[Clyde Ride]

OK, 3 days, 3 rides. I'm starting to adapt to everything, and this is a great bike. For those that are riding the old SB and thinking about the new one, I think it's OK to note that the delta isn't gigantic. If you're very tall and/or have a lot of issue with the light nose, you might really like the upgrade. If money is tight, I wouldn't make the jump. Just my 2 cents.

The new bike is very stable and predictable in the climbs without getting extreme on the forward shift. It's also a bit more planted on the downs. I did notice the extra wheelbase this morning (in a bad way)... when I rolled over a rock roll, I scuffed a couple of chain links on the way over. That's new compared to the old bike.

I started paying more attention to the suspension setup. I think the posters above got it sorted out, but would emphasize that the starting point on suspension settings (assuming you don't have your own approach) should come from Pivot's website, not Fox's. Also, I would underline that Pivot recommends the middle compression setting for big riders and the 3mm adjustment on the DPX2 is ONLY for the wide open setting on the 3-way control.

I'm pretty close to the Pivot recommended settings, and really like everything so far. There's a lot of pedaling support, but without some of the jabby harshness I occasionally felt on the v1/Float X2.

Great bike.

 

[lvrpl]

After a 3 day demo, I ordered a Large Switchblade and am currently waiting for it to ship. I compared it directly against a Large SB130LR.

Me: Riding Front Range Colorado. My other bike is an Epic with a StepCast 120, so I was looking for something that handled chunky and steep better than my "efficient" bike.

As was mentioned above, the Switchblade is a fun bike. I felt like I could go fast, sure, but I also felt like I could go slower and pop off things, slam it into corners and goof around. In chunky terrain the rear suspension was terrific.

Pedaling, the bike is not XC bike efficient, let's be honest. Don't take this to mean the bike is inefficient, as I am sure that there was more inefficiencies from the DHR rear tire than the suspension. When climbing techy sections, I felt like the SB helped me keep momentum as the suspension absorbed the terrain very well with little to no input into pedaling. I will say, however, I did notice the suspension sinking a bit deep into travel during chunky climbing. I remedied this with by flipping the shock to the "trail" position, but feel I can address is with more tuning in the future.

I also felt very confident on this bike; I trusted the tires because it felt like I both had a great connection with the ground, but that the suspension also helped smooth things out and kept me isolated. I had the best descent at Heil Ranch that I've ever had, with the most confidence and fun. I'm typically holding on for dear life, but on the SB I was smiling and hooting (Top 5% of Strava times this year).

The SB130LR was a different animal all together. In all honesty, I don't think the LR is the right set-up for this bike. The SB130 is a very efficiently pedaling platform. It feels like a shorter travel bike. In chunky sections, it was harsh. In smooth sections, when you could open it up, it railed. In my opinion that's how a bike with 120mm should behave, not 130+.

Back to pedaling: I was faster uphill on the SB130. When Climbing technical terrain, the suspenion did not isolate you like the Pivot, but, the high pedaling efficiency felt very positive; with each pedal stroke the SB130 wanted to claw over any obstacle in it's way.

When I was able to into more flowy terrain, I immediately got why people like the SB130: it does rail at high speeds. It's very confident inspiring and it feels like it has your back when you eyes start to water. It also handled single-drops (up to 4 feet) with composure. I liked the extra length in the reach compared to the Pivot. It had a lot of things going for it, but I believe a better comparison for the SB130 is the Trail 429.

For me, in my terrain and my bike stable, the Switchblade was the better choice.

Do you mind if I ask how tall you are? And how does the large fit? Thanks.

 

[bryanus]

I'm really interested in the SB, currently on a large mach 5.5. This would be my first 29er. I'm pretty comfortable on my Large 5.5 at 5'10" and a 40mm stem. Should I stick with a Large for the SB? I've always thought that you should size down a little on a 29er, and I'm right in between sizes usually. Anyone coming from a 5.5 care to compare the two? The posts about turning it into a mullet are also intriguing. TIA.

 

[SoDakSooner]

I'm really interested in the SB, currently on a large mach 5.5. This would be my first 29er. I'm pretty comfortable on my Large 5.5 at 5'10" and a 40mm stem. Should I stick with a Large for the SB? I've always thought that you should size down a little on a 29er, and I'm right in between sizes usually. Anyone coming from a 5.5 care to compare the two? The posts about turning it into a mullet are also intriguing. TIA.

I'm in the same situation as you. I own a 5.5 and am about your height. I was very comfortable on the large SB. Got enough time on it to gather a decent opinion. IMO, It's not a lot different than the 5.5. With the exception of the wheel size, the specs are pretty close. I really loved the bike but my 5.5 is fantastic too. Honestly unless you just want to get into the 29" wheel club, IMO there isn't enough difference to switch. That said, between the two if I were buying right now, I'd pick the SB all day.

 

[Clyde Ride]

I have 9 rides in now. I don't claim to be a suspension wizard, but this is where I am right now, for reference. I'm running about 220lbs right now, and usually carry a ~10lb pack.

• Rear
○ 225psi
○ Rebound - 12 clicks CW from open
○ Compression - middle setting

• Front
○ 110 psi
○ LSR - 13 CW
○ HSR - 5 CW
○ HSC (blue) - 2 CW
○ LSC (black) - 5 CW

I haven't bottomed out the fork much and am thinking about dropping some pressure out of that, though it's felt good and I'm also tempted to not screw with it and know I have some reserve.

 

[xtrpickels]

I have 9 rides in now. I don't claim to be a suspension wizard, but this is where I am right now, for reference. I'm running about 220lbs right now, and usually carry a ~10lb pack.

• Rear
○ 225psi
○ Rebound - 12 clicks CW from open
○ Compression - middle setting

• Front
○ 110 psi
○ LSR - 13 CW
○ HSR - 5 CW
○ HSC (blue) - 2 CW
○ LSC (black) - 5 CW

I haven't bottomed out the fork much and am thinking about dropping some pressure out of that, though it's felt good and I'm also tempted to not screw with it and know I have some reserve.

Based on my (and other's) experience, you may want to try to lower the fork pressure to match the chart with lower values posted above.

You can always go back. Keep in mind you may need to speed up rebound and slow-down compression.

 

[bryanus]

I'm in the same situation as you. I own a 5.5 and am about your height. I was very comfortable on the large SB. Got enough time on it to gather a decent opinion. IMO, It's not a lot different than the 5.5. With the exception of the wheel size, the specs are pretty close. I really loved the bike but my 5.5 is fantastic too. Honestly unless you just want to get into the 29" wheel club, IMO there isn't enough difference to switch. That said, between the two if I were buying right now, I'd pick the SB all day.

Thanks for talking some sense into me! Yes, I have been wondering what I'm missing by not running 29, but I went for a great ride yesterday on the 5.5 and just had a huge grin on my face thinking "Man, this is a great bike!". I do think the 5.5 may be due for an update soon though, as it is 3 seasons in now, but for now it's a keeper. Thanks for talking some sense into me; you saved me $9K! lol

 

[cblase10]

Does anyone know if they will be using the same color scheme on their 2021 switchblade line?

 

[tomgru]

Wow good find. This has changed considerably the last version. I'm in the same weight category as you, and will be interested to see what you find out from a Pivot moderator.

@John P. Can you chime in here?

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[John P.]

@John P. Can you chime in here?

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

I think what you're seeing here is the difference between a 2020 36 and a 2021 36. The 2021 needs more air pressure to achieve the same sag at a given weight.

I'm about 170lbs in riding gear and ride 'light' (read: 'like a pansy'), and I always ShockWiz everything. On my 2020 Fox 36 I ran 57PSI; on my 2021 Fox 36 I'm at 74psi, and if anything I've lost a couple pounds of blubber.

As always, these settings are meant to be starting point, and from there, go off personal preference. If you want to get a little more precise, buy or borrow a ShockWiz, and that will really help (related note: I upgraded the shock on my Shuttle Race from a DPX2 Performance to an X2 Factory. I was sort of mildly impressed by the X2 until today when I finally ShockWiz'ed it. Holy smokes... what a huge difference. It's like a different bike with the proper settings).

JP

 

[Hardrake]

Hello, I’m a former Yeti SB130 owner who is going to buy a 2020 Pivot Switchblade. I sold my Yeti because I was really angry with Yeti’s decision to remove the words: “The Tribe” from their company literature. This was a terrible decision Yeti made because it destroyed the soul of the company. Before I sold my bike, I looked again at the beautiful owners manual they included with my SB130. In the manual, they proudly declare me to be a new member of “The Tribe” and go on to list my responsibilities as a tribe member. I’ll never forget how captivated and excited I was when I first read that manual. I felt really special to be a member of such an elite group! Now, whenever I think of Yeti; I feel nothing but disgust and contempt.

I posted this because I hope that Pivot Bikes will stand up for themselves and not become a victim of political correctness as Yeti has. Remember, if you stand for nothing, you can fall for anything!!!

 

[vicjoe]

So you're saying the new X2 possibly outperforms the custom DPX2 when setup correctly? Can you elaborate on the differences. Thanks

I think what you're seeing here is the difference between a 2020 36 and a 2021 36. The 2021 needs more air pressure to achieve the same sag at a given weight.

I'm about 170lbs in riding gear and ride 'light' (read: 'like a pansy'), and I always ShockWiz everything. On my 2020 Fox 36 I ran 57PSI; on my 2021 Fox 36 I'm at 74psi, and if anything I've lost a couple pounds of blubber.

As always, these settings are meant to be starting point, and from there, go off personal preference. If you want to get a little more precise, buy or borrow a ShockWiz, and that will really help (related note: I upgraded the shock on my Shuttle Race from a DPX2 Performance to an X2 Factory. I was sort of mildly impressed by the X2 until today when I finally ShockWiz'ed it. Holy smokes... what a huge difference. It's like a different bike with the proper settings).

JP

 

[John P.]

So you're saying the new X2 possibly outperforms the custom DPX2 when setup correctly? Can you elaborate on the differences. Thanks

I'm saying the new 2021 X2 Factory outperforms the 2020 DPX2 Performance I had on my Shuttle. No big surprise there.

Regarding the 2021 X2 Factory vs a 2021 DPX2 Factory on the Switchblade, I haven't personally tried the X2 on my SB, but I know we did some testing with the X2 when we were developing the new bike. We liked the X2 vs the stock DPX2, but then we had them completely redesign the DPX2 base valve to allow more oil flow, and we found that the performance difference was negligible and the cost difference was not.

If you have "f*ck-you money" and you love to tinker, sure, get an X2 for your Switchblade and go nuts (be aware that finding a trunion-style 185x55 X2 is not easy). You'll love it. Otherwise, spend some time tuning your DPX2 (I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH) and you'll find that it's way more shock than you'll ever need on that bike. Take the $650 you would have spent on that X2 and buy yourself a season pass to your local bike park.

 

[swade]

spend some time tuning your DPX2[/B] (I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH) and you'll find that it's way more shock than you'll ever need on that bike. Take the $650 you would have spent on that X2 and buy yourself a season pass to your local bike park.

Hi John, I conversed with you quite a bit years ago when you were with Yeti. For the first time in 12 years I no longer have a Yeti, and I'm getting and new Switchblade Pro XTR with the Reynolds wheels. Once it's in hand, I will be contacting you guys for the best starting point on the shock. I do have a question about the stock spacer that will come with it. I'm 185 kitted up, is the spacer in the shock (medium size frame) going to be a good start for me?

So excited about the SB!

 

[Clyde Ride]

Hi John, I conversed with you quite a bit years ago when you were with Yeti. For the first time in 12 years I no longer have a Yeti, and I'm getting and new Switchblade Pro XTR with the Reynolds wheels. Once it's in hand, I will be contacting you guys for the best starting point on the shock. I do have a question about the stock spacer that will come with it. I'm 185 kitted up, is the spacer in the shock (medium size frame) going to be a good start for me?

So excited about the SB!

Not John, but the suspension setup guide on their site is (I think) still their starting point. I'm a lot heavier than you at 220 BA naked, but they suggested starting with the stock spacer configuration. I like it, and probably won't change it.

https://store.pivotcycles.com/file/download/64944

Great bike, and I think the Pro XTR build is a great sweet spot on price performance. Enjoy.

 

[John P.]

Hi John, I conversed with you quite a bit years ago when you were with Yeti. For the first time in 12 years I no longer have a Yeti, and I'm getting and new Switchblade Pro XTR with the Reynolds wheels. Once it's in hand, I will be contacting you guys for the best starting point on the shock. I do have a question about the stock spacer that will come with it. I'm 185 kitted up, is the spacer in the shock (medium size frame) going to be a good start for me?

So excited about the SB!

First off, welcome to the Pivot family!!!

Clyde's advice above is good - start with our setup guide. If you want to get nerdier and more precise (like me), get your hands on a ShockWiz and commit some serious time to doing the small, iterative changes required to get the shock dialed in - change only ONE variable at a time until it's perfect, then adjust the next one on the screen.

If you don't want to use a ShockWiz, the test for which volume spacer to use is really simple:
1. Setup your shock for proper sag.
2. If you have your sag set correctly and you're never bottoming out, you have too much ramp-up and you should reduce the spacer.
3. If you're bottoming out a lot, you probably need a bigger spacer.

For me, it made the most sense to reduce the spacer from a 0.6 (stock) to a 0.4. Personally, I like the more linear feel of a smaller spacer, and I find I'm using more of the travel.

Hope this helps,

JP

 

[swade]

First off, welcome to the Pivot family!!!

JP

Thanks man, I'm super excited. I demoed a bunch of bikes including all the latest Yetis and was absolutely set on a new Ibis Ripmo, but then new V2 Switchblade came out and I just loved all the frame specs and details on paper and started wanting one. I still think the Ripmo is phenomenal and like a few things about each better than the other. But the Pivot is incredible and it's just dead sexy looking too.

I'll just roll with the .6 spacer to start and go by those recommended starting settings. Thanks for sharing JohnP and Clyde Ride. If anything I would probably end up with the smaller spacer because I like an active and more plush suspension as I'm getting older and wimpier. Some days I rip, other days I just want the smoothest ride possible.

 

[EV07]

deleted

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

Hello, I'm a former Yeti SB130 owner who is going to buy a 2020 Pivot Switchblade. I sold my Yeti because I was really angry with Yeti's decision to remove the words: "The Tribe" from their company literature. This was a terrible decision Yeti made because it destroyed the soul of the company. Before I sold my bike, I looked again at the beautiful owners manual they included with my SB130. In the manual, they proudly declare me to be a new member of "The Tribe" and go on to list my responsibilities as a tribe member. I'll never forget how captivated and excited I was when I first read that manual. I felt really special to be a member of such an elite group! Now, whenever I think of Yeti; I feel nothing but disgust and contempt.

I posted this because I hope that Pivot Bikes will stand up for themselves and not become a victim of political correctness as Yeti has. Remember, if you stand for nothing, you can fall for anything!!!

The tribe thing always turned me off. It has nothing to do with Native Americans. People who aggregate because of Harleys, Airstreams, Ford, Ferrari, etc make me uncomfortable. However, Steeler fans are noticeably superior to others.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Clyde Ride]

I like that Pivot riders don't drag a bunch of drama around.