It’s finally official. Pivot has a Phoenix DH bike with 29″ wheels. Of course, you already knew that it was coming if you’ve paid attention at all as Pivot has not hid the fact that they’ve been working on it. But now that it’s here, we can dive into all the details on what makes this Phoenix a different bird.
With winning margins on the World Cup circuit closer than ever, riders are looking for every advantage they can find on track. That’s led to the introduction of 29″ wheels, but the bigger wheels require some serious engineering to get everything to work well together.
The Phoenix 29 starts with 190mm of low slung DW-Link suspension. The new compact upper link is paired with an increased rising rate suspension to make it both air and coil shock compatible. Pivot also got rid of the clevis for the rear shock mount for improved suspension function.
In spite of the bigger wheels, the Phoenix 29 actually has a much lower standover height than the 27.5 model. When it comes to geometry, pick a reach – any reach. The small through extra large frames all have the same short head tube length and seat tube length allowing you to pick the reach that works best for you. Short 17″ chainstays allow for the words playful and flickable to still be applicable, and there is an option for a +/- 0.75° headset to adjust the stock 62.5° head tube angle.
While most DH bikes are already running a 157mm rear hub, the Phoenix pairs a Super Boost Plus rear 157mm rear hub (with wider flanges than standard DH hubs) with a 92mm bottom bracket. That has a host of advantages including being lighter and stiffer, but also allowing for a narrower q-factor by running trail bike width cranks.
Equipped with the Pivot Cable Port system for internal routing, the frame also includes integrated fork stops with built in cable guides up front. Of course there is a massive downtube protector and molded chainstay/seatstay protection as well.
Available as a frame, frame kit, or one of two complete builds, the Phoenix ranges in price from $3,799 to $8,899. Available now in all sizes.
