Switchblade Carbon 27.5+ XT Pro 2x Mountain Bike - 2017
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Shop Similar ProductsBig drops and gnarly lines await.
Over the past few years, we've seen axle width standards diverge into an anything-but-standardized whirlpool of super-stiff, super-beefy spacing options. With tire choices going the way of a bored herd of bunny rabbits in a late-fall cold snap, we're not exaggerating when we say that we thought we'd seen every axle/tire combination possible. Pivot's never been satisfied with following conventions though, so it's no surprise that it's pushing boundaries and expectations again with the 2017 Pivot Switchblade Carbon 27.5+ XT Pro 2x Complete Mountain Bike. Dressed up in a mix of Shimano XT and XTR componentry, a KS LEV dropper, and rolling on plush Maxxix Rekon tires, this Switchblade brings ample frame clearance and trail-smoothing squish to amp up the party on any run.
There's a lot going on with this bike, but the key element lies in the introduction of what Pivot is calling Super Boost Plus 157, a new rear axle standard that adds an additional 9mm to the rear axle and 12mm to tire clearance. It essentially combines a DH chainline with a typical 5in bike's Q factor and heel clearance. The introduction of a gravity-sized rear axle has serious implications for an aggressive enduro rig, and these implications go well beyond the increased rear wheel stiffness of the more acute spoke angle.
The main effect of the Super Boost rear hub is that the Switchblade enjoys the clearance to run traditional 29ers or, as is the case here, add an additional element of forgiving, save-your-butt squish with 27.5+ wheels and tires. Either way, the extra-wide spacing allows Pivot to get freaky with chainstay lengths, chopping them down to 16.85in by moving the rear wheel up towards the seat tube. That's a dimension that makes standard Boost axles blush, and it pairs with a Phoenix-inspired, double wishbone rear triangle to stiffen both the pedaling interface and the linkage design.
The rest of the geometry is similarly capable. Where the concise back end makes for a sharp knife while dicing rooty sections, the enduro-minded head tube and bottom bracket height make for a slack, low chassis that complements the 2.8in tires with a devil-may-care attitude in the face of questionable lines. The Switchblade provides a platform of stability when a series of poor life choices on the trail has you confronting big hits and roll overs at impolitic speeds. Despite the frame's big-line parachute qualities, its seat tube sits relatively steep, keeping you forward and on top of the pedal stroke while climbing. It’s a little slacker than the Mach 4, but—when the grade flips and the rocks rise to meet you—the Switchblade will leave any XC race whip in the dust.
Details
- An aggressive trail bike with unprecedentedly stubby chainstays
- 135mm of DW-Link suspension maintains pedaling throughout travel
- Long, slack geometry bails you out on bigger lines and tall drops
- Gravity-inspired Super Boost rear axle for extra tire clearance
- Reinforced rear linkage inspired by DH Phoenix
- Plus-sized tires boost traction and cushion
- Full carbon construction for lightweight efficiency
- Item #PIV002W
- Frame Material
- carbon fiber
- Suspension
- DW-Link
- Rear Shock
- FOX Float Factory DPS EVOL Kashima
- Rear Travel
- 135 mm
- Fork
- FOX 36 Factory Kashima
- Front Travel
- 150 mm
- Headset
- Pivot Precision Sealed Bearing
- Shifters
- Shimano XT M8000 11-speed
- Front Derailleur
- Shimano XT M8000 side-swing
- Rear Derailleur
- Shimano XTR M9000 11-speed GS
- ISCG Tabs
- yes, ISCG 05
- Crankset
- 34 / 24 t Race Face Aeffect SL
- Bottom Bracket
- PF92
- Cassette
- 11 - 42 t Shimano XT M8000 11-speed
- Brakeset
- Shimano XT M8000
- Brake Type
- hydraulic disc
- Handlebar
- Phoenix Carbon Riser
- Handlebar Width
- 740 mm
- Grips
- Phoenix lock-on
- Stem
- Phoenix Trail Enduro
- Saddle
- [extra-small, small] WTB Hightail, [medium, large, extra-large] WTB Vigo Race
- Seatpost
- KS LEV Integra dropper
- Wheelset
- DT XM series 27.5+, 40mm internal rim w/ 36t star ratchet upgrade
- Front Axle
- 15 x 110mm Boost QR thru-axle
- Rear Axle
- 12 x 157 mm Super Boost Plus 157 thru-axle
- Tires
- Maxxis Rekon TR
- Tire Size
- 27.5 x 2.8 in
- Pedals
- not included
- Recommended Use
- trail, all-mountain, enduro
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 3 years on frame
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