[mtnbikerva1]

Is the Float X much better especially for longer rides or chunky rides?
Is the 36 fork worth it over the 34?
I am 6’1” and 175 pounds.
Ride the MIDATLANTIC/ Virginia, Wva, mainly.
Thank you.

 

[2021Mach6]

Is the Float X much better especially for longer rides or chunky rides?
Is the 36 fork worth it over the 34?
I am 6’1” and 175 pounds.
Ride the MIDATLANTIC/ Virginia, Wva, mainly.
Thank you.

When you say "worth it" what exactly are you referring to? The 36 is no better or worse than the 34 (and there's quite a few different options within each travel fork), depends on what you're riding and how much suspension you actually need. Same deal with the shock. I have the X2 on my Mach 6 (and Factory 36 up front). The suspension is amazing BUT I'm also hitting up bike parks every weekend (which is about the end with winter coming) and I'm hitting jumps, drops and tech so I need that kinda travel.

I'm in PA so similar terrain. When I'm just out trail riding, I use my hardtail with 100mm. Ride almost everything in the area with no issue. No way would I want an X2 with a 36 just doing your typical trail riding.

 

[mtnbikerva1]

When you say "worth it" what exactly are you referring to? The 36 is no better or worse than the 34 (and there's quite a few different options within each travel fork), depends on what you're riding and how much suspension you actually need. Same deal with the shock. I have the X2 on my Mach 6 (and Factory 36 up front). The suspension is amazing BUT I'm also hitting up bike parks every weekend (which is about the end with winter coming) and I'm hitting jumps, drops and tech so I need that kinda travel.

I'm in PA so similar terrain. When I'm just out trail riding, I use my hardtail with 100mm. Ride almost everything in the area with no issue. No way would I want an X2 with a 36 just doing your typical trail riding.

The Float X and X2 are different shocks. The Float X replaces the DPX2.
No Trail 429 comes with the X2, they come Enduro with FLOAT X and 36 OR non enduro DPS and 34.

 

[2021Mach6]

The Float X and X2 are different shocks. The Float X replaces the DPX2.
No Trail 429 comes with the X2, they come Enduro with FLOAT X and 36 OR non enduro DPS and 34.

I got it, but my point was that it depends on your application and what kinda travel you need. When you say "worth it" it's not like it's in the same category and you're just looking for the better option. For instance, with the 34 and 36 you mentioned, one isn't better than the other, it's just about what you need for your kinda riding.

Like when you say WV, does chunky mean intermediate trail riding or are you taking it to Snowshoe Bike Park? Big difference.

Personally, I think most people have WAY too much bike, but if you're getting into jumps, steeper tech, etc then yeah, I'd opt for the longer travel. Looking on Pivot's website, one build isn't better or worse than the other, it's just a difference of 130mm vs 140mm. If I'm buying a 429 for myself I'd opt for DPS/34 cause I'm not trying to turn it into an enduro bike. Hard to make that call though, you know the deal, slightly better downhill, slightly worse going up.

 

[mtnbikerva1]

What is the difference, if any in feel,charicterics, ride qualities, durability, cost of ownership, ease of rebuild, revalive or chang?

 

[2021Mach6]

What is the difference, if any in feel,charicterics, ride qualities, durability, cost of ownership, ease of rebuild, revalive or chang?

When I ordered my Mach 6, my LBS didn't have my size but I rode a 429 for size. Can't remember the shock but it had a 34 up front. Came from a hardtail so take it for what it's worth, but it almost felt like a cheat code riding my local trails. I'm considering ordering one myself cause the 6 is a lotta bike for my local trails (hence how I came across your thread).

Anyway, just got off the phone with Pivot. Their customer service is phenomenal and I'd suggest given them a call cause while I understood everything he said, I'm not able to recall everything and don't want to give inaccurate information. I tried Fox too but got transferred to an answering machine (I'll report back if they call).

He basically said adjustability and more range, less bottoming out with the X and the ability to run less air pressure. I'm not sure what an air sleeve is but he said it's larger than the DPS. Didn't ask about cost or rebuilding it, but when I asked about durability he didn't know (which is what prompted my call to Fox). He said what we already know, that the X matches with the 36 and DPS with the 34. He has one himself and couldn't comment on our trails in the East, but said he's got the DPS/34 and hasn't come across anything it couldn't handle. I forgot to ask his weight though.

These names and constant changes in standards make things pretty difficult ... My X2 is closer to the X than DPS, but sounds like their similar in adjustability. It took me about 2 months of messing around with it til I finally got it dialed in to my liking. Amazing how many riders just sent and forget. Too bad they don't take the time to figure it out cause it feels perfect.

 

[mrallen]

What is the difference, if any in feel,charicterics, ride qualities, durability, cost of ownership, ease of rebuild, revalive or chang?

IMO, you definitely want the Float X. I currently have a 2021 non-enduro version and the rear shock is just OK on this bike. I'm running it at the XC sag point and still bottom it too easily. The Float X also give you more adjustability for LSC which this bike needs surprisingly IMO.

I find the 36 to be a lot better than the 34. Even the new 34 that came on this bike still felt harsh to me versus a 36. Could be the fact that it still has a Fit4 damper which just isn't great (but a 36 with a Fit4 still beats the 34). 36 is more durable. Cost of ownership and maintenance is pretty much the same across the Fox products.

The negative to the Enduro models is that it's going to slacken the STA and raise the BB. The BB on this bike is pretty high already.

 

[jabrabu]

I've also been wondering about the enduro vs. non-enduro version. I'm currently riding a Tallboy 3 with a 130mm Fox 34 fork. I still like it, but on some of the fast chunky trails I ride the rear suspension gets overwhelmed. The Trail 429 Enduro's longer fork could theoretically hurt climbing, but I don't know if the difference would be significant. It's also a little heavier, and I don't think I need the extra burliness of a Fox 36 over the 34. I guess it's a trade-off between uphill and downhill abilities.

A big selling point for the enduro was the Grip2 damper vs. FIT4, but it looks like the non-enduro is now spec'd with the Grip2. I had a FIT4 on my Tallboy, and never could get the small bump compliance where I was happy. I had it custom tuned by PUSH, and it was better, but still not great, and then I put a Luftkappe air spring in it, and it was pretty good, but then I replaced it with a Fox 34 Grip2, and that was great out of box with no custom tuning.

 

[ejj]

I demoed both bikes a week apart. The Enduro is well named—it’s still a trail bike, but with a different feel. The 36 is awesome—you can steer the bike like an idiot and it covers for you. The downside of the 36 is it is heavier and sits in its travel a bit more, so not as exciting on little bumps and jumps.

I felt the same with the rear shock. A bit more plush, and likely better for longer downhills with the Bigger volumes.

I felt both were great, but the biggest difference to me was the fork. I really liked the steering height/feel of the 130 fork, but wasn’t crazy for the feel of the Fit damper. I loved the feeling of power and strength of the 36 grip, but I probably don’t need it.

So—I’d order the 34/float combo and upgrade the damper after a while. Someone mentioned that they now come like this?

 

[DrDon]

At your weight and locale a 34 and DPS should be fine.


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[ljgmdad]

On the non-Enduro 2022 429, would the Float X be desirable with the 34 fork? I don't see why not, based on everything I've read comparing it to the DPS. No geometry change either. I think the only downside is a couple hundred extra grams of weight, if that's even a downside.

 

[mtnbikerva1]

IMO, you definitely want the Float X. I currently have a 2021 non-enduro version and the rear shock is just OK on this bike. I'm running it at the XC sag point and still bottom it too easily. The Float X also give you more adjustability for LSC which this bike needs surprisingly IMO.

I find the 36 to be a lot better than the 34. Even the new 34 that came on this bike still felt harsh to me versus a 36. Could be the fact that it still has a Fit4 damper which just isn't great (but a 36 with a Fit4 still beats the 34). 36 is more durable. Cost of ownership and maintenance is pretty much the same across the Fox products.

The negative to the Enduro models is that it's going to slacken the STA and raise the BB. The BB on this bike is pretty high already.

Not sure the bottom bracket being higher is a bad thing in a lot of my riding areas. I hate catching a pedal and crashing and or destroying my pedal and drivetrain connected to the pedal.
I agree the Fit damper seems to be a horrible damper, compared to the Grip 2.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

[ejj]

On the non-Enduro 2022 429, would the Float X be desirable with the 34 fork? I don't see why not, based on everything I've read comparing it to the DPS. No geometry change either. I think the only downside is a couple hundred extra grams of weight, if that's even a downside.

i Think the main benefit of the Float-X is adjustability and better performance for long dh segments. Otherwise the DPS is a good shock. I’d skip it. In fact, I’d consider a pike or 36 with a dps a pretty slick setup for the way most use this bike.

 

[DrDon]

May want to consider the Switchblade. Once I got it I rarely rode my 429. Mainly Frederick Watershed/Gambrill and Micheux. Slight weight penalty with weight and efficiency but big gain fun factor. I never thought I would like a longer travel bike.


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[ljgmdad]

i Think the main benefit of the Float-X is adjustability and better performance for long dh segments. Otherwise the DPS is a good shock. I’d skip it. In fact, I’d consider a pike or 36 with a dps a pretty slick setup for the way most use this bike.

I've heard the Float X described as both more plush and more supportive than the DPS. I'm actually not sure how it can be both, but that sounds better for more than just long dh segments.

 

[eastman]

May want to consider the Switchblade. Once I got it I rarely rode my 429. Mainly Frederick Watershed/Gambrill and Micheux. Slight weight penalty with weight and efficiency but big gain fun factor. I never thought I would like a longer travel bike.


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Interesting. We ride Michaux, Watershed/Gambrill and PVSP. I currently have a Tallboy 3 (110 back and 120 front) and it seems to hold its own for 85% of Michaux, Watershed/Gambrill. I'm about to pull the trigger on a T 429, non enduro, as I thought the extra suspension would really help out vs my current setup. I think the group I ride with could be categorized as more trail oriented riders and not enduro.....no full face in this group. The TB3 is no featherweight, so a lighter bike with more suspension seems really appealing, at least to me.

Anyway, curious if the switchable seems heavy on the climbs and on the longer rides (4-5 hrs). Michaux rides are typically 25-30 miles with around 4k of climbing.

 

[mtnbikerva1]

Interesting. We ride Michaux, Watershed/Gambrill and PVSP. I currently have a Tallboy 3 (110 back and 120 front) and it seems to hold its own for 85% of Michaux, Watershed/Gambrill. I'm about to pull the trigger on a T 429, non enduro, as I thought the extra suspension would really help out vs my current setup. I think the group I ride with could be categorized as more trail oriented riders and not enduro.....no full face in this group. The TB3 is no featherweight, so a lighter bike with more suspension seems really appealing, at least to me.

Anyway, curious if the switchable seems heavy on the climbs and on the longer rides (4-5 hrs). Michaux rides are typically 25-30 miles with around 4k of climbing.

I just got the SRAM X01 429 Enduro with really good wheels. LOVE IT.
I test road a Switchblade and it was more suspension than I wanted. It was a lower level shimano kit, It had the low end wheels so that would make it feel slower and heavier.
I have not ridden George Washington National Forrest with it yet. Seems great at all the trails in Northern Va. including Fountain Head.
Only you will know what you want, but I would say knowing what you are coming from you would love the Trail 429. It will feel more efficient and playful. Not wet noodle feeling at all. The 429 feels very well built/solid and responsive to the riders input. I have to focus more on my pedal placement vs my previous 2016 model bike. My 429 in the lower setting will catch/bash pedals if not paying attention. After my first ride of 2 hard impacts that made me stop and look at the pedals and 5 more lighter strikes, I am not coasting with my pedals in 12 and 6 o'clock position any longer. I take into consideration my pedal placement in space and seem to have only a couple lower impact bashings, so far.
I can try the higher setting.
The Santa Cruz TB is a different feeling suspension and bike because of its design and build, some love them and the ride qualities. It is a good bike.
The Switchblade is a great bike also just different. The prices just went up on the Pivot website. So buy now and try to get the lower price or wait and hope the price goes back down, which I have my doubts. I look at the pricing like socialism/communism, once you get sucked into the trap it is almost impossible to get back to goodness.
Both SB and 429 are great just different focus. You maybe happy with either or both.
My 429 when I am on the bike, compared to my older geometry bike to me looks and feels more enduroee or raked out, but in a good way. I do not have problems in the tight switchback turns. Climbs great and descending is solid.
Good riding to you.

 

[jabrabu]

Interesting. We ride Michaux, Watershed/Gambrill and PVSP. I currently have a Tallboy 3 (110 back and 120 front) and it seems to hold its own for 85% of Michaux, Watershed/Gambrill. I'm about to pull the trigger on a T 429, non enduro, as I thought the extra suspension would really help out vs my current setup. I think the group I ride with could be categorized as more trail oriented riders and not enduro.....no full face in this group. The TB3 is no featherweight, so a lighter bike with more suspension seems really appealing, at least to me.

Anyway, curious if the switchable seems heavy on the climbs and on the longer rides (4-5 hrs). Michaux rides are typically 25-30 miles with around 4k of climbing.

I'm in a similar situation. I have a Tallboy 3 (with 130mm fork) and mostly ride PVSP and the Watershed. The TB3 is great for PVSP. I think it also works fine for the slow speed rock gardens and climbs at the watershed. However, for the faster chunky downhills (like Catovid or Boundary Line trails), the suspension gets overwhelmed. I also do occasional bike park days, and a short-travel 29er isn't ideal for that. I do some tabletop jumps and drops up to about 4 ft, but mostly just general trail riding.

I think I'd like something with the more modern geometry -- slightly slacker head tube, a little more reach, and steeper seat tube. From what I've read the 429 Trail looks like it might be a great choice, and perhaps the Enduro version to get better capability on those chunky downhills and bike park days. But I also wonder if I should get something with a little more travel, like a Hightower or Switchblade. The Pivot's SuperBoost+ rear hub spacing and press fit BB are turn offs for me, so I've been thinking of getting a Hightower frame and new fork and putting all the other parts from my TB3 on it. But I still can't decide between something lighter and more efficient or something with a little more travel. I still like my TB3, so there's no hurry.

 

[mtnbikerva1]

I'm in a similar situation. I have a Tallboy 3 (with 130mm fork) and mostly ride PVSP and the Watershed. The TB3 is great for PVSP. I think it also works fine for the slow speed rock gardens and climbs at the watershed. However, for the faster chunky downhills (like Catovid or Boundary Line trails), the suspension gets overwhelmed. I also do occasional bike park days, and a short-travel 29er isn't ideal for that. I do some tabletop jumps and drops up to about 4 ft, but mostly just general trail riding.

I think I'd like something with the more modern geometry -- slightly slacker head tube, a little more reach, and steeper seat tube. From what I've read the 429 Trail looks like it might be a great choice, and perhaps the Enduro version to get better capability on those chunky downhills and bike park days. But I also wonder if I should get something with a little more travel, like a Hightower or Switchblade. The Pivot's SuperBoost+ rear hub spacing and press fit BB are turn offs for me, so I've been thinking of getting a Hightower frame and new fork and putting all the other parts from my TB3 on it. But I still can't decide between something lighter and more efficient or something with a little more travel. I still like my TB3, so there's no hurry.

Did you know automobiles and motorcycles use press fit hubs?
The problem with Press fit bottom brackets was that companies used shitty standards and shitty quality control which resulted in problems.
also did you know your bicycle hubs bearings are pressed fit?
Top Quality or some say best Superboost hubs, wheels: CHRIS KING, DT Swiss, I9, White Industries, Reynolds...
i'm not trying to be a jerk just educate or make some people think.
I just feel the same way as you do about press fit bottom brackets. Top of the heap companies/quality control like PIVOT, press fit is great.

 

[jabrabu]

Did you know automobiles and motorcycles use press fit hubs?
The problem with Press fit bottom brackets was that companies used shitty standards and shitty quality control which resulted in problems.
also did you know your bicycle hubs bearings are pressed fit?
Top Quality or some say best Superboost hubs, wheels: CHRIS KING, DT Swiss, I9, White Industries, Reynolds...
i'm not trying to be a jerk just educate or make some people think.
I just feel the same way as you do about press fit bottom brackets. Top of the heap companies/quality control like PIVOT, press fit is great.

I'm not that concerned about quality. I'm more concerned about ease of service and being able to use the parts I already have on my current bike. I have 3 sets of 29" wheels and one set of 27.5+ wheels with regular boost spacing, and I have 2 bikes plus my son's bike with threaded BBs. I'm not sure if my current cranks would work with the press fit BB, and they aren't optimized for the superboost chainline. And I can easily replace a threaded BB myself.

If I bought a complete Pivot bike with a decent build, then I guess it wouldn't matter much, except that I do like to have multiple wheels/tires for different terrain and trail conditions.