Description
Quick, versatile, and precise, the Pivot Switchblade is an aptly named trail bike and is our weapon of choice when it comes to slashing singletrack and cutting down technical descents. With 142mm of DW-Link suspension travel, the Switchblade lands squarely between an enduro bike and a trail bike, giving us a versatile bike ideal for most of the trails we encounter. Paired with dual 29-inch wheels, the Switchblade’s lightweight design easily skips through rock gardens and over trail obstacles, carries our speed efficiently, and climbs like no one’s business. Pivot revised the Switchblade this year, giving us more capable geometry for a more composed ride on higher-speed, steeper trails. The new Switchblade features a slacker headtube angle for more capability in steeper terrain, size-specific chainstay lengths for optimal balance and agility for all frame sizes, and a steeper seat tube angle for a more efficient climbing position. A modest 66-degree head tube angle maintains the quick and precise handling found on the previous iteration of the Switchblade while putting us in a more capable position to take on steeper trails. A 76-degree seat tube angle paired with the efficient climbing characteristics of the DW-Link suspension platform means the Switchblade is a weapon on tight and technical switchbacks and climbs. Additional features on the Switchblade include a Flip Chip that allows us to slacken out the head tube angle and drop the bottom bracket height for extra control on steep terrain and at fast speeds. The Flip Chip also allows us to run a 27. 5-inch rear wheel to take advantage of an enhanced turning radius and more clearance. The front triangle can accommodate two water bottle cages to keep us hydrated, and Integrated downtube and chainstay protectors protect our frame from rocks and chain slaps. The Ride GX transmission build of the Pivot Switchblade is a mid-tier build with quality components that won’t break the bank. To start things off, Pivot’s ultra-lightweight hollow-core carbon fiber frame is among the lightest and most reliable on the market. Next, the Fox Performance Float X gives us a simple, lightweight shock with a custom tune for optimal ride quality. The Fox Performance Float 36, 160mm fork, is simple, easily handles big hits, and has a compression switch so we can stiffen up the shock when we are climbing. DT Swiss M1900 rims give us tons of confidence as we are blasting through rough sections, and DT Swiss 370 hubs provide us with quality performance and engagement. 4-piston SRAM Code R brakes top off this build, giving us all the stopping power we need in an easily serviceable package.*Due to a high demand in the global supply chain and bike industry since the start of the pandemic, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be of equal or better spec level. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.
