Pivot

Mach 6 Carbon X1 Complete Mountain Bike - 2015

When it was first unveiled, Pivot's Mach 6 Carbon frameset inspired a lot of talk of baskets, eggs, and going all in with the Mach 6's unparalleled enduro capabilities. We're not normally suckers for industry hype, but let's just say that the Mach 6 — easily among the most advanced carbon chassis on the market, owing to Pivot's insistence on taking its time in development — and SRAM drivetrain included here have got our eggs by the basket. Riding on the venerable DW-Link suspension, we're confident that they'll make it to the summit and back in one piece.

While the Mach 6 has myriad benefits over other manufacturers' rush-to-production 27.5-inch all mountain bikes, we'll only take the time to focus on a few defining elements of its geometry. First, its bottom bracket height is low, settling the center of gravity within the rolling stock (like 29ers) and not on top (like 26ers and rush-job 27.5s). Second, the top tube is around an inch longer and the chainstays are around a half-inch shorter than comparable machines, so you'll enjoy all the benefits in stability and handling of the larger frame/short stem/wide bar trend in enduro bikes without the usual penalty of a longer wheelbase.

The key to this win/win/win situation is Pivot's use of a new clevis to connect the rear shock to the rear triangle. This keeps the suspension linkage compact to avoid seat tube interference, so your stays stay stubby. It also eliminates the failure-prone rear shock bushing, and you'll be happy to know that it's not proprietary, so you're free to choose whichever shock you want. Conversely, you could just stick with the included FOX Float CTD Kashima, which guarantees that the Mach 6's two carbon triangles will play nicely together while keeping unruly changes in altitude and terrain in check with its Climb Trail Descend toggling.

Whatever you decide, your chosen shock will be incorporated into the Mach 6's DW-Link suspension design. Again, in the interest of time, we'll simplify the DW-Link to note that it balances travel with chain tension for a consistent, stable pedaling platform.These qualities are reflected in the string of World Cup wins and podium places powered by DW-Link suspensions, but the only way to really understand is to ride it yourself.

This build of the Mach 6 features a FOX 34 Evolution fork up front, which brings 150 millimeters of travel and the iconic finish of Kashima coating to your enduro party. It's also a one-by, powered by SRAM's ironclad X1 groupset. While the lack of a front derailleur and second chain ring does save some weight, X1 is really all about brute force and all-mountain survivability. It's also not limited by its single chainring, as the solid pedaling platform of DW-Link and generous 10-42 range in the questionably titled Mini Cluster X1 rear derailleur mean you'll have the gearing and responsiveness to handle virtually any upkick.

The DT M 1900 Spline wheels on this model are tubeless-ready, and they combine with the 150 millimeters of front travel to recommend the bike for fast trail riding and light enduro applications. The frame itself is finished off with a BB92 bottom bracket, ISCG05 tabs, post-mount disc brakes, a tapered head tube, and internally routed dropper-post compatibility.