rather own the firebird or altitude as your personal bike?

[@ridemtns13]

He answers this around 14:00

[@DavidFoundCo]

That altitude is better

[@ryanvdonk87]

I ride a M Bird but am 5'10". definitely a flavor preference, but am happy to keep the quick playfulness of a smaller bike but with the longer reach over other mediums I don't have to use a longer stem like I have had in the past.

[@justsayin3600]

I'm narrowing down my choice of MTB. The Firebird seems like it checks every box, although so far, every review has talked not so positive about the rear suspension. I do a demo day for 6 hours next month, so I'll know for sure.

[@maximilianoquinones8236]

I'd reeeeally love to see you review pivots shadowcat. I think given your riding style it would be an awesome match and would be interested to see your perspective on it

[@charliebrookes86]

I’d love to see you review a magic Mary big Betty combo. Just put on my bike and absolutely love them.

[@miles_bell]

That was a solid review!🔥 subscribed!🤙🏻

[@colinsutton7944]

Would love to see you on the Canyon Strive! You make the best review videos!

[@ixcel83]

I love your video's you do an excellent job with them. I also really enjoy your riding style and skill. Nice work! It would be cool if you could get a bike from Guerilla Gravity like the Shred Dogg and try it out.

[@406OutdoorsMT]

Lol, the very end is the best part😂 I would’ve belly flopped that part

[@desmondc3000]

Great review Jeff! What about lengthening that 38 to 180? I have the same bike and feel that I could use a little more stack height. Being that this is such a playful bike, totally agree on that, the extra 10mm of fork probably work well? .

[@jeffsaraiva7099]

Nice, very informative video Jeff! Thank you

[@masonjohnson5583]

Would like to see Orbea Rallon vid!!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Me too!

[@BidouHD]

Hi Jeff! Did you ever ride the SB150? How does it compare against the Firebird? Thx !!

[@morbly]

I was really interested in this bike but it wasn't in stock when I was ready to buy, so I chose a Hightower thinking my regular trails are pretty flat, I don't need all that travel. In reality I find ways to want more travel, and the hightower seems to either be too harsh or blow right through it's travel. My experience and your video makes me wish I had waited a little longer. At least I still have something to ride.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey Charles, Hightower sounds like a great bike, and a bit closer to my Ripmos. I haven't spent a ton of time on the Hightower, wish I had suggestions to pass along! You may be able to throw an angleset in it, and add some volume reducers to the rear shock, or perhaps a Cascade link to make it feel more supple up top yet more supportive near bottom out. Tuning is underrated in the bike world!

[@KwikTree79]

In depth breakdown. Appreciate the content you create. If you could get your hands on a Pole Evo link or GG SMASH for review would be great. Another topic Best lifetime warranty carbon wheel companies. Ex. NOX ..etc

[@miles_bell]

Thanks Pivot!

[@burkebair]

Been waiting for this video. Hoping the Firebird with the new Zeb and X2 is my next bike. Currently on a Switchblade with an X2. I would love to hear more of your thoughts on the Fox 38 vs the new Rockshox Zeb. Sill love LMNT on my ride. Bummed that grapefruit is seasonal as I feel it's one of their best flavors.

[@jeremylownes]

I’ve watched this video and the one on the Niner wfo like a dozen times, I would forever be in your debt if you gave me your quick opinion on witch one you think would be more versatile. Thanks for all the great content!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note Jeremy! Firebird gets my nod for more versatile. The Niner is really good. But it’s a tad low for the rough trails that require some pedaling. Firebird isn’t quite as balanced as the Niner, but the short backend and slightly higher feel keep it pretty easy to ride in the awkward jank that so many regular ‘ol tech trails have.

[@jeremylownes]

@@JeffKendallWeed Thank you very much, I really appreciate your time and experience!

[@CP-qx2ff]

Hi Jeff. wondering if you can feel any difference between dw-link with horizontal shock orientation like the ripmo and dw-link with the rocker link and vertical shock orientation?

[@sebastianvelez2478]

I would love to see the new Nomad v6 with mixed-wheels!

[@LawrenceWampler]

Test out the Guerilla Gravity bikes!

[@ImRokhound21]

Great review, very well thought out.

[@123Mahid]

Please review the Orbea Rallon

[@ousqa]

Torn between this and the knolly. Knolly comes at a lot better price, but is the playfulness of the firebird worth the extra cost

[@Jonnywoods_049]

I just got a canyon torque cf8 mullet and it sounded like you were describing it when you were talking about this bike

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha really? I've still never ridden a Canyon!

[@Jonnywoods_049]

@@JeffKendallWeed check it out 👍🏻

[@rickshis2756]

Awesome video again Jeff. How’d you find the sizing, did you down size for the firebird?

[@zitfril]

Big Reach & Big Rich

[@michaelfrymus]

I'm fairly new to MTB. Currently have an entry hardtail and looking to get something good that I won't regret and won't need to upgrade in the future. The Pivot Firebird seems to be the one in interested in the most... I love going downhill, so I'm looking for something more planted than 'playful'. I want to get into downhill biking, but instead of a DH Bike, I want an Enduro so I can use it anywhere and not rely on needing a lift. Think this would be the one compared to the others?

[@mattgrogan6353]

How was the zeb fork in comparison?

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Pivot Shuttle LT next?

[@francescalouisepuzon2856]

I would really appreciate it if you can do a review on a propain spindrift or a tyee

[@nealtown2561]

How did you like the new zeb ?

[@hambo76]

I'd like to see you ride the new Canyon Spectral 125 and 29 - specifically the aluminium versions!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Have yet to ride a Canyon! I've heard they are now avail in the USA.

[@AndrewBeveridge461]

I'm considering a burlier bike to pair with my V1 Ripmo. Considering either an enduro or a full on DH, but living in WI the DH might not be too wise. The Firebird is high in the running. Saw one in that gray greenish finish at the bike park recently and it was really nice looking.

[@maximilianweling477]

Try a Mini-DH like a Meta or a Madonna

[@JohnReedHammond]

Thanks Pivot

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

great stuff Jeff 😜👌🚴👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Dream-season]

Great video as always!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you Travis!

[@hannes6114]

8:27 that's so me, I'm always riding too fast

[@aweldum]

Sooo, now that you've had the Spire, Altitude and Firebird (all in my top few for next bigger / enduro bike), how would you rate them on a day to day riding scale to race day only. I'm located in the "places I generally avoid" portion of the US (Minnesota) and have been riding a Yeti SB 5.5 for the last 5 years and have since got more into enduro racing. I ride it just about everywhere and like the idea of the Firebird and your associated word to the pedal capability (I have a hardtail for my more XC days) and ability to get it off the ground to be creative with it.

[@Danwhit5]

Hey Alex, I spent a year on the Spire and have since sold it and been on the firebird since early august. I bought the firebird because I realized the spire is most definitely not a race bike. I heard people describing the spire as fast, but that was not in the context of modern enduro style racing. Seems like you may be happier with an altitude or Firebird. You can’t go wrong with either one. Since you live in Minnesota, I’d lean Firebird with the dw link and shorter chain stay than the altitude. With the more firm platform, might give it the upper hand than the horst link altitude when pedaling. My advice would be demo both the altitude and Firebird. My vote is Firebird for you

[@aweldum]

@Hugh Glass thanks Hugh! I did infant snag a large X01 firebird in silver sunrise. Working through sus tuning (went X2) . Hopeful to finally demo a spire later this year, but so fat extremely happy with the fit and feel of the firebird🤘🍻

[@TheIsaacChandler]

I’d like to see u review a specialized status

[@ThangHua-i5j]

Im looking at a merida 160 which has almost identical geometry with the firebird. I was just wondering if the firebird was still nice to ride on less steep trails and was still manouverable at slower speeds and in tighter more technical trails?

[@harrygeorge5550]

I like your reviews. Im in the market for a new bike. Trying not to spend a fortune Looking at the ripmo the offering and hightower.

[@laurynasjagelo5075]

please try an ORANGE Bikes Stage6/evo with the mahooosive 469 chainstays! that'd be an interesting comparison with the rest of the bikes

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oooof 469 stays?! That sounds miserable! Hahaha but you're right, it'd be fun to see what that feels like.

[@dmweyland]

i would love to see a lengthy test of an orbea rallon???

[@nicholashines7686]

I am on month 4 on my Switchblade. Love love it. The real question is do u like the Firebird more than the Altitude???

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Nick! It's been 18 months since I last rode the Altitude, but from what I remember, that was still my fave bike of all time. Notice that Jesse Melemed is winning all the EWS stuff on it? It's a legit bike. It was a little easier for me to get off the ground, and a little easier to man-handle with the shorter reach and wheelbase. Firebird is a great ride, but def different.

[@michasliwa9015]

great review Jeff, can you help me choose the size of the frame, I'm 181 cm tall and I don't know whether to choose size M or L, my current bike is ibis ripmo size L

[@andremtb480]

JKW!! Please review the new Megatower - would love to hear your feedback. Pinkbike wasn't too favorable in their recent review, said the bike didn't have great traction which seems suspect..fake news

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I've heard the new Nomad is incredible... If I can get a chance to try a modern SC bike, I will, but it'll take some doing to get one lined up! Was gonna try to get a Transition in first.

[@MrGraduswijnands]

I am wondering what you think about the Evil Insurgent

[@noobmtbpov]

Could you do a review of the Guerilla Gravity bikes?

[@martsmarts]

I'm actually in between 2 choices. The Firebird or the Megatower V2. Any thoughts?

[@shredntread9600]

hhhmm I am 5'7" and been riding a 2017 Trek Slash size Medium. When comparing geo numbers the Small FB is slightly longer but close to current bike. The FB Medium seems way out there, I guess your suggestion would be to ride each? Did you ever sit on a Small? Thanks for the great review!!

[@jaybartlett2561]

He’s comparing Geo numbers to modern day bikes….a lot has changed since 2017

[@stevenkilleen8149]

Nuckproof mega review

[@jonespec]

Do you use a faster suspension set up or that is all muscle? I can't pick up and manual my bike as easly as you do with slower rebound.

[@8speeed]

review Guerrilla Gravity Gnarvana!! :)

[@jonathan.lastra]

Jeff how did you review a fork when you never put the front wheel down?

[@stuff_from_mitch3418]

Please Review the yt Capra al :D

[@Panda-hf2md]

Would you rather ride a firebird or the new smuggler?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Completely different bikes!!! Smuggler is much more of an all arounder. Lighter, more efficient, easier on most average terrain. But once things get steep and gnarly, and you’re primarily focused on the descents, then the Firebird takes the cake! 🎂

[@HabibKhan-t9j]

0022 Leda Overpass

[@AsherBensimon]

Sweet Bike!🤤🤟

[@MsHigheagle]

Test out banshee please

[@Bikepark167]

i have new bird its so good!!

[@rekamniar]

Is it advisable to run it as mullet

[@rorykeevill9289]

anyone know what hub is on that bike cause it sound sooo good.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It's an industry nine Hydra. Thanks Rory! bit.ly/IndustryNine2022JKW

[@NDemanuele1]

I wonder if he misses the 29" wheels?

[@hannes6114]

Isn't that thing fully 29"?

[@toHelluRide]

Nomad V6. Vs. Firebird.

[@michael1617]

Logan rips yo