Pivot Switchblade Team XTR 29

    The Switchblade is an all-mountain rig with more travel, unrivaled versatility and progressive geometry.

    Pivot Switchblade Team XTR 29 Bike Review

    Words and Photos by Freehub Mountain Bike Magazine

    The element of “pop” can be tough to describe, but when it’s felt, the definition becomes crystal clear.

    The Pivot Switchblade is a pop machine, and it’s apparent from the very first pedal stroke. With DW-Link suspension, designed by the guru Dave Weagle himself, there’s no question as to where this indescribable amount of energy comes from, nor is there a question as to how to make the most of it. The Switchblade answers that itself by boosting off every jump and bump in sight.

    The same fundamentals that make this bike an instrument of antigravity also give it a uniquely agile feel for when it’s on the ground—even if those moments are rare. With short chain stays and a steeper seat-tube angle the Switchblade is a nimble climber that transfers pedal power to traction well, even while out of the saddle.

    Geometry & Specs:

    Wheel size: 29"
    Rear travel: 142mm
    Fork: 160mm
    Wheelbase: 1216mm
    Chainstay: 431mm
    Reach: 470mm
    Head tube angle: 66°

    The frame is full hollow core carbon constructed with Pivot's proprietary molding technology.
    Shimano XTR M8120 4-Piston brakes providing the stopping power.
    Phoenix Factory lock-on grips feel supple on the hands.
    Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro Wide Trail wheels with Industry Nine hubs.
    Fox Factory Float DPX2 with matching decals keeps the blue theme alive.
    Pivot provides a nifty sag meter for easy setup.
    Shimano XTR SGS 12-Speed pulling shifting duties.
    Industry Nine hubs front and rear on this build.
    Shimano XTR M8120 4-piston brakes.
    Markings on the bare make it easy to adjust your bar preferences.
    Pivot's new dw-link™ shock layout.
    Hassle-free, full-length, internal cable routing thanks to Pivot’s Cable Port System.

    In addition to the bike’s capabilities, its versatility is equally impressive. With 160mm of travel up front and 142mm in the rear, the Switchblade feels as though it has the best characteristics of both short- and long-travel bikes. On the climb, it’s maneuverable yet predictable, while on the descent it’s snappy and, well, full of pop. The bike’s compatibility with both 29” and 27.5+ wheels (the switch just takes the flip of a chip) gives it a whole other level of adaptability. The Team XTR build is dreamy smooth when it comes to shifting and the XT M8120 4-Piston brakes have an impressive amount of power for any type of riding.

    The Switchblade is not a bike that does all the work for you, or one that turns every trail into a smooth ride. Rather, it has the ability to turn the fun level up on every trail. It’s a bike that is precise, loves to jump and can make use of every aspect of any type of terrain. When ridden with that in mind, it’s a joy-inducing bike that can handle anything.

    Pivot Switchblade 29 Team XTR - $6,799