Riding the NEW 2024 Pivot Switchblade!

[@danielgrafik]

Dude, you’re killing me! “Head tubes so slack, they haven’t worked a day in their lives!” 😂👌

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Dan! I'll likely keep using this joke far beyond the point that it was ever funny, stay tuned!

[@CANNABISfreedomNOtaxes]

Hunter Biden geometry

[@Mike_Rogge]

frame seems to be free of cracks so far@@CANNABISfreedomNOtaxes

[@trentvlak]

That was funny!

[@oregonphototrekker8894]

That was gold

[@jasonsisk61]

I’m 5’7” and went with the size small in the new Switchblade. That was because for me, the stand over on the medium was way too high and I would be singing falsetto after a ride. I did add a longer stem to my size small and it seems to really work for me. FWIW, I also have a Firebird and I also ride that in a size small, also with a longer stem. Info ride the Firebird in the high flip chip setting. After making that change, the Firebird rides eerily similar to the Switchblade, especially in climbs.

[@robdrew596]

It's fun to watch you get busy on your home trails. Great review as usual.

[@Dempsey222]

You were ripping on that Pivot. Pivot makes a great bike but very expensive. That bike has such a smooth ride.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Dempsey!

[@centroelettricitaspinea3422]

Expensive but reliable. My Firebird is a BEAST. repleaced just last year my first set of bearings after 3 years of abuse.

[@Dempsey222]

@@centroelettricitaspinea3422 It is top of the line bike. Everyone who has one loves it.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I actually owned the original SwitchBlade when Chris owned Titus. He’s a great guy and knows bikes. I bought 2 Titus bikes before he sold that company and started Pivot. I agree that I don’t need a full Enduro bike and a long travel Trail or short travel Enduro is perfect for me climbing up my Pasadena CA mountains and riding the steep technical exposed trails. Currently I’m only riding Hardtail’s because I haven’t decided on a full squishier that feels like it could climb as good. But sounds like the Pivot suspension is set up so you don’t have to lock it out.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hardtails are awesome! Yeah of all the full squish bikes I've ridden, the Pivot bikes pedal the best. Ibis is nearly as good when pedaling, but a bit more plush in the rough. Both are great.

[@micheandmikey]

Great video Jeff! My buddy Jake just got one and he hasn't even been out on it once yet (kids...pshhh). As for the Jenson USA, I just ordered a new stem & bars (PNW) and I'm playing around with my bar height (yes, after almost 6000 miles, finally) to get my Ripmo more so my back doesn't hurt after long rides. Anyway, hope to see you out on the trails soon, cheers!

[@LukeMegBiking]

You are back on clips dude 😮 thought it was back to “flats 4 Life” 😂 I have the 22 Switchblade and I love it. I’m going to adjust the headset so I’m on a 65 degree angle and I’m considering a cascade link. Awesome review and rising as always dude

[@ThatNinja1]

Love your videos but jealous I can't wheelie like you yet, but love watching you one wheel down a single track.

[@centroelettricitaspinea3422]

The review i was waiting! I ride my firebird 29 since Feb 2020, the best bike i'ver owned! Right now i'm looking for a lighter and little shorter travel bike for long rides, and obv the Switchblade is what i was looking. Thanks for the detailed vid and the comparisons from South West riding and West Coast riding, i'm from North est italy and i ride super hardpacked trails and mid-loose terrain like sand on my hills, so i think it will be work great as my Firebird. Pivot is super stable on high Speeds and hit with peace every jumps, but on super rough i can feel some back end pushing up, yes it's the DW-LINK down marks feels. Overall is a great poppy - flat out bike

[@BOOSTEDDUDE]

You're a really good rider! I love my 2022 Switchblade. Such a great bike for climbing and descending. I'll look into some of your mod suggestions. I've never messed with the flip chip settings or anything.

[@chrisgravel7157]

Great review and comentary about the reach, geometry and LOVE the fact you make changes throughout the review period to dial it to suit - just like most consumers would do/consider when its a few hundred bucks and were all different weights, arm lengths, heights etc!!! I decided to put a deposit on the 2023 SB at a stellar price and will add an angleset to it perhaps -1.5 degrees as I ride N.Van, Squamish, Whistler and dont shuttle. The SB will replace a Trek Slash Gen 5 which is a great bike but a not nearly as snappy and or efficent for longer rides. I realize I will loose some travel and some speed on the most technical decents but at 53 and with 30+yrs of MTB under my belt I think it will be a great comprimise and up the fun factor big time.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Congrats on the new rig! Yeah an angel set is a must on that bike, but it should be a great change for ya! You might also want to consider a coil rear shock at some point, would suit your terrain really well. I get a lot of negative comments about changing parts. But I think it’s important to get each bike as dialed in as possible in order to give it the most fair chance to be its best. Cheers Chris!

[@chrisgravel7157]

@JeffKendallWeed appreciate the reply and feedback. I think your approach is way more informative, and you rode a largely stock bike back in Phoenix so we get a really great overall impression of the bike. That and their are heaps of reviewers who change nothing but stack height, not even tires, etc. sonics are actually harder to get a read on how good or different one chassis is from another. Hey, some of this footage looked like my backyard in N Van?

[@Atzinberg34]

I got a new bike just a few days ago and right before the first ride got sick. This has been my remedy cus I’ve been absolutely craving going for a ride

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Congrats on the new rig- hope you heal up quick!

[@superawesomefuntimego]

Thanks for the review Jeff!! Pretty good looking trail bike, my main problem is how over priced Pivot is for their build kits. It is almost comical they want $6400 for SLX, fox performance (not even elite) and M1900 wheels. Not bad parts mind you, but not at that price.

[@trentvlak]

I like it. I don't want the poors riding the same bike I ride.

[@matthewserna7475]

M1900's on a bike at that price is asinine

[@glitchman3194]

Pretty heavy for a mountain biker at 170 ish ....... boy I feel bad for my bike with me at 217😅. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the ride

[@8o8ertmtb]

Came to say the same. That's 77kg and I'm 90kg. I feel heavy now 😂

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for commenting! That's honestly a bit of a dig at the MTB industry, not aimed at you or anyone else who buys bikes. Bikes are so often engineered for seemingly ~150lb riders- but no one (with kids) is 150lbs! Luckily the Switchblade is PLENTY torsionally stiff. Props to Pivot for their design there.

[@8o8ertmtb]

@@JeffKendallWeed got my eyes on the Atherton AM.130 built nice and strong.

[@ianbales]

@@JeffKendallWeed I get you're mostly being facetious, but there are plenty of riders (especially if you want to include women(!) in this discussion) that are ~150 lb or less

[@freshie247]

Great channel, Your style of riding is what I aspire to do, but will never attain! Own a ‘20 SB, great bike, I’d totally be into changing parts but I wouldn’t know what to do in relation to what I’d like to change or how exactly to relate that. I’m 5’9” and ride the medium , been encouraged to go longer on the stem ,but have resisted, now wondering it shorter would be better,this bike can seem big in tight spots. Ironically I found your channel from a video a friend sent me about some spandex clad XC weenie in Indiana complaining about how he didn’t understand the point of a bike like the SB. Rip on Garth!

[@primetastic]

I’ve been riding mine for about 6 months. The medium frame on me 5’ 9” Feels just about right but I did replace the stem to a 35 mm as you had done as well and it Did make a difference. Also I replaced the dhf with an assegai max grip to help with my loose so cal trails. Definitely took time to get used to the reach. I feel like it is pretty slack but I’m coming from a 5 year old trail bike. My son is a much better rider than me and when he first rode it he complemented how solid it felt compared to his YT Capra. Thanks for your review.

[@justinvilleneuve4455]

One of the best riders on KZbin, your style is so fun to watch!

[@rollingsteadymedia6557]

I see that new dropframe! Looking forward to the review to come. Got mine first week out, had a fox gift card burning a hole in pocket from returning original dropframe pro. Rubbed back of my head very bad, loving the new one!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I LOVE this new Dropframe! Huge upgrade over the old. I do wish it had ear ports like the old helmet, but that's my only gripe.

[@EverythingisFire]

Dang it. You're reminding me to learn to manual & properly bunny hop in this off-season.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

hahaha practice practice practice! Youll get it!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Jeff: talks about traction a lot Also Jeff: spends most of his time on the back wheel or in the air 😜

[@ericsplayland]

Excellent vid. Would be great if you could do a back to back between the Switchblade and the Firebird. I'm between the two, owned the original Firebird and loved it. Currently riding an Evil Calling, which I like but miss the extra travel and the 29 inch wheels.

[@aweldum]

Another great vid Jeff! Cool to hear the update comparisons to the firebird. It sounds like the switch blade could now be a reasonable successor to my yeti 5.5 that's been the long time trail/duro go to🤙

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Weldum!

[@LJ_Adventure79]

How is there already 2025 models out we've only just gone into 2024

[@MTBinKY]

Supply chain issues gone wild!

[@nosamsemaj]

Came here to say the same!

[@LawrenceMacMacster]

Commented something similar, season hasn't begun it's already over... Happy xmas

[@xsurfy]

guess a typo ;-)

[@walken199]

It's a clickbait mistake, while every other video has got the 2024 he's got the 2025

[@skiboot1]

I'd love to see you on the short travel Norco Fluid either carbon or alloy!

[@s4-mtb678]

I was drooling the entire time.

[@davidpark5621]

Just discovered your channel- love it! One question- is it advisable to clamp the stanchion part of a dropper post when putting the bike on a stand?

[@a8f235]

I own the previous Switchblade and even though I am not in purchase-mode it would be interesting to try them back to back. There's no demo options in my country so I'll just have to look at more review videos instead.

[@brettkilian9855]

I just bought a Kona process 153 which is marketed as an enduro, but it’s 160mm front and 64.5 head tube which is a bit more slack than this. And after watching your enduro video I was thinking I made a mistake in buying that, and now this makes me feel a bit better!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

The 153 is a GREAT bike! I really liked it with a 170mm fork, too, and thought the bike did great when pushed a bit harder.

[@terr256]

I'm torn between this or getting the new high pivot norco sight

[@NDemanuele1]

I demo'd an older Switchblade - maybe 22 or 23 - after riding a V1 Ripmo for a few years. I was amazed how it pedaled - seemed to pedal more like a Ripley. It descended well too, however the Ripmo seems more planted. This could be due to the suspension and shorter chainstays on the Switchblade why it wasn't as planted? So, overall I prefer the Ripmo, although I preferred the pedaling on the Switchblade it wasn't enough to make the Switch...LOL. JKW should do a shootout between: Ripmo> SWB> RM Altitude !!

[@jadoningalls1205]

I’ve bought and sold a lot of mountain bikes because I love trying them all! But the only bike I truly regret letting go was my ‘21 switchblade.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

The prior SB was a great rig!

[@jason-dy5ou]

I would love to talk to you about the firebird vs the switchblade. I am riding in the northwest in CT mostly. I ride a 429 enduro now and looking to switch to one of these 2 bikes. Cant decide.

[@garydecker3281]

How did it compare to the SB140?

[@kevinray985]

Out There!

[@brianhunt914]

You missed out on the golden boy bike for me.. the shadowcat the most fun all day trail bike I've ever ridden.

[@vwmk5gtiblk]

Great content Jeff. Quick question. I have a sb140lr. I also put a shorter stem as I felt the reach was a little long for my liking. Tried various ended up with 32mm stem. I found now I’m not using as much travel in the fork. Should I reduce compression or air volume? TIA? Keep the awesome vids coming 🤙🏻

[@johnnnewmex]

Pivot and Revel seem to like these short back ends, steep head angles, long top tubes, and slack seat tubes.... I just never have understood why. 😮

[@DeandreMurray]

I want to ride this bike so I can compare it to my 2023 Tyee 6. I feel like the Propain rear linkage is pretty similar to this. I totally agree though 160mm now is like the happy middle especially if you like to explore new trails/travel

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I've never ridden a Propain! Enjoy your rig!!!

[@hollowroots2197]

Sick rig. More Rocco content, please.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Meow he’s into it meow

[@shaybull4538]

I see a Pivot, I hit Like. Such Awesome bikes....

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Shay, I like your style!

[@someonesuperrandom4194]

Would you be interested in reviewing a Commencal TEMPO? They’re apparently extremely playful and aggressive for being a 125mm frame.

[@lukelackermayer]

Hey jeff what pedals are you riding currently?🎉

[@TomCollins-c4h]

Im just under 5'7" and bikes are getting huge! Don't really like this trend because the only thing I fit on are XC/downcountry bikes and they keep making those longer, slacker too.

[@majesticog9281]

Any plans to review more transition bike?

[@ChrisWilmshurst]

So it's almost like a baby Firebird? I picked up a firebird after your last video, and I've been considering a shorter travel bike. I hope this doesn't become a trend haha.

[@mathewmccabe2658]

It does lol

[@jaybartlett2561]

just bought a Firebird also...of course i want more bikes still. it never ends...

[@JeffKendallWeed]

The Firebird was great! TBH I preferred it over the Switchblade. Somehow I just had a little more fun on that platform. I know it's "bigger," but it just worked well for me. SB is also a great bike. If I had the FB, and wanted a second rig, I'd likely go something WAY different, like a hardtail, but that's just me! Cheers!

[@jaybartlett2561]

@@JeffKendallWeed that is good to hear!!! I love my FB. I also do some lift service riding and prefer the burlier platform.

[@georgeholt6766]

Jeff, whats your thoughts on the Pivot 429 Enduro

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Stay tuned, filming now!

[@Spindatt]

lol me sitting here at 182lbs thinking: oh

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right?! That was more of a nudge to the industry that most of us aren't 150lbs!

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Guarantee you the new ripmo will be out very soon…probably similar geo to this bike.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Fingers crossed any new Ripmos aren't this long for the size medium. Ibis tends to lean toward conservative with their numbers, and that's a good thing. The current AF and Carbon medium Ripmos fit me perfectly. This bike was a little big!

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

@@JeffKendallWeed I’ve watched a bunch of reviews and everyone is saying same thing!

[@wrighttown]

How does it compare to the Ripmo V2S?

[@SaldarriagaDesign]

How are those moonchild snowboards? Where do you board and do you do any splitboarding?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I’ve been loving the board! I’ve ridden it a couple of days up at Mount Baker. I don’t think I could tell apart a good from a bad snowboard, since I am very amateur, but I will say this board floats over the powder really well, is plenty fast for me in the open groomers, and it’s really easy to jump and whip around on the tight steep stuff. I do not do any split boarding.

[@samuelc8235]

hey jeff, found a 2017 ibis mojo in a price range that does not offer a lot more, would this bike still be good now ? I'm 5'10 and i like a reach of around 460/470, the bike is in size large and i don't know if it would fit. Great video as always, good informations on the bike but cannot afford it for now lol

[@vrwgq3q]

Does it sometimes make steering too quick if you use a stem shorter than the offset?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Getting the reach down a bit was much more noticeable than the subtle steering feel. The 1 degree slacker headset was also a huge help- but you have a point, these two things could be related.

[@JoosshhST]

Too bad you didn't get sent the pink neon color! Would have really stood out in the forest

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right?! Ah it's ok, I have 3 black test bikes in right now! Gonna have a battle to see who can be the blackest of them all.

[@freezer4230]

New Firebird smaller than the Switchblade? You just break an embargo Jeff?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

No my browser got the old Firebird in the cache and everyone I would Google it, it came up with the old one- but it started right about the same time the new Switchblade hit the Pivot website. Was an odd deal! Anyhow, that prior gen Firebird looks sweet!

[@lbanezjs1000]

if im 5'7" but massively disproportionally long torso what size would i go to? i ride a medium scott spark, giant trance, giant xtc, canyon neuron.

[@hansonwang2121]

Take my opinion with a grain of salt but the general consensus is size up as long as you have enough stand over height. The stand over on the Switchblade is reasonably short so a medium should be ok.

[@Coors1974]

Go large

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hard to say- I would imagine the medium could work, but at 5'8", it was BIG on me.

[@Chance.B]

How would you compare it to the Santa Cruz Bronson?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

TOTALLY different... The Switchblade is much faster. But on steeper stuff, or more technical stuff, I'd rather be on the Bronson. For a big 30 mile pedal loop, probably Switchblade. Bronson prioritizes handling and fun, Switchblade prioritizes speed.

[@Chance.B]

Interesting….. thanks!

[@matthewserna7475]

Interesting bike.. I've ridden the previous gen and felt like it was a true "switchblade" for most trail riding, great progression and geo. Now they've made it so long and the sizes so big, with a wheelbase bigger than some Enduro bikes. Not sure it's as great of all all rounder now. Looks great in pnw with the wheelbase but it's entirely too long for most trails, and travel too short for true modern Enduro riding Also hope the pressfit haters will be in full force with the BB

[@austinlittle924]

Should get your hands on some Evil bikes!

[@jamie-qz6xx]

He already had

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ah I've been on the Offering and the Epocalypse. Good bikes, but my active style meshes a little better with other DW bikes. Evil is AWESOME for those who stay more planted on the bike.

[@jmard24]

I saw you smiling when you were riding.

[@a.r.8850]

-11°C! Man i thought +3°C was cold... i have to up my gloves game...

[@edgardacanay8460]

+3°C may feel colder than -2 thru -15°C because moisture can still condensate under the layers and on the skin above freezing. It's the condensation that really lowers your body temp.

[@a.r.8850]

​@@edgardacanay8460 yes i guess there is not much absolute humidity left at -10°.

[@Seebema]

Offering or switchblade? 3..2..1.. go!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

They are completely different bikes. Switchblade is much faster when pedaling or even pumping. Offering has more traction and likes to be ridden loose in the Northwest.

[@Seebema]

@@JeffKendallWeed if you can have only one 140 bike to do everything in the northwest what do you choose. Besides the ripmo

[@Zaba...]

props for the knife laws joke!

[@LawrenceMacMacster]

2025, sounds like planned obsolescence to me 😂

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Try googling 2024 Switchblade, the "old" model comes up. I figured "2025" would eliminate that confusion. I bet Pivot will keep this bike in the line for at least a couple years before the next update, this future proofs it.

[@lazylearner967]

I have a soft spot in my heart for Pivot as I raced an 429 back in the day, and still ride it as my "gravel/tarmac" bike. The thing that keeps me away from Pivot is their super boost hub. My Chris king wheels won't work with them and I don't want to buy a super boost that I won't use again when I get a new bike the following year.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

FYI, super boost wheels are CHEAP in the used market!

[@lazylearner967]

@@JeffKendallWeed good point.

[@mikeborges31]

Hi Do u tried meta v5 ?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Not yet!

[@mikeborges31]

@@JeffKendallWeed 😐

[@casestudymtb]

This is how Jeff tells us he's a time traveller.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

88mph

[@Coors1974]

Its feels long because the slack seat angle ..super long ett..

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I like slacker seat angles. But I also like ~460mm reaches for my height and style. eMTBs can benefit hugely from a slacker seat angle, but unfortunately, that's not on trend.

[@Coors1974]

@@JeffKendallWeed I agree I don't like these extremely steep seat angles..I'm just trying to understand the sizing on these ..you said you felt more comfortable on the firebird which has a longer reach ..but shorter ett than this switchblade which you felt long..on paper the firebird should feel longer standing..I'm 5,9 with long wingspan and always between medium and large..I'll have to sit on them to really know..

[@Eric.V.]

Bro, 170lbs is “heavy”?! You just triggered 95% of your audience😆 Awesome video😎👍

[@roddas26]

-10 degress 👀

[@grosmerou]

"Ripmo slightly better " and twice less expensive ! I used to love Pivot this one is way too long, reach = 485 in large. I will keep my Ripmo longer and get a new SANTA CRUZ HIGHTOWER, a new released is expected in a few months

[@b.w.1704]

Pivot prices are just an atrocity!

[@trentvlak]

Then ride a 951 from Costco.

[@clc1117]

Steeez 7:04

[@JJMassar]

Damnt! Now I have to get a new bike. Lol

[@JeffKendallWeed]

*have to?* hahaha!

[@davewallace9048]

Not a big fan of the way Pivot bikes look Way to commercial looking.. I’ll take my Ibis ripmo AF any day?

[@mrpachuco696]

Forgot to comment

[@cjgauss6079]

Is this a joke it is a 2025 model? One more sign of how jacked up the industry is right now. They cannot sell the 2023’s. That aside, great brand and nice looking bike. Interesting to see them added SRAM options.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Try googling 2024 Switchblade, the "old" model comes up. I figured "2025" would eliminate that confusion. I bet Pivot will keep this bike in the line for at least a couple years before the next update, this future proofs it.

[@STLMTB]

170lbs? Fucking har!!!! I'm 235 with gear.

[@TheMTBRider96]

not 2026? god it's just February 2024

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I can buy a trail worthy landcruiser for the cost of a Pivot. Just saying.

[@daverupes7022]

Hard to trust a guy who has a bunch of cats and 2 last names 😅 he complained about the black frame then I got worried he would prefer a rainbow paint scheme 😂 never know in washington these days 😮 seems like a solid rider though

[@JeffKendallWeed]

😂 at least no more beard. And I never spoke Spanish… I should do a Spanish minute in the next video just to look more suspect for you, Dave! 😂 thanks for watching, and appreciate the light hearted ribbing

[@jannaben_mtb]

Like this so “I liked my own comment” isn’t at the top of

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ha!