Coming May 31st, according to Pivot website. Any ideas what it is?
My old Titus Switchblade was one of my favorite bikes ever.
My old Titus Switchblade was one of my favorite bikes ever.
Pivot Switchblade
BmanInTheD
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For 27.5+ the advantage is greatest on loose surfaces, thick DG, babyheads, etc. Excellent control on steep technical rocky descents. Requires less finesse and opens up more lines. Could be beneficial in CB for mixed conditions e.g. snow/mud. BB height is not an issue for me, but I am running the stock DPS shock and Dirt Wizards which are pretty tall. Definitely a heavy hitting rig that makes the most of 135 rear travel. Did not feel underbiked in Sedona, Moab, etc.
29er is just plain faster and more efficient on anything but the loosest trail. I was astounded at how much less work it took to gain speed. Less tendency to overshoot corners too.
I am happy to have both wheelsets. Maybe consider starting as 29er and keep an eye out for a used stock 27.5+ wheelset when available.
Good advice. I would start 29er as well and then look for a used set of 27.5+ take offs. That's what I ended up doing. Got basically a brand new set of 27.5+ dt swiss xm551 takeoff wheels with tires from a new build pivot and the guy rode them once and didn't like them so he kept his 29er set on and I luckily got them for $400 brand new.
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I have an opportunity to sell my XL 429T, add some money and get Switchblade in L.
However, after reading this review
Pivot Switchblade Pro 29 review - BikeRadar
Not so sure anymore. Apparently effective seat tube angle was just 72° and that's on XL frame. Reviewer is few cm taller than me and my saddle height on Trail is around 83cm which means my seatpost would be extended 6.5cm more than on Trail.
He also mentioned that top tube was just long enough. All this leads me to question whether or not it's a good idea or that SB in L can replicate 429T in XL or would it feel shorter and more slacked out on climbs.
However, after reading this review
Pivot Switchblade Pro 29 review - BikeRadar
Not so sure anymore. Apparently effective seat tube angle was just 72° and that's on XL frame. Reviewer is few cm taller than me and my saddle height on Trail is around 83cm which means my seatpost would be extended 6.5cm more than on Trail.
He also mentioned that top tube was just long enough. All this leads me to question whether or not it's a good idea or that SB in L can replicate 429T in XL or would it feel shorter and more slacked out on climbs.
I'm 6 foot even with a 6'3" arm span. I felt completely at home on a Large 429T. However, a Large Switchblade just felt too short in the cockpit. I demo'ed a L and an XL at a demo day and was completely more comfortable on the XL Switchblade, so that is what I bought and I'm very happy with my choice. I'm an engineer and can totally get wrapped up in geometry, dimensions and tech, but I've ridden long enough to trust that how I feel on the bike is most important, especially from a confidence inspiring point of view. All I can tell you is find a way to throw a leg over a couple of sizes to be certain about what you want...
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Consider the source- that's the same guy who finally felt at home on a >52" wheelbase bike!
A test ride is always the best way to know for sure, but just based on the reach numbers there's no reason to think you would be too cramped on a L Switchblade if an XL 429 Trail fits well. I was riding XL bikes with old school geometry, and am now comfortably on a L with the longer reach measurements on modern bikes.
I'm 6' as well, maybe a slightly shorter wingspan. I really enjoy my Large 429T, but I don't like the short reach or the somewhat slack seat tube. Lots of folks recommended that I size down to a Medium in the SB, including the Pivot factory demo driver. I really preferred the fit of the Large SB.
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This is a fine idea. I've been trying to make sense of where to start and what the best sequence of events would be on the order and extra wheels. There is something very apealing about the wider Reynolds 29 wheelset, but at ~$1300 to upgrade it doesnt make a lot of sense to me since you can build up a set of I9 Nox Farlow wheels for under $1500 and have say the DT 275+ come with the bike. If Pivot would ship with a slightly wider 29 AL wheelset it would be a much easier decision to save money and ride a wide, burly aluminum wheelset. Maybe Reynolds is that good, but still hard to swallow the upgrade cost when it's just that, an upgrade.
I started with the 27.5+ DT Swiss stock wheels. I liked the 29er build version better during the demo day, but knew that I would definitely want to have the 27.5+ in my arsenal to use from time to time, or simply have as a back up wheel set for those overly zealous days that tend to f-up wheels because of bad decisions. My goal is to build up a sweet set of I9s with the fat aluminum ano'ed spokes as my 29er set. Still deciding on whether to use I9s AL rims or something from Spank or Easton in AL, or just a set of NOX Farlow carbons (but my estimate is about $1800 with I9 j-bend hub, but more if the AL spoke system wheels are used).
Anyway, riding the 27.5+ in the meantime has been a lot of fun. Grip is incredible in all situations. They climb really well too. However, airing it out on kickers and small gaps has been tremendously fun, because the landings are so cushy and forgiving on those semi-fats. So much so, that I'm looking to build at least a 30mm innner width 29er set and eventually put the 29x2.6 Rekons that are eventually dropping in a few months. I may have to make do with 2.4 wide Ardents on there in the time being. I figure the 29x2.6 Rekons will be the best of both worlds for me, but we'll see. Hope I'm right.
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Jman0000, take a look at coloradocyclist.com and their custom wheel build section. I priced out out a i9/Farlow/DT Comp 14/14 spoke wheelset for right around $1460. You'd have to work with them to special order the I9 super boost + hub (costs +$10 to special order). This also assume the superboost hub is the same cost as standard boost. Seems like a heck of a deal and they are known for being great wheelbuilders.
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I would check to see if the 29x2.6 Rekons would fit before building that wheelset. Pivot says most 2.4's clear easily but put a max of 29x2.5 on that bike.
I don't think 29x2.6 will fit the rear of the bike. I run a 29x2.35 maxxis aggressor in back on 25mm Internal width rims and I cannot get a finger between the tire and seat tube. 29x2.4 would pretty much max it out for sure
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Just curious about how Pivot does its bike refreshes, the Switchblade has been out for about a year now, does that mean that the 2018 will be out soon?
Or do they have a tendency to keep models around longer and just refresh components? For instance Fox just refreshed its suspension line, we will see these updates on the current switchblade in the coming months?
I am heavily considering getting a SB, thanks for everyone who posted to this forum.
Or do they have a tendency to keep models around longer and just refresh components? For instance Fox just refreshed its suspension line, we will see these updates on the current switchblade in the coming months?
I am heavily considering getting a SB, thanks for everyone who posted to this forum.
Pivot keeps models and colors around longer than a year. As far as components and build kits, these get regular updates as suppliers introduce new units.
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My Trail is an large and my SB is an medium. However, I'm 5'11" with a 35in inseam. My 429T has a zero set back post and my SB has an 25mm offset post. If you are more typically proportioned I would think an large with a shorter stem might work for you. Hang a plum line on your current bike and go from there. I really screwed up the fit of my Following when I set it up based on assumptions. It shocks me that many shops don't keep demo stems in stock. Personal preference shouldn't be discounted. I prefer smaller frames if I'm between sizes.
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I think the X2 has better mid stoke support and I have had lees pedal strikes with it. I'm also 225lbs.
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Just seen this, fantastic video, thank you for sharing! [emoji4]Switchblade and friends into the Wild
Still loving this bike
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sorry but there is simply no comparison between the 2 shocks, x2 is on another level and where it rides may be lower but it gives you way more support and doesn't heat up on long runs.
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Just picked up my new SB earlier this week. I am putting it together this weekend and have run into a few problems. I've got RF Next SL cranks. I swapped the supplied 30T chain ring for a 34T but am running into problems with clearance with the chain stays. Right now I have it flipped around to bring it closer to the BB. Has anyone else swapped to a larger chain ring and run into issues? I also want to install a MRP Amg guide, as of right now it looks like I will need 3/4" spacers to bush it out to align with the chain ring. Anyone have experience with installing a guide on the SB? I feel like they should provide some model specific instructions when it comes to these 2 areas because it doesn't seem straight forward, even though they recommend the Amg on their site. Any insight would be very much appreciated.
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