Pivot Cycles release the new Switchblade
The new Pivot Switchblade sticks to its roots while bringing new handling and kinematics to the platform.
Pivot Cycles have launched a revamped Switchblade, ready for riders who are looking to switch it up with a new bike for 2024. At a glance, the Switchblade looks a lot like the outgoing model that was released in early 2020. A lot of features remain the same, with a few updated features trickling in from other recent releases. The overall design aim is the same: the Switchblade is designed to be for riders who want a bike to charge in bike parks, load up for all day pedals, and to tackle some wild trails. The latest release is just an evolution and refinement.
Facts and figures for the Pivot Switchblade
All 5 frames (XS-XL) have more insertion depth for longer dropper posts – although pivot have stuck with 31.6mm and not bumped up to 34.9mm. Given they use a lot of Fox Transfer posts in their builds – chances are a bigger diameter for reliability wasn't an issue. The new frames also have longer reach, slacker head angles and steeper seat angles. The frame is built for 180mm rotors, and has ISCG05 mounts for a chain guide. The bottom bracket is PF92, erring away from the move bacl to threaded bottom brackets.
Each size can take a full size water bottle, and there is an accessory mount for Pivot's nifty Tool Dock system. You can even use the extra mount below the down tube for a second bottle if you're on an all-day mission.
In terms of travel, the Switchblade sticks to a tried and true 160mm travel fork and 142mm of DW-Link travel in the back. Pivot have noted that 160mm is the maximum travel for the fork. Want more? Get the Firebird. The Super Boost frame can take a MX setup with a 27.5” rear wheel, and Pivot have a built in flip chip in the linkage for a high and low position. The high position is required for a MX build to maintain the bottom bracket height. Regardless, the high position steepens the bike by about 0.5 degree, if you kept it as a 29er. Given the bolts for the flip chip need to be 35Nm, this isn't really a trail side change, more of something you do to get your bike setup to suit the ride you want.
For 29er Switchblades you can run upto 29×2.5” tyres, but on 27.5” wheels you can use upto 2.8” tyres. Pivot measured these with Maxxis tyres, so double check real world widths on your own tyres, as some are chonkier than others.
The kinematics have had a tune up to maintain pedalling response and big hit capability alike, with new linkages as well. Given the frame has a rising rate design, it does work with a coil. The frame uses a Trunnion mount 185x55mm shock and Pivot recommend a Fox DHX2 if you live the coil life.
It is great to see size specific chain stays on the Pivot Switchblade, this goes hand in hand with Pivot's tuned ride for each frame layup. This means each frame size has its own carbon layup, so an XS doesn't ride like a piece of 2×4 with the XL being a bit soft. Instead, a custom layup means regardless of rider size, you get the same frame feel. And while of course geometry changes between sizes, the size-specific chain stays mean the balance between both wheels is much better matched across the size range. When it remains the same, as many brands do, a small bike can feel long in the back, and a large bike can feel short in the back. Kudos to Pivot for making sure they keep ride quality across all sizes at the forefront of their design process.
Build kits and pricing in Australia
Pivot Cycles Australia have a sweet range of builds available, matching the build kits from other recent releases.
Switchblade Team XX1 Eagle Transmission w/ Carbon Wheels – $17999.00
Switchblade Team XTR 12 Speed w/ Carbon Wheels – $15999.00
Switchblade Pro X0 Eagle Transmission – $13999.00
Switchblade Pro XT/XTR 12 Speed – $12499.00
Switchblade Ride GX Eagle Transmission – $11999.00
Switchblade Ride XT 12 Speed – $9999.00
Each model comes in either either Blue Neptune (above) or Stealth Mojave.
To celebrate some of the roots of what Pivot Cycles is now, there is also a special release in Pink Neon, to match the Sun Eagle Talon e-stay bike from over 30 years ago.
