When it comes to our favourite mountain bikes at The Ark Cycles, Pivot Cycles is a brand that stands out at the top. Two of their most popular models, the Pivot Switchblade and the Pivot Firebird, are often compared by riders looking for the perfect trail or enduro bike.
But the question is, which one is right for you?
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between the Pivot Switchblade and Pivot Firebird to help you decide which bike will tick the most boxes for you.
Pivot Switchblade: The All-Rounder
The Pivot Switchblade is known for being a versatile trail/all-mountain/enduro bike. With 142mm of rear travel and 160mm of front travel, it strikes a great balance between climbing efficiency and fun descending capability. If you enjoy enduro rides with a mix of uphill and technical downhill trails, the Switchblade is a bike you can rely on to be fast and playful. It also looks incredibly clean and stylish, but to be fair, so does the Firebird…
Key Features of the Switchblade:
- 142mm Rear Travel, 160mm Front Travel: A well-balanced bike that’s efficient on climbs while still feeling planted and capable on all kinds of descents.
- Progressive Geometry: The 66° head angle and 470mm reach (size large) provide decent stability at higher speeds, especially on steep, technical terrain.
- Best For: Riders looking for a versatile bike that can go out on a big XC/trail loop but also smash enduro/ bike park downhill runs with confidence, and be fun to throw about on some pretty big jumps.
Why Choose the Switchblade?
The Switchblade is ideal if you want one bike that can do it all. It’s really a fantastic all-rounder. Discover our range of Switchblades at The Ark Cycles here.
Pivot Firebird: The Enduro Specialist
If your main focus is descending fast and winning Enduro races over technical terrain, the Pivot Firebird is the bike for you. With 170mm front and 165mm rear travel, this bike is designed to handle the most demanding descents, and it’s no surprise that it’s the choice of the Pivot Factory Racing team for the Enduro World Series (EWS) races. It’s what you’ll see the likes of Bernard Kerr and Morgane Charre flying down the mountains on.
Key Features of the Pivot Firebird:
- 170mm Front, 165mm Rear Travel: This big-hitting enduro bike soaks up massive impacts, making it ideal for fast and aggressive riding.
- Radical Geometry: With a 488mm reach (size large) and 64° head angle, the Firebird feels incredibly stable, especially at high speeds keeping you firmly planted even when the going gets rough.
- DW-link Suspension: Despite its long travel, the Firebird climbs better than expected, thanks to its efficient suspension design limiting pedal bobbing as you climb.
Why Choose the Firebird?
If your priority is blasting enduro/DH runs and you spend your time hitting bike parks, enduro races, or the Alps, the Firebird will deliver. Its long travel and aggressive geometry make it perfect for riders who want to push their limits on descents. It’s also incredibly capable on big jumps while still maintaining good pedal efficiency. It really can handle climbs reasonably well! But it’s clearly designed for riders who focus more on the downhill than the uphill.
Switchblade vs Firebird: Which Should You Buy?
When deciding between the Pivot Switchblade and Pivot Firebird, it really comes down to your riding style and what you need from your mountain bike.
- Choose the Switchblade if you want a bike that can do it all. Its balance of travel, geometry, and efficiency makes it a versatile option for riders who want to enjoy trail rides with a mix of steep climbs and fun descents.
- Choose the Firebird if you live for the downhills. If you’re an enduro racer or a rider who focuses on techy DH runs and bike park uplift days, the Firebird’s extra travel and aggressive geometry will help you push the limits of your riding.
We also have the option to build up your ideal Firebird or Switchblade from the frame up. Allowing you to either spec your new enduro bike exactly how you want or maybe even put some of your current components onto a shiny new Pivot Cycles frame!
If you’re still unsure which one is right for you, visit us at The Ark Cycles in Stroud to chat more with our friendly product team and discuss both models in further detail. At The Ark Cycles, we’re always here to offer expert advice and help you find the perfect bike for your future adventures.
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