2020 Pivot Switchblade Team XTR // Bike Review

Reviewer Stats: 5’11” & 215 lbs
The element of “pop” can be tough to describe, but when it’s felt, the definition becomes crystal clear. The Switchblade Pivot is a pop machine, and it’s apparent from the very first pedal stroke. With DW-Link suspension, designed by the guru Dave Weagle himself, there’s no question as to where this indescribable amount of energy comes from, nor is there a question as to how to make the most of it. The Switchblade answers that itself by boosting off every jump and bump in sight.
The same fundamentals that make this bike an instrument of antigravity also give it a uniquely agile feel for when it’s on the ground-even if those moments are rare. With short chain stays and a steeper seat-tube angle the Switchblade is a nimble climber that transfers pedal power to traction well, even while out of the saddle.
*Editors Note: The build we tested is the Team XTR 29 version not the PRO XT/XTR 29 as stated in the video.
For more details: freehubmag.com...
#pivot #Switchblade #bikereview
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[@rstrakovsky]

"Damn I want this bike!"- Me after watching every Freehub review.

[@gogomtb1]

Same here, bro ✊ 😅

[@grasenwillink4554]

same here bruh

[@KROY_FM]

Just you - *_and everyone else!_*

[@ajschuehle4681]

I need to stop watching these because the joy you express makes me want every bike you review and I can only have one.

[@mtbsavant5414]

Is this a voiceover? Seriously impressed with how you can keep a casual tone while riding that stuff lol

[@K3S01L2]

If its not a voice over then its at least very well done since some of the cuts at the video in middle of the sentence matched perfectly.

[@robhughes645]

Hahahaha so right, all these youtube channels make me feel like an out of shape 40 a day smoker ... please let it be voiceover, please.....

[@baddriversofcolga]

His narration while riding is incredible. Impressive sound quality as well.

[@thetrailnomad]

It‘s actually not that difficult when going downhill to talk smoothly. It really doesn‘t cost that much breath going down.

[@BudoDave76]

Lol seriously, especially at those speeds.

[@evaninfantino6363]

That casual tone while just absolutely flying downhill is something to be proud of mate

[@BendOregon67]

I don't even need to buy the bike or even go riding on the trails because this rider is THE BEST I've ever seen and experienced. When the video ended I just wiped off my sweat and took a shower and now I'm heading out for some dinner and then to sleep. FULLY satisfied from a great days ride. AWESOME!

[@pourquoipasmec]

These reviews are so great. I've been a Yeti loyalist for some time, but recently demo'd this Switchblade and was thoroughly impressed. Your commentary may have given me the confirmation I needed - "one of the jibbiest big bikes I have ever been on". Totally agree with that sentiment and why I loved it so much.

[@freehubmag]

Thank you! Glad to give some insight into the many bikes out there these days.

[@cp3424]

By far the best review of of the new 2020 Switchblade that I've seen!

[@fortisequitem8144]

Wow, just wow. *I would PAY to watch 20 minutes of just riding like this,* no voice, and definitely needs higher resolution. This had me on the edge of my seat. I've watch thousands of reviews and this is the best "Feel" of the trail so far (just wished for better resolution). Now I'm going to have to get one. Sub'd!!

[@freehubmag]

Thanks for the Sub!

[@bensun432]

The Switchblade is a dream! Nice review, amazing. I was lucky to demo one and have the same feelings about it as you mentioned. This new one though... such a nice build with the blue, gotta make dreams reality this year!

[@MarineA109]

Best review I've seen in this bike yet!!! Thank you! I'm sold!

[@bwright4828]

Just order this bike can’t wait!!!!!

[@jmyers6175]

Thank you for a Excellent review on my '22 pivot switchblade xt/xtr. Mention the double shifting is a cool feature along with everything you review. Good riding. Cheers.

[@vashusan1984]

I just keep watching all this bike's youtube content, not getting mine until March cause of manufacture delays. But I am jumping out of my chair to ride this thing. You made and incredible review. I'm sure I'll be around again to watch...

[@jedwardle5905]

I find it so insane that you can casually talk about a bike while going so fast on a trail

[@gogomtb1]

It's a joy to watch your reviews, man! 🤙

[@mattrichmond7225]

Best on bike review I’ve seen! The low light was like space mtn.

[@zmums]

Awesome review. Maybe consider throwing in the seat tube angles as well in that initial shot. I dig the format.

[@andrepereira3856]

Great review. Great riding skills. Seeing this review and your thoughts, I remembered Kona process's review that you did. It seems that they are very similar in terms of geometry, behavior and driving style. Congratulations for the good work.

[@adchristian80]

Awesome review. You do some of the best reviews out there & some ripping riding as well 🤘. Please do a review on the Forbidden Druid

[@persistentconsistency]

So ready for a Freehub Druid review!

[@bsharp844]

Ripmo V2 up next? Want to hear your thoughts.

[@gariegalaraga4545]

This is the proper way to review a bike sickest review ever now I’m getting this bike!!👍👍😃⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@milktop1]

Again, brilliant review.

[@jocomtois]

Just sold my kidney to buy this dream bike 😆! Can’t be happier. Thanks for this awesome review

[@KROY_FM]

Sh!t dude, I never thought of doing that - that's how I can finance that new E-bike!

[@moonstar496]

Loving these reviews vids! Keep up the good work Spencer

[@persistentconsistency]

Subscribed! These ride reviews are just fantastic! Appreciate the channel. Looking forward to a Druid review!!

[@freehubmag]

Thanks for the sub! 🙏

[@persistentconsistency]

@@freehubmag Word up! No prob at all. Thank you for the content! While I have you here, do you mind comparing the Wreckoning and the Sentinel V2? Trying to draw some conclusions without any ability to demo, due to Outerbike being canceled. Grrrr, lol

[@lorenroot7667]

This or the Trail 429 Enduro, if you had to only pick one. Northern Utah

[@jctrails]

Switchblade looks super fun! Gotta get my hands one! Nice review.

[@birkgunnarselquist4938]

I think this video just made me buy this bike.

[@Chris-cu2mc]

Great review! I would love to know what camera setup was used. Video and sound quality is the best I've seen.

[@freehubmag]

Thank you. Hero 7. Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods

[@jgaytan91]

5'11" is the limit between medium and large wich one would be better?

[@K3S01L2]

I just recently got the Switchblade and this review is exactly what I feel too. The bike is so easy to climb that its unrealistic for a such long travel suspension setup and it handles all the descend sections also so well that I was really surprised about that after the climbing section. Its also a very stiff frame in my opinion and I believe the super boost setup at the rear is invented because of that in mind (and also to shorten the chain stay). All in all I am very happy with this bike and the purchase I made. Also the matte green with black logos is super rad color option in my opinion. But its also nice they do have the blue color option for more sportier look. I just absolutely fall in love with the green color scheme.

[@drparmentier]

hello what is the size of you bike because I am 5 8 tall and I. don't know between a M or L. Thanks

[@K3S01L2]

@@drparmentier I am 6 5 tall so I always go with the largest frame available. Its kind of easy decission for me but some bike frames just don't fit me at all (they're too small) so it has its downsides too.

[@AOL0321]

If you had to choose one bike, for an all arounder, which would you take, the Switchblade or the Trail 429?

[@e2dub]

Just depends what your priority is. Switchblade is going to be a little slower on the climbs but more magic carpet like on the down. 429 gonna be a little slower on the gnarly descents and less comfortable on medium to large drops but a bit faster on the ups. If you like to bike park, I’d recommend switchblade. For most MTBers I think the 429 is the best all-arounder.

[@mikepfeifer1753]

Great review. I just demoed this bike this morning. Haven’t been able to try the Sentinel. How do you think they stack up?

[@johnsospencer]

Mike Pfeifer they’re both on different sides of the all mountain spectrum. The sentinel is much more capable on the steeps while the pivot is more agile and a better bike to pedal out of the saddle.

[@robhughes645]

Spencer is right. I have a Spectral CF8 and it's honestly the best bike I've ever ridden (never mind owned) but on the steepest climbs the front wheel can lift and wander a bit. It's taken me a few months to manage it but once you figure out weight distribution it work just fine. The Pivot is shorter rear end suss (140 while the Sentinal is 150) which may be a factor to it's great climbing ability. The pop of a bike seems to be more about how you set the suspensions up though and nowadays most 'trail/all mountain' bikes are capable of most riding styles but I've not ridden a Switchblade and this could be the holy grail after all -)

[@JasonLeBlanc123]

What mic setup you using?! your audio is great

[@ericsplayland]

Any chance you are going to be reviewing the new Ripmo? I'm between these 2 bikes.

[@KROY_FM]

Keep in mind that this was the 2020 Switchblade - which was the first of the new breed, and I believe they're now on the 3rd or 4th version so it's going to be more relaxed like the new Ripley/Ripmo are.

[@duncanh6045]

Enjoy your reviews, Will you guys review the PIVOT Firebird? I'm deciding between that and the EVIL offering V2.

[@Krazypker147]

Sweet review! What is this riding area/region called? Looks super fun

[@freehubmag]

Galbraith Mountain, Bellingham WA

[@RU2AIM]

@@freehubmag Any snow in the Winter? Lots of mud??

[@loud_v8_noises]

I love this review & the spec enduro o e. Warp speed thru the woods 🤘. I added these trails to my list to hit up next time I ride bham. Could you post route/trails in the comments on review videos? I just picked up my switchblade today! Pumped to go ride!

[@Wolfkan]

devinci troy 29 vs pivot switchblade geo almost the same, but the major difference is dw link vs split pivot witch are both dave's designs?

[@Hendricksb123]

Great review!

[@One2ManyHobbies]

What were your shock setting for rebound and compression both in Low or High - the bike looked so poppy!! Mine comes in 2 weeks, can't wiat!

[@Follow_D_Rabbit]

I love these videos!

[@ryanmerryman7657]

Nice review, sweet bike for sure

[@JeSiIIiman]

Pretty sure this guy riding a walmart full sus rig would still be going just as fast...

[@harryingd2674]

Are you saying this person is going slow or fast?

[@grasenwillink4554]

what was that song called at the beginning

[@joshinaction2340]

Great Review! I have been heavily considering the new Evil Wreckoning after your review, and this Pivot is also high on my list. I live in Albuquerque NM and have similar trails to AZ as well as gnarly forest runs and a mix of park days at Angel Fire. You seem to have a lot of fun and good climbing experiences on both bikes. Do you have any recommendations on one or the other for a one bike quiver? Thank you,

[@persistentconsistency]

Did you ever decide? Good choices!

[@motobasfan3962]

If you can, do a review on the evil following

[@colbyblasenak1770]

Bro...you look like like one of the scoutroopers ripping through the woods on one of those speeder bikes in the empire strikes back...lol

[@BudoDave76]

Great review. Which would you consider a more playful/poppy bike, the or the new Transition Sentinel?

[@jeffross4394]

Sweet review!! For enduro racing in so torn between the firebird 29 and the new switchblade. What are the differences feel wise?

[@Kuhleeen]

Have you ridden any of the Orbea lines yet such as rallon or Occam? Wondering how those bikes feel. Not much exposure here in the US

[@leeherge6443]

How does it compare to the new Sentinel? Since you just reviewed both, and I am actually cross shopping them.

[@mikehodgkins2054]

i demo'd a mach 6 last year and i had exactly the same thoughts. so lively and capable! but i bought a remedy because im poor

[@criscamila]

Sold

[@moynge]

Love your reviews. Please post more of them! BTW: you noted the Switchblade is a light bike, but isn't it the standard beefy carbon 30 +/- 1 pound trail bike?

[@MrCannonls]

Late on the reply but my 2022 switchblade pro xt/xtr is 31 pounds 11 oz with the stock minion dhf/dhr2 combo both in exo+ and m1700 wheels.

[@nickcowley8757]

I'm stuck between the firebird and the mach 6. Not sure if I need the amount of bike the firebird provides

[@tommyestrada6464]

Have you ridden the Mach 5.5 and if so how do the 2 compare?

[@RU2AIM]

OK, I'm thinking of dumping my 2019 switchblade and getting a 2020, but I need to know, is the 2020 1) a minimal step up 2) a considerably noticeable step up 3) a *HUGE* step up?

[@kevinayyoub1014]

How would you compare this dpx2 to the niner rip 9 that you had reviewed as well? Ive been back and forth between the two.

[@streighty]

Love your reviews. What trail(s) do you always do your reviews on?

[@freehubmag]

Reviews are shot in Bellingham, WA on various trails around town.

[@streighty]

@@freehubmag thanks. The trails that I often see on these reviews I know I have ridden once, so was trying to figure it out. I know it is Galbraith. I get it if you would rather not disclose the exact trail names. I was up there last week for 4-days of riding and took a couple 1/2 day lessons with Angie with Radical Roots. Can't say enough good things about her and the clinics. I've been riding a long time and needed to change some bad habits. Well worth the $. Cheers.

[@freehubmag]

@@streighty Trails ridden in this review: Evolution, SST, Oriental, Irish Death, Atomic Dog. Its amazing what a little coaching can do for your riding, Angie and the Radical Roots program have a great thing going! Happy Riding.

[@vierraventures]

Your video sold me on this bike, collect some commission. 60-90 day wait.. not stoked on.

[@zacharyquinn2612]

Do you think an X2 shock would take away from the 'pop'?

[@colbyblasenak1770]

So out of the bikes you rode this year where do you put the switchblade in terms of 2020 bikes?

[@davidsch6490]

Pivot wont ever be on my list because of their price but you made a very nice review again 😂

[@michaelm1105]

The only reason I’m not on a Santa Cruz is because of price. Bike shop would not drop SC $4.8k msrp to $4k. I ended up with pivots switchblade $5.7k msrp for $3.9k. Just ordered the new Switchblade because I want Green for $4.6k. Any quality carbon frame will be $5k plus. Pivot is right in line with competition.

[@davidsch6490]

Michael M yeah thats true but you dont really get any Good components from a 4K Carbon Frame bike

[@michaelm1105]

@@davidsch6490 So why do people complain about the price of one $5k Carbon bike when all of them cost that much or more? I think people are offended there are more choices than their favorite brand.

[@justinwbohner]

Why? They aren't expensive.

[@davidsch6490]

Justin Bohner because they are so expensive

[@Thomas-ks4fw]

How does it compare to knolly fugitive LT?

[@johnnnewmex]

Their chainstays have always been the negative to me. I had a mach 5.5 and it just drifted around too much in loose and technical terrain. Some companies still like the short stay philosophy (Revel, Evil) but there's something to be said for stability especially for taller riders. At least on their new Firebird they're giving the larger frames more moderate stays.

[@eatnpooter1634]

How would you compare to the new ripmo ?

[@MrWolke-wu7yt]

can you guys test a snta cruz nomad please

[@MarioXcore1]

how much worse would the XT pro build be? 🤔🤔

[@TheRealJoeMP]

Did you ever wish it was a little bit more slack?

[@trentvlak]

"has got more pop" progressive lr with lack of rebound damping in the shock.

[@DM-hw4cr]

Snappy snap snap snap

[@jaysantiago4469]

How tall are you? Cheers!

[@glenvanhest7778]

If you could only have One bike, is this the One?

[@baddriversofcolga]

It's a shame they don't make these in aluminum.

[@RPmedic]

Is there a translator for MTB lingo? what the heck is jibby?

[@KROY_FM]

Kinda like poppie but sideways with more gnarr - like when you schralph 650B's

[@omeletn]

Nice review I love the audio quality, but that gimbal is trash! Watching you through most of those corners was difficult.

[@jltrack]

The bike is quite loud like there are cables rattling around

[@justinwbohner]

"poppy" = progressive leverage ratio in the first portion of travel.

[@bike_somm]

Love these vids ! Can we be fa fa ferrr Friends?!?! Lol jk.. but nice Style bud 👍🏼 Definitely gonna have to give the bike a try~ sounds like it gives the Ripmo V2 a Run for its Money

[@martinl.4696]

Sorry, I just moved to this universe. How does gravity work again? Does mass affect how fast you return to the earth?

[@andy71307]

Were you using the go pro hero 2?

[@franciscote]

Shit! I want to change my Mach 5.5 for this one!!!

[@RU2AIM]

Aren't they almost the same bike, except for the SB tends to be more of a 29" and the reach is 20mm longer on the SB, along with the new lower shock location, but man that 5.5 might be the better bike for more techy trails with more twists & turns than speedy descents.

[@RU2AIM]

Is your 5.5 a Large and Blue? I've thought of getting a frame and transferring all my components over to it.

[@franciscote]

@@RU2AIM I love my bike but if I would change something, it will be a 29'' on front (only). That will give 0,5 deg more slack and the wheel capability to go over rough terrain. 27.5'' on back = fun! I won't change that :)

[@franciscote]

@@RU2AIM It's a medium red! not for sale now. I'm waiting to see what they will do with the 5.5. Like I said, the 5.5 in mullet will be the ultimate bike for me !

[@mtnbikerva1]

Why are these bikes so EXPENSIVE considering the people that make these bikes are paid next to nothing, in foreign countries? Why are they not made in the USA at these astronomical prices?

[@nafnaf0]

How would you say it compares in climbing to the Yeti SB130?

[@RU2AIM]

After watching many reviews of the SB130 I'd venture an inspired guess that the Switchblade would eat it's lunch, not too many all that impressed by the SB130 that I've seen.

[@hollycow123445]

How the fuck do you talk coherently while riding techy trails this fast?

[@RU2AIM]

1. He's in incredible condition 2. He's extremely familiar with the trail 3. It's an excellent bike

[@androconslet3314]

give away this bike please

[@sexyboi2221]

Will this bike get Me a chick?😄