Short-travel 29er trail bike, XC fully with reserves or a super lightweight enduro? The industry is crammed with overlapping and some might argue superfluous categories! And for those who like nothing better than labeling a bike, the Pivot Mach 429 Trail might cause you a bit of headache. Refusing to be put in a box, can we just agree that it’s a damn good mountain bike?
Almost every bike brand has one in their collection, and almost every rider thinks they own one: we’re talking the perfect all-rounder bike, which is basically the best choice for everything. For Pivot, the Mach 429 is this exact bike – and they don’t beat around the bush:
“The best trail bikes can do everything well – no matter where and what you’re riding. And Pivot’s new Mach 429 Trail has raised the bar even higher.”
When developing the 429 Trail, Pivot’s goal was to create their most versatile bike to ever enter their collection: a next generation trail bike; a bike that’ll exploit the benefits of being a 29er while still keeping a playful and poppy edge. After countless tests and prototypes, Pivot’s vision of the ultimate all-rounder mountain bike has finally come to fruition.
The details of the Pivot Mach 429 Trail
It only takes a brief once-over of the Pivot Mach 429 Trail to recognize just how much attention has gone into its details and its flowing tube profile and its one-part carbon rear end grant it a high-end look. Pivot have relied on Dave Weagle’s DW link suspension design, renowned for its ultra effective anti-squat effect – even when the rear shock is set to open. The result is 116 mm of travel that’s equally as effective at pedaling as it is at absorbing bumps.
The 429 Trail is kitted out with the Boost standard meaning stiffer wheels, more tire clearance and the option to boost up for 27.5+ if you want. Unlike Pivot’s other carbon frames, this rig has kept its cables on the outside in a bid to simplify service and costs – a surprising statement, as its high price tag might lead you to expect otherwise. However, the frameset and the complete bike builds retail for around 500 € cheaper than other Pivot models.
The removable front mech mount is a super tidy solution designed for Shimano’s new SideSwing front mount. As the PF92 bottom bracket was a joint design from Pivot and Shimano, it’s no surprise to see the 429 Trail rely on the press-fit solution. Plus, instead of just one bottle cage in the triangle, there’s also room for another second bottle cage mount on the downtube. The sealed Enduro Max ball bearings at the rear are renowned for their durability and nicely round off the impression of the bike being pretty damn high-end.
The geometry of the Pivot Mach 429 Trail
Pivot aren’t afraid to go their own way – an intrepidness proven with the geometry of the Mach 429 Trail: at 625 mm the stack is fairly high, and the 423 mm reach for a large-sized frame is pretty short. The 443 mm chainstays are neither particularly short, nor particularly long; in fact, they’re pretty standard for a 29er. Then you reach the head angle, and its 67.5° strikes us as mega slack for a bike that plays in this sort of travel category. So even on the stand it’s easy to argue that the 429 Trail is way more than just a long legged XC bike.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 406 mm | 444 mm | 482 mm | 520 mm |
| Top Tube | 580 mm | 607 mm | 628 mm | 650 mm |
| Head tube | 101 mm | 101 mm | 119 mm | 149 mm |
| Head angle | 67.5 ° | 67.5 ° | 67.5 ° | 67.5 ° |
| Seat tube angle | 72.8 ° | 72.8 ° | 72.8 ° | 72.8 ° |
| Chain Stay Length | 443 mm | 443 mm | 443 mm | 443 mm |
| BB height | 335 mm | 335 mm | 335 mm | 335 mm |
| Standover Height | 724 mm | 736 mm | 747 mm | 763 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1110 mm | 1135 mm | 1154 mm | 1180 mm |
| Reach | 383 mm | 409 mm | 423 mm | 435 mm |
| Stack | 607 mm | 607 mm | 624 mm | 653 mm |
The spec of the Pivot Mach 429 Trail XTR 1x
There are various build specs out there for the Mach 429 Trail taking either Shimano or SRAM parts, with prices starting from € 4,699 for the XT/SLX groupset right through to the 2x XTR model for € 8,999. None of the bikes come as stock with a dropper post, but you can upgrade for a cost to one of many KS posts. If the choices strike you as too limited then there’s also the option of the frame plus rear shock for € 2,899 or as a frame kit with forks, seat post and bottom bracket for € 3,999.
Shimano XTR brakes have sufficient braking power but they’re still vulnerable to that vague bite point.
Seeing as we’ve already tested a more price-point specced version of the Pivot 429 Trail, this time the € 8,599 XTR 1x model rolled into our editorial office. The suspension setup consisting of a FOX FLOAT 34 Factory fork and FLOAT DPS rear shock is at the top of its game, and is more than matched by the XTR drivetrain and Race Face Next SL cranks. The XTR brakes are a decent anchor, but riders still have to calculate with their vague bite point. It’s not an exclusive issue for the 429 though, and we’ve already encountered it with a lot of the current XT and XTR-equipped bikes. Fortunately, the Pivot is only marginally affected; definitely not as dramatic as we’ve seen on other bikes. Weighing in at just 1,490 g, the DT Swiss XMC 1200 carbon wheels round off the idyll, and the more affordable models can get these for an additional cost.
Forks: FOX 34 FLOAT Factory 130 mm
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT DPS Factory
Brakes: Shimano XTR 180/160 mm
Shifting: Shimano XTR 1×11
Cranks: Race Face Next SL 30T
Cassette: XT 11–42 with ONE UP 45T kit
Wheels: DT Swiss XMC 1200 SPLINE 29
Tires: MAXXIS HighRoller 2.3/Ardent 2.25 (f/r)
Bars: PHOENIX Carbon Riser 760 mm
Stem: PHOENIX 50 mm
Seatpost: KS LEV Integra 150 mm
Weight: 12.00 kg (tubeless)
Price: 8,888 € (inc. KS LEV upgrade)
With its spot already predetermined in our long-term test fleet, Pivot had already switched certain parts before it reached our office: a 10 mm shorter stem, 20 mm wider bars and a MAXXIS HighRoller at the front – tweaks that we’re hoping will inject it with some better downhilling genes, over and above the stock build. The tires have gone tubeless to lower the weight and increase puncture resistance. Plus our test bike came with a 150 mm KS LEV seatpost, which asks for an extra € 289.
The setup of the Pivot Mach 429 Trail
Pivot have got suspension setup covered and their recommendations and guides provide the requisite sensible and sought-after advice. When setting up the rear shock, use the SAG indicator as it’ll intuitively show two recommendations: on flow trails we’d go for the firmer Race setup, and the Trail setup to have more reserves on bumpier terrain. Pivot suggest seeing the compression damping adjustment on the FOX DPS as more of an additional tuning tool rather than as a climbing aid. Heavier or more aggressive riders are best riding in the middle setting, as it offers more support in the mid-stroke.
First ride of the Pivot Mach 429 Trail
Get ready to roll – the Pivot’s position is primed for long days in the saddle, having nailed the compromise between performance and comfort. True to Pivot’s claims, the FOX rear suspension was easy to tune, both setting the SAG level and adjusting the compression damping. Unlike many other bikes who don’t really shine unless you’re riding a very particular setup, the Mach 429 Trail has such scope for tuning that you can adjust it generously to suit your style and the terrain. The bike climbs brilliantly even in ‘trail’ mode and there was no loss of traction during our rides. If you want an even firmer ride then tune the sag to ‘race’ and stay in the mid-compression-setting, and expect the 429 Trail to morph into an XC climbing bike.
With a minimal weight and suspension that’s blissfully ignorant of pedal and ground interference, the Pivot’s prowess isn’t limited to climbing and its 29er carbon wheels pick up the pace nicely on the flat too. For those used to burlier long-travel bikes, expect a completely new sort of ride with the 429 Trail that’ll come into its own on mellow flat trails and pick up speed with ease.
Okay, so the 429 Trail can roll pretty quickly on the flat, but what about when you point it downhill? Based on the 116 mm of travel teamed with the small FOX FLOAT DPS rear shock, we’re not expecting anything groundbreaking – but we’re well off the mark! The Mach 429 Trail has a plush rear end that works winningly with the 130 mm forks. Add in the 29er wheels and the Pivot will iron out root gardens and rocks happily, only getting a little disgruntled when the trail gets super gnarly. The DW link rear suspension keeps mega active so there’s no risk of brake dive, giving sufficient control and traction on the technical sections.
The bike’s versatility is its real eye-opener, with the slack head angle keeping it nice and smooth, and the DW-link suspension working much more responsively than its limited travel would suggest. The calculate the 429 Trail’s short reach, which renders it surprisingly agile and playful. Manualling is a treat, and it’ll happily eat up air off pretty much any bump on the terrain. In fact, its playful handling should take the wind out the sails of any 29er skeptic – the wheel size is basically a by-line once you’re on the trail, and it’ll reward a hands-on riding style with a lot of feedback and fun.
In short, the 429 Trail delivers an impressive ride that renders it a bike for every situation. Arguably more versatile than pretty every other bike of its type, this Pivot can be seen as precise tool for those in the know and those that can. Naturally, long-travel trail bikes offer more in reserve, and XC whippets with 100 mm travel can be ridden even faster uphill – but the 429 Trail is just a cat’s whisker from these. Admittedly, it’d be pure luxury to own the XTR build that we had on test given its retail price of € 8,888, but there are a handful of more affordable models, which should also offer a similarly high performance.
Conclusion
The Pivot Mach 429 is a veritable dream bike that can’t be summed up with one label. See it as an XC bike with reserves or a versatile trail bike, this Pivot and its sublime suspension revels in fusing the categories. In our eyes, the 429 deserves top spot on anyone’s do-it-all-bike list.
For more info on the Mach 429 Trail head to the Pivot Website. Interested in reading more about Pivot? Then check out our Factory Visit.
The Pivot Mach 429 Trail on long-term test
ENDURO website editor Moritz is on board the Pivot Mach 429 Trail for the course of the season and reporting back on how the bike fares. So far, so good as his first report reveals:
“For the past few years I’ve mainly been riding 160 mm-travel bikes so this year’s much lighter trail bike should be fun for more mellow trails and climbs. I wasn’t sure at first if the jump from 160 mm to 116 mm would pay off, but it’s actually proved golden so far. Compared to a heavy enduro bike, the Mach 429 Trail is way better suited to the trails I normally ride – it’s even taken the majority of the local trails to a new high!”
Update March 2017: Read the full Pivot Mach 429 Trail long term review
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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer
