2016 Pivot Phoenix DH Carbon

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With just months before the start of the 2016 World Cup race season, Pivot's downhill machine gets an overhaul and comes out looking better than ever. It's lighter, spec'd a little differently, and has several new frame features that help dial things in even more.

Phoenix DH Carbon Features

• Full carbon frame
• Pivot’s proprietary hollow core internal molding technology
• 27.5-inch wheels
• 204mm dw-link suspension Fox Float X2 shock with Evol
• 157x12mm rear end
• Designed to work with forks from 200mm in travel
• Full length internal cable routing with Pivot’s exclusive cable port system
• Adjustable +/- 0.75-degree headset option
• Internal dropper post compatible
• Cold forged alloy linkages with Enduro Max Cartridge Bearings
• Rubberized molded downtube and swingarm protection
• 180mm rear carbon post mounts disc brake mounts
• Carbon ISCG-05 tabs
• 107mm press fit bottom bracket
• Available in sizes S, M, L, XL for riders between 5'4" and 6'7"
• Available in Team Blue or Stealth Black

Aside from the flashy paint job, what exactly is new for 2016? For starters, Pivot figured out a way to pull 0.66-pounds (300g) out of the already light frame, and they did it in a way that actually upped the bike's stiffness in strength in some areas:

"With our own hollow core, internal, high compression carbon molding process we can deliver on the performance requests of our top athletes by finding the perfect combination of composite materials and shapes for the best possible ride qualities. For us, it means that we put months of engineering and testing into the update, for you (and Bernard Kerr), it means a sub 31-pound downhill bike that can land a 30-foot gap into a nose wheelie with confidence."

Next up is the move to a 9.5"x3.0" FOX Float X2 air shock:

"For 2016, and as a direct result of feedback from our athletes, the Phoenix Carbon comes with the Fox Float X2. While still coil compatible for riders who prefer that set up, our racers have found that the Fox Float X2 air shock offers better control and a plusher feel allowing them to go faster with greater confidence. The X2 shock features include independent high and low speed compression and rebound adjustments, an EVOL air sleeve for better sensitivity through the reduction in the amount of force it takes to initiate travel, exclusive Kashima coat for durability and friction reduction, and the new RVS (Rod Valve System) for a seamless transition between the response to small and large impacts. With the air spring and volume adjust spacers, the Fox Float X2 is far more tunable for rider weight and course conditions than is a coil shock with a selection of springs."

Riders who find themselves in poor weather often will be pleased to hear that the bike now has significantly better tire clearance, a direct result of requests from their racers.

Additional updates include added frame protection and integrated fork bumpers:

"For this new Phoenix frame, we carefully studied wear patterns on frames ridden everywhere from the World Cup to the backcountry of Colombia, and added updated rubberized frame protection. Now in addition to the molded rubber downtube protector, the seatstay protector on the drive side has doubled in length and we’ve incorporated new protection on the front upright of the rear triangle – all while still dropping an incredible amount of weight."

"The Phoenix Carbon also features integrated rubber fork stops at the headtube for even more protection. These same stops do double duty as a part of the Pivot Cable Port System for internal routing."

Geometry

The Phoenix is available in four sizes. With a massive spread of reach measurements, rider heights can range from 5'4" to 6'7", and you've got the option to choose something a little longer or shorter based on your style:

"Every size frame has the same headtube length and seat tube lengths. Riders who want a shorter top tube can go down a size for a playful bike that handles the park with style – perfect for the next Whip-Off World Championships. Riders who want a missile on the racecourse may select a larger size with a longer toptube. For sharper handling with a longer frame, the angled headset offers a plus minus ¾ degree adjustment, especially with the Phoenix 30mm stem option."

World Cup Input

The Pivot Factory Racing team was a huge part of the bike's development and testing process. Listen and watch in awe as Bernard Kerr, Eliot Jackson and Emilie Siegenthaler share their unique experiences on the Phoenix while Bernard shreds Queenstown, New Zealand to bits:

Build Kits, Pricing and Availability

The Phoenix Carbon is available as a complete bike with a Saint build kit for $7,599 US, Zee build kit for $5,499, or as a frameset for $3,299. If you'd like to upgrade the Saint build to include the same wheels the Pivot World Cup team uses, you can do so for an additional $900. All build options are in stock and ready to ship now, as are sizes Small, Medium and Large. Size XL begins shipping in March.

How Light?! Pivot's One-Off Light Bike Project

Pivot decided to see just how low they could go on a complete bike given the new frame design. The result is the custom 30.9-pound (14.0kg) creation you see below. Note that they didn't try to go too crazy on the build (no Ti bolts or ultra sneaky gram cutting measures) in an effort to keep it realistic and truly ridable. There are plenty of places where more weight could be saved. If it were your's, what would you change?

Need proof? Here it is on the scale. Build specs on this incredibly lightweight and flickable rig include:

• Reynolds Black Label wheels with I-9 hubs
• Maxxis Griffin tires
• SRAM X0DH 7-speed rear derailleur, chain, cassette and shifter
• SRAM Guide RSC brakes - 180mm rear / 203mm front
• Phoenix Team Carbon bars - 800mm
• Phoenix Team Carbon tuned flex seatpost
• Pivot/WTB Team Hightail saddle with carbon rails
• E13 LG1 chainguide
• ESI grips
• Pivot Phoenix DH headset
• Fox Float X2 Factory Series rear shock

In Action

Visit www.pivotcycles.com for more details.