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.
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.
Bike Setup: Shimano XTR, Formula R1 brakes, wheel set DTswiss470, 240s hubs, Handlebar / Seatpost Syntace carbon, Steam Syntace, Saddle Sella carbon, Pedals CrankBrother eagbeater 4TI (titanium), Chain KMC, Tires tubeless Botranger expert 29x2.0, Front suspension Fox talas32 95/120mm, rear suspension Fox RP23. Crankset XTR 42/32/22, cassette XTR 12-34.
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Submitted by
forest
a Weekend Warrior
from heath, tx USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2010
Strengths: Everything
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I have nevr ridden a bike that I feel in sync with like this Mach 429. It feels great in every application and for some reason is easy to do wheelies on and jump with. Just fantastic. Never thought I would pay this much for a bike, but it is worth it and I have no regrets. It is just super stiff but at the same time cushions without pounding your body too much.
Similar Products Used: 6 inch all mountain, 29er SS, stumpjumper FSR, Epic 29er
Bike Setup: XT build with adjustable 120mm fork
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Submitted by
idioteque
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Paul, MN, USA, EarTh
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2010
Strengths: Beautiful bike. Great components. Amazing ride in any condition.
Weaknesses: Not a fan of these Kenda tires (Karma's I believe). Fork color is not attractive with the black frame (trivial, yes?). Correct setup is an absolute for this bike to perform. The chainrings/pedals have connected with obstacles more than I would like, but I am learning the limits. Not a bike I would ride in tons of mud.
Bottom Line:
Phenomenal bike and ride. The bike rode great from the initial journey and got MUCH better as I was able to "tweak" the suspension setup. Very manageable for a 29'er as well. If/when I have to replace this, it will be another PIVOT. I am more than happy to support a company such as PIVOT. The fact that it was built in Taiwan bothered me at first, until I read why Cocalis chose that location. If you can handle the buy-in, I highly recommend this bike. Is it worth $2k more than the Epic it replaced??? I would say "worth" is subjective and it would be in the eyes of the beholder. To me, it was worth it, and still is worth it.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Epic (G1 and G2, and both Great bikes)
Bike Setup: Stock with blue lunchbox. The lunchbox comes with a Chris King headset making the upsell worth it, in my opinion.
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Submitted by
ozzybmx
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2010
Strengths: DW link suspension is second to none, on places where i was hoping for traction on previous bikes and even my 29er hard tail, this bike just keeps going. The stiffness of this frame is also amazing, im running a 15mm TA Fox on the front and its super stiff both ends. The bike tracks and rails corners better than any bike ive had , i went the MED (im 5'9") and run a 70mm stem and it handles beautifully on the trails and the tight stuff.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
If something happened this bike today, i would buy another 429 immediately, super happy with it . The bike weighs in at 26.5lb (approx 12kg) and should get it down to 26ish without compromising the awesome trail riding ability . Its fast , climbs like a goat , decends like a rocket and the handling is out of this world.
I had no chance to demo any FS 29er, i read all the forums and even these reviews . Its the best reviewed FS 29er around, thats why i bought one. This bike is a no brainer ! Buy one.
I love this bike. It's my living room centerpiece.
I read some of the other reviews, there were 2 that demo'd the bikes, it took me a while to get the bike set up, had I demo'd it, wouldn't own it.
The bike knows where I want to go and will go anywhere, I am a better rider for it. Climbing is a no brainer, if you've got the legs, lungs and heart it's done, descending is effortless, drops and rock gardens are doable challenges.
I now know that weight is not everything, this bike is 3 lbs heavier than my back up, but more capable and somehow feels much lighter.
Pivot recommends 30% sag, I get full fork and shock travel, it's awesome on the hilly, rocky terrain of central TX, seems like a lot of sag, but it works.
Awesome bike, great buy, worth every penny.
Bike Setup: Fox fork, XTR drivetrain with dual control, King hubs, Stan's 355 rims, Bontrager ACX(R), Mt King 2.4(F), WTB Rocket V Ti seat, BB 7's, Specialized BG grips, clips
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Submitted by
Williamsven
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas and Boston
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2010
Strengths: paid 1700 for frame only on ebay.
i am 6'2" and between 245 and 270 lbs depending on the month. im a very hard trail hungry all mountain rider.
this is the 6th high end full suspension bike i have owned. . . it is unlike any other bike i have ever owned in my life. . for the first time in my life i feel NO flex in the frame going around corners or DH fast.
Weaknesses: WEIGHS IN AT ALMOST 40 LBS !!!this build, XL size mach 429, Drake 29er fork, king hubs, Stans ZTR flow wheels, Bontrager team 2.35 tubeless tires, thomson stem / post, X-0 drivetrain,
Bottom Line:
i think all my other bikes will collect dust after a week riding this beast every day.
its making me faster, leaner, more cut, stronger, more confident..
first few rides i was dragging swamp ass, just because this build weighs in at like 10 lbs heavier than my HiFi 29er. . but the HiFi pro 29er is an undercooked noodle over the trails compared to this bike .
Similar Products Used: noting really in THIS bikes class. Gary Fisher Hifi 29er, Yeti, titus, Astrix, cannondale, rocky mountain ,
Bike Setup: XL size mach 429, Drake 29er fork, Stans ZTR flow wheels, Bontrager team 2.35 tubeless tires, king hubs, thomson stem / post, X-0 drivetrain, WEIGHS IN AT ALMOST 40 LBS !!!
I rode a 29er hard tail for 2011...pretty much a love/hate relationship (I'll spare you the details).
Starting to fall in love with my old 26er full suspension again...just "mo Read More »
I'm thinking about buying a mach 429 2012 model. Is there a good online retailer that I can get a good deal on one of these from? I don't want to pay the 2,399 retail as that see Read More »
Can someone help with sizing? I'm just a shade under 6'1" (6'1" for the most part) and have always ridden large frames. But after looking at the geometry of 429 it appears that I Read More »
The listing says it's sold for some reason. It's not. The MTBR ad has my Ebay links for each item listed and the auctions aren't over for three more days:thumbsup:
If you're int Read More »
hi 29er guys, please help me with my dilemma...:confused:
currently i'm using camber elite 29er, the only thing i dont like about it is the ~32lb weight...:nonod:
which scena Read More »
