Pivot’s latest carbon trail bike is one of a new breed that can switch between 29in and 27.5+ wheels. It uses an extendable lower headset to maintain a similar bottom bracket height no matter which wheels you use. We’ve been testing the mid-range XT/XTR 29er 1x version on a wide variety of trails to see how it handles.
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Pivot Switchblade Pro 29 spec overview
- Frame: Switchblade
- Shock: Fox Float Factory DPS Evol Kashima
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory 150mm Kashima Boost 110QR
- Headset: Pivot Precision sealed bearing
- Rear derailleur: XTR 11spd GS
- Shifters: XT 11-speed R
- Brakes: XT 8000
- Cranks: Race Face Aeffect SL 30T
- Handlebar: Phoenix Carbon Riser 740mm
- Grips: Phoenix Lock On
- Stem: Phoenix Trail Enduro
- Cassette: XT M8000 11-46 11-speed
- Wheels: Reynolds Carbon 29 (upgrade)
- Tyres: Maxxis High Roller II 29 x 2.3 TR
Pivot Switchblade Pro 29 frame and equipment
Interestingly, Pivot has adopted the 157mm rear axle spacing usually only seen on DH bikes. It has also extended the hub-flange spacing compared to a regular 157mm hub in a bid to further increase the rear wheel stiffness. It calls this ‘Super Boost Plus’. Catchy!
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The wider hub requires a wider chainline. A DH crank would work, but their arms are spaced wider apart (known as Q-factor), making pedalling more awkward. Pivot addresses this cleverly on the more expensive Switchblade models by simply flipping the chainring round on a regular Race Face Next SL crank to achieve the required chainline, without the bandy-legged Q-factor. However, our model uses a cheaper Race Face Aeffect crank, which results in a wider Q-factor than the Next cranks, at 82mm rather than 77mm.
The more outboard chainline also allowed Pivot to accommodate up to 27.5 x 3.25in plus tyres as well as 29in wheels, within (probably) the shortest chainstays seen on a full-sus 29er at 428mm.
The bottom bracket height is pretty low at 340mm and the head angle is moderately slack for a 29er at 67.25 degrees. More excitingly, the reach figures (which always used to be frustratingly cramped) have been brought up to date. Our XL bike’s 485mm reach was just enough to keep our 6ft3 tester comfy while attacking terrain with authority.
Pivot Switchblade Pro 29 ride impression
Pivot Switchblade Pro 29 early verdict
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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