What do you Think About High Pivot Mountain Bikes? [Survey]

High pivot mountain bikes have been kicking around for years, but recently a number of gravity-oriented bikes have given the concept a fresh look.

By Jeff Barber
August 8, 2021

10 comments

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The Deviate Highlander. Read the review. Photo: Gerow.

High pivot mountain bikes have been kicking around for years, but recently a number of gravity-oriented bikes have given the concept a fresh look. Of course every design has its pros and cons, and as mountain bikers are known to have opinions…

Let us know in the comments if you’ve recently purchased a high-pivot bike, or if you plan to get one soon.

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10 Comments

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Gerow Washington // 2014
Aug 9, 2021

For anyone interested, the potential benefits and drawbacks of a single-high-pivot system are outlined in this article. https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/a-vultures-eye-view-of-mtb-suspension-kinematics/

Like any linkage layout, there is going to be a lot of variation in the way these new high-pivot frames function out in the forest, and some will be better executed than others.

2 reply

Claude Bike Italy // 2019
Aug 8, 2021

I'd like to test ride one

1 reply

Eager_Mountain_biker California // 2021
Dec 30, 2021

don't, please don't

-1 reply

Tim.b1492 Utah // 2021
Aug 8, 2021

It's great on my Commencal DH, but I don't see the need for it on bikes with less suspension travel. It just adds drag and more complexity.

mattham0263 2019
Aug 11, 2021

Maybe at a pro-level it would make a real difference. Hopefully it wont become another new "standard". Hate to say it but...I've been mountain biking for literally decades. Some things (suspension design, disk brakes, 1x, droppers) have made a real difference in our sport. I do think too many "standards" are truly just planned obsolescence. I'm tired of having to buy a new bike because I need a decent fork or wheelset. Through axel is great, but on a "bicycle" qr works fine for most riders. As an x enduro and hare-scramble racer, my 300 lb/40hp motorcycle needed the beef, but we are on 30 lb, less than 1 hp machines. At 58 I'm still faster on my hardtail, but I enjoy the full squish! I guess I'll just wait till next years new "standard" and still be faster on the old stuff. Btw mt.snow is a blast on a Klien hardtail with v-brakes and a soft ride stem for suspension. But I wouldn't recommend it!! 😜

0 reply

Called2RideMTB Maryland // 2017
Aug 9, 2021

They look interesting, but I'm not sure how useful it really is. Haven't tried one so I can't really judge how efficient it would be.

Lemke Texas // 2021
Aug 10, 2021

Too many cons with that design. Pedal kick back is atrocious without an idler pulley. Having an idler pulley means you're gonna need to use a longer chain than what is commonly available. Dialing out anti-rise is a futile exercise.

jimmilt 2015
Nov 14, 2021

I haven't experienced any noticeable pedal kickback in the nearly 15 years that I've been riding some variation of Horst link/FSR suspension. As others have mentioned, it might make sense for racing, but that's about it.

rode it once. a lot of trouble, hard to control (in my opinion)

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Aug 9, 2021

Drama detection activated...

Seems to be more moving parts that could be eliminated. Weight concerns and a hella long chain to break?

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