All Conditions: The Pivot Cycles Switchblade

How much exploration one can do depends greatly on one’s chosen form of conveyance. A 4×4 vehicle will get you to most places that you want to go to, but there comes a point where the limitations of scale come into play. Because narrower passages in the backcountry may not be suited to the size and weight of a truck, it’s a good idea to have another form of transportation available. A durable and fully capable bicycle allows you to travel further and into areas your rig simply can’t go. Besides, they’re a helluva lot of fun to ride too.

The Switchblade by Pivot Cycles is the perfect candidate for a do-it-all exploration bike. It’s a versatile bike that was designed for the harsh demands of enduro and aggressive trail riding. The Switchblade’s long-travel suspension makes it an enduro bike that feels at home on fast, steep, and technical trails. It combines sticky traction with short chainstays for the ultimate all-terrain, all-conditions ride.

[divider]SPECIFICATIONS[/divider]

01 PERFORMANCE

DRIVETRAIN

For those that want to run two chainrings, Pivot’s precisely-engineered removable front derailleur mount offers the best shifting performance you can get, utilizing Shimano’s new side-swing front derailleur system. For those who prefer a 1x system, simply remove the derailleur mount.

BRAKES

Hard-biting disc brakes come standard. Post-mount disc brake mounts were selected for easy setup and weight savings.

BEARINGS

For smooth operation, Enduro Max cartridge bearings are fitted throughout.

02 DETAILS

FRAME PROTECTION
The frame is equipped with ultra-quiet, low durometer, rubberized frame protection in all the key places.

DI2 INTEGRATION

The Switchblade offers full Di2 electronic integration and easy, clean internal routing of shifters, brakes and droppers via the Pivot Cable Port system.

03 TECH

FRAME

The Switchblade’s long-and-low geometry, full-carbon chassis is combined with ultra-short chainstays that are up to 1 cm shorter than its closest competitors. Pivot’s hollow-core high-compression carbon molding process delivers a combination of composite materials and shapes for balanced strength, stiffness and ride quality.

REAR TRIANGLE

At the rear is a double wishbone rear triangle and ultra-stiff linkage design.

RIDE QUALITY

The Switchblade combines its carbon-fiber frame, short chainstays, and customizable wheel size selection for high-speed stability through chunky terrain and effortless split-second manuals over tough obstacles.

04 SUSPENSION

DW-LINK

Equipped with 135mm dw-link rear suspension with upper clevis and linkage and double wishbone rear triangle. Dw-link’s anti-squat and variable wheel travel path mean that the Switchblade’s pedals don’t squat or bob under pedaling force, which makes it responsive and quick to deliver power.

FORK

A 150mm Fox 36 fork is standard. It is a highly tunable air spring that gives the rider total control over the feel of the fork.

REAR SUSPENSION

At the rear is the lastest Fox Float DPS shock with EVOL air sleeve. The new Float DPS features improved bump absorption and firm lockout with three on-the-fly lever adjustments. The EVOL air sleeve significantly reduces the force required to initiate travel for the ultimate in small bump compliance and better bottom-out resistance.

05 WHEELS

SIZE OPTIONS

The Switchblade was designed to accommodate multiple wheel sizes.

RIMS

The 27.5+ is available with either 40mm inner width DT alloy or Reynolds carbon wheels. The 29″ model is spec’d with 25mm inner width DT rims or 28mm inner width Reynolds Enduro carbon rims.

TIRES

Maxxis REKON 2.8 tires on 27.5+ models, Maxxis High Roller II 2.3 on 29″ models

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SIZES

5 Sizes for Riders from 4’11” to 6’2″+

FRAME

Full carbon chassis with
135mm dwlink rear
suspension

FORK

150mm Fox 36

SHOCK

Fox Float DPS with EVOL
Air Sleeve

Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the March-April print issue of Tread Magazine.