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
881 - 900 of 3,171 Posts
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29" for everything.
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I was just in a shop today looking at a 27.5+ version w/ XT/XTR kit. The DT 350 hubs were 28H straightpull.
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554 Posts
How big a tire can you run with 29" rims?
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You've probably tried 650+, right? If so, is your preference for 29" due to tire collapse on the Plus set-up?29" for everything.
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I haven't actually tried 27.5+ and I'd like to just to check it out, but I'm not dropping money to build another wheelset and I don't know of anyone with 15x100 + 12x157 27.5+ wheelset lying around for me to sample.
I have loved 29ers since I first threw a leg over one, so it'd take a pretty significant improvement in some respect for me to go 27.5+. My #1 worry about them is tire durability - as I already have enough trouble puncturing high-volume 29er tires around here on all our rocks. The bigger footprint and thinner casing of 27.5+ has me thinking I'd be flatting even more.
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232 Posts
Thanks for the info!
Initially, I thought 650+ would be the answer to all my problems, as I already ride 2.4" and 2.5" tires and want to go larger, but 2.8" seems to cross some line and I can't avoid casing collapse on the rear, even on 40 mm (internal) rims. Well, I can, but only with more air pressure than what I run with "narrow" tires, which defeats the benefits of Plus.
Another way to look at it is that "narrow" and Plus tires both require you to back off in certain situations: with narrow tires, you can hit berms and compressions as hard as you like, but go easy on loose sections; vice versa for Plus. I find the former more enjoyable, though the latter may be faster.
Most likely, 2.6" (or more) would work for me on the front, but the rear may have to be limited to ~2.5". This will fit in most 29ers, so that's the route I'll go, probably with a Switchblade or Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol.
Speaking of which, the only think holding up my new bike is the fork. When is the Stage's successor going to be ready? My current bike is on life support!
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456 Posts
Gents, I have a new 29er wheelset built for the Switchblade that I need to sell. I9 hubs (purple), NOX Kitsima wide carbon rims, DT Comps, tubeless ready, 157 rear Boost front. Never been mounted and ready to ship. Asking $1600 shipped.
I bought my 'Blade with the B+ setup as I'd been mostly on 29ers awhile and wanted to try out the new trend. I'm in Phoenix, so big rocky tech, decently high-speed, blown-out flat corners, so no berms to stuff tires into at speed.
I liked the B+ tires, never had sidewall issues. For me, though, the tires were just slow. I didn't really need the extra traction here. And my times on well-known trails were universally slower than normal.
For my riding in my terrain, putting 29er wheels on really, really woke this bike up.
Hi Noah,
Did you get your crank / chainring sorted?
I'm looking to run a 34T Cinch Oval on the Aeffect crank, and I'm wondering if the chainring will hit the chainstay. Thanks!
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15,592 Posts
Large demo SB ^^^
I drove up to Cumberland BC this weekend to demo a couple Switch Blades. I got to try a medium and large. Both in 29er format.
I want to say thanks to Trail Bikes and On The Edge the Canadian distributor for putting on the event. They did a great job and I know running demos is not free nor easy. So thank you very much. :thumbsup:
I posted a full report at my blog: https://vikapprovedblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/pivot-switchblade-demo/
I'll summarize for folks that don't want to go there.
I rode solid BC blue trails. Mostly rolling with a few steep punchy climbs. Rocks and roots in places, but nothing crazy. These are forest trails so while they are not super tight twisty for what we ride they are narrow. A few wooden features for some fun and a fireroad climb to start and end the loop. Compared to our local trails the Cumberland trails are less techy and faster. which I assumed would favour a 29er.
In addition to the med and large SB I got to ride an XL Mach 6 as my friend Chris is looking for a new bike and wanted to try both the SB and M6.
Pros:
- really well made.....nicest carbon bike I have seen
- impressive suspension linkages/rear triangle stiffness
- I like the subdued graphics
- excellent tire clearance for wide 29er rubber
- no BB height pedal strike issues
- efficient suspension as you would expect from DW link
- nice ramp up so you didn't bottom out on jumps
- handled slow speed tech reasonably well
- I rode elevated skinnies with confidence
- accelerate really well on straighter rolling sections
- large frame didn't seem to be any harder to get round corners than medium
Medium demo SB ^^^
Cons:
- lacklustre climbing both on fireroads and on singletrack
- steeper climbing traction wasn't amazing due to forward body position on bike
- slow steering of 29er wheels was limiting factor for how fast we could go
- not super playful
- wide BB/q-factor felt awkward
- fox suspension was "meh"....not awful, but I expected it to be a lot better
I was surprised how poorly I was climbing with the steep STA. I couldn't generate the power I'm used to and with my weight more forward on the bike the rear wheel didn't have the traction I normally have on my Mach 6.
I was also surprised how big a difference there was between 27.5 and 29er wheels in terms of steering speed and precision. The XL Mach 6 felt like a scalpel compared to either SB.
I did have some moments of 29er magic when the trail was straighter and the big wheels could accelerate freely. I can see on open trails how I'd really dig a bike like this [if I can adapt to the steep STA].
When we got back from the second demo loop I was curious what my buddy Chris thought since he was really keen on getting a 29er and had no bias towards a Mach 6. His sentiments were pretty similar to mine and he said he was pretty keen on the XL Mach 6 now since it was a lot faster and more fun on the trails.
All in all the SB is a pretty amazing bike. I can see why people are enthusiastic for it. The steep STA issue is a personal preference/body geometry thing so I don't hold that against the bike. I could remedy that with a setback seatpost. The maneuverability/playfulness on our forest trails was the bigger issue for me. If a bike doesn't have the potential to be faster and/or more fun, particularly the later, there isn't much point spending the $$.
I got a parking lot test on a large Transition Smuggler while in Cumby. It felt like a limo compared to the large SB and it has terrible tire clearance so it's off my list.
I'm going to try and get trail demos on:
- Evil The Following [had a parking lot demo that was promising]
- Canfield Riot [interested to see how super short CS work on forest trails]
- Lenz Behemoth
- Knolly 29er [when it gets released]
Although I am starting to wonder if I'm not going to dig any 29er for the type of riding that I do. Once I get all these ^^^ demos done I'll know. If none of them turn my crank there won't be any doubt left.
On the plus side I got back on my Mach 6 at the end of the demo sessions and it was better than the SB almost everywhere, which is good since it's paid for! Except now I wish I had an XL frame.
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I'm running an Absolute Black 32t oval on Aeffect,no way can I fit a 34t.
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4,225 Posts
I initially built the bike with the Aeffects and a OneUp DM Boost Oval 32t (flipped), but I bent those cranks at the Trans BC and replaced them with set of the standard XT M8000 (my only choice from the local bike shop). The biggest ring I can fit with the XTs is a 30t and I still had to put some shims on the driveside to clear the stay.
IIRC, the clearance with the OneUp DM Boost Oval 32t (flipped) was pretty minimal - so I doubt you'd have room for a 34t oval. But, it was a Boost ring, so when it was flipped it gave a slightly narrower chainline than a standard ring (Boost CL is 52mm, so flipped I reckon it was ~55mm).
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6,042 Posts
Good write up. I suspect no 29er is going to satisfy you just like I'm partial to 29ers. I do look forward to your comparisons of other bikes to the SB.![Image]()
Large demo SB ^^^
I drove up to Cumberland BC this weekend to demo a couple Switch Blades. I got to try a medium and large. Both in 29er format.
I want to say thanks to Trail Bikes and On The Edge the Canadian distributor for putting on the event. They did a great job and I know running demos is not free nor easy. So thank you very much. :thumbsup:
I posted a full report at my blog: https://vikapprovedblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/pivot-switchblade-demo/
I'll summarize for folks that don't want to go there.
I rode solid BC blue trails. Mostly rolling with a few steep punchy climbs. Rocks and roots in places, but nothing crazy. These are forest trails so while they are not super tight twisty for what we ride they are narrow. A few wooden features for some fun and a fireroad climb to start and end the loop. Compared to our local trails the Cumberland trails are less techy and faster. which I assumed would favour a 29er.
In addition to the med and large SB I got to ride an XL Mach 6 as my friend Chris is looking for a new bike and wanted to try both the SB and M6.
Pros:
- really well made.....nicest carbon bike I have seen
- impressive suspension linkages/rear triangle stiffness
- I like the subdued graphics
- excellent tire clearance for wide 29er rubber
- no BB height pedal strike issues
- efficient suspension as you would expect from DW link
- nice ramp up so you didn't bottom out on jumps
- handled slow speed tech reasonably well
- I rode elevated skinnies with confidence
- accelerate really well on straighter rolling sections
- large frame didn't seem to be any harder to get round corners than medium
![Image]()
Medium demo SB ^^^
Cons:
- lacklustre climbing both on fireroads and on singletrack
- steeper climbing traction wasn't amazing due to forward body position on bike
- slow steering of 29er wheels was limiting factor for how fast we could go
- not super playful
- wide BB/q-factor felt awkward
- fox suspension was "meh"....not awful, but I expected it to be a lot better
I was surprised how poorly I was climbing with the steep STA. I couldn't generate the power I'm used to and with my weight more forward on the bike the rear wheel didn't have the traction I normally have on my Mach 6.
I was also surprised how big a difference there was between 27.5 and 29er wheels in terms of steering speed and precision. The XL Mach 6 felt like a scalpel compared to either SB.
I did have some moments of 29er magic when the trail was straighter and the big wheels could accelerate freely. I can see on open trails how I'd really dig a bike like this [if I can adapt to the steep STA].
When we got back from the second demo loop I was curious what my buddy Chris thought since he was really keen on getting a 29er and had no bias towards a Mach 6. His sentiments were pretty similar to mine and he said he was pretty keen on the XL Mach 6 now since it was a lot faster and more fun on the trails.
All in all the SB is a pretty amazing bike. I can see why people are enthusiastic for it. The steep STA issue is a personal preference/body geometry thing so I don't hold that against the bike. I could remedy that with a setback seatpost. The maneuverability/playfulness on our forest trails was the bigger issue for me. If a bike doesn't have the potential to be faster and/or more fun, particularly the later, there isn't much point spending the $$.
I got a parking lot test on a large Transition Smuggler while in Cumby. It felt like a limo compared to the large SB and it has terrible tire clearance so it's off my list.
I'm going to try and get trail demos on:
- Evil The Following [had a parking lot demo that was promising]
- Canfield Riot [interested to see how super short CS work on forest trails]
- Lenz Behemoth
- Knolly 29er [when it gets released]
Although I am starting to wonder if I'm not going to dig any 29er for the type of riding that I do. Once I get all these ^^^ demos done I'll know. If none of them turn my crank there won't be any doubt left.
On the plus side I got back on my Mach 6 at the end of the demo sessions and it was better than the SB almost everywhere, which is good since it's paid for! Except now I wish I had an XL frame.
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7,083 Posts
Cool write up. Thanks.![Image]()
Large demo SB ^^^
I drove up to Cumberland BC this weekend to demo a couple Switch Blades. I got to try a medium and large. Both in 29er format.
I want to say thanks to Trail Bikes and On The Edge the Canadian distributor for putting on the event. They did a great job and I know running demos is not free nor easy. So thank you very much. :thumbsup:
I posted a full report at my blog: https://vikapprovedblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/pivot-switchblade-demo/
I'll summarize for folks that don't want to go there.
I rode solid BC blue trails. Mostly rolling with a few steep punchy climbs. Rocks and roots in places, but nothing crazy. These are forest trails so while they are not super tight twisty for what we ride they are narrow. A few wooden features for some fun and a fireroad climb to start and end the loop. Compared to our local trails the Cumberland trails are less techy and faster. which I assumed would favour a 29er.
In addition to the med and large SB I got to ride an XL Mach 6 as my friend Chris is looking for a new bike and wanted to try both the SB and M6.
Pros:
- really well made.....nicest carbon bike I have seen
- impressive suspension linkages/rear triangle stiffness
- I like the subdued graphics
- excellent tire clearance for wide 29er rubber
- no BB height pedal strike issues
- efficient suspension as you would expect from DW link
- nice ramp up so you didn't bottom out on jumps
- handled slow speed tech reasonably well
- I rode elevated skinnies with confidence
- accelerate really well on straighter rolling sections
- large frame didn't seem to be any harder to get round corners than medium
![Image]()
Medium demo SB ^^^
Cons:
- lacklustre climbing both on fireroads and on singletrack
- steeper climbing traction wasn't amazing due to forward body position on bike
- slow steering of 29er wheels was limiting factor for how fast we could go
- not super playful
- wide BB/q-factor felt awkward
- fox suspension was "meh"....not awful, but I expected it to be a lot better
I was surprised how poorly I was climbing with the steep STA. I couldn't generate the power I'm used to and with my weight more forward on the bike the rear wheel didn't have the traction I normally have on my Mach 6.
I was also surprised how big a difference there was between 27.5 and 29er wheels in terms of steering speed and precision. The XL Mach 6 felt like a scalpel compared to either SB.
I did have some moments of 29er magic when the trail was straighter and the big wheels could accelerate freely. I can see on open trails how I'd really dig a bike like this [if I can adapt to the steep STA].
When we got back from the second demo loop I was curious what my buddy Chris thought since he was really keen on getting a 29er and had no bias towards a Mach 6. His sentiments were pretty similar to mine and he said he was pretty keen on the XL Mach 6 now since it was a lot faster and more fun on the trails.
All in all the SB is a pretty amazing bike. I can see why people are enthusiastic for it. The steep STA issue is a personal preference/body geometry thing so I don't hold that against the bike. I could remedy that with a setback seatpost. The maneuverability/playfulness on our forest trails was the bigger issue for me. If a bike doesn't have the potential to be faster and/or more fun, particularly the later, there isn't much point spending the $$.
I got a parking lot test on a large Transition Smuggler while in Cumby. It felt like a limo compared to the large SB and it has terrible tire clearance so it's off my list.
I'm going to try and get trail demos on:
- Evil The Following [had a parking lot demo that was promising]
- Canfield Riot [interested to see how super short CS work on forest trails]
- Lenz Behemoth
- Knolly 29er [when it gets released]
Although I am starting to wonder if I'm not going to dig any 29er for the type of riding that I do. Once I get all these ^^^ demos done I'll know. If none of them turn my crank there won't be any doubt left.
On the plus side I got back on my Mach 6 at the end of the demo sessions and it was better than the SB almost everywhere, which is good since it's paid for! Except now I wish I had an XL frame.
Right now I'm without a 29er for the first time in like 10 years. Cracked my TB LTc frame. Test rode a Hightower yesterday - nice bike. My M6 is being ridden more than ever, and I'm liking it more than ever, but I do think there are areas where the big wheels are better.
Non-hucking trail riding is where I like a 29er best. Wonder what would make a better trail bike, the 429 Trail or the SB? When it comes to AM/hucking/park riding I'll stick with the M6.
The steep STA thing is over-rated IMO. Agree that it seems to unweight the rear end and you loose traction. The place is where it is nice is the long, steep, non-tech climbs. While we have a lot of climbing, its mostly tech, and out of the saddle type stuff.
Looks like both bikes have the 17mm spacer installed. Is that correct? Might explain the slow steering? Just curious, thanks for the wright up.![Image]()
Large demo SB ^^^
I drove up to Cumberland BC this weekend to demo a couple Switch Blades. I got to try a medium and large. Both in 29er format.
I want to say thanks to Trail Bikes and On The Edge the Canadian distributor for putting on the event. They did a great job and I know running demos is not free nor easy. So thank you very much. :thumbsup:
I posted a full report at my blog: https://vikapprovedblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/pivot-switchblade-demo/
I'll summarize for folks that don't want to go there.
I rode solid BC blue trails. Mostly rolling with a few steep punchy climbs. Rocks and roots in places, but nothing crazy. These are forest trails so while they are not super tight twisty for what we ride they are narrow. A few wooden features for some fun and a fireroad climb to start and end the loop. Compared to our local trails the Cumberland trails are less techy and faster. which I assumed would favour a 29er.
In addition to the med and large SB I got to ride an XL Mach 6 as my friend Chris is looking for a new bike and wanted to try both the SB and M6.
Pros:
- really well made.....nicest carbon bike I have seen
- impressive suspension linkages/rear triangle stiffness
- I like the subdued graphics
- excellent tire clearance for wide 29er rubber
- no BB height pedal strike issues
- efficient suspension as you would expect from DW link
- nice ramp up so you didn't bottom out on jumps
- handled slow speed tech reasonably well
- I rode elevated skinnies with confidence
- accelerate really well on straighter rolling sections
- large frame didn't seem to be any harder to get round corners than medium
![Image]()
Medium demo SB ^^^
Cons:
- lacklustre climbing both on fireroads and on singletrack
- steeper climbing traction wasn't amazing due to forward body position on bike
- slow steering of 29er wheels was limiting factor for how fast we could go
- not super playful
- wide BB/q-factor felt awkward
- fox suspension was "meh"....not awful, but I expected it to be a lot better
I was surprised how poorly I was climbing with the steep STA. I couldn't generate the power I'm used to and with my weight more forward on the bike the rear wheel didn't have the traction I normally have on my Mach 6.
I was also surprised how big a difference there was between 27.5 and 29er wheels in terms of steering speed and precision. The XL Mach 6 felt like a scalpel compared to either SB.
I did have some moments of 29er magic when the trail was straighter and the big wheels could accelerate freely. I can see on open trails how I'd really dig a bike like this [if I can adapt to the steep STA].
When we got back from the second demo loop I was curious what my buddy Chris thought since he was really keen on getting a 29er and had no bias towards a Mach 6. His sentiments were pretty similar to mine and he said he was pretty keen on the XL Mach 6 now since it was a lot faster and more fun on the trails.
All in all the SB is a pretty amazing bike. I can see why people are enthusiastic for it. The steep STA issue is a personal preference/body geometry thing so I don't hold that against the bike. I could remedy that with a setback seatpost. The maneuverability/playfulness on our forest trails was the bigger issue for me. If a bike doesn't have the potential to be faster and/or more fun, particularly the later, there isn't much point spending the $$.
I got a parking lot test on a large Transition Smuggler while in Cumby. It felt like a limo compared to the large SB and it has terrible tire clearance so it's off my list.
I'm going to try and get trail demos on:
- Evil The Following [had a parking lot demo that was promising]
- Canfield Riot [interested to see how super short CS work on forest trails]
- Lenz Behemoth
- Knolly 29er [when it gets released]
Although I am starting to wonder if I'm not going to dig any 29er for the type of riding that I do. Once I get all these ^^^ demos done I'll know. If none of them turn my crank there won't be any doubt left.
On the plus side I got back on my Mach 6 at the end of the demo sessions and it was better than the SB almost everywhere, which is good since it's paid for! Except now I wish I had an XL frame.
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