2025 Pivot Phoenix V5 – In our 2024 downhill bike comparison test

The Pivot Phoenix prototype has been making waves in the World Cup circuit for some time now, which is mainly due to its distinctive lugged carbon frame and unique dual-chain high-pivot suspension. Now, we’ve had the exclusive opportunity to test the production model with a full carbon frame, and see if it’s just as fast as it looks. Read the full review to find out!

**Pivot** Phoenix V5 | 203/210 mm (f/r)
16.1 kg in size S3 | 29″/27.5″ | € 9,499 | Manufacturer’s Website

Pivot have been openly testing prototypes of the new Phoenix in World Cup races, where Bernard Kerr and Co. caused a real stir with their exotic-looking rigs. While the test bikes have long been in the public eye, the production model was refined behind closed doors in Pivot’s workshop, until the definite version finally emerged from the carbon molds.

The latest iteration of the Pivot Phoenix V5 relies on a mid-high pivot six-bar DW-Link rear suspension design, which is just as complex as it sounds – but more on that later. The suspension delivers 210 mm of travel and features a double-chain and pulley wheel design, which was developed to handle big hits with ease. The first chain runs from the chainring to the idler pulley, while the second one, which is significantly longer, connects the idler to the cassette. The Pivot Phoenix V5 is only available as a mullet bike and tips the scales at 16.1 kg, which makes it one of the lightest bikes in this comparison test. It’s also amongst the most expensive ones, with a price of € 9.499.

Find an overview of this comparison test here: The Best Downhill Bike 2024 – Six exciting DH bikes in a comparison test

Specs and details of the 2025 Pivot Phoenix V5

With its sleek frame, the new Pivot Phoenix V5 is a real head turner. The elegant black paint finish with golden accents and fine speckles ensures a classy look, which is enhanced even further by the stylishly cut-out Pivot decal on the downtube. But the Phoenix stands out not only because of its elegant look, but also for its unique rear suspension design.

The mid-high pivot six-bar DW-Link concept is hidden behind the chain idlers. In typical Pivot fashion, two short links connect the elevated chainstays to the seat tube, while a third link allows engineers to fine tune the rear suspension kinematics even further. The dual-chain setup also increases ground clearance by allowing for a smaller chainring. To counteract chain growth, the tension of the short chain can be adjusted via a tapered bearing on the upper idler pulley. The chain that runs to the rear derailleur is a standard-length chain. This sets the Phoenix apart from other high-pivot bikes, which often require two linked chains to achieve the necessary length.

Tongue-twister ahead! The rear suspension of the Pivot is a Mid-High Pivot Six-Bar DW-Link.

The look remains largely unchanged, and the GRIP X2 damper offers the same adjustment options as its predecessor.

To harmonize with the high-pivot rear suspension, Pivot developed a novel chain management system. Shout out to ‘2 Chainz’.

The cables are routed through rubberized ports on both sides of the frame, which allows you to run both a conventional and moto style brake lever setup. The cables reappear just behind the shock on the seat tube, and make a large loop to the seat stay, with the brake line running externally on the swingarm. The cables aren’t guided through sleeves inside the frame, but Pivot assured us that all bikes will be delivered with foam sleeves to prevent rattling noises – which is something we noticed on our test bike from the get go. However, eventually we managed to get some foam sleeves into the frame of our test bike, and once we resumed our test runs, the bike was nice and quiet. Additionally, Pivot will provide instructions on the best way to route new cables through the frame, although we believe an integrated cable channel – like the one of the Santa Cruz bike – would be more practical. We also recommend checking the chain tension on a regular basis, as the chains can tend to rattle against each other at their intersection – something that even the generously sized chainstay protector can’t prevent. On the other side, during our challenging 10-day bike park test session, we didn’t experience a single loose bolt, and all the bearings and linkages performed flawlessly.

The frame looks incredibly classy with its black paint and gold speckles.

The Pivot-specific flip-chip allows you to switch between low and high settings.

A generously sized TPU plate protects the downtube against stray rocks and nasty impacts. For the brakes, Pivot rely on Shimano SAINT stoppers, which might be getting on in age but, together with the 220/200 GALFER SHARK rotors, deliver powerful, reliable deceleration. The Pivot Phoenix V5 is the only bike in this test to rely on a new FOX 40 Factory GRIP X2 fork. Just like its predecessor, it offers countless adjustability options, but sits significantly higher in its travel. The front fork is paired with a FOX X2 Factory air shock. Pivot rely on their in-house carbon handlebars, which makes the Phoenix the only bike in this test with a carbon cockpit.

The robust DT Swiss FR560 alloy wheels proved to be extremely durable during the test – not a single spoke needed tightening after intensive use. The rims are paired with Continental Kryptotal front- and rear-specific tires, in the SuperSoft rubber compound and downhill casing – a perfect match for the bike’s intended use.

Pivot Phoenix V5

€ 9,499

Specifications

Fork FOX 40 Factory GRIP X2 203 mm
Rear Shock FOX X2 Factory 210 mm
Brakes Shimano SAINT 220/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano SAINT 1x10
Stem Pivot 40 mm
Handlebar Pivot Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss FR560 Alloy 29"/27.5"
Tires Continental Kryptotal Front, SuperSoft, Downhill/Continental Kryptotal Rear, SuperSoft, Downhill 2.4/2.4

Technical Data

Size S1 S2 S3 S4
Weight 16.1 kg

Specific Features

BB height
Head angle
Reach
Progression

Tuning tips: none

**Hemlet** Giro Insurgent Spherical | **Glasses** Oakley Airbrake | **Jersey** Fox Ranger | **Pants** Fox Defend | **Shoes** Shimano GE900 | **Gloves** Fox Ranger

The geometry of the 2025 Pivot Phoenix V5

For the new 2025 Phoenix, Pivot introduced a new sizing system ranging from S1 to S4, focusing on geometry data to determine the right frame size. Reach values range from 440 mm to 520 mm, with our test bike in size S3 rocking 485 mm. However, the jump between S3 and S4 is rather big and with the standard headset, there is no way to adjust the reach as, for example, with the Santa Cruz V10. Nevertheless, Pivot has left enough room to allow you to adjust the length of the Phoenix using reach-adjust headset cups. Pivot’s signature flip-chip on the shock mount allows you to switch between a high and low setting, which, among other things, shortens the reach by 5 mm, lowers the bottom bracket by 6 mm, and slackens the head angle by around 0.7°.

Needless to say, adjusting the flip-chip changes most other geometry settings, like the chainstay length, which is consistent across all sizes, measuring 440 mm in the high setting. The unlabelled flip-chip in the lower shock mount lets you adjust the shock’s progression, with the forward setting providing 7% less progression. We primarily rode the Phoenix in the progressive low setting, which integrates you deeper into the bike, especially on steep tracks, while still offering plenty of support.

Size	S1	S2	S3	S4
Top tube	577 mm	602 mm	622 mm	657 mm
Seat tube	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm
Head tube	106 mm	106 mm	106 mm	106 mm
Head angle	62.93°	62.93°	62.93°	62.93°
Seat angle	77.73°	77.73°	77.73°	77.73°
Chainstay	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Height	140 mm	140 mm	140 mm	140 mm
Wheelbase	1,216 mm	1,251 mm	1,282 mm	1,314 mm
Reach	435 mm	465 mm	490 mm	515 mm
Stack	618 mm	627 mm	640 mm	654 mm

The 2025 Pivot Phoenix V5 on the trail

As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle of the Pivot, you’ll understand one thing: this bike is a purebred racing machine. The Phoenix integrates you deeply between its wheels, making you feel at ease and inspiring huge amounts of confidence from the get go, thus encouraging you to rip as if there was no tomorrow. The Phoenix is built to shred and rewards you with mind-boggling speed. For us, it’s like a sled dog that gets anxious when standing still, but starts running like a Tasmanian devil as soon as it starts moving! The Phoenix wants and needs to be ridden fast – full gas is just fast enough for this bike.

The Pivot Phoenix V5 is unstoppable on the trail! With its potent suspension and fine balance between agility and composure, it plays in a league of its own.

Despite its uncompromising racing DNA, the Phoenix is far from being just a straight-line plow. It’s incredibly agile and shoots out of corners with great precision. The smaller rear wheel makes it easy to negotiate tight corners without losing balance, giving the bike an impressive level of agility. Only the Santa Cruz V10 can top it in this regard.

The Phoenix’s suspension offers massive support and remains composed even in super fast hairpin corners. However, it’s not harsh, and shines with sensitive response and a super-plush feel on the trail. It absorbs hits with great confidence, allowing you to hold your line even on the roughest trails. The suspension generates huge amounts of traction but at the same time provides excellent feedback from the ground while providing plenty of reserves with big impacts. No other bike in this test has such a potent, versatile suspension. As a result, none of the competitors in this test could keep up with the Phoenix on the trail, and it didn’t surprise us at all that every tester set their best times on the Pivot. You can easily hit gaps on your first run that you wouldn’t dare try otherwise – with a slow pulse and tons of confidence in the bike.

This bike demands to be ridden fast – maximum speed is just fast enough for the Pivot Phoenix V5.

With its blend of agility and stability, the Pivot Phoenix V5 instills a great sense of confidence without feeling sluggish in corners.

The Phoenix’s suspension is brutally effective: It completely absorbs hits while offering a sensitive response, providing maximum control even in rough terrain.

Who should take a closer look at the 2025 Pivot Phoenix V5?

The Pivot Phoenix V5 is without a doubt the ideal bike for racers who strive for maximum speed. But it offers much more than just pure racing performance. Thanks to the immense confidence it inspires, riders of all skill levels can set new personal bests without stepping out of their comfort zone. The mind-boggling suspension soaks up hits and generates tons of traction making the Phoenix also a great companion for riders who just want to have fun.

If you love to carve through berms at mach-10, you’ll love the Phoenix. It combines the security and stability of a race bike with the agility and fun factor that even casual riders will appreciate.

CHARACTERISTICS

UPHILL

sluggish
efficient

AGILITY

cumbersome
playful

STABILITY

nervous
confident

HANDLING

demanding
balanced

SUSPENSION

harsh
plush

FUN FACTOR

planted
poppy

VALUE FOR MONEY

terrible
very good

INTENDED USE

Downhill

Conclusion about the 2025 Pivot Phoenix V5

The extensive testing by the World Cup team has definitely paid off for the 2025 Pivot Phoenix. This bike not only looks extremely sleek but is also unstoppable on the trail. The Pivot Phoenix V5 strikes an impressive balance between agility and composure, and despite being more of a racer than a fun machine, it won over all our testers from the get go, securing a clear victory in our comparison test!

Tops

Enables mind-warping speeds without pushing you out of your comfort zone
Super potent suspension
Incredible composure and great agility
Fancy look with nice details

Flops

Slight chain rattle
Very complex

For more information, visit Pivot’s website.

The Test Field