Pivot Updates their Popular Switchblade 29er Trail Bike With Added Travel and More Aggressive Angles

Pivot Cycles has refined their ever-popular Switchblade trail bike, making it more capable and better equipped throughout. The go-to enduro race whip for many of the brand’s sponsored athletes is now even more race-ready. Some of the most notable adjustments include a bonus 7mm more travel that adds up to a total of 142mm at the rear axle, and a straighter seat tube to accommodate longer dropper posts and shorter inseams. Full-carbon Switchblade frames are available in Treeline Green or Horizon Blue colorways, in sizes XS to XL, with 29″ or 27.5″+ hoops.

The new bike is, of course, a little longer, and a little slacker, as usual, though not only the reach has lengthened. The chainstays now stretch an extra 3mm, though they are still quite short at 431mm. The front triangle’s reach has extended from the former 440mm to a roomier 455mm stretch (size M), to culminate in a 1193mm wheelbase (size M). The slacker head tube angle? It’s likely right where most riders will want it, at 66° when the frame is in the low position compared to the former 67.25° lean, while in the high position it tilts up to 66.5° on the revised bike.

The V2 Switchblade seat tubes not only shrunk by over 3cm on each frame size to accommodate longer travel dropper posts and shorter legs, but they are also straighter so that more of that post can slide inside the frame. That seat tube is now 1.25° steeper at 75.5° in the low position, and 76° in the high setting, which should improve the bike’s overall climbing characteristics.

The downtube and driveside chainstay are well protected.

The V2 Switchblades come with a Fox DPX2 shock that has a proprietary tune designed precisely around the bike’s suspension platform. It’s said to climb better and stay more planted on rough descents than the former tune, with a wide range of adjustability to suit most riders. All of the builds will come with a 160mm Fox 36 fork with a 44mm offset, including a variety of damper cartridges depending on the build spec.

Classic DW Link paired with a trunion shock mount makes shock swaps a cinch, and leaves ample space for a large water bottle.

The base model of the updated carbon Switchblade retails for $5,499 (€6,199). That build, which Pivot calls the Race XT, comes with a Fox Performance DPX2 shock and Float 36 fork with a Grip damper, Shimano SLX 4-piston brakes, SLX shifter and cassette, XT derailleur, and Race Face Ride crankset. With twelve build options in total, the top-shelf Switchblade offering sells for $12,399 (€13,999). That bike comes fully “electrified” with Fox Live Valve suspension, SRAM AXS electric drivetrain and dropper, and all the Kashima your heart desires. Compare builds and pricing at CompetitiveCyclist.com