Pivot LES: new carbon xc race bike with 29″ and 27.5+

Pivot Cycles from Arizona are well-known for their fluently shaped, trail loving frame designs. The new Pivot LES combines incredible efficiency with the smoothness and trail tuning that the world’s best athletes need to outlast and outpace their competition. In a sport where success is measured in half seconds, racers recognize that having the right equipment is essential. All details below are directly from Pivot:

Carbon frame design of the Pivot LES

For 2016, the LES has dropped over 50 grams, with complete geared bikes available under 9 kg. Using leading edge carbon fiber and our proprietary hollow core, internal–mandrel process, the engineers at Pivot have created a frame that offers racers a best-in-class hardtail ride tuned for the drive to the finish line over any terrain. Specific frame features include the oversized box section downtube and bottom bracket area, tapered head tube and meticulously engineered seat and chainstays.

Combined, these features offer the best ride feel and significantly reduced athlete fatigue on even the longest courses. For the best energy transfer possible, we’ve added Boost 110 mm front and 148 mm rear dropout spacing. Efficiency freaks will love the extra power you can lay down with ultra stiff Boost wheels, and the extra room between hub flanges gives 29” wheels a ride feel and durability that rivals any wheel size, without sacrificing the rollover capabilities of bigger wheels.

Swinger II dropouts and 29”/27.5”+ compatibility

The LES becomes a one bike quiver with the race-light version of our patented Swinger II dropout system. This clever bit of Pivot Cycles engineering enables you to run both 29” and 27.5”+ wheel sizes and easily switch between singlespeed and geared drivetrains all while maintaining ideal chainstay length and geometry. When hardtail riders want to let their hair down, 27.5+ is a fun, capable and entertaining alternative to a traditional racing configuration. That virtually offers two bikes in one frame kit and obtains a tidy garage!

Electronic integration and the Pivot Cable Port System

Pivot is the industry leader in electronic shifting integration. Universally acclaimed as the most advantageous component option for racers, the incredible gear-selection intelligence of Di2 componentry is perfectly integrated into the LES via the innovative Pivot Cable Port System. Whether you choose to go the traditional shifting route or opt for Shimano’s game-changing system, all of your cables, housing, wires and batteries are neatly tucked away for the ultimate in weather and impact resistance, no matter what setup you choose, now or in the future.

New school World Cup geo

World Cup racers seeking a hardtail option that excels on every kind of terrain love Pivot’s new school racing geometry. The LES maintains every advantage while climbing, and is far more capable on technical trail and while descending and cornering. The LES is compatible with 100 to 130mm forks to give you a wide range of options when it comes to dialing in for your riding style. Choose a shorter travel fork and a 29” wheel for F1-speeds. When the course calls for fun, 120mm of travel combined with 27.5+ tires is a combination that guarantees smiles.

Frame details

We’ve designed this full carbon frame with the best in Pivot detailing. The LES is easily 2x compatible with a direct mount front derailleur, and for those who love the simple functionality of 1x systems, remove the mount for an incredibly sleek, clean installation with no evidence of the un-needed hardware. Other essential details include post mount disc brake mounts for easy setup and weight savings and mounts for 2 water bottles on every frame. The LES is available in 4 sizes – S, M, L, XL – and in two great colors.

Build kits and assembly

The LES is available as a complete bike with a wide range of component level options or as a frame. We’ve carefully selected every part and only spec components we would ride ourselves. 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 new LES meets your high expectations.

ATHLETES CHOOSE PIVOT

Pivot’s cross country designs are the choice of top XC, short track and endurance racers around the world. Rose Grant, (Stan’s/Pivot Racing, 2x US National Marathon Champion), Taylor Lideen(NUE Series race winner) and Jason English (World Solo 24 Hour Champion) all ride Pivot’s LES. We eagerly anticipate watching our elite athletes compete on the international stage in Rio De Janeiro this year and at endurance events around the world.

All LES specs in an overview

• New ultralight ride-tuned carbon frame featuring leading edge carbon fiber materials and Pivot’s proprietary hollow core internal molding technology
• 29” or 27.5+ wheelsize compatibility
• New-school racing geometry
• Boost 110mm front and 148mm rear spacing for ultimate in responsiveness and handling precision
• New Swinger II dropouts with race-light hardware optimized for the lightest, stiffest XC race set up while allowing for an easy switch to access the Swinger dropouts full adjustability between singlespeed or geared set ups.
• Designed to work with forks from 100-130mm in travel.
• Full length internal cable routing and internal Shimano Di2 integration via Pivot’s exclusive, easy-to-maintain Cable Port System
• 1x and 2x gearing compatible Available in sizes S, M, L, XL for riders between 5’4″ and 6’7″

For more information head to the Pivot Cycles website.

Words & Photos: Pivot Cycles media release

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