Pivot, the makers of one of our favorite full suspension XC bikes, has dropped a new 27.5er just in time for the Sea Otter Classic. The new Firebird reportedly melds all the long-travel benefits of a 26 inch with the roller over everything 29ers and meets them right there in the middle at 27.5 (as Pivot like to call their 650b).
“The new Firebird 27.5-inch model takes everything that’s great about the Firebird and makes it better. It’s definitely a favorite around our office,” offers Pivot president and CEO Chris Cocalis, “Within a line of very versatile bikes it stands out because it really is a quiver-of-one. It rewards and inspires confidence for an aggressive rider.”
All that and 6.6 inches of travel in the back seat. If you’re at the Sea Otter, check it out at the Pivot booth. Otherwise, follow the jump for all the official details.
MEET THE NEW BOSS – Pivot Cycles Introduces Firebird 27.5
Redesigned model debuts at Sea Otter Classic
Whether you’re sending it in Whistler, gunning for the overall in Downieville or pinning 30-minute descents on a 6-hour epic through the Rockies, the Firebird 27.5 has your back. By many accounts, the 26-inch version was the ultimate long-travel trail bike, revered for its unique combination of climbing traction, acceleration, and descending capabilities. That excellent pedigree made it the ideal starting point for a 27.5 chassis.
“The new Firebird 27.5-inch model takes everything that’s great about the Firebird and makes it better. It’s definitely a favorite around our office,” offers Pivot president and CEO Chris Cocalis, “Within a line of very versatile bikes it stands out because it really is a quiver-of-one. It rewards and inspires confidence for an aggressive rider.”
The original 26-inch Firebird was unique. The level of engineering sophistication, obsessive production tolerances and attention to detail rare qualities in the category. The 27.5 shares all of those attributes. For a brawler of a bike, there was (and still is) a ton going on both on the surface and under it, a quality defining all of Pivot’s offerings.
The evolution to the 27.5-inch standard is a testament to Pivot’s belief that boundaries exist to be pushed against, in this case re-engineering a very successful and award-winning platform to accommodate a wheel size that made more sense for its intended use.
To make the best even better, the head tube angle has been slackened, the low BB height maintained, and the amazing Fox Racing Shox 34 added, a 160mm travel 27.5-specific fork that complements already best-in-class handling.
The Firebird 27.5 continues the tradition of its predecessor. It’s a showcase of cross-functional capability, providing riders with the confidence, capability and performance to excel across a wide range of demands. With the update to 27.5 wheels, the boundaries between disciplines become less defined; the frontiers pushed back to reveal new terrain, new speeds and record-breaking performance in endure racing, park and gravity riding or the occasional DH race.
The spanking new Firebird 27.5. Now with more BRAAP. We can talk all day about how rad it is. But riding is believing.
The new Firebird 27.5 along with the rest of the Pivot Cycles line will be available for media and consumer demo at this weekend’s Sea Otter Classic with bikes shipping in May. To view a schedule of upcoming demo stops or to locate a Pivot dealer, please visit www.pivotcycles.com.
A quick look at the stats:
6.6″ (167mm) rear travel.
de-link suspension design with rearward wheel travel path. Incredible square edge bump performance and unparalleled pedaling efficiency.
Pivot specific, custom valved Fox CTD or DHX Kashima coated shock technology featuring increased rider tenability and incredible small bump sensitivity.
Full 1.5 head tube with custom Pivot angled headset design optimizing the Firebird 27.5 as an ultimate Enduro machine.
ISCG O5 mounts included for single ring and chain guide compatibility.
Patented Pivot floating front derailleur mount. Keeps the chain in the sweet spot of the derailleur for better chain retention. Combined with our custom MRP LRP 2X chain guide, our floating front derailleur mount creates perfect shifting performance and worry-free chain retention even the roughest conditions.
142mm rear spacing with 12mm through axle and 160mm post mount dropouts. Why? Maximum. Frame. Stiffness.
