How is switch blade compare to Mach 5.7

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The Switchblade will be heavier than the Mach 5.7, as it's built around larger wheels, but that doesn't mean one bit that it's slower or more tiring to ride.

I demo-ed the 27+ version over last weekend. Surprisingly capable on switchback climbs, as you can carry more speed around the tight stuff, and the front tracks better than the 5.7. Might be because of the longer front center. Quite easy to pop the front wheel over rocks and roots.

The improvements through each of the Pivots I've owned :
Mach 5.7 - Many improvements from Mach 5.
Mach 6 + Pike - 27.5 performance, excellent Float X shock.
Mach 6 V2 + Fox36 - Better big hit control. Boost axle+EVOL can.
Switchblade (27+demo) - Great cornering and climbing. Geometry feels right. Better dropper clearance on the medium. More fun!

I have not ridden the Switchblade in 29er form, but I've placed an order for it. Quite confident it's going to up the fun factor a few notches!

 

I can't say enough great things about the race. Sparky and I will be putting up a race review in the coming weeks. With a lot of these races costing serious coin, we think it's about time someone started reviewing them like products. But in short, defintely get ready to register when the 2017 race opens. It had tremendous bang for your buck - we basically didn't need to pay for (except broken parts) or think about a single thing once we arrived in Canada. It was about $2k with airfare and that included 6 days of racing, accommodation, food, transportation, etc.

No timed climbing sections, but we liked to get ahead of the crowd and pin it up the climbs so we wouldn't have to wait to start the segments. On several days we were rewarded with pillowy, fresh loam!

We're planning on doing the Trans New Zealand next year! Possibly the BC Bike Race too!

 

Already registered for the 2017 BCBR - would you say the 429Trail is enough bike for that or would you pull the trigger on a SB?

 

For BCBR? I'd definitely go 429 Trail or even 429 SL with a 130mm fork. Not that you couldn't do it on the Switchblade, but it'd be overkill.

429 SL: XC racing, marathon, backcountry XC
429 Trail: backcountry XC, pedally (ie American-style) enduro, do-it-all bike
Switchblade: aggressive enduro, bike park DH racing, big chunk XC (with and emphasis on tech moves vs. speed - think SoMo, Moab, etc.)

 

Picard, yes I feel that the Pike is plush through its travel and sensitive to small bumps. Much better than the Fox CTDs.

The ol' Pivot 5.7 came with a Fox 32 CTD (coil negative spring) which IMHO did not have that small bump sensitivity yet ramped up rather quickly, especially for lighter riders. Bushings also developed play after 3 months. The Fox 32 CTD didn't do the bike justice, so I swapped it out for a Marz.... (but that's another story...)

However, the new Fox 36 FIT4 that comes with the Mach 6 V2 and Switchblade is a different beast. Very well mannered flying over rock gardens, and composed over big hits. RC2 might be better, but the FIT4 works great.

 

Has anyone bought the switch blade?

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Has anyone bought the switch blade?

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Yes, I have a medium 29ner

 

How does it perform on climb and switch back?

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How does it perform on climb and switch back?

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If you search back a few pages in this topic you will find lots of first hand accounts of the bike. Personally it climbs better than my remedy I had, and it is very efficient. Switchbacks that are very tight it can require some finess as it is a slacker 29. But I have been able to clean a lot more tight switchbacks (up and down) on this compared to my past bikes.

 

I had trouble browsing through the middle of this thread on my tapatalk software. It was hanging.

 

I am 5'6". would the medium frame fit me?

 

Yes.

No.

Maybe.

So.

 

I'm 5'6" and going for an XS

 

I am currently using the medium on Mach 5.7. The medium specs on switch blade is almost the same as Mach 5.7

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I am currently using the medium on Mach 5.7. The medium specs on switch blade is almost the same as Mach 5.7

Really? Check the numbers again.

 

How much did you guys pay for the switch blade?

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I weight 140lbs. What's the proper rear shock pressure should I set on switch blade. I am considering buying it.

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I weight 140lbs. What's the proper rear shock pressure should I set on switch blade. I am considering buying it.

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Set it based on sag, and play with the pressure from there. I'm currently sitting at riding weight plus 5-10 psi

 

Has someone checked which other cranks will fit the Switchblade?
Will I really need a Q-Factor or minimal 173mm? Will the crank otherwise hit the rear of the frame?

 

FWIW Pivot said the lowest Q-factor cranks the boost 148 Mach 6 would accept is 163mm. I've been running the Sram Q156 xx1 with no problems. Even with crank boots theres a good quarter inch of chainstay clearance.

 

Is the switch blade a Enduro or trail bike?

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Is the switch blade a Enduro or trail bike?

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Both IMO,I have the Mach 6 too and had planned to keep it for Enduros but the Switchblade is more then capable after putting it through it's paces for the past month,Mach 6 is going up for sale,to much crossover to justify keeping it.

 

Can the switch blade handle blue Mountain Resort trail?

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Can the switch blade handle blue Mountain Resort trail?

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The real question is, can you?

 

Maybe the better question is: what can't the Switchblade handle?

 

Hi allz. Have been lurking here reading. I am going to book my SB but I really can't decide on the size. I 181cm inseam 32"-33". Have tested the Med on my lbs. On the ups my front pops up a bit but can't confirm is it my technique or the size. Please any advice would be appreciated. Thank u.


Live to Ride

 

Hi allz. Have been lurking here reading. I am going to book my SB but I really can't decide on the size. I 181cm inseam 32"-33". Have tested the Med on my lbs. On the ups my front pops up a bit but can't confirm is it my technique or the size. Please any advice would be appreciated. Thank u.

Live to Ride

I'm 5'10". My bikes are usually large - medium typically feels too cramped. I bought a L Switchblade. I definitely would not want a shorter top tube (or seat tube for that matter). It took about 30 seconds of test ride on a Large to know that I did not even want to try a Medium. I'm even considering going to a longer stem, but I'll ride it like it is for a while before deciding. I haven't had any issues with the front popping up, but I haven't really been climbing anything super steep yet. I hope to get it to Moab in the near future and will have a better idea after that.

Here's a pic of my bike, just so you can see my seatpost height for normal riding.

 

My $0.02 on sizing:

I am 5.10 to 5.11 w/ 32" inseam and average to slightly above average reach. I like my bikes a little small vs too large. I got in a test DH run on a friend's small SW. It was a little small for me, but very ridable. Planning to order a Med and put some wider than stock bars on it.

 

My $0.02 on sizing:

I am 5.10 to 5.11 w/ 32" inseam and average to slightly above average reach. I like my bikes a little small vs too large. I got in a test DH run on a friend's small SW. It was a little small for me, but very ridable. Planning to order a Med and put some wider than stock bars on it.

If you let your bike shop know in advance they can ask for 800mm bars when they order it

 

I'm seriously considering getting a Switchblade frame when they come available and I'm thinking of using an existing 140mm fork with 29er wheels...does this sound totally crazy? ☺

I know this will lower the BB, but probably not too much? Also head & seat angle steepening will not bother me for the riding I'm doing...actually a steeper seat angle will be a plus. 😀

 

We wouldn't recommend that. But if you installed the 17mm lower cup, it could help raise the BB enough so it handle decently.

 

Pivot demo is coming close enough to me [3hr drive] that I should get a chance to ride a M & L SB with 29er wheels in two weeks. I should get to actually ride dirt with them. :thumbsup:

 

I'm very interested in this bike, and hope to ride it at a demo soon. My main issue is - is it too much bike for my trails? I do a lot of XC because it's nearby, but also aspire to bigger trails including the bike parks (just did Snowshoe and loved it and would like to not have to rent a bike at $100 day). I demo'd the '16 Remedy 29 last fall and really liked it, but it's been discontinued. The new Fuel EX interests me and seems bit more XC oriented (although not as much as last year's Fuel). I really like the idea of a burlier bike that can tackle anything, but I am a little worried about the overkill factor. i don't want a super heavy bike either - 28 lbs max and 26-27 would be preferable.

 

I just rode the Fuel Ex 27+ a couple weeks back. That bike is very capable and maybe a bit more XC friendly than the SwitchBlade, though the Switchblade pedals and climbs well. Not sure about the weight of either setup. The thing I noticed the most on the Fuel Ex was how stiff the frame is. Super fun / solid bike for sure! Good price point too.

 

Bike park day on the Switchblade.

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Thanks all for ur advice. I have place a booking for the L size as I want more stability rather than nimbleness. Thanks again!!!


Live to Ride

 

Thanks all for ur advice. I have place a booking for the L size as I want more stability rather than nimbleness. Thanks again!!!

Live to Ride

My lBS has a large on the floor and rode it,it is,a long beast! I purchased a medium over a month ago and am glad I did,I generally ride large frames at 5'11,33 1/2 inseam but the medium fits like a glove with a 65mm stem,each to his own but the longer geometry on some newer bikes is a game changer for sizing.

 

Can I check with u guys, is it possible for me to swap to a nexus carbon cranks or not possible because of whatever reasons?


Live to Ride

 

What do mean by too much slack? I am so confused

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liking the 52mm wide carbon rims with Duro Crux 3.25 and do not need 17mm spacer with these tires very tall and durable,excellent traction and roll nicely

 

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liking the 52mm wide carbon rims with Duro Crux 3.25 and do not need 17mm spacer with these tires very tall and durable,excellent traction and roll nicely

I copied you. I have a set of the same tires. Hope to mount up this week.

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