Master All Mountains
Pivot’s bestselling, most versatile MTB has always unlocked more trails than its specs seem to allow. The newest version rivals even the Firebird on lawless, double-black descents while remaining snappy on the pedals and planted on the way up like a Trail 429. We’re in blissful disbelief at how good this new Switchblade is to ride. Let’s get to the details.
Sweet Spot
First thing our eyes go to is travel, and the new model is unchanged from its predecessor—and for good reason. The 160/142 combo is dynamite at soaking up the ragbag of trail clutter you’ll find out there without feeling like you’re over-biking it. New is a retuned DW link that allows DH-like control in high-speed hits and confident traction on climbs.
Modern Geo, The Pivot Way
Pivot takes its time with bike design. A hands-on, butts-in-the-saddle approach going through 2–3 frame versions resulted in the new Switchblade’s specific geo. It’s got the longer, slacker, steeper format of modern rides but with Pivot’s stamp on it. The seat tube angle is referenced from where the rider sits (not the post clamp), and smaller steps in swingarm length ensure ride quality is perfect across the size range.
The Flip Chip Mix
Switchblade is an MTBer’s MTB. It ships equipped with 29ers, but should you wanna get funky, it’s ready to swap over to a mixed-wheel setup with the flip of a chip. Switch between High and Low settings to alter geometry to suit your preferred setup and the trails you ride.