2020 Pivot Switchblade: New Look, More Versatility | First Look

[@oz8402]

Way too expensive but it’s a beauty.

[@tealchief]

2019's with an XT build are going for 3500 now! lol

[@gratver]

I agree. To expensive and the vomit green is ugly. I like the rest though.

[@checko_55]

@@gratver Got mine today, the green looks way better than in the video. Love it already. ;)

[@gratver]

@@checko_55 Don't get me wrong. I love the bike itself. Hope you have loads of fun on it. :)

[@checko_55]

@@gratver thx m8, I will! ;)

[@ChristianBisson1968]

I’m riding the XT/XTR and I really love it. It climb everything so easely . On the downhill it’s very composed and forgiving but still very precise and agile.

[@tomabernatha8185]

I rode with current owner of that exact bike last night. From Pinkbike review to someone in North Carolina to the current owner in Williamsport PA. Still looks awesome after 3 years. He is stoked on it.

[@mastjmw]

I love the old blade. Looking forward to trying this one out. Also, love Burnt Mountian, Baby Pisgah.

[@fabiojones4157]

mastjmw I have the old one rn and it’s the only thing I want to ride for the rest of my life

[@T.R.S.D.]

Rippin around Dupont State Forest! Love those trails! Love the green color too!

[@michiganstate149]

Dupont! Love the Burnt Mountain and Big Rock loop there

[@alexsinbb]

Trail distracting couldn’t focus on review.

[@mzmtb]

Bike Industry are becoming the tech industry, they change the design and looks every year but with minimal benefits for the average weekend rider. I've stopped upgrading 3 years ago since the experience with different shocks and pivot designs doesn't change the fact that we all ride for happiness while our bank account is getting thin. From then On, I realized, I will just change components if they are no longer working and will try to upgrade maybe after 5 or more years by buying a 1 or 2 yrs old second hand frame.

[@jackthib33]

Supply and demand, its as simple as that

[@scrutch666]

nice copy paste comment , did you posted this to every pivot bike review ? you sound like you only sour that you cant afford it . i find it also over expensive but nobody forces you to buy one ^^

[@stazorm1]

@@scrutch666 👆 FanBoy detection complete...

[@scrutch666]

@@stazorm1 fan boy of what?

[@Ryan191072]

So sick. I have a 2019. Epic bike. The Green looks so good!!!!!

[@nicksknives7777]

Killer looking bike, i have a trail 429 its the most solid highest quality bike ive ever ridden. Super boost is a good thing pivot makes great bikes.

[@KokoSupreme]

Got the opportunity to rent and ride the Pivot Switchblade Carbon 29er for a week and take it to Panorama, gotta say wasn’t disappointed. This bike can send crazily and flys through gnarly tech.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I just got one. The geometry sounds perfect for me.

[@outerbike]

Solid review Daniel! Pivot is always a popular booth at Outerbike and this model will surely keep the folks lining up to try one!

[@Cj-nd3nv]

"... try one...", but not buy one!

[@brianmcinnis3886]

I'm looking forward to taking this bike to Dupont, and yes, I bought the 12K one. Thanks for the review!

[@kyleantonowich4335]

Brian McInnis no one asked

[@donchristie420]

Brian McInnis why would you care about a review, after the fact

[@brianmcinnis3886]

@@kyleantonowich4335 Great point.

[@brianmcinnis3886]

@@donchristie420 I work in the bike industry, and use reviews to better understand the products. These guys are way smarter than me.

[@donchristie420]

Brian McInnis makes since now- 🤭

[@justinwbohner]

Glad they took my advice and went to a vert shock for water bottle clearance.

[@evanlerner9561]

I would have liked to hear more subjective commentary about how the bike rode. The review had good commentary that added value about the technical features of the SB, but I really want to hear what you think about it at the end of the ride with a beer in one hand and gesturing with the other.

[@stevemiller9291]

Nice one @daniel sapp. Beauty of a bike. Looks like alot of scenes from Pisgah and Dupont!

[@YanDoroshenko]

I like it a lot. A major upgrade for the old Switchblade. But those prices...

[@beardsleymcbearderton6492]

Sick looking bike!

[@vtecmossy]

9k seriously I can get a crf450f for that money and that bike actually has a reason for the 9k price it's got an engine 100s more moving parts that took alot more research and development than that bike, bike company's are taking the piss lately with these stupid prices there carbon must be diamond infused with 24carrot gold weave for such money for a bicycle

[@netposerx]

Agreed. I have no idea how these bikes retail for $9K.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

Top models is 20 thousand australian dollars. I can buy a decent car for that

[@netposerx]

@@southpawlibranine3511 I know the market must support these prices or they would not be so expensive and I don't think they have the volume numbers to support a cheaper pricing model. At the same time I don't see any difference in a $2k bike vs a $9k bike for your average or above average MTBer.

[@tinshield]

JDM n Euro Mossy I hear those comparisons quite a bit but it’s not a good one. There’s a large difference in materials and quality. If you look at dirt bike components the individual pieces are often crude by comparison.

[@netposerx]

@@tinshield You think that Honda would put "crude" items on their bikes? Wouldn't a motocross fork be way more expensive than a MTB fork? Not to mention all the regulatory costs involved with a motorcycle.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I can’t wait to demo one. They sound awesome on paper!

[@MTGxSwitchSight]

Getting used is the best way to go tbh. Snagged a 2019 for 3k. Cant complain there (:

[@SLAMTRON]

$3k? I hate you, I hate you, I hate you! 😁

[@11leonidas11]

Paid $5300 and change for my DiamondBack Release Carbon. Kashima everything, XO1 drivetrain including carbon cranks, carbon wheels, Guide ultimates. Sealed and covered bearings. Most fun bike I’ve ever ridden.

[@f1hotrod527]

Wining.

[@11leonidas11]

F1hotrod Winning or whining? Lol

[@f1hotrod527]

@@11leonidas11 winning

[@burton926]

Currently own a Switchblade. I don't think this is worth the upgrade. I went with the Switchblade because it was one of the few "XL" bikes with a reach over 500mm that was still lean enough to be "trail". Superboost didn't convince me, and it didn't scare me away either. After trying the 27.5+ setup for a while, I built up a set of 29er wheels with I9 hubs and took my "race" spec into something that felt more worthy of the price tag. I only wish the seat tube were a bit steeper (I'm 6'6") so my hips weren't in line with the rear axle. I needed a quiver killer that could handle all the trails I ride on a daily basis, still be light enough to do a few casual XC races each summer, and take bikepacking once in a blue moon. The Switchblade handled everything beautifully and was a HUGE upgrade from my old Bronson in the pedaling and fit departments. I'll look to try this new one at a demo day to see if the custom length tubing and specific reach sizing on XL helps with my cockpit position. MAYBE it's worth getting a 2020 frameset since its one of the only bikes I could swap all my parts to.

[@thefanatic4461]

I just picked mine up it is awesome and I love it

[@tywitt3351]

Luvin those Pisgah trails. Kinda looks like Dupont when you finish the ride at the end. Wish more manufacturers would take the lead from Ibis and their Ripmo AF and provide a solid bike for nearly half the money of this build. Prices are crazy now

[@petertyliszczak3411]

It's all Burnt Mountain in Dupont

[@tywitt3351]

@@petertyliszczak3411 that's the one 👍 That's fun in either direction but especially coming the way he did

[@frotto]

What's with bikes that cost as much as performance motorcycles?

[@MrToudg]

Sales volume.

[@cwalt74]

ride your motorcycke then,...

[@NDemanuele1]

I agree, $12K is insane! I have a moral budget of under $4K.

[@frotto]

@@NDemanuele1 I have a Devinci Spartan Carbon GX that costed me USD 4,400 new from the local dealer in Peru. And it is a bike that can do everything for Enduro.

[@AOL0321]

Very true though. My 18’ Triumph Street Triple R cost $11K retail

[@alcaholic640]

Looks beefy love the paint!

[@Adriftimages]

Thanks for the review! 💪💪💪

[@owenamos3863]

Nice bike! I can't afford it right now, I'm going to get creative and figure out how I can!!!

[@markkligerman6861]

I really miss Dupont and Pisgah. Rad review and a rag bike for sure.

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Beautiful, but way too expensive. I went with Ibis. My Ripmo rides better for me and I got mine custom built for way cheaper than a stock Pivot.

[@nicksknives7777]

Like ibis is any cheaper!

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

@@nicksknives7777 build a Ripmo AF. Or their NX build is a great start

[@nicksknives7777]

@@cliffsangelsphotography i just picked up my dream bike the trail 429 and its the best bike ive ever ridden. Pivot and ibis are both high quality bikes so premium 0rice is expected most people would get the xt/xtr build at $6700. Got 15% of by getting a 2019 model. After riding multiple pivot bikes the decision was easy for me.

[@AOL0321]

Clif, you built an AF Ripmo? That’s aluminum. No wonder it’s cheaper

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

@@AOL0321 no, it's the carbon Ripmo v1

[@MrMcDaver]

How come you guys have never done a review on the Pivot 429? One of the best trail bikes ever made.

[@aerialheights5680]

Almost pulled the trigger on one an hour ago until I realized: 1) Press fit BB 😒 2) 157MM Rear Hub 3) Bummer high price What's about Revel Bikes? I keep hearing fantastic things about that new kid on the block.

[@audirwb1152]

Those prices are outrageous! $12k, $9k, and even $5 for bikes that you can get comparably spec'd bikes for way less!

[@anthonysears871]

Awesome! And no english or australian accent! Perfect!

[@tj29er]

2020 model: we switched to a vertical rear shock because BETTER 2021 model: that was dumb, back to normal

[@f1hotrod527]

It is funny to see manufacturers completely backtrack. Got to love marketing.

[@AOL0321]

I watched another video on this bike, which stated the frames are now made in Burma? No more Taiwan?

[@f1hotrod527]

I would rather see the Frames made in Taiwan than Burma. But at least they are not made in mainland China which is a no go.

[@John-shreds]

Great review!

[@RATBURL]

Love the color 😍

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

I'm assuming that the Grim Donut will cost less than the Pivot. Any comments Pinkbike?

[@yukonpeteneff]

Looks nice, how does it pedal? Ripmo competition?

[@jacksonATC]

Nice bike, but still going with the Fezzari La Sal Peak Elite Build... $600 less with the Fox Factory shock upgrade and full SRAM GX.

[@prestobeen]

With Fezzari you can get the top of the line la sal for $8000 and it comes with similar kit that Pivot is asking $12,400. Not sure if pivot offers lifetime warranty on the frame, but fezzari does. My next bike will be a La sal.

[@colbyblasenak1770]

Just ordered the 2021 race xt model and got it shipped to the house for 4950....not to shabby. There are deals to be had out there.

[@ramzizaz]

Where did you order from? I am wanting to do the same

[@colbyblasenak1770]

@@ramzizaz bikesale.com out of Washington state. You would have to call and see what lead time is. Mine is supposed to be here beginning of October...if you get in asap maybe you can get in on that shipment. I was told shimano really backing everyone up as wanted the slx instead of the sram gx. Also I had to upgrade to the m1700 wheels instead of the m1900 that come with it because they are not coming in until end of October. Could of waited but decided not to wait another 4 weeks

[@doughboi007]

just want to point out that my 2019 Trek Fuel ex 8 is the same weight and cost 1/3 with same travel and GX drive components.

[@nicksknives7777]

U must have the cheapest ex5 or something like that the 9.9 is close to 10k

[@tylerdm1842]

Nick Manser not sure what you're talking about, the 2020 fuel ex 9.9 is $7500

[@nicksknives7777]

Its 9000 for the top model. And its no pivot ive ridden both.

[@michaelm1105]

@@nicksknives7777 Whats the difference? I did just order a Switchblade Green, can't wait!!

[@nicksknives7777]

@@michaelm1105 pivot makes a very solid bike the 157 rear end is very stiff, pivot uses dual linkage with a solid rear triangle, no flex. 157 rear hub and wheel are much stiffer than 148. The frame is also a work of art u can tell how much attention to detail these bike have its next level. They weigh a little more but have a solid robust feel. My 429 is 28 lbs with heavy tires but im not an xc racer so i dont care. The fuel is a great bike but for me the choice was easy. U will love ur switchblade. I have a 2017 giant trance for sale which is a great bike but would take the pivot all day.

[@living4adrenaline]

9k lol I'll stick to my overkill 170/140mm, long wheelbase 29er. Forever.

[@kietphung1886]

Does the 2022 pivot (green) switchblade come out of the box with tubeless tires ready to ride?

[@jaketheriprrr]

MORE PINKBIKE VIDS IN PISGAH!!!!

[@a.g.9360]

12k lol :DDDD

[@peaohvee1784]

looks like i' gonna be picking one of these up..orrrrr a mach 6

[@patrickmccormack1427]

Is this bike Pivot's version of the Santa Cruz 2010? The specs are similar and the bike looks very similar.

[@chrisvoss92]

It's comparable to the Hightower

[@patrickmccormack1427]

@@chrisvoss92 if i would have thought about the wheel size i would have known that. thanks

[@fortisequitem8144]

Hi Daniel, I have a 2017 SB 27.5" - wonder if it's worth the hassle to update my quiver? All that different ride than a 2019 Mach 5.5?

[@finleecher]

I though that S-Works Enduro was expensive. Cmon Pivot, get your price tag right!

[@topspot4834]

Get your paycheck up!

[@thomas12066-c]

I love it! How do I get one?

[@AOL0321]

Does this bike offer a threaded bottom bracket now?

[@0134harley]

Does modern mtb doesn't come with 2× chain ring? Mine pivot have 2× 2016 model

[@f1hotrod527]

I think the 2X is almost dead. Things happen fast in bike design recently. I would ride it and not worry about it, especially if $8,000 is not a medium build. Think of it this way, in the next year someone could come out with a new drive that is awesome and replaces chains and sprockets completely, they the people with 1X will feel left out.

[@willbarnard8905]

So how does it ride????

[@watsonlee6798]

I was gonna buy the 2020 s works, but now I don't know which one to buy. Which one should I get?

[@vomErsten]

Watson Lee Which S-Works? The Enduro?

[@Ianbcarter]

The Ripmo

[@watsonlee6798]

@@vomErsten yes the 2020 s works enduro

[@f1hotrod527]

Buy the Ripmo AF and use the left over $9000 to travel the world mountain biking and smiling when you realize you did not spend 12K on a bicycle.

[@johncast9565]

What size wheels was the rider on, I didn't hear that part?

[@Cj-nd3nv]

29s

[@enriquethernandezreyes3002]

Con esta puedes hacer enduro ?

[@countryseller]

Did I miss it in the video? How much front travel does it have?

[@themagicillusions]

countryseller 142mm rear 160 front

[@countryseller]

Phil Rossetti Thanks!

[@themagicillusions]

countryseller no problem!

[@TheGuyWho3415]

160mm in the front but the one my shop got in has 170...

[@themagicillusions]

newt But that’s pretty stupid, that means at full rear bottom out the front still has 30mm of travel which would make the hta steeper where you really need it to be slack.

[@moneymakeredge1]

Many comments here talking about how expensive these bikes are. Do you look at a Lambo and say the same thing ? Yes they are expensive, but they are amazingly capable.

[@vomErsten]

É-Meute Historically, Lamborghinis have been less capable than the best contemporary Corvettes. Nicer to look at? Better fit and finish? More of an experience to own? Sure. But those are subjective points that add nothing to the track numbers. My point, here, is that the analogy is simultaneously misguided and illuminating. If all you want is a capable bike, you can get 100% of it long before you hit the prices of the high-end Pivot trims. Kashima coat gets you nothing, AXS and Live Valve get you close to nothing, and XTR brakes get you close to nothing. It's all lost in the margin of rider skill.

[@daibennett9224]

Beautiful but out of my price range,wife would kill me,it’s nice to still see tho,is this the most revised bike on the market today

[@adamscottv]

I want this bike, so will probably get the cheapest one, the Race XT (actually basically full SLX, misleading!). Still a ridiculous $5500 though. The SLX Ripmo is $5200 ...

[@f1hotrod527]

Yeah, everyone thinks Ibis is expensive, but I think there prices fall right in line with the much bigger companies like Trek and Specialized. They are no where near as high as this Pivot.

[@ChrisBryanTisSkinny]

I paid 8k for my last car. I know it's a killer build, but damn that's a lot of money for even a dentist to commit to.

[@edensgardenshed9622]

I paid $5,000 for my car. But also just got the new xo1 switchblade. Priorities man. 😂

[@Bender-x1u]

Why does superboost allow Pivot to tuck the Back wheel further into the frame? Makes no sense to me.

[@kobemaui9983]

I was wondering the same thing..

[@flyingby3703]

Sebastian Müller. Think of it as a triangle. The wider axle will make the angle where the tire is larger. That means that there is more space and tire clearance and you can move the wheel further into the frame without having a strength or weight penalty (except for the larger hub)

[@abtcup]

Didn't they say the same thing about 148?

[@johnboris8375]

Flyingby the bottom bracket is also wider with Boost (or in this case, Superboost), which allows for wider spacing of the chainstays without interference from the front chainring.

[@burton926]

@@abtcup Same idea, but taken up a notch. The argument is that 148 was a new standard with only 6mm of benefit over 142, but Superboost (157) is an existing standard (DH bikes) with 15mm of benefit. Still hard to find lightweight wheels for it though.

[@filmbynatelachmann8510]

anyone know what song it is from 5:30 onwards?

[@moritz2855]

Realy nice bike but it is to expensive for me

[@t33cael]

Thank you so much for sharing your plight

[@Chrissss205]

Nice but I'm to poor to afford bikes like these 😭

[@a.g.9360]

99% will say same :D

[@f1hotrod527]

Go get a Ripmo AF, ride the crap out of it, sleep well and night. If these bikes get much more expensive, it is going to become cool to be the guy riding the crap out of a sane priced bike. If two guys are riding, and they are both shredding the same, both riding the same speed, both having the same fun, who is cooler, the guy with the 12K bike or the guy with the 3K bike?

[@enriquemaya7624]

12k for a bike that is crazy; that is what I played for my first new car (20 years ago)

[@jcat187]

My Jeep Wrangler was less than this bike.

[@Cj-nd3nv]

I've been buying cars for 25 years and never paid more than 6k. My latest car, bought this year, cost less than 2.5k and it's vgood. OK, the cars aren't new, but these bike companies will price themselves out of business one day soon.

[@Ignae]

I can get a used tacoma for that money.

[@spoonman681]

Where?

[@Ignae]

@@spoonman681 Mexico man, where else?

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

Good to see pivot is making a “Ripmo” now. I like pivot, I have owned a top build XX1 pivot and now own a Ripmo. They ride about the same pivot to ibis that is and ibis is way more flexible with the builds. You can by the cheapest build and the best shocks and or opt in carbon wheels on any build and choose your hub. Way better to work with ibis. I still love pivots and would by this switchblade though I will not be selling my Ripmo to get one.

[@MMDX70]

I was like it could be my next bike until I heard that it still has that Super Boost. Nope.

[@AOL0321]

I’m looking at the Trail 429 and the Tallboy. Between the Trail 429 and this new Switchblade, which do you prefer if riding the typical technical, rocky, rooty terrain here in NY?

[@lacofd13]

Your on a medium. How tall are you? Stem length? SIC BIKE.

[@kentmoore2132]

Pricey

[@MonsterChuck]

Overpriced.

[@peaohvee1784]

"overpriced" is relative, Id be more than happy to put aside part of my wimsy 5 digit paycheck for one of these

[@SLAMTRON]

Yeah but have you seen the price of used bikes on ePay? 5-year old designs and they're trying to get $6500! lol

[@brycebott6798]

Alloy?

[@joshedmond2599]

How tall is the rider in this video?

[@danielsapp7506]

5'10"

[@64nine]

0:24 vs 1:11 ?

[@panhandlemtb4308]

What about it? Same bike, same color

[@64nine]

@@panhandlemtb4308 u watch the vid bro? Turn the audio on..

[@sldkjfasljfwaoptiuwa]

@@64nine Did you watch the video with the audio? At 0:24 he's clearly mentioning the XS has the water bottle limitation, but at 1:11 he's talking about the other sizes.

[@MTB_Rider_96]

An absolutely beautiful bike. Would love to have one. But Way, way too expensive. I'm going to build a full suspension carbon trail bike for under $5k USD, with a top-of-the-line drive train and carbon wheels. It won't be a Pivot frame - but it will be damn close to it - once you know where Pivot, and all the others, have their frames made, it's easy to get a top-line carbon frame for under $1000.00 usd. I have 3 now and will be starting on my 4th carbon build soon. I beat the crap out of my bikes (and myself -Ouch!) in Colorado and Moab - never had a single frame problem. The only problem I have is paying $3000 or more for a frame.

[@wyattanderson9105]

I think The prices are perfect your paying 12k for the highest end drivetrain highest end suspension full carbon and a sweet bike it’s worth it

[@Montezuma0]

That is one sexy machine.

[@Ianbcarter]

Super boost + custom rear shock = too many repair and compatibility headaches.

[@meteormedia7021]

Waaaay too expensive for what it is.

[@SK-ps1mo]

$12k dollars USA is $19k dollars Australian 🇦🇺 😬 don’t know nothing about the bikes looks fun I do like the blue tho 🤤

[@rickmartin976]

There's a sucker born every day.

[@djjmann]

Love the bike, way overpriced. Will keep my 2020 Tallboy

[@thefanatic4461]

Dude it is worth the money rides like a dream

[@xyraxzen456]

Manny Pacquiao had this one, i saw a picture of him, riding PIVOT SWITCHBLADE

[@HamidRHariri]

$8000, $9000, $10,000. What is going on with bike manufacturers? I realize mountain bikes have improved immensely but not many folks can afford these . Even the low builds are pricey.

[@TAZMON20]

MINT !

[@danielshiels8353]

Expensive, seat angle too slack, bearings not covered on the inside of the link. It'd have to ride really well

[@mat7671]

Yeah I noticed that with the bearings, not even a cover at that price! Nice bike but what a price

[@danielshiels8353]

@@mat7671 I am in the UK and notice these things straight away 😂 our weather isn't kind to bearings

[@bhalchandrakapatkar1710]

👌👌👍👍

[@josephdunbar2105]

I can buy a stumpy and a Epic for the same money.

[@jeremiah-lo-mein]

Only 12k for the top tier?! I’ll take two! Lol WTF

[@Trailz6of7]

All this talk of flipchip/half a degree head angle/seat angle, does that even come into play with your average rider? Too much buck for the bang. I love the look of Pivot, just not what its effect has on the wallet.

[@jaybarker3718]

Superboost......c'mon with all the standards. If these companies want to keep selling bikes, quit changing everything. I'd buy the frame and fork but my boost wheels/hubs don't work (without adapters, do they even make superboost adapters?) Also, I'm running 27.5+ on a 2016 mach429 trail 3.0 in front and 2.8 in the back so get outta here with the superboost is necessary for plus. Love pivot but each year the "boutique" bikes seem to get even more boutique!

[@peaohvee1784]

tbh i'm not a fan of the like 30 different axle standards. But I love seeing overbuilt bikes like this. Like a AM bike with 12x157! Hawt DAMN

[@ssjj9584]

Wow 🤦‍♂️💸💸💸

[@maverick2242]

Looks like Sam hIll SSO Iron Horse he used at Sea Otter in 05/06 that I was asking to be built back then, nice looking bike Pivot, but get real on pricing, a i’ll leave it to yuppies for that coin, aim sure they will squeak more than the bike!

[@guillermohoffmann8417]

Beauty but I'm joining the people thinking that it's outrageously expensive.....

[@jeffstryker1454]

I don’t know why these bike companies charge so much for a bike that doesn’t even have an engine, you can get a motorbike or a car for the price of this bike.😡

[@Mickymaxywonder]

I totally agree its fuckin madness when my marin rift zone one can do the exact same thing this can do and it's a fraction of the price.