PIVOT Switchblade 29 Race XT Mountain Bike

Description

SWITCHBLADE 29 RACE XT MOUNTAIN BIKE

First released in 2016, the original Switchblade helped set the standard for what a modern trail bike should be. With capable geometry, efficient suspension, and the ability to accept both 29-inch and 27.5 Plus wheels, few bikes could rival its versatility. But considering the rapid evolution of mountain bikes over the last five years, the Switchblade was due for an update, and based on our experience riding the new bike we can say it’s definitely a force to be reckoned with. Longer travel, more progressive geometry, an all-new chassis, and refined DW-Link suspension work together to push this all-mountain steed to new heights. So whether you’re riding the unforgiving terrain of the desert Southwest, the wide-open descents of the Rockies, or the technical rocks and roots of the Eastern US, the new Switchblade is a worthy companion to help you get the most out of each and every ride.

At first glance you’ll notice that the new Switchblade looks very different than the previous generation. The clean lines and fresh colorways are aesthetically pleasing and are sure to draw looks when you’re unloading the bike at the trailhead. You’ll also notice that the shock is now positioned vertically and driven by a rocker-style upper link rather than the previous generation’s horizontal clevis design. This allows for a stiffer, lighter, and more compact frame while freeing up room for a full-size water bottle on all frame sizes. The rocker-style linkage also decreases the load on the shock and offers a more progressive leverage curve that’s now compatible with coil shocks. Rear travel is boosted from 135 to 142mm for a little more forgiveness when the going gets rough, and every build kit comes with a 160mm travel, 44mm offset Fox 36 that brings comfortable handling and precise steering to the equation.

The Switchblade V2 geometry moves to a slacker head tube angle, a steeper seat tube angle, longer reach figures, and a shorter seat tube that accommodates longer dropper posts than the previous model. The 66-degree head tube and 75.5-degree seat tube may not go as far into the slack-and-steep realm as some other bikes in this category, but these numbers are thoroughly modern and hit a sweet spot that makes this bike a joy to ride on any trail—be it tight and technical or fast and flowy. A two-position flip-chip lets you adjust the bike’s geometry to suit the terrain at hand, but also allows you to switch between various wheel configurations including 29 inch, 27.5 Plus, and mullet (29in front/ 27.5in rear).

Perhaps the primary factor contributing to the Switchblade’s positive ride quality is the DW-Link suspension platform. DW-Link’s position-sensitive anti-squat virtually eliminates unwanted suspension movement while pedaling, preventing your hard-earned energy from being lost to the suspension. On descents, the suspension has an active feel that maintains sensitivity when braking, and the slightly rearward axle path goes a long way toward smoothing out chunky descents and square-edged bumps. DW-Link bikes also ride high in the travel, reducing pedal strikes and keeping the geometry figures consistent for a predictable feel on the trail. Accompanying the DW-Link design is a Fox DPX2 with custom valving that’s exclusive to Pivot. Pivot worked with Fox extensively to get the exact ride feel they were looking for on this new shock, namely increased support, greater responsiveness, and enhanced rear-wheel traction.

Balancing the suspension with materials that can handle the terrain, the Switchblade is crafted from a painstakingly precise mix of composite fibers and resin, then meticulously laid to create a frame that finds the happy medium of strength, stiffness, and weight. The chassis itself benefits from Pivot’s hollow-core internal molding process for uniform, controlled wall thicknesses and material distribution. This process virtually eliminates inconsistencies and resin pooling, increasing structural integrity while targeting areas for weight loss. In addition to hollow-core molding, Pivot implements size-specific design and ride tuning on their frames. In essence, the carbon lay-up, tube thicknesses, and tube shapes vary a bit between sizes in order to maintain a consistent ride quality across all frame sizes. Simply put, it’s the best way to make a strong and lightweight carbon frame with excellent ride feel.

Other details that set the bike apart from the previous Switchblade include removal of the front derailleur mount in favor of 1x drivetrains only. This allows for cleaner internal cable routing, and also a wider lower link that bolsters frame stiffness in this critical area. The new frame saves roughly 1/4lb over the previous model yet has increased torsional stiffness in the rear triangle and a higher overall stiffness-to-weight ratio. Other details include full integration with Fox Live Valve on top-tier build kits, mounts under the top tube for on-bike storage options, and a new chainstay protector that keeps the distracting sound of chain slap to a minimum.

• The all-new Switchblade is faster and more capable than ever
• Travel is increased to 142mm rear and 160mm up front
• Progressive geometry with slacker head tube, steeper seat tube
• Vertical shock orientation now accommodates full-size water bottle
• Custom DPX2 shock offers improved support and bump-absorption
• Hollow-core molding process delivers a stiff and lightweight frame
• Size-specific design means every frame size handles superbly
• XT Race build kit brings tried-and-true performance at a reasonable cost

Additional information

Size	Large, Medium, Small, X-Large, X-Small
Color	Army Green, Blue