Riding the Pivot Trail 429

[@ostankovalex1176]

dunno, something about Jeff is so likeable. the man is so stoked about the riding and the bikes. the vibe is great and brings a smile to my face guess I have to go ride now :D

[@PuffinPass]

You catch flak for customizing a bike to your ride style and preferences? Isn't that what we all do anyways? The only part worth reviewing on a bike is the frame and everything else is subject to be swapped out.

[@a8f235]

Yup, the frame is the bike itself. Everything else are just attachments.

[@rogerb3927]

yup!! loved the comment about doing 170 cranks instead of 175... have done that to two bikes... always something can be a little better.

[@sohaibyounus]

I demoed a 429 a few years ago and it’s a hell of a bike! I would love to see you ride a V5 5010 but not as a mullet, just throw a 27.5 wheel in the front and may be extended the fork 10mm. Keep these videos coming! And keep having fun!

[@Hardcaslte]

I REALLY wish Jeff could get a YT Izzo. Especially because he doesnt just ride the bike how it comes. YT shot themselves in the foot using forkaster tires on it, i use dissector rear and DHR II front and its an amazing bike. I'd love to hear a comparison to a Trail 429 where the rider doesnt leave the bike handicapped with XC tires on it.

[@HardCorps88]

Or jeffsey?

[@nicks8026]

I love short(ish) travel bikes that can handle more aggressive trail riding. Was between the Trail 429 Enduro build and the Transition Smuggler. Ended up buying a Smuggler frame and building it up, at least in part because of the slacker HTA and steeper STA. Couldn’t be happier. Bike fits like a glove, handles Southern California steeps really well, thanks at least in part to Hayes Dominion A4s, and pedals and climbs great. Even so, the Pivot is one sexy bike. Thanks for the review!

[@8o8ertmtb]

I was so close to ordering a Smuggler frame. They look brilliant.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

You already had that unmistakable JKW style way back then, legend! I was still trying to emulate kris krispy back then ... 😂 One of the biggest deception of the year was reading; "limited colorway, slate canary yellow" 💛 Then being shown another grey bike 😢 c'mon Pivot... 😂

[@davemack400]

Couple thoughts. Argotal/Xynotal is pretty odd combo for a short trail bike. And a pretty odd combo in general. I feel like that a Shorty front and aggressor rear. But to each their own. I think you got unlucky with some one-off bad tires? Myself and 11 friends just went to Whistler for a week and were all running fresh Conti’s and they had the same good quality as their tires last year. To be fair, I have had wobbley brand new Maxxis tires, I have had Maxxis that leak through the side walls new, and all kinds of other issues over the years, so no company is perfect.

[@santanalor9771]

What differences can you tell from pivot dw link vs ibis?

[@paulthompson6357]

I like how you are doing comparisons to other bikes. It helps to understand the differences, albeit most are super small and only amazing riders such as yourself would really notice. Still, it's cool to hear what an expert thinks.

[@chriscalomino5229]

What casing, compound were the conti tires? Curious if they were the German made or China made version. How did you measure the dorometer of the rubber? Great vid

[@mrvwbug4423]

I'm curious about that too. I run DH casing Kryptotals and only bought them in June, but they were in the square box and are German made and feel amazing.

[@MrSupermugen]

They make two variants, one in germany and the other in china, All my 3 sets of krypt dh Supersoft are all German made and they are definingly soft... however i have some OE DH supersoft (white markings) and they were made in china and are harder.

[@flynndamsmtb9088]

Hey Jeff love the video, I'm not sure about other people here but I think a super interesting video would be you bike setup! Like why you choose what components you do and suspension setting etc. Cheers!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Flynn! I may have to do that! I don’t think I do anything particularly interesting in regards to set up though… 😂

[@knowledgeseeker2720]

@@JeffKendallWeedwe’d still like to hear it.

[@thelostyinzer]

Great video. I’ve enjoyed the identical T429 Enduro build since ‘21. Great for the Carolinas. For both this and the Switchblade, you noted their longish top tubes. I’m wondering if the Small size of each would better suit you at 5’8”. That’s more in line with Pivot’s sizing. FWIW…I’m 6’2” on a Large T429 Enduro, and it’s quite playful.

[@TNW84]

I’ve got a silver one with red decals fully loaded for sale on Pinkbike if anyone wants one!

[@yengsabio5315]

Thanks a lot for that amazing virtual tour, kind Jeff! Lots of love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from my end--the Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

[@benhowe1241]

Always entertaining watching JKW do stuff I don't quite have the skills for! Great stuff. Cheers Jeff!

[@brucehumphries6889]

I appreciate that you change things, I wished more/big review platforms would change things. Don’t tell me that you think a longer or shorter stem would help, if you’re not going to change it and let us know….keep up the great work

[@Hardcaslte]

And especially tires. I just put a comment on here about the YT Izzo coming with forkasters and really holding it back in reviews. Most people are going to change at least one or two things on a bike, and it's usually going to be bars and tires, so why not review the bike the way you'd ride it?

[@rogerb3927]

forgot to ask what wheel hub you have.. or if you care? my old DT 270 had very low point of engagement... my SC reserves came with I9 Hydra and 360 points of engagement... if you care, how many POE is enough? 56? 120? stock DT270 is definitely NOT enough..

[@rogerb3927]

entertaining.. and LOTS of content. Thanks for another fun video. Kitted out, I weigh about 220... sounds like the enduro (Fox 36 model) might be a good choice... I'm curious if you (or anyone else) compared the 429 enduro vs switchblade? I think comparable kits of the two are 3.5 - 5 lbs different, in favor of the 429. I'm riding an SC Bronson right now.. super fun on any descent and WAY more capable than I probably will ever be... way fun. climbs well, but at 58 years old, its harder to stay in shape enough to push that bike up hills... plus the Bronson is MX bike, which is fun and "kicky"... but I might be ready to go back to full 29er.... thoughts? anyway, great and entertaining video.. thanks!!! I agree with comments below.. inspired to go ride now! lol

[@noneface7437]

I demoed one and instantly I hated the long top tube and slack feeling seat angle that Jeff commented on. Did not like this bike

[@parkervance3574]

Cough cough downcountry...just saying

[@kaylorperatt4026]

I have a 429 enduro as my second bike to my megatower. What do you think of the 429 enduro vs the Hightower 3? been thinking of upgrading to a little more travel, i dont really ride the smooth flowly stuff so i just get the s*** beat out of me on the 140/120.. but i love how energetic it is and the short fun geo!

[@nebg4026]

@Jeff Kendall-Weed- curious what you use to measure durometer for your tires? I've had my eye on the argotal, but second guessing it for winter riding in the PNW- Maybe better off with a new HR3 and DHR2 combo? thoughts?

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

Okay, if you had to own one bike though...would you go with the Trail 429 or the Switchblade?

[@ddl008]

Did you do the durometer tests under the same conditions with both vintages? Inflated to the same psi or off the rim against a solid surface, with the same tool?

[@icantgivecredit871]

Do you tend to sit further back on bikes in general than most riders do? I was told to weight the front end on modern bikes with long top tubes, and that my hanging off the back of the seat is a "vintage" riding style.

[@docmccoy9813]

I don't understand why he didn't prefer smaller wheels

[@Shawn-in-da-Canyon]

An X2 shock would be nice on that.

[@mrvwbug4423]

not really, the X2 needs room to work, it's happiest being run on a super progressive back end without spacers, i.e. enduro bikes, especially super progressive ones like the RM Altitude and Knolly Chilcotin. The Float X is probably about as close to perfect as you can get for the 429, poppy and playful for the short travel back end.

[@Happy_Biker]

What would you do with the Shadowcat? Too small in general?

[@andymillion1611]

I know this has been asked before, but do you have a specific rubber band/gadget to hold on your glasses there?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It fluctuates between asparagus and broccoli

[@Reportedd]

Being that the 429 enduro and switchblade are very close in weight, do you think the 429 enduro climbs better than the switchblade?

[@rab..]

Had a dh casing supersoft compound kryptotal FR from germany and an enduro casing soft compound kryptotal RE from china . Was really excited to try something new after 15-20 years of maxxis. Put a good few hundred trail miles on them , great casings , roll really well but just Could not get on with the compounds. Supersoft just isn't close enough to maxxis maxxgrip but wears just about as quick.

[@justinfournier1285]

I have a T429 Enduro custom. I have Kryptotal F/R Soft Enduro and had a Xynotal Rear to try as well. I had some mixed results with the Chinese versions of the Kryptotal, but the German versions have the sipes properly aligned as the moulds were set properly. Chinese, not so much. I won't be buying the Chinese ones again. If I can't find German ones, I will try the Radial Magic Mary next, or go back to Maxxis tires like I have on all my other bikes. Also running Ohlins on mine, but going back to Fox this fall. Overall I don't love the slack seat tube angle for seated climbing, it puts the weight too far back. I tried a 40mm stem with a 35mm rise bar, too short for climbing so went to a 50mm and will leave it there. Overall fun bike to chase my kids around on, but for more challenging trails here in the PWN, I prefer my Hightower or SJ Evo.

[@tom9825]

429 climbs great… either long climbs or technical, rocky climbs. Think SoMo. Seems that should have been covered more, but he did reference that just as the video ends.

[@stevenleung9589]

I swear I thought Jeff previously did a review on the T429?

[@byronsmith4440]

I wonder why you talk about top tube length and not wheelbase which seems shorter than the new Ibis designs. My XL 429 enduro is still shorter than the new Ibis Ripley or Ripmo. I feel like new bikes growing longer might be cumbersome in tight switchbacks. Nice video. Thanks.

[@justinlareau2227]

Mix of Trail/Enduro..... I'd call that Endtrails or Trailduro bike lol. I'm 6'3 and I prefer a 165 crank. I'm used to it from my flatland bmx days. I always get a size smaller than recommended because I prefer the more playfulness. Also 27.5 inch tires or a mullet if that is the only option. I'm currently riding a hardcore hard tail (Ragley Mmmbop) and eyeballing Pivot as my first full Sus'.

[@FantaMann42]

Considering the suspension options you mentioned, I would prefer to go with the heavy duty, fork and rear suspension. Local trails has many options to ride: jump lines with beginners to advance lines, trail rides, and finally techie gnar and fast DH lines. The 429 is the perfect do it all bike for Aliso, Laguna, Ramblas, Luge, and Dog Park Jump lines. South OC has many options to ride, from XC to enduro and techie DH lines. Who Dares, Wins!!

[@SoilworkZA01]

How does the new Fox Transfer work? Also, does it rattle like the previous model?

[@olik136]

Good bike, but I don't get how a trail bike has the same price tag as a full on enduro eMTB with the same brakes and drivetrain

[@jasonmurphy2885]

I’m curious how the Trail429 enduro and the Ripley V5 compare to the Tallboy and the Tallboy with a cascade link?

[@shadrinbien6972]

I have the regular Trail 429 and I also have a Tallboy V5 with the Cascade Link. The Tallboy with the link is very progressive and it’s easy to jump, better going down gravity. Trail 429 a better climber and going up, more all around vs the Tallboy

[@duffyrides]

Great video. I just got the Ripley 5 myself and love it. Glad to hear you think the stock 34 is adequate as well. I only have two rides on it so far and am more of an aggressive jumpy rider like yourself but was able to bottom out the fork today. Perhaps a tad more air in the fork and 1 volume spacer would solve that easily and I’ll be golden. Curious what setup you end up running as I’m similar weight and height. EDIT: I was only running 2 clicks in one HS and LS so I’ll try adding a couple more on that segment again but otherwise the suspension has been amazing on 99 percent of the trail without much tinkering required at 👌

[@toddolson7273]

you've got mad skills and enthusiasm - keep the videos coming. What do you do to stay in shape (beyond riding) if anything?

[@mkrj2576]

Thanks for the review. I’d be on a Pivot but I’m not willing to loose my rear wheels and cranks for super-boost on a trail bike. It’s why I went with a Spur. Agree on your thoughts on the STA issue. Longer pedally days in the saddle are nicer on a relatively slacker sta. A too steep sta on flatter terrain puts too much weight on your hands though that can be help with a little titling the saddle nose up a bit. I didn’t look at the geo chart but maybe the longer fork set up pushed the sta too slack?

[@Trailridersusa]

Good on you for using parts you actually like and are familiar with. Unfamiliar parts can really throw me off on demo rides. Under powered brakes, low rise bars, dropper posts that don’t work right and over hyped electric drivetrains, have been the most annoying parts lately. You’re reviewing the frame. To get the most accurate assessment you should be using the same parts as much as possible. I rarely buy complete bikes but when I do I end up selling most of the parts that come with them and put on my preferred parts. Why anyone would expect you to do any different is just silly.

[@danielturczyn6773]

The rock jib redirect was beautiful. I’ve loved how pivots handle but always felt at even firebird and Mach 6 that they feel so firm on big hits in the rear suspension. Even the shuttle AM had a weird “hard tail” feeling landing off jumps. Pivots never really been able to explain that, wondering if you have 2cents on it.

[@mattfarrar5472]

I will help you with your mate Al Gorithm - Would be nice for stock thoughts then your set-up to correct what you felt was wrong with it.

[@NoBrakes23]

I always do frame only builds, so I prefer your style of parts swapping when you are doing a frame review.

[@michaelthwaites5961]

Would love to see a review of this compared with the latest iteration of the Devinci Django

[@dimimtb]

Miniduro is what I call my Optic. It’s 140/130 (CC link) and eats up chunk pretty well. Loved your reviews even if I’m not looking for a new bike…. Well not “officially”, n+1 is a disease 😅

[@grantwilliams2912]

Great insight.. It would be good to see a SC 5010 v5 review 🙂👍

[@ireddie]

You always have great reviews! Have you reviewed the newest Tallboy?

[@caseyschooley8117]

Is your cat named after Rocko from Rocko's Modern Life? Lol

[@MW-ud8zp]

Really interesting point about high end suspension mattering less on shorter travel platform. Seems very sensible.

[@martinsimandl2814]

Great reviews man! Of course setup the way you want. Ps are you running tubless?

[@caldoito]

bought the mini endure setup this summer. 1st mt bike in 15 years. I'm the king of my neighborhood hike and bike flat trail lol

[@kevinmiller3314]

Are you riding your normal i9 carbon wheels on your Ripley AF?

[@TheIggyTech]

The 429 has almost become a stereotypical recommendation on my local MTB forum (MTBNJ). I've never thrown a leg over one but it appears to be a perfect balance for the mix of undulating XC and Appalachian tech that we have in New Jersey.

[@Farthendur]

It would be cool if you get to do a review of the Santa Cruz Tallboy!

[@geoffhess45]

Love the parkfield shots in the beginning! I was there

[@ChrisBrown-dz9sz]

Such a wizard on the pedals. Cheers!

[@jasemaxable]

Compare a giant trance 275 vs 29 29??

[@SudoChuckwalla]

heavy duty light upduro obviously.

[@jasemaxable]

Have you riden a giant trance 275

[@mrvwbug4423]

Your take on the Trail 429 is about the same as mine. To me the long top tube makes the seat tube feel really slack, I honestly didn't like the seated position on the 429, it felt longer seated than my RM Altitude does despite the Altitude being a much bigger bike. The Firebird also felt shorter while seated. it climbed as I would expect any DW link bike to do, though I think the Firebird is better on tech climbs. The 429 I demoed was the enduro build and it felt very stable for a short travel bike, the main thing I noticed is the geo and fork could write checks that the rear suspension couldn't cash, amazing front end, but it was easy to bottom out in the back.

[@cnelson1106]

"The geo and fork could write checks the rear couldn't cash..." - pure gold! While this is true I ended up buying and owning the trail 429 and still love it after a year of shredding.

[@Engineers_Shred_Too]

I prefer float x over dps. Dps didn’t feel supportive enough in fully open downhill setting but was a little too damp and restrictive in the middle trail mode. Does anyone agree? Disagree?

[@troyesch6203]

Yes. Not liking the DPS on my 429

[@patrickhall6494]

Any chance you’ll ever do a video on a Norco Fluid FSA1? Not many videos on that bike and would love to see what you think of it!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Next Norco will be the Optic, but I have the Fluid VLT (ebike) in right now, just filmed on it yesterday, and will film more tomorrow, so stay tuned! Thanks

[@johncast9565]

So Conti basically "Dumb Downed" there product.

[@davemack400]

I just put another set of Conti’s on my bikes and they are just as good as pair from last year.

[@jmard24]

I want a 130 fox 36.

[@JoeIsCrazyWillman]

Since my plans for a big squish bike are the Pivot Mach-6 coil, I would want my version of this bike to be the lightest and snappiest build. Really encrouch on the "aggressive XC" side of things, where I think this would shine the most.

[@shadrinbien6972]

I have both the 429 and the Mach 6 (but float X2), both my favorite bikes.

[@gnar_tar]

I would get the shadowcat. Paired with a 29er 140mm fork, it's a blast and even lighter than the T429. I have the Firebird Mx and the Shadowcat Mx, best quiver you can have imo

[@trailpeakuk]

those views though!

[@wd99999]

My next bike

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome bike

[@mrpachuco696]

Hi! 👋

[@sgt.sender1]

Hey jeff, i absolutely love your bike reviews. Are we going to get a full video on the hightower? Just bought one and am waiting for it to show up.

[@certainperfectratio]

I was curious for his thoughts on it as well. He covered it in his recent trail bike roundup video

[@JeffKendallWeed]

We are editing it now, stay tuned!

[@cnelson1106]

Own the 23 trail 429 and love it. This review is so spot on. However the Hightower may be the proverbial "Hoverbike".

[@sgt.sender1]

@@cnelson1106is that a good thing lol?

[@cnelson1106]

@@sgt.sender1 Yes, it is the what every bike company has aspired to create. "The magic carpet ride" bike. The Hightower is as close to this as any other bike in my opinion. Still miss mine, I had the prior version 2021.

[@gundamnit3594]

Been thinking of buying a pivot for a few years, but could never settle on which. To make things worse Jenson has a crazy deal on the switchblade atm. Trail cats again 👍

[@JJMassar]

If it means anything, I absolutely love my Switchblade. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheKryus]

my friend has a switchblade and absolutely loves it. It pedals extremely well and is good for enduro, even park laps as long as bike parks arent your highest priority.

[@daviddawson4091]

Gotta say Jeff I really appreciate your flowy riding style, very nice. Great review and vid as always. Looking forward to your upcoming radial tire review ;-)

[@JoeIsCrazyWillman]

I wouldn't call any suspension setup on that bike a mini Enduro setup. I would maybe call that a mini trail bike setup, or aggressive XC setup, but not mini enduro. Normal travel trail bikes (like 135-150 rear) are "mini enduro. 120 is mini trail or big XC for sure.

[@mejne]

Please don't go with the 60fps trend, it kills my computer and adds literally nothing. Thanks!

[@jerridstory2531]

I completely agree with you about top tube lengths. bikes should be sized by top tube, reach is only a product top tube length combined with seat tube and head tube angle.

[@mrvwbug4423]

but a different HTA or STA can completely change the fit of a bike with no change in top tube length, that is why sizing has moved to reach based sizing. You might size an XC bike off the top tube, but anything that is more descent focused the reach is the more important number.

[@HollyBoni]

One tells you how the bike feels standing up, the other one tells you how it feels sitting down. Both are important and shouldn't be ignored. One issue with top tube length is that it's measured at the top of the head tube. But the actual seat tube angle at your actual seat height can be very very different than what's quoted in the geo table. On certain FS frames the seat can land really far back on bigger sizes at real life seat heights, lengthening things a bunch. So really you have to look at a bunch of different things when choosing a size.

[@barfo281]

Don't they call this a "dentist bike?"

[@hannes6114]

I mean it propably got the price tag and I rekon a dentist isn't gonna be the biggest sender, so it makes sense

[@JoeIsCrazyWillman]

No, that's anything Yeti 😂

[@gundamnit3594]

After seeing some sales you can get yourself a "dentist bike" for the same price as a canyon.

[@barfo281]

I get what you're saying about dialing it in, but if you're changing parts like cranks and stem, and more, to stuff that doesn't come with the bike, is it really a review of that bike?

[@MillerRL96]

I have no idea what percentage of people but completes or frames only but I bet a bunch watching this vid buy frames and build up so stuff like that doesn’t matter all that much to me.

[@ervin7178]

It’s a frame review.

[@barfo281]

@@MillerRL96 Fair enough.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Can you do a review of a bike if the bike doesn’t fit you?

[@brucehumphries6889]

It’s actually more value these days to buy a full build and just pull off what you don’t want than to buy a frame a build it up.

[@hjapheth]

for the record, I am straight. I truly enjoy watching all of Jeff's video. He just gives me this super happy and good vibe, just a cool dude enjoying his MTB rides, super skillful, indepth concise reviews and explanations, and seeing him smile makes me smile too... Thank you Jeff, mad kudos to you :)

[@Doubledragon0719]

A comparison of this to a Rocky Mtn element would be awesome considering you’ve raved about both companies longer travel rigs.🤌