Pivot introduces the Switchblade, a new 135 mm trail bike that rolls on either 29″ or 27.5+ wheels. The versatile machine comes with a 157 mm rear wheel, usually found in DH bikes. Find out what’s the reasoning behind the wide axle and what else the Pivot Switchblade has to offer:

The Switchblade is a new 135 mm bike from Pivot, aiming at the aggressive trail rider. It comes with very short 428 mm chainstays, a long front centre and low standover. The multi-talent accepts both 27.5+ and 29″ wheels with ample tire clearance. All this is made possible with a 157 mm wide rear hub, actually known from downhill bikes. But there is one important difference to the DH counterpart: similar to Boost 148, Pivot widened the hub body as well as the flanges for stiffer rear wheel and takes the Boost idea to the next level. More information on the new bike directly from Pivot:

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Spec overview of the Pivot Switchblade

  • Compatible with both 29 and 27.5+ wheelsizes
  • Fits 27.5+ tires up to 3.25” wide
  • Fits 29er tires up to 2.5” wide
  • Features Pivots new long and low geometry
  • Ultra short 428 mm (16.85”) chainstays beat every other bike in the category
  • 135 mm dw-link rear suspension with upper clevis and linkage and double wishbone rear
  • triangle Designed for a 150 mm fork, fits forks up to 160 mm
  • 27.5+ spec’d with either 40 mm inner width DT alloy or Reynolds carbon wheels and aggressive new Maxxis REKON 2.8 tires
  • 29” spec’d with 25 mm inner width DT rims or 28mm inner width Reynolds Enduro carbon rims and aggressive Maxxis High Roller II 2.3” tires
  • Front derailleur compatible with Pivot’s stealth E-Type mounting system
  • Pivot Cable Port system for easy internal routing of shifters, brakes and droppers and full Di2 Integration
  • New ultra quiet low durometer rubberized frame protection
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Purpose-built to meet the demands of enduro and aggressive trail riding, Pivot’s Switchblade is a versatile ripper with a huge advantage no matter where you shred. As a long travel 29er, the Switchblade is a next-level enduro bike that begs for fast, steep and technical trails. As a 27.5+ machine, the Switchblade combines spider-man traction with the shortest chainstays in the category for the ultimate all-terrain, all-conditions ride.

Carbon Design

From the very beginning of our engineering process, the Switchblade was designed to accommodate multiple wheelsizes, and it is this advanced planning that enables us to get so many great features into one unstoppable ride. At the heart of the Switchblade’s dual personality is a full carbon chassis featuring Pivot’s new long and low geometry combined with ultra short, huge clearance chainstays (up to 1cm shorter than the closest competitor). Putting these two holy grails of bike design into a single frame design means that riders will experience both unmatched high-speed stability through chunky terrain and effortless split-second manuals over seemingly impossible obstacles in one amazing machine. The Switchblade incorporates a Phoenix DH-inspired double wishbone rear triangle and ultra-stiff linkage design, the same design used in the Mach 6 Carbon, resulting in the absolute stiffest frameset available in the trail category – giving you precise control and the ability to tackle new terrain every time you ride.

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Pivot’s frame shapes are 100% driven by our pursuit of the perfectly tuned ride, the cleanest design, the strongest product and the lightest possible weight. With our own hollow core, internal, high compression carbon molding process we can deliver on the performance requests of our top athletes by finding the perfect combination of composite materials and shapes for that perfect balance of strength, stiffness and the ultimate ride quality.

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DW-Link

Dave Weagle, the brains behind dw‐link® and Chris Cocalis, Pivot’s president and founder, collaborate on every Pivot suspension design – for the Switchblade, they focused on utilizing the best attributes of the dw‐link® for the ultimate in enduro/trail performance. dw‐link’s anti-squat and variable wheel travel path means that the Switchblade pedals better than anything else in the category. Because the frame doesn’t squat or bob under pedaling force, we are able to lower the bottom bracket height and slacken the head angle to achieve the best performance in high speed and technical sections while also maintaining precise handling and poppy ride that makes a great trail bike so much fun.

Pivot's well known DW-Link.
Pivot’s well known DW-Link.

Fox Suspension

The Switchblade is spec’d with the 2017 Fox Float DPS shock with the new EVOL air sleeve, tuned specifically for the Switchblade’s dual personality. The new Float DPS features improved bump absorption and firm lockout with a new DPS damper with three on-the-fly lever adjustments – Open, Medium and Firm options cover all of your terrain choices. The EVOL air sleeve significantly reduces the force required to initiate travel for the ultimate in small bump compliance and better bottom-out resistance. When combined with the ultra-low friction Kashima coating, this design offers an incredibly plush feel in every setting. While dw-link® is inherently efficient on its own, the firm option is great for long climbs. These shock features are direct complements to dw-link® suspension tuning and patented position-sensitive anti-squat, giving riders even better traction on steep climbs and over rough trail. To match the Switchblade’s rear suspension, we’ve paired it with the newest 150mm Fox 36 – the perfect fork to match any trail rider’s need for aggressive, balanced handling on every part of the mountain.

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All the right details

Featured on the Switchblade is Pivot’s ultra-clean, removable front derailleur mount. For those that want to run two chainrings, this precisely engineered mount offers the best shifting performance you can get, utilizing Shimano’s new side-swing front derailleur system. For those who love the simple functionality of 1x systems, remove the front derailleur mount for an incredibly sleek, clean installation with almost no evidence of the un-needed hardware. The Switchblade offers full Di2 electronic integration and easy, clean internal routing of shifters, brakes and droppers via the Pivot Cable Port system. Other essential details include ultra-quiet, low durometer, rubberized frame protection in all the key places, post mount disc brake mounts for easy set up and weight savings, and Enduro Max cartridge bearings throughout. The Switchblade is available in five sizes to fit riders from 4’11” to 6’2”+ from XS to XL.

Well worked cable ports all around the Switchblade.
Well worked cable ports all around the Switchblade.
157 mm Super Boost with DT Swiss hubs.
157 mm Super Boost with DT Swiss hubs.

Perfect Builds From Pivot

On a bike as versatile as the Switchblade, the right build kit is essential to dialing in performance. Pivot makes this easy with a range of complete build options in both 29er and 27.5+ wheelsizes. We’ve carefully selected every part and only spec components we would ride ourselves. Visit our build kit tab for complete details on the many different ways you can order your Switchblade. We take quality and workmanship seriously at Pivot, and know that the details are what make a great rider experience. Every Pivot Cycles frame undergoes a 28-step assembly and quality control check to ensure that every ride on the Switchblade exceeds your expectations.

Pivot Switchblade 29" Carbon with Shimano XTR.
Pivot Switchblade 29″ Carbon with Shimano XTR.
Pivot Switchblade 27.5 plus Carbon with Shimano XTR.
Pivot Switchblade 27.5 plus Carbon with Shimano XTR.

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Words & Photos: Pivot