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Pivot Switchblade

496K views 3.2K replies 283 participants last post by  dan23  
#1 ·
Coming May 31st, according to Pivot website. Any ideas what it is?

My old Titus Switchblade was one of my favorite bikes ever.
 
#1,135 ·
Just ordered my Switchblade in 29er flavor with alloy wheels and the XT/XTR build kit.

I just can't decide if I want to upgrade to the x2 shock or stay with the dps evol. I ride Arizona in the desert southwest with lots of chunky, hard packed rock. I like to climb and do more of an all-mountain trail system. I dont do any bike parks or major downhill stuff, so would it be wise for me to go to the x2? How will the x2 climb vs the dps evol the SB ships with? Figured if they are offering it at a minimal cost vs new I may try the upgrade but if its to much shock for me, i may not get it. Thoughts on the x2 vs dps evol?
 
#1,139 ·
Just ordered my Switchblade in 29er flavor with alloy wheels and the XT/XTR build kit.

I just can't decide if I want to upgrade to the x2 shock or stay with the dps evol. I ride Arizona in the desert southwest with lots of chunky, hard packed rock. I like to climb and do more of an all-mountain trail system. I dont do any bike parks or major downhill stuff, so would it be wise for me to go to the x2? How will the x2 climb vs the dps evol the SB ships with? Figured if they are offering it at a minimal cost vs new I may try the upgrade but if its to much shock for me, i may not get it. Thoughts on the x2 vs dps evol?
i called Pivot and there is no set up to upgrade the shock for a particular fee as other companies do they want full price for the shock. what is funny is the guy told me 630 for the x2 and then i don't even get to keep the original shock. anyhow i am going with the standard shock and if i want to experiment later i will get an x2 from somewhere like universal once they are in stock. can't wait to ride the bike though.
 
#1,144 ·
Is there a major difference when climbing? I love to climb so if they are about equal for climbing and the x2 is more plush on the downhill, it sounds like the x2 would be the best way to go. If the dps is better for climbing I may sacrifice the downhill part since I'm sure it's still really good .

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#1,145 ·
This is yet another bike I've added to my list of potential replacement for my Evil Following. I was looking to bump the travel up a little bit and get a longer reach without sacrificing too much efficiency. On paper the Pivot looks just about perfect but the "proprietary" rear hub and cranks make it a slightly more expensive prospect.

Has anyone ridden both this and the Following? Other bikes on my Radar are the SC Hightower, the YT Jeffsy, and the Yeti SB5.5. Any comparisons would be great!

I have not ridden a DW Link bike since the Mojo SL way back in 2010, Interested to see if it actually feels like it has 15mm more travel than the Evil.
 
#1,153 ·
This is yet another bike I've added to my list of potential replacement for my Evil Following. I was looking to bump the travel up a little bit and get a longer reach without sacrificing too much efficiency. On paper the Pivot looks just about perfect but the "proprietary" rear hub and cranks make it a slightly more expensive prospect.

Has anyone ridden both this and the Following? Other bikes on my Radar are the SC Hightower, the YT Jeffsy, and the Yeti SB5.5. Any comparisons would be great!

I have not ridden a DW Link bike since the Mojo SL way back in 2010, Interested to see if it actually feels like it has 15mm more travel than the Evil.
Plus 1. Count me in on some comparisons between these four: Pivot Switchblade; SC Hightower; Yeti SB5.5; and YT Jeffsy. (Add in the new Niner Rip9 or other new 130-150mm travel 29ers).

How about a new mid/long travel 29er comparO fc?
 
#1,149 ·
I have a following and I just got this bike and I have to say I'm seriously happy. I think it was just about the best first impression I've had with a bike. I went with the 27.5+ and didn't think it felt sluggish at all in fact it had a sence of urgency and acceleration when peddling that I wasn't used to. Reminded me of a Ripley. I think the DW link is probably the best suspension design for a heavier (almost 200 lbs) rider. I also ran 19psi in the rear and 16 in the front and didn't get any folding on berms or jumps. Dialed up the rebound dampening before I started and couldn't be happier with the suspension feel.
 
#1,155 ·
Tires.....so this is my 2nd plus bike i just sold a Torrent hardtail. I really liked that bike so i couldn't help but try a plus bike with fs. my concern is the tires, the torrent came with top of the line scwalbes that ripped and after researching tires and through a bit of trial and error i found the surly dirt wizard. if you haven't tried or read about this tire you should as it is heavy but completely amazing. so my thought is i am going to start with the dw. since it is a 3.0 it is taller than the reckon, that said if the tire is taller do i forego the cup under the head tube? isn't that only there to raise the BB which now the extra height from the tire will take care of? also i am use to riding really low bikes as i had an evil insurgent in the x low position and now a wreckoning.

lastly does anyone know the length of the cranks spec'd on the bike?
 
#1,156 ·
Tires.....so this is my 2nd plus bike i just sold a Torrent hardtail. I really liked that bike so i couldn't help but try a plus bike with fs. my concern is the tires, the torrent came with top of the line scwalbes that ripped and after researching tires and through a bit of trial and error i found the surly dirt wizard. if you haven't tried or read about this tire you should as it is heavy but completely amazing. so my thought is i am going to start with the dw. since it is a 3.0 it is taller than the reckon, that said if the tire is taller do i forego the cup under the head tube? isn't that only there to raise the BB which now the extra height from the tire will take care of? also i am use to riding really low bikes as i had an evil insurgent in the x low position and now a wreckoning.

lastly does anyone know the length of the cranks spec'd on the bike?
I've put Trail Bosses and now have Cruxs on mine. Both are tall tires. The Cruxs are on the bike without the cup. BB height is fine. The crank length is 175mm. I would like your impression of the DWs on the SB.

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#1,166 ·
Use the chart here:
http://www.ridefox.com/2016/dl/bike/605-00-141-FLOAT X2 Tuning Guide-JD.pdf

I was told to start with the the more open end of the range for the two Low speed adjustments, and the more closed end of the range on the two High speed adjustments. Use that as your baseline and make adjustments from there. I have ridden mine a few times now in those settings and man it's good.
 
#1,180 ·
Here's the Vital MTB review with pix of the new spacers and that cool adjuster tool. It's just a compact allen but it's very nice for making adjustments. The new orange spacers are even better, no need to completely remove the can to install/remove! As for settings, I'm within 2 clicks of the recommended setup from Fox's website for my air pressure (I added 2 clicks of LSR for more traction in loose stuff and opened up the HSC by 1 click ( or 2, have to look at my notes). Their chart is amazing,y accurate across the board for this shock, just use their settings and then you can do some more customizing with volume spacers. Here's that Fox tuning guide link as well. Go to page 5 for the chart:

http://www.ridefox.com/2016/dl/bike/605-00-141-FLOAT X2 Tuning Guide-JD.pdf

FOX Float X2 Factory Rear Shock - Reviews, Comparisons, Specs - Mountain Bike Rear Shocks - Vital MTB
 
#1,176 ·
looks god, the dw s are an aggressive tire, i think because they are made by surly people discount them and think they are gonna suck! i found they mount super easy and are very consistent. plus to me the 3.0 is truly a plus tire and the 2.8 maxxis seems way to xc for what i ride. we have this area in one trail that is maybe a couple hundred feet of sharp loose shale and if you don't bomb through it you have to walk and i kept thinking if i keep the maxxis and try to get through that section i will not be riding the bike home:)

was also hoping for the bike and podium pic so we can show the anti plus people that you won a race on the tires!!
 
#1,182 ·
Just went out for the first ride on my SB. After staring at it for a week since it arrived..we were hit by a Hurricane.
I just have to say, it sucked
Sucked for my friends who wanted one after the ride...:)

I did have my hesitations, I bought the L and I'm 5'11 with a longer torso...it fit perfect. Since I bought it sight unseen, I didn't know what to expect. I bought it on pure geometry and ridding other. Bikes to compare the numbers. I have test rode the Hightower with the plus size, Stumpy,and a Rip 9.

By far the SB was the funnest. The SB is very close to the fit and feel of my Cannondale Jekyll, except the Jekyll is a 26"
The SB was as stiff as the Jekyll and just as playful I was pleasantly surprised. ..again I had been very nervous about the SB because I never test rode it. I am so glad I went with the Large over the medium.
Climbing , it was a Billy goat it took our steep short climbs with quick drops like a trooper.the trails also have tight switch backs , I had no problems with.
The SB was easier to wheelie..the 29er wheels just soaked up everything. I have the DT Hubs with the 36 star ratchet. Engagement was quick for the technical rocky climbs.

This is what I can summaries after 2hours on the bike on my local trails.

The Fox suspension was plush and comfortable a lot more responsive than the Hightower. Besides having my heart rate high before the ride because this is the first time I spent that much $$$$ on a bike.
I can say that I am moving to a wider bar 800mm instead of the 740mm that came with it. And I'm also going to try a 35mm stem over the 60mm. Definitely adding a chain guide with guard.
These are my first impressions of the bike...I'm no expert or Pro rider , but this bike rocks.
I couldn't figure how to add a picture through the phone app?

Tomorrow I ride again at Santos Trail head in Fl. I'm sure it will kill it there as well.
 
#1,185 ·
Just went out for the first ride on my SB. After staring at it for a week since it arrived..we were hit by a Hurricane.
I just have to say, it sucked
Sucked for my friends who wanted one after the ride...:)

I did have my hesitations, I bought the L and I'm 5'11 with a longer torso...it fit perfect. Since I bought it sight unseen, I didn't know what to expect. I bought it on pure geometry and ridding other. Bikes to compare the numbers. I have test rode the Hightower with the plus size, Stumpy,and a Rip 9.

By far the SB was the funnest. The SB is very close to the fit and feel of my Cannondale Jekyll, except the Jekyll is a 26"
The SB was as stiff as the Jekyll and just as playful I was pleasantly surprised. ..again I had been very nervous about the SB because I never test rode it. I am so glad I went with the Large over the medium.
Climbing , it was a Billy goat it took our steep short climbs with quick drops like a trooper.the trails also have tight switch backs , I had no problems with.
The SB was easier to wheelie..the 29er wheels just soaked up everything. I have the DT Hubs with the 36 star ratchet. Engagement was quick for the technical rocky climbs.

This is what I can summaries after 2hours on the bike on my local trails.

The Fox suspension was plush and comfortable a lot more responsive than the Hightower. Besides having my heart rate high before the ride because this is the first time I spent that much $$$$ on a bike.
I can say that I am moving to a wider bar 800mm instead of the 740mm that came with it. And I'm also going to try a 35mm stem over the 60mm. Definitely adding a chain guide with guard.
These are my first impressions of the bike...I'm no expert or Pro rider , but this bike rocks.
I couldn't figure how to add a picture through the phone app?

Tomorrow I ride again at Santos Trail head in Fl. I'm sure it will kill it there as well.
Nice,it is a fine machine for sure. Fit is interesting for SB and more particular to personal preferences,at 5' 11" the large felt to long and unwieldy but I have a short torso ling inseam and reach running a 65mm stem and setback dropper put me in the sweet spot and is one of the best fitting bikes I have ridden.
 
#1,188 ·
So people in general are clamoring for long and low and more modern geometry and when pivot delivers they revert back to their "antiquated" Mach 6 numbers and size down ? Not trying to be a d!ck here. I've stated at 5'11" I'm fine with my L Mach 6 numbers as our trails are tight, twisty and very rocky and require lots of low speed techy moves.
 
#1,196 ·
Back in the 90s they made ridiculously large/long head tubes on L frames and of course we were hanging dumb 140mm stems off of them. It's been really hard for manufacturers to get people past the "you must downsize" frame of mind. These days with 45-55mm stems (or shoter!) there's just no reason to buy a bike you are going to end up cramped on for any significant (time) ride. People are still deathly afraid of a slightly large frame.
 
#1,205 ·
These days with 45-55mm stems (or shoter!) there's just no reason to buy a bike you are going to end up cramped on for any significant (time) ride. People are still deathly afraid of a slightly large frame.
Most people can ride two different frame sizes with a stem swap without being cramped on either size frame. Just depends on what they prefer longer bike for more stability or shorter bike for more maneuverability. The types of trails people ride vary widely so it's not exactly shocking that some people would prefer longer and some would prefer shorter bikes.

On my Nomad I started on an XL and went to a L. I could ride either, but the 1" shorter WB played nicer in our tight techy terrain. I bought it when I lived someplace with faster more open trails.
 
#1,194 ·
So I was told by a Pivot dealer that Pivot does not plan to offer a frame-only option because they want quality control on the proprietary cranks and hub? Is this BS? I hope so because I really don't want to pay for an entire bike.

Also I'm assuming the decals are under the clearcoat? Not sure how PIvot does things. Really would like a paint scheme without all the red lettering.
 
#1,195 ·
So I was told by a Pivot dealer that Pivot does not plan to offer a frame-only option because they want quality control on the proprietary cranks and hub? Is this BS? I hope so because I really don't want to pay for an entire bike.

Also I'm assuming the decals are under the clearcoat? Not sure how PIvot does things. Really would like a paint scheme without all the red lettering.
Gotta be BS or the worst decision ever (outside of pf bbs [emoji50]).

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