Check Out This Special Edition Pivot Phoenix

SRAM and RockShox both had some big announcements today. SRAM announced the addition of XX DH Transmission and new Maven B1 brakes, while RockShox announced a new Boxxer fork and Vivid Coil shock.

All of these products fall in the “downhill,” or DH, category. And all three needed the perfect bike for us all to look at and say: “Wow!”

Well, thanks to Pivot and their DH bike, the Phoenix, that need has been fulfilled. Introducing the Phoenix XX DH Special Edition.

The Pivot Phoenix

Pivot released its latest iteration of the Phoenix in 2024. And, this was a special one. Two chains, six bars, MX wheels, a high-pivot; the new Phoenix seemed to have all the goodies we were looking for in a DH bike.

To get a bit more technical, Pivot clarified its suspension layout as a mid-high pivot 6-bar platform. This 6-bar is built on a DW suspension platform, an agreement the brand entered into with Dave Weagle a handful of years ago.

The more rearward axle path performed better when tackling square-edge hits and big chunk. However, with that rearward axle path, the concern is chain growth and pedal kickback. Typically, we see this mitigated by an upper idler pulley. However, Pivot chose to go with two chains and direct-mounted dual idlers. One chain connects an idler to the chainring, the other from an idler to the cassette.

And with all of these extra idlers, chains, and other doodads, one would think Pivot created a pretty heavy bike. Sure, it may ride well, but it would probably be heavy nonetheless – right?

Wrong. Claimed weights hover around 36 pounds.

Phoenix XX DH Special Edition

Now, for the Phoenix XX DH Special Edition, Pivot uses their tried-and-true Phoenix frame, color-matched to the new Electric Red RockShox Boxxer fork. The very red frame is contrasted with a touch of black around the seat tube area, and also with white “Pivot” branding on the downtube.

Spec’d on this special edition DH rig is RockShox’s new DH fork – a 200mm travel Boxxer Ultimate. This new fork utilizes RockShox’s new LinearXL air spring and Charger 3.2 damper, providing an incredibly supple feel off the top but supportive through the midstroke. The end of the travel is protected with bottom-out support. Paired with the new Boxxer is the Vivid Ultimate DH air fork with 210mm of travel and a linear, but supportive platform.

RockShox’s focus with the new suspension was on consistency, composure, and allowing the air spring to perform to its full potential. They feel that is best accomplished through a more linear platform that enhances traction, creating control, stability, and, most importantly, confidence.

Accompanying the new RockShox offerings are SRAM’s latest releases. Shrinking their direct-mount Transmission platform down to 7-speed, the company introduced XX DH Transmission. No longer do racers need to hesitate, even for just a millisecond, between shifts. With Transmission, SRAM says to put the hammer down and go.

The brakes also appear to be the new Maven B1 Silver models (which are all black) based on the machined cut-outs in the aluminum brake levers. The spec sheet lists them as “SRAM Maven Ultimate Stealth Black Edition,” though, so we’ll try to get clarification on that one.

Along with these new offerings from SRAM and RockShox, Pivot chose some pretty spectacular components for this Phoenix XX DH Special Edition build.