I've got around 3000 miles on the same model at this point and I can say that it is one of my favorite bikes of all time. If I plan to ride a long way on a given day it is still likely the top choice and every time I hope back on it I still think it is great. Excellent selection.

 

At least the same on mine, and I keep setting PRs and KOMs. It's such a well-balanced bike.

I'd prefer a steeper STA some days but just sliding the saddle forward does the trick.

 

I've got around 3000 miles on the same model at this point and I can say that it is one of my favorite bikes of all time. If I plan to ride a long way on a given day it is still likely the top choice and every time I hope back on it I still think it is great. Excellent selection.

At least the same on mine, and I keep setting PRs and KOMs. It's such a well-balanced bike.

I'd prefer a steeper STA some days but just sliding the saddle forward does the trick.

Thanks guys. I've been eyeing it for so long for her (and me) for those exact reasons. It seems quite versatile for what it is and I've loved it every time I've demoed it. My spur (which has about 2500-3000 miles on it) has been my go to and overlaps the Mach 4 just a bit too much for me to justify it for myself. The trailcat lt though...just waiting for the back order to come back in stock. I have a stack of parts waiting.

 

I've got around 3000 miles on the same model at this point and I can say that it is one of my favorite bikes of all time. If I plan to ride a long way on a given day it is still likely the top choice and every time I hope back on it I still think it is great. Excellent selection.

At least the same on mine, and I keep setting PRs and KOMs. It's such a well-balanced bike.

I'd prefer a steeper STA some days but just sliding the saddle forward does the trick.

Thanks guys. I've been eyeing it for so long for her (and me) for those exact reasons. It seems quite versatile for what it is and I've loved it every time I've demoed it. My spur (which has about 2500-3000 miles on it) has been my go to and overlaps the Mach 4 just a bit too much for me to justify it for myself. The trailcat lt though...just waiting for the back order to come back in stock. I have a stack of parts waiting.

Yeah, so, I have a bit of a bike problem (as many of us do). Right now I have the M4SL, Trailcat LT, current gen 3 Switchblade and the Firebird that make up my Pivot collection. They are all super enjoyable to ride.

I’d tell you that the LT is right there with it. It is an amazing climbing bike. I’ve almost got it where I want it for descending now as well. Don’t think you could go wrong with any of them. There’s a definite overlap but they are also somehow distinct. That sounds stupid but if you ride all three back to back then they definitely have different personalities. If forced to get rid of the rest I honestly could make any of them work as “the bike” but I’d probably go Switchblade for days when descending was the most important thing. Truly picking the smallest of nits there though.

 

Yeah, so, I have a bit of a bike problem (as many of us do). Right now I have the M4SL, Trailcat LT, current gen 3 Switchblade and the Firebird that make up my Pivot collection. They are all super enjoyable to ride.

I’d tell you that the LT is right there with it. It is an amazing climbing bike. I’ve almost got it where I want it for descending now as well. Don’t think you could go wrong with any of them. There’s a definite overlap but they are also somehow distinct. That sounds stupid but if you ride all three back to back then they definitely have different personalities. If forced to get rid of the rest I honestly could make any of them work as “the bike” but I’d probably go Switchblade for days when descending was the most important thing. Truly picking the smallest of nits there though.

I love the bike "problem". Ha. It's a great problem to have. So the LT is going to occupy an interesting place for me. My son took over my switchblade and is using it for enduro racing, but keeps growing like a weed and has grown out of his Nica bike. He wants to ride/race my spur and so I'm going to use the LT for coaching Nica (so I need something that climbs well as these kids are fast!) but can still be used for riding with him on his enduro days when he's using the SB. It's got a tough double duty. In a perfect world, I'd just add another mach 4 to the stable, but I think we're hitting our new bike quota for the year. Ha. I did ride my wife's mach 4 this morning for a bit and that thing is wicked fast. Super fun.

 

The project is finally complete. I had been waiting for the new XTR, but in the end, the overall weight came out a bit too high. Also, the XTR portfolio still doesn’t include a power meter, which is a bit of a letdown for a modern XC build.


The goal was to test both DW-link and Öhlins fork and shock— while retaining the ability to compete in XC races, essentially replacing my previous Cannondale Scalpel.

The DW-link platform delivers a ride unlike anything I’ve tried before. It finally feels like the bike jumps forward when I push hard — especially out of the saddle at 500+ watts. There’s no sluggishness, no "lost energy" feeling — it just snaps ahead with purpose, while still absorbing trail chatter and bumps with ease.
Garmin even tagged my first ride as a sprint workout — and no surprise, I’m tired after all those two days sprints


The Öhlins suspension (both front and rear) feels like a Subaru: firm and controlled, but opens up exactly when needed. It handles roots at speed and DC-style drops up to around category 3 — and even a bit beyond — with ease. All of this happens comfortably within the first 100mm of travel (testet in 115mm mode). Tuning is still in progress.


It seems Pivot originally designed the bike around a 100mm fork, but later spec’d a 120mm due to market trends. This results in a higher bottom bracket, slacker seat angle, and slightly shorter reach.


For my height (182 cm), the size L frame gives a very "on the bike" feeling — compared to something like a Trek Top Fuel, which feels more "in the bike."


The short chain stays and high BB make it easy to manual and lift the front over obstacles in technical sections. The riding position is more classic and slightly rearward-biased — quite comfortable for longer efforts on flatter terrain.


While I’m out testing, Pivot is probably already designing the next Mach 5. Hopefully it’ll be purpose-built around a true 120mm setup — okay, 119mm, just to avoid Trailcat SL category conflicts 😉

The first problem I ran into was rotor rub: under load, the rear rotor brushes against the pads. So far, getting the rear caliper aligned has been tricky.


Weight: 10.45 kg (with 21cm dropper post, pedals, tires: 590g / 570g + sealant 2x50g, wheels sub 1200g)

- bottle cage, dirt

 

I will have new warranty replacement Medium frame up for sale soon if anyone interested shoot me a PM. Just went another direction during warranty process and need to thinherd anyway.

 

"The first problem I ran into was rotor rub: under load, the rear rotor brushes against the pads. So far, getting the rear caliper aligned has been tricky."
It turned out the issue was caused by a loose lower link bolt on the right rear side. Once tightened, everything started working flawlessly.