PIVOT MACH 5.7 CARBON/SRAM X0/X9 COMPLETE BIKE

The 7-year-old DW-link rear suspension is nothing new to the world of off-road cycling, but it’s still the benchmark for ride quality and efficiency that other suspension engineers struggle to match. What’s changed significantly in that time period is construction techniques and materials, like bearing and pivot technology and the almighty carbon fiber. The Pivot Mach 5.7 Carbon, offered here with our exclusive SRAM X0/X9 component package, is the result of hundreds of hours of frame-optimizing computer analysis to take full advantage of the much-celebrated DW-link squish.

Back in the dark ages (also known as the early 2000's) inefficient full-suspension mountain bikes used to squat like a catcher and bounce like a new trampoline, wasting energy with every pedal stroke. Engineered to address this drawback of full-suspension mountain bikes, the DW-link’s innovative multi-link design ushered in a new age, offering the perfect balance of traction, plushness, and efficiency that quickly made full-suspension mountain bikes the norm, not the butt of hardtail jokes. What differentiated the DW-link was its position-sensitive design which effectively eliminated pedal-bob and suspension squat when seated or standing. The link positions also allow a slight rearward axle path for square-edge compliance without causing chainstay growth—preventing kick back to the pedals. This design also remains highly active while braking, offering enhanced traction and confidence on extremely technical trails.

Pivot is leading the industry by matching the DW-link design with their hollow-box, high-compression internal molding technology. What that techno-jargon means is that sacrificial internal molds are used to provide better compaction of the laminate, creating a smoother inner surface. The result is a stronger and lighter bike without the wrinkles and excess resin that used to plague intricate monocoque layups. While the front triangle is noticeably smoother, the rear end is where you'll see the greatest differences in design. Instead of two struts connecting the seat and chain stays, there is but one on the left side. There isn't a seat stay bridge, either. These changes help to increase the mud clearance of the carbon Mach 5.7 frame over its alloy sibling--we always like that. Up front it gets the same tapered head tube, and the Pivot designers shaped a massive down tube for steering stiffness.

There are a few other details that emphasize the efforts towards optimizing frame stiffness. One of the easiest to see is the BB92 Pressfit-style bottom bracket. The extra width in the shell does two things: It allows the frame designers to connect a massive downtube and increase the width of the lower DW-link, increasing stiffness and resistance to torsional flex. And it also provides better support for the bottom bracket bearings.

The forged and CNC-machined aluminum lower link contains eight sealed cartridge bearings—two at each corner. This increases the durability of this workhorse component, stretching service life, and optimizing suspension function. The upper link is made of carbon fiber to reduce weight while maintaining strength, and since it sees less stress than its lower counterpart, Pivot relies on four bearings here to do the job of keeping the suspension operating smoothly.

A Kashima coated RP23 rear shock from Fox controls the Mach 5.7’s 145mm of suspension travel, and up front we added a Fox Float 150 RLC with 15QR to complement the go-anywhere, do-anything nature of this beast. The X0/X9 build kit consists of an X0 2X10 crank and rear derailleur, with an X9 front derailleur and shifters. Avid Elixir 9 brakes with 160mm rotors fulfill stopping duties and provide solid power, lever feel, and modulation. The Mach 5.7 Carbon rolls on Easton EA70 wheels wrapped in Schwalbe Performance Rocket Ron tires. Easton EA70 components also get the nod for the cockpit, covering the seatpost, stem, and handlebars. Under your rear you’ll find a Sella Italia SL Kit Carbonio saddle, and your paws will connect to this Pivot via WTB grips.

The Pivot Mach 5.7 Carbon/SRAM X0/X9 Complete Bike is available in Matte Carbon Black. It comes in five sizes from X-Small to X-Large.

Mach 5.7 Carbon/SRAM X0/X9 Complete Bike Price:  $4850.00