12.999 € | manufacture website
Now in its sixth generation, the Pivot Firebird Team XX shows just how seriously it takes its enduro roots. The premium brand from Arizona is one of the few manufacturers that still offer an extensive analogue MTB range – from XC and trail bikes to enduro and downhill rigs, everything is covered. Visually, Pivot remain true to their design language: clean lines, top-notch workmanship, and – needless to say – the signature DW-Link rear suspension. In the Team XX spec variant, the Firebird is one of the most expensive bikes in this test field, but also one of the highest-specced – including a FOX Podium fork. It generates 170/165 mm of travel and comes with a hefty price tag of € 12,999.
For an overview of the test field head to the comparison test: The best enduro bike of 2026
Pivot Firebird Team XX: Specs and Details
The Firebird Team XX features one of the most exclusive specs in the entire test field. It comes equipped with the new FOX Podium GRIP X2 fork – one of the most exciting upside-down forks of the season, found on only three bikes in this test. Combined with FOX’s high-performance damper, the front end sticks to the ground like a hoover, inspiring plenty of confidence in the process. The fork is paired with a new FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock, which relies on a monotube design, promising greater durability while at the same time retaining a wide range of adjustability. A typical Pivot detail: a small SAG indicator makes initial setup noticeably easier – a very cool touch! The new electronic RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post with 225 mm of travel can be inserted all the way into the frame, responds instantly, and ensures a clean, wireless cockpit.
For the brakes, Pivot rely on powerful SRAM MAVEN Ultimate stoppers with 200 mm HS2 rotors front and rear. While SRAM’s top-tier brakes deliver a strong performance and offer plenty of adjustment options, the Centerlock rotors developed play during this test and required a special tool to retighten – something you won’t have on the trail and an unnecessary compatibility issue. All cables enter the frame on the side of the headtube, are neatly clamped both externally and internally, and overall look extremely tidy. The only downside: the front brake hose rubbed against the head tube and slightly damaged the paint.
USD fork, MAVEN Ultimate, XX Transmission – Pivot stay true to their approach and spec the Firebird with a host of high-end components.
Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain – the top-tier model in SRAM’s mtb portfolio, which leaves nothing to complain about. The chainstay and seat stay protectors are generously sized, quiet, and seamlessly integrated into the design. For the cockpit, Pivot use their in-house Phoenix Team Enduro stem and matching Phoenix Team carbon handlebars. However, the handlebars are extremely stiff, making the bike unnecessarily demanding to ride. We immediately swapped it for more compliant bars and would recommend others do the same. For wheels, Pivot spec NEWMEN Phase 30 carbon rims.
Due to Pivot’s hub spacing and the USD fork, the Firebird is a little “special”. The wheels perform solidly, but are quite stiff – and in general, we’re not big fans of carbon rims on enduro bikes when things get really rough. The Firebird comes equipped with Continental Kryptotal FR/RE tires, both in the Soft compound. For this bike, however, we recommend the SuperSoft compound up front and more robust casings overall, as Continental’s Enduro casing is weaker than, for example, MAXXIS’ Doubledown casing. Especially in combination with carbon rims, nasty impacts can become extremely expensive. A highlight, on the other hand, is the integrated storage compartment in the downtube, which has an intuitive closure system and comes standard with two practical pouches.
Pivot Firebird Team XX Eagle Transmission
Specifications
Fork FOX Podium GRIP X2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 165 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 225 mm
Brakes SRAM MAVEN Ultimate 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission 10-52; 32
Stem Phoenix Team Enduro 50 mm
Handlebar Phoenix Team Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset Newmen Phase 30 Carbon, 20×110/12×157 29
Tires Continental Kryptotal Fr, Soft, Enduro Casing/Continental Kryptotal Re, Soft, Enduro Casing 2.4/2.4
Technical Data
Size XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Specific Features
storage box
Tuning tip:
– Swap the handlebars
– Install more robust tires
Pants 100% R-CORE X | Shoes Five Ten Freerider Pro
The Geometry of the Pivot Firebird Team XX
The Firebird is the bike with the most adjustment options in the entire test field – and you can feel it. It’s available in five sizes, XS to XL. The smallest size comes exclusively as a mullet bike, while all other sizes can be chosen either as a full-29er or with mixed wheel sizes. Reach intervals are sensibly spaced. In frame size XL, the seat tube measures 475 mm. Not ultra-short, but well within reason, especially since the dropper post can be fully inserted into the frame. Nestled in the seat stay is a familiar feature: a high/low flip chip that primarily alters bottom bracket height while making subtle changes to the seat and head angles.
A real highlight is the patented Swinger drop-out system. Despite relying on SRAM’s UDH mech hanger, it allows you to adjust the chainstay length by 8 mm – Pivot is the first manufacturer we know of to implement this so neatly. Additionally, the chainstays grow with each frame size, which is intended to ensure consistent handling across the entire size range. A flip chip on the shock mount lets you adjust the suspension’s progression by about 5 %. And thanks to the 56 mm headset, you can use different headset cups to adjust reach or head angle.
| Size | XS | SM | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 365 mm | 385 mm | 415 mm | 440 mm | 475 mm |
| Top Tube | 558 mm | 596 mm | 622 mm | 635 mm | 657 mm |
| Head Tube | 85 mm | 95 mm | 108 mm | 118 mm | 128 mm |
| Head Tube Angle | 63.8° | 63.4° | 63.4° | 63.4° | 63.4° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 77.6° | 77° | 77° | 77° | 77° |
| Chainstay | 430 mm | 430 mm | 432 mm | 434 mm | 437 mm |
| BB Drop | 10 mm | 13 mm | 13 mm | 13 mm | 13 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1179 mm | 1217 mm | 1248 mm | 1271 mm | 1299 mm |
| Reach | 410 mm | 440 mm | 463 mm | 480 mm | 500 mm |
| Stack | 615 mm | 625 mm | 637 mm | 646 mm | 655 mm |
The Pivot Firebird Team XX on the trail
The DW-Link, which is typical for Pivot, works so efficiently that it almost feels like having a lockout – except you don’t need one. The Firebird is one of the best climbers in this test. It pedals extremely efficiently, is pedal-neutral and controlled in technical terrain, and combines all this with a comfortable riding position. Not too compact, not too stretched – simply perfect for long tours and transfer stages, even though you’re carrying plenty of suspension travel with you.
Riding downhill, the Firebird shows why it’s the best bike on the trail. The balance is outstanding. The front end is pleasantly tall, while at the same time you’re deeply integrated into the frame, feeling safe from the get go. No other bike in this test rides this calmly and intuitively. On top of that, the handling is by far the most direct and precise in the entire comparison. This allows you to trust the Firebird from the very first meter on the trail, whether you want to cruise easily or push hard.
The DW-Link rear suspension performs exceptionally well on the trail and gives the Firebird one of the most versatile rear ends in the test.
The suspension is also among the best in this test. It delivers awesome traction but doesn’t stick to the ground as extremely as the Orbea’s, giving the Firebird a more lively character. At the same time, it has massive pop, letting you generate speed effortlessly. The Firebird is especially fun in flat, flowy sections. Braking traction is brutal, yet there’s still enough support in the travel to ride actively and pump hard when exiting corners. Overall, the Firebird is a true all-round weapon. Agile and composed at the same time, direct and precise, confident and fast – whether on a DH track, your home trails, or a flow line. It backs away from nothing and is one of those bikes you ride once and never want to let go of.
Who should take a closer look at the Pivot Firebird Team XX?
The Firebird is made for anyone looking for a premium, well-engineered and highly adjustable enduro bike – and who is willing to dig deep in their pockets for true high-end performance. The Firebird delivers the best balance in this test, an extremely confidence-inspiring ride and one of the strongest suspension systems out there.
Firm enough to push hard, yet offering awesome traction, plenty of grip and huge reserves. Harsh bottom-outs? Nevering. With the right cockpit, the Firebird hits the perfect sweet spot between relaxed control and high precision. If you’re looking for a bike that performs on every trail – from high-speed to tech – and that can be perfectly tuned thanks to its extensive adjustability, the Firebird is the ultimate partner.
Conclusions about the Pivot Firebird Team XX
The Pivot Firebird Team XX is the kind of bike you understand after just a few meters – and won’t want to give up after just a few runs. Thanks to the DW-Link, it climbs more efficiently than many trail bikes, and on the descents it shines with the best balance in the entire test field, combining precise, direct handling with huge reserves and one of the most versatile suspension systems out there. With a few small adjustments, this very refined machine becomes the best enduro bike for 2026. In the end, it’s exactly this mix of control, confidence, speed and adjustability that puts the Firebird ahead of the pack.
Tops
- Strong climber
- Direct and precise
- Excellent balance
- Versatile suspension system
Flops
- Compatibility of some components
- Very stiff handlebars
For more information, visit Pivot-Bikes’ website.
The Testfield
For an overview of the test field head to the comparison test: The best enduro bike of 2026
All bikes on test: GHOST POACHA FULL PARTY (Click for review) | Instinctiv Kodiak MX 150 (Click for review) | Lapierre Spicy CF Team (Click for review) | LAST COAL V4 (Click for review) | MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K (Click for review) | Orbea Rallon E-LTD (Click for review) | Pivot Firebird Team XX Eagle Transmission | Propain Spindrift (Click for review) | RADON JAB 10.0 (Click for review) | Rossignol Heretic GX T-Type (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Bullit X0 AXS RSV (Click for review) | Starling Mega MurMur (Click for review) | Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 7 (Click for review) | Yeti LTE T4 (Click for review)
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Words & Photos: Peter Walker