PIVOT MACH 429 CARBON / SRAM XX1 COMPLETE BIKE

Pivot led the DW-Link's charge into the 29er market with the Mach 429 five years ago, and this latest version features updated geometry and a new carbon chassis to ensure the DW-Link continues to be a threat in competition and a thrill on the trail. To ensure this remains true, we've paired the Mach 429 Carbon with a SRAM XX1 build kit.

The new 29er top-dog at Pivot features a revised DW-Link design, fresh geometry, and a new carbon chassis that builds on expertise gained from the groundbreaking Mach 5.7 Carbon. Pleasing to the eye, this fresh chassis' sweeping curves and smooth tube junctures aren't the result of some industrial designer's whimsical drawings. Instead, after two years of development, it's a classic case of form following function.

The shape is a result of Pivot's exclusive hollow box, high-compression, internal molding technology. This allows for greater compaction of the fibers and resin and smoother internal walls that produce a lighter, stronger, and highly optimized frame design. The end result is a focus on the revised DW-Link design for unparalleled chassis strength and stiffness.

The most obvious change to this iteration of the DW-Link is found at the upper link. It's now mounted lower, and it's packaged more compactly. This reduces flex in the link, and it lessens play from dimensional tolerances. But, the revised link plays a much greater role in the whole 29er picture. The tighter-packed upper link permits a smaller, stiffer rear triangle and lower shock mounting position. This effectively translates into chainstays that are close to a centimeter shorter, and a stand over height that grants an inch-and-a-half more breathing room. Because of these two changes alone, you'll experience quicker handling and livelier trail manners than with an alloy 429. In fact, some riders liken its behavior to that of a 26in-wheeled bike. Adding to those positive characteristics is a millimeter shorter bottom bracket height, and a slightly slacker seat tube angle.

On the trail, the Mach 429 Carbon glides over rocks, roots, and ruts, yet still remains firm while hammering out of the saddle. This is due to the DW-Link design having always focused on mitigating the natural squat tendencies of full-suspension bikes. When you're on a full suspension bike, the center of mass is somewhere near your belly button. Every time you pedal forward, this mass shifts rearward, loading the rear suspension. DW-Link counteracts this transfer to minimize impact on the rear suspension. This is why Pivot specs a custom-tuned Fox CTD rear shock. It doesn't need the damping that other suspension designs demand in order to mimic the ideal balance of platform vs. compliance.

With the DW-Link controlling unwanted squat, the lightly damped shock can respond with ultra-sensitivity to the demands of the trail. As a result, the Mach 429 Carbon will soak up big, square-edged hits and minute trail chatter alike. Perhaps the best trait of the DW-Link design is how well it absorbs bumps while climbing at low speeds. This means comfort and traction when it's appreciated most.

There are a few other details that emphasize the efforts towards optimizing frame stiffness. One of the easiest to see is the wide, BB92 PressFit bottom bracket. The extra width in the shell does two things -- it allows Pivot to connect a massive down tube, and it increases the width of the lower link for enhanced resistance to torsional flex, while also adding support to the bottom bracket bearings. This bottom bracket shell is equipped with ISCG 05 mounts for the use of a chain guide. The rear triangle gets a 142 x 12mm thru-axle, and a post-style disc brake mount for added simplicity and strength over IS mounts and standard quick-releases.

Connecting the two triangles is a forged and CNC-machined aluminum lower link that contains eight sealed cartridge bearings -- two at each corner. This increases the durability of a pillar component, stretches service life, and optimizes suspension function. The upper link is made of carbon fiber for strength and low weight, and since it sees less stress than its lower counterpart, Pivot relies on four bearings.

We opted for SRAM's new 1 x 11 speed drivetrain because it's been designed with 29ers in mind. The simplicity of a single front ring and SRAM's new wide range 11-speed cassette gives a similar gear spread as a three-by -- but with many fewer parts. XX1 components on this kit included the previously mentioned 10 - 42T cassette, the derailleur, shifter, chain, and cranks. These parts turn a DT Swiss X1600 wheelset that's wrapped in Geax Saguaro tires. The rims and tires are tubeless-compatible, but ship with tubes installed. 

Stopping this Mach 429 Carbon is a set of four-piston X0 Trail brakes, which are hung off an Easton EA70 handlebar. From there an EA70 stem steers a 120mm-travel Fox Racing Shox 32 Float 29 with, like the rear shock, CTD dampening. Finishing off the Pivot Mach 429 Carbon/SRAM XX1 tour is an Easton EA70 seatpost with a Selle Italia SL Kit saddle.

The Pivot Mach 429 Carbon/SRAM XX1 comes in sizes Small through X-large, and three colors; Team Green, Matte Carbon/Red, and Matte Carbon/Blue.

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2013 Pivot Mach 429 Carbon / SRAM XX1 Complete Bike Geometry