Pivot downhill bike

Reviewed by Sean “Griz” McClendon. Pictures by Ian Collins.

Life without gravity is bunk. This bicycle cured my depression and finished a 23-month dried out spell of no downhill. I happened to be excited to return to driving downhill on a dual compact linkage design - yes, the beloved DW-Link in the shape of the Phoenix DH by Pivot Cycles.

I had a premeditated concept of exactly what this design would require from the body centered on my previous knowledge regarding Iron Horse Sunday, a parking lot test on Kyle Strait’s 2011 Phoenix race bicycle, and hours of relearning to dust hop on his 2011 Pivot M4X slalom battle bike. It was a bittersweet day whenever Shaun Palmer inherited that MDW 4X. I still skip it. However, the Pivot Phoenix exceeded all expectations. Specially after we decided to go to Whistler. Featuring its large seat, relaxed stock mind position, reasonable center of gravity, evenly displaced weight and balanced geometry this bike has actually impressed me personally from ride one. Sunday enthusiasts can celebrate. The Pivot Phoenix DH could be the solution you’ve been awaiting.

Meet The Phoenix

Created along with Dave Weagle, Kyle Strait, additionally the Pivot/LEX team, the Phoenix may be the top grade downhill supplying from Pivot rounds. We’ve heard of Pivot Phoenix becoming raced regarding the World Cup circuit for a couple many years now also it’s popular amongst people who ride one. It makes use of the old DW-link suspension system, that has a lengthy and successful history inside rushing scene. Personally, we saw just as much Luke Strobel video footage as I can find on the web to check on his method onboard the Phoenix before I actually rode it. Luke’s got the body English well identified because of this cycle and I also took note.

Key Specs

• 8.15-inches (207mm) of vacation
• 1.5-inch headtube
• 64-degree head perspective with (adjustable +/- ½, 1, or 1.375-degrees because of the Cane Creek Angleset)
• 17.28-inch chainstays
• Swappable dropouts for wheelbase adjustment
• 13.6-inch base bracket level
• Standard 83mm threaded base bracket shell with ISCG05 supports
• 150mm rear spacing with 12mm through axle
• Full bikes weigh-in at sub 38-pounds (17kg)
• MSRP $2999 for framework and Fox DHX RC4 Coil shock

It had been a thrilling day once the UPS man dropped off our test bike. Things got nerdy whenever we exposed the container. “Those look like brand-new Shimano Saint levers.” We pull the bicycle out. “Is that a clutch regarding the derailleur?” Seems like we arrive at try a pre-released Shimano Saint team and Kashima coated 2013 Fox suspension system – so juiced! Now that over 300 minutes of ride time are logged over diverse terrain - hillcrest, Bellingham and Whistler bicycle Park - it’s time for you lay down some real talk on what she’s performed and organized.

Pivot has actually a sizing guide on their site to make sure a correct fit. At 5'10” I elected a big with short dropouts and it fit well. My opinion will be size up if you should be within an inch of their recommended level, merely so you can develop the stance this bike needs.