Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission – In our big 2025 trail bike comparison test

The Switchblade is Pivot’s versatile all-round trail bike. It features the proven DW-Link suspension design with a vertically mounted shock, and boasts the distinctive look of the American manufacturer. How did it fare against the 15 hottest trail bikes of the year?

Over the past years, Pivot have proven over and over what they’re capable of, and have even secured the coveted Best in Test title in our recent downhill bike comparison test. With the Switchblade, the Arizona-based manufacturer offers a trail bike that is designed with versatility and fun in mind. It rollson 29” wheels and generates 160/142 mm of travel. Tipping the scales at just 14.2 kg, it’s one of the lightest competitors in this test but also one of the most expensive ones at € 9,299. We pushed the Switchblade to its limits on the trails around Innsbruck.

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

The Pivot Switchblade Team X0 in detail

With its unmistakable frame silhouette and DW-Link suspension design, the Switchblade Team X0 Transmission is distinctly recognizable as a Pivot and true eye-catcher. It boasts a discrete design language and clean, rectilinear frame silhouette, with the heavily-sloping top tube,vertically mounted shock and compact linkage creating a harmonious, elegant overall look – the Switchblade looks fast even when stationary. The DW-Link rear suspension connects the stiff swingarm to the main frame triangle via two small links.

A small tool mount on the top tube allows you to secure your trail essentials directly on the frame. That said, Pivot forgo an integrated storage compartment altogether, which is surprising at this price point. To make up for this, Pivot added a second mounting point underneath the downtube, though this is totally exposed to the elements. A small service port makes it easier to access the internally-routed cables around the bottom bracket area.

All cables are routed internally and disappear discreetly through clamped cable ports behind the head tube. The ports are seamlessly integrated into the frame, ensuring a clean look. However, the cables aren’t clamped as securely in the bottom bracket area, which caused a slight rattling noise on rougher trails. A generously sized chainstay protector effectively prevents chain slap and paint chips.

The spec of the Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission

The Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission features a consistently high-quality, well-thought-out spec. FOX supply the 160 mm 36 Factory fork which still relies on the older GRIP2 damper but offers countless adjustment options for high- and low-speed compression and rebound, ensuring a tremendous performance on the trail. The fork is paired with a FOX FLOAT X Factory shock, which controls 142 mm of travel at the rear, and comes standard with a built-in SAG indicator for easier suspension setup – a clever detail for hassle-free tuning. The new FOX Transfer Factory dropper post offers a generous 210 mm of travel, ensuring excellent freedom of movement on the trail while addressing many of the issues of its predecessor.

SRAM CODE RSC brakes with a 200 mm rotor at the front and 180 mm disc at the rear do stopping duties. Though an older SRAM brake model, they’re a good match for a trail bike,delivering powerful, reliable deceleration. A bigger 200 mm rotor at the rear would be a better choice for long, demanding descents, preventing the brakes from overheating. An electronic, 12-speed SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain ensures butter-smooth shifting even under load, and relies on a robust, direct-mount rear derailleur.

The DT Swiss XM1700 aluminum wheelset has proven extremely reliable in countless previous tests. In typical Pivot fashion, the wheels rely on a wider Super Boost rear hub, which ensures better stability but makes it harder to source spares.

The wheelset is paired with MAXXIS tires, with a Minion DHF at the front and Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the durable EXO+ casing and harder MaxxTerra rubber compound. To improve traction at the front, you can upgrade to the softer MaxxGrip compound. For rough, technical trails and additional puncture protection, we recommend switching to MAXXIS’ robust DoubleDown casing at the rear.

Tuning Tip:
– Front tire with softer MaxxGrip rubber compound

The geometry of the Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission

The Pivot Switchblade is available in five frame sizes, XS to XL, offering a suitable option for riders between 1.5 m and 2.0 m tall. Our test bike in size L combines a short 432 mm seat tube and 480 mm reach, which ensures plenty of freedom of movement and a balanced riding position – exactly what you expect from a modern trail bike. A flip chip in the shock link allows you to increase the reach by 5 mm and steepen up the seat and head angle by 0.5°, respectively. In the low chip setting, the latter is 65.2°, which is relatively steep for an aggressive trail bike.

The Pivot Switchblade combines premium design with strong trail performance.

The geometry of the new Pivot Switchblade in the low setting

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat Tube	395 mm	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	470 mm
Top Tube	577 mm	607 mm	620 mm	648 mm	673 mm
Head Tube	100 mm	115 mm	130 mm	145 mm	145 mm
Head Angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat Angle	76°	76°	77°	77°	77°
Chainstay	445 mm	445 mm	450 mm	455 mm	455 mm
BB Drop	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm
Wheelbase	1192 mm	1224 mm	1260 mm	1296 mm	1321 mm
Reach	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	495 mm	520 mm
Stack	621 mm	635 mm	649 mm	662 mm	662 mm

The Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission on the trail

With its upright yet comfortable pedalling position, the Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission delivers an excellent climbing performance, striking an excellent balance between efficiency and traction, even on long tours. Thanks to the firm yet responsive DW-Link suspension, it’s not necessary to reach for the climb switch. In terms of climbing qualities, it ranks amongst the best in test alongside the Ibis Ripmo and Trek Top Fuel — excluding the eMTB of the test field, of course.

When gravity takes over, the weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear, although you’re sitting on top of the bike rather than being deeply integrated into the frame. The front end is relatively high, but slamming the cockpit would quickly result in an uncomfortable OTB feeling, especially in steep trail sections. With its direct handling, the Switchblade implements steering input with great eagerness, enabling precise control but at the same time requiring a vigilant riding style. It implements direction changes quickly and effortlessly, encouraging you to pop onto the high line and shralp through tight switchbacks. As a result, it’s one of the most agile bikes in this test, only surpassed by the Specialized Stumpjumper, YT Jeffsy, and Ibis Ripmo.

However, the nimbleness comes at the cost of composure: in high-speed sections, the Pivot becomes slightly twitchy, requiring an active riding style to negotiate fast rock gardens and root carpets. Here, the firm suspension behaves in a similar way to that of the Canyon Spectral – offering plenty of feedback from the ground but only a limited amount of traction, especially in rough terrain.

The direct handling and lively character make the Pivot Switchblade a real trail rocket – especially on flowing trails.

The Switchblade comes to life in flowy sections. Pushing through rollers, railing berms, and attacking corners aggressively turns it into a gnarly trail rocket. While the Switchback demands an active riding style, it rewards your efforts with speed and pure riding fun. Overall, it’s a capable all-rounder with a clear focus on agility rather than stability.

Who should take a closer look at the Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission?

The Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a premium, high-quality bike with an elegant design and stylish look. It excels on long tours and efficient climbs, offering a lightweight, energy-saving uphill experience. If you’re looking for a lively, responsive trail bike with precise, direct handling, the Pivot is a great match – provided you can handle the demanding, direct character.

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Conclusions about the Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission

The Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission is a premium, technically-refined trail bike with precise handling and next-level flickability. Riding uphill, it excels with a comfortable riding position, efficient pedalling performance and strong traction – the ideal prerequisites for long tours. Downhill, it impresses with responsive handling, quick direction changes, and tons of pop, though it becomes slightly unsettled in high-speed sections. It’s a bike for experienced riders seeking a dynamic trail bike with a sleek design and top-tier components.

For more info, head to Pivot’s website.

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The test field

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker