All New 2021 Pivot Trail 429 // First Ride Report

[@joshjohnson5902]

One small detail, Pivot continues to cheap out and not use guided tubes for the internal routing. Their ports system for internal routing is just big holes in the frame with bolt on clamps at the entry and exit. Even before COVID related supply chain issues, the Pivot frames are expensive enough, I’d gladly take the extra grams for ease of service/maintenance. Cable routing always seems to be an afterthought on Pivots. This one is an improvement, but still not what it could be. In my opinion.

[@syrocki077]

Exceptional review with incredible speed to market! Based off this video I ended up ordering a Team XTR Enduro in Pacific Blue...or rather, the video helped me make the choice of build, for sure. It also helped me make my decision of 429 or SB. Very well done here Pivot and Loam Wolf - this partnership makes sense to me... Keep them coming!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks so much David. We appreciate the feedback and happy to hear our info helped in your decision making process, at least a little bit. You'll definitely be happy on your new bike. Congrats.

[@jasonw3287]

I just bought an xt/r enduro. This helped me as well. The demo was real and it was spectacular.

[@RGAGS415]

THAT DROPPER THOOO

[@TheLoamWolf]

Shhhhh

[@Mockle07]

That dropper needs a dropper 👀

[@wcasako]

Thanks for the great review and info. Helped me decide and just ordered the Enduro XT-XTR.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Enjoy it

[@jmard24]

The twitch Is more likely from the ht angle which is why it feels better at speed. Shots were definitely fired at transition and ibis

[@TheLoamWolf]

I tend to agree. But, with all my bikes my dropper is this far out, the STA could be a little steeper and I would not complain.

[@stevenkendall1190]

Hi from the UK Splendid review At last a revue for groan ups x

[@TheRadar2819]

Really stellar review. I always enjoy watching your reviews. But what I love most about my Transition Sentinel is I never feel like I need a new bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you and appreciate you watching. And enjoy your sweet machine.

[@ryand121984]

Great review man! I was hoping you can review the Mach 4sl down country version 120mm fork. keep it up guys!

[@TheLoamWolf]

We will try

[@ryand121984]

@@TheLoamWolf Thank u man!

[@AceGoodheart]

I'm salivating over this bike. I'm thinking about selling my Trek Supercaliber for The Pivot Trail 429

[@jasontucker5080]

Just picked one of these up! Great review man!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ronlind1757]

Great review... What a great bike Pivot has here. Do you remember the weight of the Enduro spec bike you tested?? Thanks

[@NDemanuele1]

I'm curious about this bike and the Pivot brand. For over 5 years I rode an Ibis Ripley, then went on to a V1 Ripmo. As much as I loved the Ripley and was suited for 98% of my riding, once in awhile I felt I needed that extra stability on descents which the Ripmo fills that void now. I've heard that the 429 offers more stability than the Ripley and wonder if that would be the "sweet spot" or would the Switchblade be the ticket. Regardless of where and how I ride I do appreciate the extra stability when descending.

[@andrewpm2]

Having owned a Mach 6 and a Mach 5.5, I don't understand why they haven't made a 140/150 29er (Mach 5). It's no wonder the Ibis Ripmo and SC High Tower have become very popular bikes while Pivot seems to be bypassing on this travel sweet spot. I'd rather ride a Pivot but it seems like the Ripmo is looking better each year that goes by. Great review nonetheless

[@harryroberts556]

Agreed

[@redball4093]

Good bike, good review. Very helpful.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billw_mtb3220]

Great information, nice job! Loam Wolf, how tall are you? Thx

[@tonybasoni8443]

You might need to change your name to the rock wolf. I also live in the Phoenix area, and I can confirm there is not a lot of loam to be seen. As a matter of fact, sometimes I feel like my tires have not even touched any dirt for miles.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Haha. We may need to do that. We love riding in the desert and love rocks!!

[@cayennepeppa707]

Hey! Welcome to Phoenix and AZ! What trail did you ride? how much of a difference is there between the 'trail' vs 'enduro' versions are there?

[@TheLoamWolf]

I spent most of my time on the bike at Deem Hills. I really like that loop and can ride there from my house! I did not have a chance to ride the Trail version. For me the Enduro version is perfect as I am more of a gravity oriented rider!

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I wonder how it compares to my poor mans version.The Trance 29 pro 1 ?

[@TheLoamWolf]

That would be a super interesting comparison!

[@Eruizela]

The pivot is a better bike over all

[@trailblazeratv6306]

@@Eruizela It should be for about $2000 more

[@Eruizela]

@@trailblazeratv6306 I agree

[@mtnbikerva1]

The Trance is out gunned. Pivot is better quality.

[@don6801]

There is a Large NEW in box on Pink Pike! I couldn't find one anywhere.

[@ltfranklin2470]

Hey can this bike handle the waterfall section on south mountain

[@e2dub]

No doubt it can handle Waterfall in the right hands.

[@benjaminsehy5241]

Great review, seems like a very fun, efficient while capable bike that is well built. These 120mm bikes are getting lighter and more capable. The Loam Wolf did a review on the Spur a while back, can you give me some feedback on comparing the two bikes.

[@TheLoamWolf]

I am loving this category! I think I need one of my own. Unfortunately I was not the one that rode the Spur but based on what I found with the 429 I think it would be more capable in the rough stuff, again just my .02!

[@camerond1985]

Just weighed my XL XO1 trail build without pedals and it's over 29LBS. I don't see how your XT/XTR build is coming in at 26LBS, regardless of frame size.

[@shamrock4840]

You have the new 21’? How’s the xl sizing - roomy ? Are you over the bars?

[@AZMTB]

Great review! Was that coachwhip you were on? I live down in Gilbert, looking at the trail 429 for its climbing abilities for the steep stuff here in Phoenix/Mesa. Thanks for the detailed review!

[@DirtWireTV]

Bike shawts are gaahgeous, dyude!

[@GregQchi]

When you said reach on the large was 770mm, you meant 470, right?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes we did. Apologies, sometimes numbers come out messed up…. Too many bouncing around in our hollow heads. Ha ha.

[@GregQchi]

@@TheLoamWolf appreciate the clarification :) Also thanks for the video, it's super helpful

[@hardmtnbiker]

I’m considering this bike but torn between the trail vs enduro build. I know that new 36Fox fork is pretty amazing and I’ve had older versions and loved them. With that said, I’m currently running the 34Fox 130 on my hardtail and it’s not limited at all and handles my local trails perfectly. What’s your deciding factor for enduro or trail build?

[@TheLoamWolf]

I would say go for it. The Enduro build is not going to hold you back on the climbs by any big stretch. I am sure a pro XC rider can really tell the difference but for us mortals I think the extra travel really makes the downs that much more fun. This would be a really good step up from a HT if you are looking for a solid all around bike. It's remarkably capable both up and down, like scary good haha. The Enduro model's HT angle will make it a bit more twitchy on climbs but after some seat time it's not that noticeable. - Cole

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@TheLoamWolf good points, thanks!

[@topspot4834]

You glad you went a size down and would you do so riding mullet? Got the Switchblade coming, that's what I did so not an apples to apples comparison.

[@TheLoamWolf]

I would not say I went down a size completely as I am within Pivots size suggestion. Because this bike is not a shuttle or bike park style bike having it be on the smaller side of the spectrum is welcomed. I would go with the Large Switchblade if I was to order one!

[@keithgarn9038]

Where you riding out at Thunderbird Park?

[@TheLoamWolf]

I was! Thankfully it is just a quick pedal from my house!

[@brucemckinstry9417]

Right in my backyard.. nice to see some local trails

[@aaronkerth1171]

Have you been out to Pyramid Peak on this new bike, wonder if it's enough enduro to handle some of the jumps and tech out there..

[@chasepalpatine170]

really nice presentation. nice work.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!

[@Hemsworthyclub]

Did u mullet it like u said u would … can’t find one review doing that plz tell us how it is

[@jltrack]

Dt needs to update the 350 hub.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Agreed

[@jakedenny9258]

Guys I’m just gonna pee myself watching somebody shred Thunderbird Park! Been hiking and biking those trails since I was little...

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hahaha! They can be rowdy at speed!

[@keithgarn9038]

How did you manage to film there and get shots with no hikers? They are true obstacles at T-bird

[@GiovaniUrrutia]

How’s this compare to the Stumpy in AZ?

[@mannyfnsc29]

Love it that Pivot went with a 36 and dpx2 on a 120mm bike.. That is awesome. Btw, I'm curious about the tire width clearance ?

[@TheLoamWolf]

It’s a wicked combo! You can run up to a 2.8” x 27.5” tires out back 🤙

[@solarnewton]

If you are someone coming from a xc, road and gravel racing background who can climb and is used to a yeti 4.5 ( bought it instead of the old 429) what would I realize w the fox 36 and dpx2 shocks in the enduro vs the standard shock set up. I can't tell how much more the enduro weighs and if you think it will climb the same or not. I ride all over CA, Moab, Fruita, Bend etc. And have ridden all the epic trails on hardtails, a mach 4 and my yeti 4.5...just wondering if it makes sense to upgrade to the Enduro model for perhaps a bit more fun in technical descents. Did you get a chance to test the enduro and the regular 429? Just wondering what you'd think of riding the enduro on classic xc rides and riding like on Tam and in CO where you have hour long+ climbs...thoughts?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hey Mark! I did not get to ride the regular version. Coming from a background mostly in DH and Enduro to me this is PLENTY light and capable on long climbs. My 37lb personal enduro bike is frequently used for 3+ hours of climbing back home in WA. The weight gain is pretty marginal but I think the benefit is big. Again I can't speak to the performance of the regular version. I think the slacker HT angle would have more of an effect climbing than a couple hundred grams on weight. It was hard for me to really push the bike to it's max on this terrain as I am so used to PNW dirt and roots, with that said I know I can get PR's back home on this both going up and down!

[@trailblazeratv6306]

All that for 6999 not bad at all !!

[@princeofzion]

Now it’s $7499!!!😣

[@trailblazeratv6306]

@@princeofzion That is why I bought a full carbon Giant Trance Pro 1 with carbon wheels and full XT, DPX2, for $5200

[@mcischke]

That's a badass bike. 🤘🔥🤘

[@montechie]

Good coverage! I think your weight is a few lbs off though for an Enduro build. I think the high end XTR or XX1 build is 26-27lbs, an XT/XTR Enduro would probably be closer to 29 lbs? If the reviewed model is sub 27 I'm throwing my money at them now :)

[@TheLoamWolf]

And if you're interested in picking one of these bad boys up, visit Competitive Cyclist and order yours today: bit.ly/2P70kjO Be sure to use LOAMWOLF15 for 15% off all applicable items. Visit the site and check out our detailed write up here: theloamwolf.com/2021/02/23/release-first-ride-the-all-new-pivot-trail-429/

[@terrybest3700]

Hi Cole! Awesome video. You're a very humble dude. Really get a lot out of your riding footage. I do have a question. Can you comment on your saddle height (center of BB to top of saddle), what size bike that is, and your height? I'm assuming it has 175mm cranks and 55mm stem if it's a Medium or Large. THanks for your time!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you Terry! I try to really explain the feel of the bike as best I can. Those are great questions, the cranks are 175mm (Size Large), stem from what I measured is 45mm. Unfortunately that stem length was not in any of our documents. Saddle height sits at 32.25”, the dropper was really my only big complaint with the bike. But with that said that’s pretty much the same issue I have with every bike as I have a very long inseam for my height!

[@terrybest3700]

@@TheLoamWolf Thanks so much for this information, Cole!. I'm like you but a size down. My saddle height is ~77.5cm. So on a Medium I'd be dealing with quite a bit of drop and a massive amount of seatpost. And also being an older school rider (and first time on a 29er, lol) I know wheelbase will take some getting used to. I ended up going with a Size Large. After back surgery etc figured I'd feel more comfortable with the stability and more level cockpit. You have a hugely tall saddle height. You'd be a great team mate on the road bike, lol.

[@duanehundley]

613 stack height sounds very low. How did it feel? Maybe at some pro taper 76mm rise bars?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad you mentioned that. I generally like taller bars but that is on my DH and Enduro rigs. The stock position was VERY comfortable. Having a bit more of a forward weight bias did make a difference on the climbs. I actually took out a 5mm spacer on my personal bike to try it out for a while.

[@Iseekoutthetrails]

I live in Tucson.

[@dempsey1231]

Have you ridden the Revel Rascal or Ranger if so how does this bike compare?

[@TheLoamWolf]

No, sadly we have not ridden either of those. Since we also like and ride ebikes,, we're not core enough to test Revels. Wish we could help.

[@jeancarlostortparaliticci2912]

Hi, In the video you said the enduro xt/xtr build retails for $6,999 in the US; but in pívot’s website says $7,500. I think is a little bit overpriced. I called a bike shop that has it on stock and they told me $7,500. Which is the right price?

[@princeofzion]

The price went up $500. It was the same situation on the Competitive Cyclist website. It was $6999 for a while then sometime in late March or early April it jumped to $7499.

[@peterk7427]

How tall are you? I ask bc I have a large on order too and you personally have tons of room for a 200mm post

[@TheLoamWolf]

6'1". If it was mine to keep I would for sure put a 200mm dropper on it. I also have a 35.5" inseam..

[@samledversis9474]

awesome video! how tall are you / what's your inseam? i prefer to size down but that dropper sticking out like that would make me lose sleep

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks Sam. Cole is about 6'1 but has long legs.

[@TheLoamWolf]

35.5" inseam ha! - Cole

[@davelogan77]

I just bought this bike, ha!

[@AOL0321]

How does it compare to my Tallboy 4?

[@Alaakso]

770mm reach, thats a big boy right there.

[@aerialheights5680]

It's the British Catholic model for those who wouldn't confess until they got stretched

[@TheLoamWolf]

Living in the future

[@chespa40]

Can a 5’2 250 lbs use this bike?

[@alexanderrebielak8901]

Loam Wolf! Hello from PDX. Given you know our trails here at the PNW do you think going Pro Xt/XTR non enduro make sense out here? I already have the Pivot Mach 6 and was hoping to round out the stable but if adding extra suspension with negligible climbing sacrifice moving to enduro i’m struggling to predict if I’ll regret it.

[@frankkeller5153]

Picking up my v3 Silver Large Enduro Team Xtr today. Going to the desert by deems hill over the canal today then Sedona this weekend.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yess! This bike was a blast out at Deem. I am thinking Sedona this weekend as well!

[@shamrock4840]

This suspension vs VPP? Fantastic review

[@moynge]

DW vs VPP? WTF? That's like CroCop vs. Bob Sapp!

[@mtnbikerva1]

The DW is more efficient, poppy, playful. The VPP is more couch/plush is my impression. This bike is extremely solid feeling, or well built!

[@MidWestMTB]

Do you guys edit in pitch black rooms? Your videos are always so dark. Cool bike though, its like half the weight of my bike ha

[@TheLoamWolf]

We just let Cole know that he needs to join the rest of the world outside his cave! Thanks for echoing us though, now he has to believe us! haha.

[@MidWestMTB]

@@TheLoamWolf hahaha sorry Cole, love your edits. I'm sure the cave is very comfy.

[@TheLoamWolf]

@@MidWestMTB appreciate that! Going to be doing some testing this week to try and get to the bottom of it. I expose with false color and edit with vector scopes. You are right, they are definitely coming out dark!

[@collinsv4742]

Whic trail was that? It looked familiar.

[@TheLoamWolf]

This was filmed at Thunderbird just North of Phoenix!

[@mtnbikerva1]

What size crankset/arm length?

[@BikeIntelligencer]

I appreciate the detail, but can read a spec sheet all by myself. I’d rather you talk about how the bike rides and what makes it different from other bikes. But really professional job and thanks for putting it out.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for the input!

[@TrailsJunkie]

What's up with that dropper bro' ?....looks weird :D

[@RSvb4]

Yo when is the Ebike shootout gunna be released?! Everyone’s Been waiting !

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's coming!

[@aerialheights5680]

@@TheLoamWolf Cool, now all I'll need to do is sell the Porsche and I'll be able to afford one.

[@mtbalpinecounty]

Tell ya what. I used to sell pivots. My take in the Sierra's. 90% of riders only can ride 4 to 5" well. For most of today's riders that can afford these bikes are older. We have ridden all the best but are knowledgeable in the rest. Older riders are the market with money. Their next step is E. But there are a few of us old Enduro Dudes who still like the deep and steep. But the new platform makes this this a new game..really..how often and how much do you need? Ask your wife..she says 6..but 4 if used properly can do wonders..😉..on trail.. Again, I ride a Mach 6 170 ft/155 rr Firebird 170/170 Never a doubt on climbing and decent. V1 rules. G6 Slices and dices like a Gindsu knife..Ronco Presents..😉

[@TheLoamWolf]

So very true. Honestly this thing would give your M6 a run for it's money on the downs. I owned 2 M6's in the past, for sure they are more capable but this bike is pretty rad. Since you have the FB it makes total sense to have this as your trail sled.

[@mikes.9755]

Thunderbird park is the worst trial system in Glendale. You guys should have headed out to Deems or Lake Pleasant

[@WheeliamWallace]

Nice!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tinshield]

“Size specific frame tuning.” Chainstay length for all sizes is 432mm. 🤷‍♂️

[@theswissrider]

Just got a XL Wreckoning with a 430mm chainstay. So fun to jump and whip, does perfectly the job for what it’s has been developed for.

[@tinshield]

@@theswissrider some bikes don’t handle steep climbs well with short stays and some do.

[@TheLoamWolf]

The tuning is in the carbon layup on the frames. I for sure think have size specific stays would be a great option!

[@LukasDePraga]

5:50 is the time you want if you dont need to listen to a whole lot of spec sheet reading..

[@TheLoamWolf]

Do you like videos with less specs and just more focused on the feel? I like that style personally but I know we have to touch on the specs for those that want them. I appreciate the feedback! - Cole

[@Mastereur411]

140mm isnt an enduro bike, its just a trail bike, with not very progressive geo

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's called their "Enduro" build option for the Trail 429, the standard, or non-enduro version has a 130mm fork. Depending on where you live though, 140 could be enough for an enduro race...Not in Europe or BC though. haha .

[@boredgrindmtb8540]

Have you seen "The Slab" by Danny Macaskill? Pretty sure he's on a Lunch Ride 137mm Yeti...

[@High_Octane]

140 is near downhill bike where i live.

[@juandepedro8143]

@@boredgrindmtb8540 nope, different cult brand...Santa Cruz.

[@boredgrindmtb8540]

@@juandepedro8143 your right! I went back and watched it. Short travel on that though... it’s definitely not an enduro

[@323johnnybravo]

These new school short travel bikes rip.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes they certainly do.

[@aerialheights5680]

1:28 Reach of FOUR hundred & 70mm not 770 on the Size Large, lol - That'd be some looooooooooong arms! 😉

[@TheLoamWolf]

Living in the future haha! I wish I could take that back lol

[@aerialheights5680]

@@TheLoamWolf I was so disappointed to find out that you're human too. 🤦‍♂️🧐

[@prancisfena]

Reach of 777mm? 😳 🤣

[@TheLoamWolf]

Ha, yep fluffed that one real bad! Living in the future of bike tech haha

[@prancisfena]

@@TheLoamWolf no worries 😁👍

[@tiptopimdakillah3776]

Mtbiking getting expensive each year, even with the lower budget bikes is my high end.. "World currency"

[@aerialheights5680]

He mentions the price 3:36

[@armourbl]

agreed. I want a new bike, but man, $10k????

[@aerialheights5680]

@@armourbl Inflation my man, printed 0bama dollars (x 2) = 1/2 value ''biden-time'' dollars will soon equal x 2-3 or 1/2 - 1/3 value, so just go back in your head to when we had a _relatively_ conservative gov't (for the most part anyway) and multiply what you recall were reasonable prices by 4x - 5x and you should be in the ballpark of today's inflation, soon to get much, much worse.

[@armourbl]

@@aerialheights5680 for sure, but also feels like bike companies taking advantage of the pent up demand.

[@aerialheights5680]

@@armourbl So go with an IBIS Ripmo AF for $3300 and love it! From the $aving$ to the Aluminum to the freedom from worrying about destroying a $10K machine, I promise you, you'll have the most fun possible while growing your *carbon bike* savings account over the next 3-5 years.

[@thegriff9425]

Yeah but... ...the Norco Optic.

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's a close battle... Like to close.. I think the rear end is more compliant on the 429. Personally I really really like the DPX2. But you seriously can't make a wrong descision here.

[@VuNguyen-pi6rk]

"The new Pivot Trail 429 frame with the shock comes in at a 5.9lbs, a full 300 grams lighter than the previous version. Our Pro XT/XTR build comes in at an impressive 26.5lbs". Yeah right!!! My stock medium Pro (non Enduro) XT/XTR was 28.2 lbs without pedal. With the upgraded Reynolds carbon wheels, my bike weight was 27.7 lbs. Can someone who own the Pro XT/XTR build verify the author's outrageous claim that his Pro XT/XTR without cabon wheel is 26.5 lbs? In the video, the bike was not even the regular Pro XT/XTR. It was the Pro XT/XTR ENDURO without the carbon wheels so it had to be heavier than the regular Pro Xt/XTR. Come on...let's be fair, truthful and impartial here.

[@EdBraunbeck]

He was referencing the website FAQ where Pivot states 26.5 lbs for XTR build.

[@EdBraunbeck]

Which carbon wheels did you buy?

[@VuNguyen-pi6rk]

@@EdBraunbeck Read what he wrote above and not what he referenced.

[@VuNguyen-pi6rk]

@@EdBraunbeck Reynolds Blacklabel 309/289 w/ Industry Nine Hydra hub.

[@pedrog4398]

@@VuNguyen-pi6rk this is discouraging. I have a XT/XTR Med preorder in place for two reasons, DW link and 26ish lbs weight. If your 28.2lb weight is actual, I think I need to change to Transition Spur w/ X01 build at 25.2lbs no pedals.

[@phantasma2323]

Wow reach of 770?! LoL 1:30

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yeah I messed that one up ha! Living in 2040 down here in AZ

[@jayswavely6371]

bike looks too small for you

[@Drogos79]

I can have 2 capable bikes, one XC and other more enduro oriented for the price of this nonsense

[@Scott-mu4xw]

For 7k I’d rather have an ebike

[@TheLoamWolf]

We love that you left that comment! Times are changing. That being said, this is a sweet bike with some costly tech and features that non-E riders will benefit from and appreciate.

[@High_Octane]

brutal

[@Andrew-qe2rk]

Pivot quality is why it’s expensive.

[@mustclime5311]

insane over priced crap....here's an idea, buy a Ibis Ripmo AF and A Ibis Riply AF for the cost of this POS