27.5 Not Dead! Pivot Mach 6 and Shadowcat - Dissected - Fun is #1

[@tracymcmanus550]

This is why I’m a huge fan of Pivot. These two bikes were designed for fun. How awesome is that? The thought and intentionality that they put into their geo and designs is something I wish more companies would follow.

[@ridingincognito3300]

These remind me of my 2021 Trek Remedy 8. The bike came with a super solid spec, a strong aluminium frame and 160/150mm travel and 27.5 wheels. Designed for fun rather than speed. Unfortunately Trek has dropped the remedy from the line up. It seems everyone is obsessed with peak potential speed rather than actually enjoying their ride

[@akawazzupwitdat1543]

I have a Pivot Mach6, and I absolutely love that bike 👊

[@TheLoamWolf]

Good to hear!

[@doctajuice]

I have a 2020 model Mach 6 and couldn't imagine a better bike for my riding style. I used to ride bmx as a kid so I'm always manualing through doubles and popping off everything I see on the trail. Bike designed just for that. Not the fastest, but definitely the most fun

[@ann-jz7bz]

I'm looking at this bike. I'm coming from an Ibis HD3, which I loved. How does it climb/pedal? The thing I loved about the HD3 was there wasn't any compromise with the 6" travel bike. It climbed super well, and the frame was light. You could easily build a sub 30 lb bike. The Mach 6 frame is a bit heavier and it's 5mm longer rear wheel travel. I just rode the Shadowcat and thought that was a really great, fun, light all-arounder. I'm assuming the Mach 6 climbs/pedals just about as well with the DW-link.

[@barryholt3526]

27.5 for life. I De-mulleted my 22 levo and it is a Fun Machine.

[@evanyao4572]

I still prefer 27.5 for its maneuverability in slow to medium speed awkward tech and tight twisty trails, even if it does get hung up more often than a 29 on medium sized rocks.

[@user-sm7pm1df3e]

Agree. 29 feels more boring to me and like I'm up on a horse

[@jasonnorman522]

Recently picked up a Ibis Mojo 4 on a deep discount since it’s a discontinued model. Love it! And now my 29er is for sale

[@mepa-e3b]

my 2 all mountain and enduro bikes is 27.5, the only 29ers i owned is my hardtail xc bike..

[@mtb3883]

Yay, glad to see this review, thank you. My plan is to purchase a Pivot Shadowcat frame in 2024 as the replacement for my current Giant Trance.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for watching! That will be a sweet upgrade for sure!

[@frog-spit-182]

Hell yeah! 27.5 til death

[@gen-X-trader]

I'm so happy they kept 27.5. there are just so many uses for that wheel. Bike companies already make a ridiculous amount of money. The push for 29 only seems very much profit-driven

[@69king109]

yea definitely agree with this right here

[@topchoice1621]

You guys are coming with the bangers

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks very much🙏🏻 glad you enjoyed it.

[@topchoice1621]

@@TheLoamWolf I always love your videos and like how you go into detail about the bikes

[@Robtj95]

These look seriously good fun!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Indeed they are!

[@mprox3431]

yeti just came out with a 27.5 bike sb135. New trend?

[@a8f235]

Exactly, the biggest drawback of 29er wheels is that point of the wheel rolling till dead stop in an uphill is so abrupt. You constantly need to just refuse to allow it to reach that point and just crack on. You also need the energy to keep them rolling as you said. I got a 29er bike, and still not fully convinced it was what I wanted. I live in a mountainous area with just super techy areas, and no trails that are made for bicycling. It's just trails with anything that want to eat your rims for breakfast. I'm tempted to try a swop on my Switchblade because it is pretty much a Shadowcat when you throw 27.5 wheels on it.

[@stuartthomasson5027]

I have a 27.5” and a 29” trail bike and they are both fun to ride. Love the 27.5” for some of my local trails and the chunky trails I prefer the 29er. Can’t go wrong if your goal is to have fun and a good time

[@topspot4834]

I love my Mach 6 and will continue buying from Pivot so long as they continue selling 27.5"

[@walterjr2429]

people be saying 27.5 are dead. me with my 2009 26'er hardtail :)

[@K1ngJame5-mtb]

Damn. This makes me want to build another 27.5 bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Us too!

[@lexusstefan927]

Build a Nomad, V4 or V5 is perfect

[@K1ngJame5-mtb]

@@lexusstefan927 I had a custom nomad v5 last year. It was one of the most fun bikes I owned. I regret selling it. Built up a megatower v2 and sold it. Just built up a new nomad v6 and not really happy with it, so its for sale too.

[@topspot4834]

@@K1ngJame5-mtb i almost got the Nomad v5 (love that oxblood) but my size/spec wasn't shipping for 9 months. LBS ended up being a Mach 6 that had everything I wanted so went with that. Couldn't be happier but still keep tabs on the Nomad, and was disappointed to see Santa Cruz completely ditch 27.5" across their entire lineup.

[@K1ngJame5-mtb]

@@topspot4834 after riding the new nomad v6, I completely agree with you. The mullet is really over hyped. I’d totally build another Nomad too. I currently have a Firebird and was surprised how plush the DW-Link is while still efficient on the climbs. The Mach 6 might be my next build for fun days

[@andersonsridebikes]

I would add that the XS Shadowcat makes an excellent youth bike. My (tall) 6 year old was able to try one at a recent Pivot demo and it fit him extremely well! This would make an excellent first full suspension bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing and we’re sure he loved it n

[@topspot4834]

That's definitely the exception and not the norm ... Most rational people (regardless of wealth) would never buy their growing child a $7,000 bike

[@andersonsridebikes]

@@topspot4834 i understand that. I’m buying my oldest son a nice bike that will be passed down to his two younger brothers. I sold one of my bikes to make the purchase. Most importantly, he is going to ride the bike, but the bike is really for me! He is my favorite riding buddy and his 24” hardtail isn’t equipped for the trails we like to ride anymore.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Good for you guys. Some of my best riding memories come from rides with my dad as a youngster! Do what makes you happy and enjoy being outside.

[@topspot4834]

@@andersonsridebikesnice! Yeah my son is my #1 riding buddy too, we're both lucky. He's 19 but started at 10 (mostly bike parks) so the kid rips ... Went with Commencal and YT, then recently Santa Cruz Nomad since he's stopped growing (hopefully)!

[@Yonatan.C]

Love pivot bikes! they're so beautiful and nice to ride , wish the company could come towards their potential clients and lower their prices so more people can enjoy their awesome bikes

[@topspot4834]

If they lowered the prices, they wouldn't be such awesome bikes though!

[@trolltoll69]

Hadn't considered a 27.5 bike for years now, but I have been missing that fun feeling of a smaller bike.

[@ilionatroya7129]

First off: I still miss my 26in RM Slayer! Next: I own the Mach 6 in a mullet config and love it dearly! Dropped the fork to 150mm travel, DHR2 2.4 front tire, Dissector 2.4 rear. Flip chip in high setting unless bike parks with burms and jumps. I HATE hitting my pedals on rocks and the high setting keeps the seat angle perfect but allows me to pedal through techy ups and downs. 2.4 front tire also makes the front end feel more sprightly and accurate. 150mm in the 38 fork is more than enough, especially since the 29in wheel adds cushion. Truly, best of both worlds! Thinking about Shadow Cat mullet now🤔

[@lr3929]

Seriously considering buying a Mach6 after riding a 26 Santa Cruz Butcher for over a decade... Was thinking a Nomad was the way to go but the Mach6 is right up there IMO and they are much lighter bikes too which is a big plus. I find it hilarious that Mullet bikes are back after they made an appearance way way back as 26, 24 inch wheels (Owned a Norco 5Hun for awhile, was a fun jump bike)... each to their own. It is and has always been about having fun on the trail for me and not trying to be the most hard core/fastest guy on the trail.

[@TheLoamWolf]

That would be one bad ass update!!

[@kathyhoupt8784]

I ride mostly @ Santos in Florida, I’m trying to decide between a Shadowcat and Trail 429. I mostly ride greens and blues, not looking to race or PR everything just really enjoy biking and riding with friends and my kiddo. I am 5’6 almost 5’7 with a longer torso, and shorter inseam (30”) demoed a Medium Shadowcat and Small Trail 429 @ the recent Fat Tire Festival and loved them both, but really enjoyed riding the Shadowcat a little more. I am planning to demo/test ride a Medium in the Trail 429 as the front cockpit of that bike in a small felt a little cramped to me. I’m coming from an older Giant Ladies Anthem with 26” Wheels. Pivot is the first 29er I’ve tried that actually made me consider getting one. Any suggestions one which might be better??

[@marksandoval5361]

While full 27.5 may not be dead, it is on life support. Very few bike manufacturers are making full 27.5 bikes. However, mixed wheel mullets may or may not become a thing? When I look at both of these bikes, I can't help but wonder if they would be better with a 29er on the front.

[@trentvlak]

Yeti just released a new 27.5. Yeti, Intense, SC, Ibis, Transition, Rocky Mountain, YT, and Pivot all offer top tier full 27.5 bikes.

[@marksandoval5361]

@@trentvlak Santa Cruz only makes mullets now. Specialized only has one bike that is a mullet, the Status and no full 27.5 bikes. Trek has mostly discontinued the 27.5 Remedy and only makes 27.5 bikes in XS bikes. Obviously, full 27.5 bikes are not selling that well because if they were selling well they would be pumping them out like hot cakes. Mostly bike manufacturers are pulling back on full 27.5 except for shorter riders.

[@trentvlak]

@@marksandoval5361 I predict 27.5 will see a resurgence as word gets out about how fun they are. There's also the effect that tires are getting heavier across the board to be ebike compliant and I think 29er riders are going to go looking for a more agile feeling bike.

[@MiguelAntonio83]

Yeah bikes are cool but that blue Jersey with the checkered sleeve is fuego 👌🏽

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you!

[@petererbse6253]

I would love to know now how a 26 inch bike with modern geo and specs like 30mm wide rims for example would ride.

[@vjams]

It's called the kona process 167 and it F'ing rules

[@JoeIsCrazyWillman]

REALLY eying a mullet Mach 6 coil build to replace my modded Polygon T7 (160/135 now, Yari/Topaz Gen1).... I have a modded Polygon D7SE as well (down country/XC 130/120), so i feel getting something for the even bigger stuff is a smart idea rather than having 2 squish bikes so close to each other in style. Thoughts?

[@peterk7427]

Even the “29ers are faster” argument has largely been debunked. I think two reasons they can FEEL faster is 1. You hit the brakes and not as much happens due to the larger wheels. And 2. get off your line a little bit (perhaps due to reason #1) and the quick adjustments aren’t as easy. Get larger rotors, sure, but my humble opinion is a 29er feels faster bc the bike is riding us a little bit.

[@LastAphelion]

I feel like 26" there is just so much less weight and rotating mass so the feeling of stamping on the pedals without much effort and accelerating at any time gives the impression of being a little crotch rocket, and features and turns all become larger which gives the impression that you are flying through them faster. You hit the limit of how fast you can go without being over your head faster and that sooner limit gives the feeling of always being at the limit and in the danger zone more. Also why people ride those ridiculous looking kid sized pit dirt bikes, same effect. I'm just 5'7 so when I get on my full 29" I feel like I'm on a monster truck, even though it's a hardtail XC, it's NOT fun for me to corner in small tight tracks. It's the equivalent to how yeah we might all dream of a owning a race car but taking it to work and shopping every day we'd be bored to death and really annoyed of having to shift a short geared sequential in traffic and under 60mph corners and roads, it'll always feel like were going too slow in a big heavy car that just wants to open up all the time. But the person in their stock Miata who can keep their foot on the gas non stop while slicing up switchbacks and dreamy forest turns will be having the time of their life all while going under the limit, because it's almost essentially a road legal go cart.

[@Flyingbison86]

Would you say the shadowcat is more like a mini Enduro bike ala the transition scout, or more of a trail bike like the 5010 before they made it a mullet?

[@TheLoamWolf]

More of a light, playful trail machine. If the 5010 was made of helium with a slightly more compliant suspension platform... If you're going more enduro-y Switchblade would be our pick, or Mach 6 if you want that much travel.

[@WheeliamWallace]

27.5 definitely not dead!

[@TheLoamWolf]

🤘🏻🐺🤘🏻

[@cycling_plurality]

are you still planning on doing a longer term review on the Mach 6?

[@buffkirmit]

I have a 2016 mach 6 in a 27.5 and it feels really narrow and small it a medium frame and im 6 foot tall do i need a large or a bigger size tire

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yeah we’d day at 6foot a large would be much better. What you could do is find the reach and overall wheelbase lengths on that medium you have and the newer large and compare them. You’ll likely see a noticeable difference which will make the bike feel way more stable.

[@joshuaporter5340]

Yes! basically even up to my own 2019/20 Trail 429 ( actually a 27.5Plus). A size large from your 2016 or my bike is what every one calls a medium now (esp reach) so you are riding a small in todays bikes... I at 5'11 I kinda wish I had a tad bit more reach in my large (todaysmedium)

[@troyesch6203]

I just bought a trail 429. Haven’t been able to ride it yet because of all this snow but this makes me wonder if I should have got a shadowcat.

[@alexanderrebielak9974]

I have a Mach 6 and Trail 429 V4 Non Enduro. Always reaching for the the 429.. so flickable and fun. Very capable bike here in the PNW. You get a little beaten up on bike park stuff but can still do it all. No regrets!

[@jg2wheels]

Shadowcat 👌🏻

[@mtbalpinecounty]

💪

[@mathewmccabe2658]

Not enough praise and reviews for this wheel size. I’m going 27.5+ on my switchblade and not looking back!

[@mathewmccabe2658]

Thanks for doing this!

[@Vansride123]

On exactly that trail you are riding in this Video, you prefer Shadowcat oder Mach 6? That are close to the trails i want to ride in alps. Greetings from Germany✌🏼

[@alleyezonme562]

In your opinion, Sb165 vs Mach 6?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Well… that question can lead to a pretty deep wormhole haha. Without saying which one is “better” and purely based on our desires, most of our crew, if we were going to personally buy one of those two options, Mach 6.

[@darylbrown7889]

How would you compare the Shadowcat to a mullet like the Santa Cruz Bronson?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Between the two we’d probably go with the Shadowcat.

[@johnfinelli8727]

Can anyone tell me where they are riding in this video?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hey John, this is Sandy Ridge Oregon, at the base of Mt. Hood. Lots of trails there and Post Canyon/Hood River is about 1 hr away too.

[@johnfinelli8727]

@@TheLoamWolf Thanks I’m gonna try to get out there this season ,trails there look like just what the S.C. Nomad CC Is engineered and designed for ,as well Pivot makes the best looking frames in my opinion next to Transition and Santa Cruz .

[@johnfinelli8727]

Great Great Video Drew! I’m looking for a place to shakedown my Custom V5 Nomad CC XO1 with RaceFace NextR31 Carbon whoops😊😊 Where are you riding in this video and is there lodging reasonably close by ? Thank again great pic sound quality

[@TheLoamWolf]

This was filmed at the Sandy Ridge Trail System (Brightwood, OR). There a couple hotels / airbnbs within a couple minutes of the network in either direction. -Sean

[@johnfinelli8727]

@@TheLoamWolf Thank you for the response and will be researching it .🤙

[@jgaronbars]

how would the mach6 compare to the nomad v5?

[@trentvlak]

Mach 6 v4 is closer to the nomad. Mach 6 v3 is closer to the Shadowcat.

[@polbulva720]

I have a size question, with your height of 5ft11, do you think you'd still be able to enjoy medium in the same way as large or would that be too small/limiting in certain situations?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Rider preference for sure. We typically like sizing down to make the bikes more playful and lively. You'll lose some benefits in certain situations and gain in others...

[@polbulva720]

Yeaaaah, I know... good "politically correct" answer :) I am just a hair over 5'10, so pretty much exactly in between M and L, and since the reach on paper is relatively long, I would probably go with M... Just wanted a opinion, if you imagine you'd be riding M with your height, would that still be fine? Thanks ;)

[@ilionatroya7129]

I’m 6ft on lg mach 6. I don’t think anyone smaller than me should get a lg.

[@Sonic_fast22]

@@polbulva720 Im 5"10" and ride a M Firebird. Perfect sizing, and it looks like the reach is almost identical on these bikes.

[@topspot4834]

Drew has gotten so much better on camera the last year or so ... Not that he wasn't good before, but you could tell he was a bit uncomfortable and was still figuring things out ... Now he's so much more relaxed and confident, and he's no longer trying to recall certain talking points. The words just flow and he's really good at articulating his thoughts in a way that makes it easier for the common or newer rider to understand. Sick bikes and great presentation. Nicely done Drew!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks very much.

[@andrewsiasparks]

My opinion is that bike size and geo have more of a difference in feel for "fun" than wheel size. My girlfriend had a Trek EXCALIBUR in a medium, did a stem swap and it felt like a jump bike. The wheels were a little flimsy but it jumped and did whips really good for 29" wheels.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We thought so too until we rode these two bikes. Didn’t expect it to be such a difference.

[@frog-spit-182]

I mean geo matters a ton obviously but you're out of your mind if you think a slammed-stem xc bike rides anything like dirt jumper.

[@andrewsiasparks]

@@frog-spit-182 it does tho. Coming from someone who has 5 DJs sitting in their kitchen

[@frog-spit-182]

@@andrewsiasparks No way they are as nimble with those wheels. If that were the case the bike industry would gladly take the excuse to start selling 29er DJs

[@andrewsiasparks]

@@frog-spit-182 I never said it was nimble. I said it jumped well.

[@doctajuice]

I always tell people my Mach 6 is just a 160 travel bmx bike 😂😂

[@tomnutting3836]

Buy 27.5 and turn off strava 😎✌️

[@sonder312]

Banshee spitfire and rune are cheaper, aluminum frame, similar geo and dual link suspension. Good quality and alternative to Pivot.

[@thescandiflick]

$9000 - $12000 what are these numbers that’s insane… Its just a bike!!

[@lucacadianalbert]

As always, beautiful bikes from Pivot but wish they didn't have Pressfit BB92 BBs... I will never buy another bike with this standard.

[@topspot4834]

It's been a complete non issue for me. Their tolerances are so strict you shouldn't have any problems and I don't run into too many Pivot owners where it is. I'd prefer threaded but wouldn't hesitate to get pf if it's from a more premium brand.

[@lucacadianalbert]

​@@topspot4834 as much as I want to agree with you I still won't buy another bike with press fit BB. My current bike had pretty tight tolerances and I regularly maintained it. It never creaked, worked very well until one day I took the cranks off and both BB cups came out with the cranks. Everything felt tight but I guess there was a bit of play I didn't feel - I ended up ovalizing the carbon BB shell on my bike. Only way I was able to get it rolling again is by getting a BBInfinite and permanently bonding it to my frame. No ideal but at least I can still ride while it lasts. Granted my bike is old and has retarded amounts of mile on it, but still - this wouldn't have happened with a regular threaded BB.

[@Alan-75]

27.5 isn't dead, and I wish bike manufacturers would stop pushing 29ers on us and carbon frames too, no way in hell am I ever going to buy a 29er, or carbon. if 27.5 disappears I won't be buying another MTB , I'll just stick to road bikes.

[@_TheDeanMachine]

As cool as they are that is an eye watering price for MTB, hard pass.

[@bfranco1519]

In 5 years we’ll all be riding 26” wheels again ! Stupid industry always trying to sell you something new and supposedly better…