The Pivot Mach 429 uses a direct mount front derailleur that bolts straight to the frame in the exact location needed for perfect shifting. It’s a more rigid mount that gives you the best front shifting performance made. By direct mounting the front derailleur and precisely controlling the bottom bracket width we control the chain-line precisely. A perfect chain-line means perfect shifts and no strange cross chaining issues. It seems like a small detail, but its something no one else does and it makes a big difference in a race or out on the trail.
Strengths: A versatile, well balanced MTB that holds its own in both AM/XC categories. DW-link nearly eliminates pedal-induced feedback (suspension bob) better than advertised and thus, this MTB climbs better than any other bike I have ridden over the past 25 years. Yet, the suspension behaves very well in the rutty, rocky type technical descents. The geometry is spot on so despite the bigger 29-inch wheels, its an excellent handling bike. IMHO, the 120mm fork improved an already great ride characteristic.
Weaknesses: Just a few nuances that I would propose Chris consider in the next version. My biggest issue has been inadequate rear tire clearance. Getting caught in a monsoon inevitably leads to carrying the bike out because of mud clogging betwen rear wheel and rear suspension. I recognize it is difficult to squeeze in the linkages and front derailler while maintaining the correct frame geometry etc but this issue has been problematic for me. ONly other improvement I would suggest.... which we know is coming (as evident by the upgraded 5.7) will be to enhance the rear travel slightly (4.7-inches?) while lightening the aluminum frame ( I am opposed to carbon frame). Lastly, the front end geometry might need to be tweaked since I am required to run ALOT of spacers AND a high riser bar to achieve a setting of equal bar and saddle height.
Bottom Line:
I test rode the Specialized Epic, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Gary Fisher, Ellsworth etc and for my riding style and location (Rocky Mtns), purchasing the Pivot was a no-brainer. I was actually suprised how far superior the overall performance (climbing, descending, handling) of the Pivot was compared to the other MTB FS 29er options
Strengths: Quality of build, suspension performance, super stiff frame, geometry/head tube angle feels more all mountain than cc.
Weaknesses: No carbon option.
Bottom Line:
Been riding for more than 15 years and had all 26" until now including Salsa a la carte, Airborne, Ellsworth Truth, Intense 6.6 and the 2012 429 has been the most fun since I started riding. I do more long cross country rides and endurance races but love to hammer the most technical line I can find. I have been riding it for 6 months and now that the front range in CO is open I am killing all the technical stuff that used to give me trouble on my previous bikes. Plus, like others have commented the climbs are also better - I was looking for "the one" bike and now I have found it. I test rode the Tallboy C, Lenz, Salsa Spearfish, Niner Rip, RDO - all very nice bikes as well but obviously the 429 felt the best.
I have only ridden hard tails up until purchasing this bike. I decided to go big, or go home. Sure, the fork has a lockout and the rear shock as 'pro pedal' mode. But in reality, you don't need it. The dw linkage design takes care of it. Just set the shock pressures, and ride. This bike climbs like a mountain goat, and shreds through single track like it's angry. I could keep writing and tell you about how it handles like a 26er, has zero frame flex, etc - but everyone else has already said that.
Keep in mind, these bikes run large. I went from a 19" Trek Cobia 29er to a Medium Pivot 29er. A side by side measurement shows them to be nearly equivalent, except for the handle bars. The handle bars on the Pivot are much larger.
If you are serious about spending this much money on a mountain bike, this is the bike you want.
Strengths: Climbing. Descent. Handling. Paint. Suspension.
Weaknesses: Rider Mortality
Bottom Line:
This thing climbs better than anything I've ridden. I'm 37 and have been riding quality bikes for 22 years. Going down hill I find myself aiming for the bigger obstacles so I can feel the suspension working them over. It handles like a smaller bike, without feeling like you're on a smaller bike. I have 80mm of front suspension instead of the recommended 100mm, so that could be part of the explanation. The anodized black paint not only makes the bike look like it was something developed in a secret government laboratory, but it is also very hard to bang up as well. The DW link suspension is perhaps the most incredible feature on the bike. It actually feels like it is propelling you forward as you flex it over terrain. In comparison, I have ridden other FS bikes that feel like a tractor bouncing straight up and down as you ride. This bike feels more like a sling shot throwing you forward from the obstacle that you just left in your wake. The Pivot decal is as understated and serious as the bike. This brings me to the weakness I listed: Rider Mortality. I will never be as good as this bike, limiting its full potential. When I'm at my best, flying down a narrow, rocky singletrack with my heart in my throat and glutes at full pucker, I feel like the bike is putting out the most minimal effort. It is bad.
Similar Products Used: Nothing comes close to this, not even the Mach 4 and Mach 5.
Bike Setup: SRAM XO and X7.
Lefty Speed front shock thanks to a Project 321 adaptor.
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Submitted by
ANDYB
a All Mountain Rider
from GAINESVILLE, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2012
Strengths: Stiff, agile, 26er feel, very well built
Weaknesses: a bit on the heavy side
Bottom Line:
This bike is probably one of the best over all bikes I have ever owned in the 12 years of my cycling career, Last I counted was 9 different bikes. Overall, the DW link suspension is wonderful. Very stiff and very responsive. I guess the only thing that is quirky is the suspension set up. The DW is very sensitive to changes in the air pressure of the shock. After spending some time learning it, I love it. My bike is knocking on 30 lbs but the bike rides like a 25 lb 26'er. You really do not notice the weight. The bike carves single track very well and climbs very well. It smoothes out the chatter very well. Over all I am very very pleased with this bike....and I have been on it for two full riding seasons and this summer will be my third. My bike has about 1,500 miles on it. I tore it down last week to service the bearings and pivots and the wear is minimal. This really testifies to the quality of the Pivot brand. The 429 design has not changed in a couple of years and my bike is essentially the same as you would buy now.
Submitted by
Rasi
a Cross Country Rider
from Hadera, Israel
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2011
Strengths: Great Handling, Pivot are right- it has a 26er feel!, amazing pedal efficancy in any condition. fast, climbes great. very plush ride, but yet a lot of feedback from the trail.
Climbes even better when fork set to 120mm!!! you instantly feel its easier to climb for some reason!
Weaknesses: Color schem could be more creative...
Bottom Line:
If you are a trail rider, doing lots of singletrack and long rides every 2nd weekend - You owe yourself to test it before you decide on any other bike!
Favorite Trail: "The Sugra Trail", near the Dead Sea.
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$5600.00
Purchased At: Matzman, Local Pivot
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Hi-Fi Pro 29er.
Bike Setup: Full X9, SRAM Carbon 2X10 Crank, Fox Talas RLC 95-120 fork. American Classics MTB Wheelset. Chris King Headset.Hope mono mini brakes.
Thomson elite stem & seatpost. Cranck Brothers Iodin 11 carbon handlebar, 680mm, low rise.
Specialized phenom Expert seddal. Specialized The Captain Control 2Bliss tires.
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Submitted by
Blk02
a Cross Country Rider
from Conroe, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2011
Strengths: Great handling in tight switchbacks and technical terrain, great climbing ability (no front wheel lift & no rear wheel grip issues), no gyroscopic feeling in the front wheel when turning (common to 29ers), large frame was sized perfect for 6'-2" rider with 34" inseam.
Weaknesses: The lock-on grips that came with the bike were too thin for my big paws. I immediately bought some Oury lock-on grips. Really other than that I cannot think of any negatives. This bike far exceeded all the others I test rode.
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike while on a 10 day mountain biking trip in Steamboat Springs Colorado (Bike Town USA). I had never heard of Pivot before and I bought the bike on the spot without any further research (it felt that good). I spent several days in town test riding several different bikes back to back on the local trails. I test rode the following bikes before settling on the Pivot Mach 429 (Rocky Mountain Slayer 50, Trek EX9, Giant Trance X2, Yeti 575, Specialized Epic, Specialized FSR 29er, Specialized FSR, Yeti 575, Salsa Spearfish, Ellsworth (Full Susp.), Specialized FSR S-Works)
Weaknesses: A little on the heavy side for XC racing
Bottom Line:
I have about a dozen rides on this bike so far and I think the suspension is just beginning to break in. This is my first FS 29er and first DW link bike. Great suspension design! You know they have something great when the bike pedals almost identically with the propedal setting on and off. My last FS bike was a single pivot Yeti and that bike rode great, but it was like two different bikes with propedal on and off. I have this bike set up with 120mm fox and I don't notice it handling sluggish or anything at all. It would probably handle like it's on rails with 100mm up front though. I was torn between building a 5-6" 26er or the 429. It's just preference, but I like the way the big wheels feel under me. I can tell you if I was to consider a 5-6" 26er the pivot 5.7 would be top on the list after riding this suspension. I don't think I will have a need for it though since the 429 has comfortably handled everything I've thrown at it so far. This bike is super stable at speed and inspires confidence going thru rocks. You don't really notice the DW link rear moving, but it is always working. Climbs are a breeze on this bike especially rocky ones since the DW eats up everything and doesn't penalize you with pedal feedback. I feel like it is a little more forgiving with a sloppy spin and mashing uphills than other suspension designs. I recently got to do a side by side comparison to my buddy's tallboy last week. Very similar rides. Both suspensions work great, but I would give the DW a slight edge. The 429 is stiffer. I'm not sure if this is because of the carbon, but the tallboy definitely dampens small chatter better than the 429. Last thing is the tallboy is almost 2lbs lighter. I can see how people would consider the 429 too heavy to XC race, but lucky for me I don't race anymore and just enjoy riding a great bike. I think a lighter carbon version of the 429 would put a dent in tallboy sales for sure. Overall the 429 is a great bike that does everything well. Go try one out.
Similar Products Used: Lynskey pro29, Santa Cruz tallboy, yeti asr,
Bike Setup: 2011 medium frame, 2012 fox 120RLC kashima, stans ZTR arch 29er, formula K24 brakes, ritchey carbon bars & stem, 1X9 drivetrain (XT cranks, XT rear cassette, Sram X9 rear der)
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Submitted by
sxs056
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Smith
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2011
Strengths: The frame stiffness is unbelievable for a full suspension bike. Absolutely no pedal bob! I feel like I'm riding a full hard frame when climbing and soak up every inch of the downhill without realizing it! Absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses: They are definitely proud of it and the price shows, but for good reason. Pivot could use some better color schemes.At least more options. Other than that, I can't find another bike to even come close in efficiency from every aspect of a mountain bike as far as the frame goes.
Bottom Line:
SHOW ME A BETTER BIKE and then I'll shut up about the performance of this one!!! First of all, I was completely against 29ners, thought it was just a fad that would fade away. I loved my 2010 Stumpjumper Elite, until I rode this. The only reason I would want to ride it these days is if I somehow messed the Pivot up. But I don't see that happening, its bombproof in every way. I'm 210 lbs. and consider myself strong and aggressive when a big hill comes my way, and when I'm on the Pivot I cannot stop smiling. I can pound my way over anything and never worry about wasting energy. For example, today one of my riding friends stalled out on a tough hill, he watched me go by and when he came to the top he commented, " That bike is ridiculous, you were pounding and it was like you were riding a rigid." Enough said. Bottom line, if you can afford it, ride one, if you can't don't get on it because you will sell everything own to get your hands on one. Hats off to Pivot and the Mach 429!
Bike Setup: Fox RLC fork, Fox RP23 (stock with frame), Full Shimano XTR 3X9, King hubs, Stans Wheels, Michelin tires, Thompson seat post and stem, Carbon Ritchey handlebars, hydraulic Avid brakes
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Submitted by
DrDon
a Cross Country Rider
from New Albany, In, USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2011
Strengths: Strong, stiff, good customer service, efficient pedaler, Jack of all trades
Weaknesses: Lots of places to trap mud, not made in the USA
Bottom Line:
The main pivot bolt backed out but the frame is so stiff, the creaking finally made me check the pivot. Through a misunderstanding, the bolt was not inspected at my lbs. This probably led to the rear triangle failing. Unfortunately, I have a history of frame failures due to my strength, weight and plow through riding style. Pivot gave me a good crash replacement price and returned the frame quickly. I state this because I feel that good customer service is essential, and obviously can mean the difference between 2 weeks down time vs. 2 months down time.
It pedals the way I like it to. I like my Ventanas but I tend to have a sloppy spin at times and the Pivot doesn't penalized me like my El Rey or Tallboy. Yes, I do prefer the DW link over VPP. I also use less shock pressure and I don't have to replace the shock bushing as frequently as I do in the Tallboy. The Tallboy is plush but a little too active in mid stroke unless accelerating or climbing a fairly steep hill - it's very dependent on chain tension. I give a slight nod to the Ventanas when climbing and pedaling through chunky stuff. Ventana's higher BB and active stiff single pivot suspension makes the task at hand easier. The Pivot with a 100mm fork and Edge wheels was racy fast. With a 120mm fork and larger tires it's a neutral, all day trail machine. It feels as stiff as my El Rey in the BB. The Rey's front triangle feels a little stiffer. The Rey is a semi-custom built to my weight. The front triangle of the Tallboy is stiff, but the rear triangle feels like it's rotating along the linkage to a degree, but it's not a deal breaker. As far as toughness is concerned, the 429 is right up there with my Ventanas. Sorry Santa Cruz - my Tallboy from repeated experience is now XC only. Pivot did it's homework. It shows in the complicated frame design and by execution. It was not rushed to the market. It laughs at rock gardens. It's expensive, but when viewed along side other frames, the complex jigging and welding is evident. The bearings are not as durable as Ventanas, but I bought my El Cap knowing that Ventanas are highly thought of in England. I do think bearing life is above average.
BTW - the pivots on frame iteration #2 continue to remain tight from day one one year ago.
Similar Products Used: El Capitan, El Rey, Tallboy
Bike Setup: 120mm fork, X9/XT, DT 440s laced to Flows
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Submitted by
hwhishon5
a Weekend Warrior
from Peoria, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2011
Strengths: Stiff, just no flex in this frame. Good climber, Confident inspiring, Tough as nails frame. DW has no equal in the FS world.
Weaknesses: Spendy man, seriously what is up with prices for mtn bikes and components. We throw these things in the dirt for gosh sakes they are not heirlooms.
Bottom Line:
Feel like I owe it to the next guy who might be considering a pivot. These reviews helped me tremendously. This review is focused on the 429 frame, but I am fortunate to have a great set up on this bike to attempt to describe its performance. Took 6 months of reading, demoing, tried to find the bike to be the holy grail of mtn biking. Wants were an everyday bombproof bike that would hold up, let me train and beat on and race local xc series for the summer. I was asking alot and what I was able to ride or demo wasn't fitting the bill. Also decided to move up to the 29 world even though rode one only once, but hey all the fast guys were on them, so figured I needed to be too. Found the 429 and really read up on it in reviews, testing and what Pivot is trying to do with their lineup. They are beyond helpful by the way, so don't be afraid to call them. If you can find a negative review anywhere from the pro's testing this bike to weekend warriors that think they know what they are talking about, I want to see it. This bike in many reviews IS the standard in which all other 29er's are tested against for overall performance. Embarrassed to say I bought this bike having never seen it in person let alone demo one. Built it at speedgoat. Be ready to know what you want with them as they don't give much input on the build, did the rider profile which matched this bike up well for my sizing. This to me went along way in making the bike feel familiar right away. They are good at working on pricing your build. Bike came packaged well, missing sag settings and my shock pump which I still need to call about. Set bike up and based on 30% sag and 100 psi on front fork. Ride? The frame is stiffest I have been on. The DW flat out works, but getting the sag dialed in is key, otherwise you will note the drag or "heaviness" talked about on 29er's. Not the quickest up to speed, but if you can keep it there you will fly. Learned this bike is all about momentum. Downhill speed is just ridiculous now and really shows the stiffness and stability of the frame. It is a serious confidence builder. Climbing I have to compare to my 26inch bike. Hills that I dropped to 1-1 or small ring front/back, I am climbing in the big ring up front. Don't know if its the Shimano 2x10 or the dw-link, but I just do not come out of the big ring when climbing. Close to three months riding and cable stretch has occurred on every bike I've owned. Shifting is smooth and crisp and has not changed on this Pivot with no adjustments to date. BB height was another concern I had coming from a nearly 6" travel bike. I am clearing everything I did with my 575 with the Pivot. Get close and you'll see quality welds and parts, but nothing stands out until you get on it. Quality and performance you feel which is rare in anything these days. If you are willing to put out the cash, you have to consider this one. One last thing. Frame weight seems to brought up on the 429. Pivot gives their weight to include the front derailleur. 4 Chilis due to silly price.
Similar Products Used: Owned or Demoed Yeti 575, Specialized Epic 29er, Litespeed, Gary Fisher Superfly, Turner, Santa Cruz Blur
Bike Setup: 429 Medium Frame (fits my 6' like a glove)Complete XTR 2x10 38/26, Brakes, Shifters, Cane Creek Headset, Thomson Elite x 4 stem, seatpost, WTB Pure V seat, Fox RP23, Fox 100mm Fork FIT Kashima coating, Oury Lock Grips, Truvativ WC Team Flat bar, Industry Nine Classic hubs, Straight pull spokes on Stans UST Arch rims. Schwalbe Tubeless Snakeskin Nobby Nics 2.25, 26.5lbs legit
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Submitted by
ohyeah
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Alamos, NM
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2011
Strengths: Incredibly stiff, robust, reliable, stable, well-designed, great suspension, great geometry.
Weaknesses: None. Some people say this bike is too heavy but it simply isn't true. Mine weighs in at 27 lbs pretty much stock.
Bottom Line:
Do not screw around with buying a different brand. This bike is worth every single penny. And, after just getting some bearings replaced by Pivot, I can safely say its the best customer service I've had.
After having a HiFi Pro (cross member on the chainstay) AND a 2010 Superfly 100 (at the main pivot) break, I decided GF was no longer on the list. Of course Trek replaced them, but every time I would start to crank up a hill, my mind kept nagging me that the frame was about to fail. I finally started looking at other brands and settled on the pivot 429.
This frame has zero (I Mean none) flex in the rear triangle. Even on my replacement GF HiFi I would see the rear sway back and forth ever so slightly when I pedaled hard. Not so on the pivot, it takes whatever you can give it. I have no second thoughts with the 429.
The bike handles well, in any condition, and climbs like a hard tail. The rear suspension just sort of locks out when the trail inclines. Its really amazing.
The guys at Pivot are top notch and this bike is a winner. Thanks Pivot for giving us an alternative to GF!
Submitted by
coolj01
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2011
Strengths: Stiff as hell. Easy to set up. Tapered headtube. DW Link Suspension. Internal BB.
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
What cant I say about this bike? What else can you ask for? Tapered Headtube and 15mm thru axle makes this front end crazy stiff. I am 6ft and 230lbs and dont feel any flex from the front to the rear. You can build this bike up to be a light racer or an AM/Trail killer. This bike is point and shoot. Point this bike uphill and fall in love...point this bike downhill and fall in lust. The point of this rant is if you are looking for a 29er this is the holy grail...if you havent tried 29ers yet you are shorting yourself. Buy it. Ride it. Get it dirty. Love it.
Bike Setup: Fox 32 Talas 29 Fit RLC, XTR Cranks, XTR Rear, XTR Front, DT swiss 240 laced to Stans Flow, Thomson stem and seatpost, XTR shifters, XT Brakes.
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Submitted by
seandm
a Cross Country Rider
from rio verde, az
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2011
Strengths: Fast, nimble, plush and surprisingly lite compared to my Mach 5. The rp23 w/boost valve is made for this bike, you do not
Weaknesses: none so far.
Bottom Line:
I cannot believe i waited this long to get onto the 29'er train. Riding this bike is like riding for the 1st time without training wheels, I felt like I could ride all day.
Don't believe what others are saying about the weight of this bike, it is actually quite lite. Even my riding buddy commented on how lite it was.
