Long Travel On Midwest Trails? Pivot Switchblade

[@byelick]

I have a similar bike, Evil Offering. I ride it in Pisgah and take it to the bike park. It's a sick bike but it's kinda goofy on my local trails. Even something tame like Dupont is really fun though. I think if you rode Upper Black Mt on the Epic and the Switchblade back to back you'd really get it.

[@TheApolloK]

"I drive a lifted truck - I get it". I like and appreciate the XC/Gravel perspective. I'm enjoying the videos and opinions. Keep'em coming!

[@alecfotsch3533]

I had a salsa spearfish before i got my switchblade. Salsa had a fancy wheelset, i transferred it over because both are super boost. I don't think anyone feels super boost. I think its more about enabling design and geo on bikes.

[@bicyclestation]

And I think that’s a fair reason for it. I just think it makes the bike a harder sell

[@spoonage82]

@bicyclestation Appreciate the honesty. Speaking as a mountain biking Hoosier who just moved back to Indiana after living in Phoenix the past 16 years trails here just don't compare so I appreciate you explaining that switchblade isn't a bad bike but maybe not the right bike for Indiana mountain biking. The Pivot HQ is just a pedal away from the great and technical chunky trails of SoMo this bike was built for and tested on (See Waterfall at South Mountain) so yes it is a big and Indiana doesn't really have many trails that will do it justice. 2 of mcurrent bikes are 160F - 140R mm and while they were great in Arizona riding SoMo, Hawes and Sedona are a little bit overkill here in Indiana which is why I just bought a hardtail lol Watching this video though you touched on DW link (Dave Weagle is a genious!) is also I agree amazing and I think you should throw a leg over an Ibis Ripley AF or Pivot Trail 429 or something similar, you would love them. My Ibis Ripmo AF even though more travel than needed here still pedals like less because of the DW but I agree shorter travel bikes because of more aggressive geometry can handle more trails for most.

[@brucehumphries6889]

You could drop the stem to the headset. Also could size down on a big bike like that. That being said, I had. Stumpy Evo and ran a 70 stem negative rise on it.

[@bicyclestation]

I should have just done that. I know it would have helped with the handling. I just really wanted to try it the way all the trail bike people ride them.

[@brucehumphries6889]

@@bicyclestation I had an earlier version of the SB, maybe 2018 model. The Geo was still close to XC, but just with longer suspension. That bike would go anywhere. Wished I still had it.

[@Ridewithneto]

I exclusively run the Nobby Nics 2.4 super ground in gumwall as well. Been running them for 3 years.

[@blackandtan.0075faster]

We are on the same page 95% of the time and this is one of those times, great video.

[@bicyclestation]

Appreciate it! Let me know if y’all still wanna do a show together

[@HLDefender]

I definitely think if you're going to add a Trail Bike to your collection - the Trail 429 is the one for you. It has a suspension one level up from the Mach 4 . But has the reinforced build to handle almost anything you can throw at it Trail 429 is the one and done for virtually all "Trail" needs. Please consider reaching out to Pivot for a comparison video bro.

[@bicyclestation]

No I 100% agree. We have a 429 in stock. They told me I could borrow this switchblade for the weekend and I wasn’t gonna pass up the opportunity to try it out. Still had a ton of fun riding it!

[@bicyclestation]

The 429 is exactly the kinda bike I’m referring to being so good now that I’m not sure these long travel bikes are relevant for a majority of riders.

[@bicyclestation]

Hey man, I’m sorry if this want you, But I got a call from someone saying they commented on this video about a custom build. Just wanted to say I never saw an email come through and just wanted to make sure it didn’t fall through the cracks if that was something you were still interested in. Thanks, Jesse

[@HLDefender]

@bicyclestation Hi Jesse - Yes - that was me on the phone call. Unfortunately I gotta put that purchase on hold for a while but will definitely reach out to you when I free up. Thanks for your time to answer all my questions. 🤙

[@bicyclestation]

Any time man! Appreciate you reaching out regardless! Wanted to make sure I didn’t miss your email.

[@Doggepp]

I see where you are coming from, since you often ride the most "racy" setup XC bikes one can get, and this is what I would say at the high-end of the "trail-bike" category, almost touching enduro territory with this travel. a 130/140 trail-bike would probably be more suited to this, or maybe even a 120/130 like the Yeti SB120, or Santa Cruz Tallboy I myself have had both an XC/downcountry bike, and an s-works stumpy evo. I would never take the stumpy out at home, since its "purely" XC-ish trails. But I have taken both bikes to a bike park, and did more blue/flowy trails, as well as some chunk - And you really see the difference there. The XC/DC 120/120 bike feels like riding an old pogo stick and it feels like its going to break, while the stumpy evo honestly feels like riding a full on dirt bike in comparison. The difference is HUGE. Probably has a lot to do with more complient frame, wheels, "better" suspension, and thicker stancions. It just feels solid, and the xc bike feels flimsy. So when put in the right environment, the difference was bigger than I could have imagined, but I would never really ride it at home Also, I kind of convinced myself to get a trailbike just because everyone and their mother on youtube has one. Its the "cool thing" to have. But I only ever used it for bike parks, which was 3 times a year. So having a $15k trail bike when 99% of my biking is XC didnt make any sense, so I only have an xc bike now.

[@bicyclestation]

I’m trying not to hate on it. It’s definitely a culture and vibe that’s super cool. Just can’t say it’s practical. I currently have a 140/130 stumpjumper that I enjoy a lot when I’m riding with slower riders. But it’s 26lbs and basically an XC bike with more travel lol. This switchblade pedals like an XC bike for real tho. The handleing was the biggest issue on this trail.

[@Doggepp]

@@bicyclestation Yeah, I get that feeling, my stumpy definitely felt big on the tighter XC trails as well, handling is totally different. But its very rocky/chunky here, and the feeling of just lifting your vision and just smash through a rock garden, without the bike caring what line you take is a very cool feeling. I would want a trail/enduro bike again, but hard to justify when its used maybe 4-5 times a year, and the XC bike is used hundreds.

[@frienduro24]

I sold my enduro bike. I’m full XC nerd

[@JoeJohnson_]

How well does this bike pumping accelerate out on the trails? Because I'm ready going to build this bike

[@51249ca]

Have Superboost on my Knolly and Devinci both with 29" wheels. Personally i would like to try 27.5 again (Boost) or a lower travel 29er. Hub width is irrelevant to me. Just want to be able to buy an oval chainring easily, and preferably have external cable routing.

[@hardmtnbiker]

Super Boost is annoying but so is Boost 148. I think it’s a much more significant improvement to a mid travel bike and obviously DH bikes and a few long travel enduro and freeride bikes are using Super Boost for a reason. The Boost 148 was so marginal compared with 142 it isn’t really necessary for short travel or hardtail’s. Perhaps that’s why hardtail are still available as 142. Just my 2cents

[@alecfotsch3533]

Tall handlebars, im told, helps with the "in the bike feeling", prevents over the bar scenarios and keeps your hands on steep descents. My version of the Midwest with the steep ups and downs of Duluth favors the switchblade much more than an XC bike. The switchblade is an excellent technical climber. I rode on on national in Arizona on south mountain which is a very steep technical climb and it was so impressive with its available to get up and over rocks. I wonder how much of your dislike/ struggle cones down to unfamiliarity with this stuff of bike and its handling.

[@bicyclestation]

I think a lot of it. I know the bike is good. I’m just so foreign to its handling. I feel safer when my weight is over the front wheel lol

[@Neuron429]

The super boost is inconvenient but I bout industry 9 1/1 wheel set and it feels good but when I upgrade I will buy a new pivot frame or a new bike and new wheels

[@phantasma2323]

I used to have the same dilemma about riding bigger bikes. However, after cracking three cross-country frames from top manufacturers, I realize that for guys that are heavier and more muscular and ride hard through rough terrain, a bike like the pivot switchblade makes it easier to attack things a little more aggressively without worrying about durability and frame flex, etc. I also think that if you are fit, you can push any bike and ride cross country enduro or Trail equally. If you are a lighter rider a down country type bike will be just fine if you listen to some of pivots podcasts about the development of the switchblade they develop that for the aggressive rider first and then lighter riders can tune it depending on their weight with volume spacers. that’s why picking a mountain bike is a very individual thing. Just my thoughts.

[@bobdunahee88]

I ride longer travel bike and I really enjoyed your perspective. That being said I would've taken out that 20-25mm spacer under the stem and put it on top.

[@tarpontime7562]

I want the tan wall racing Ralph’s 2.25 for my epic. Going to order them from you guys.

[@bicyclestation]

Email me at [e-mail]. Might have to special order them in if I’m remembering correctly

[@KennyFandango-gg1up]

The Smith shift glasses you’re wearing are they the XL or standard version please…the visibility they offer looks amazing.

[@bicyclestation]

XL. They rock

[@marksandoval5361]

I think that 120/120mm travel XC/Downcountry bikes have become much more capable is the last few years. However, for non-racers, I think they would benefit from longer slacker geometry 76* STA, 65* HTA. XC geo sucks but if you're a serious racer, I could see why you would want it. I think that long travel trailbikes are more useful where trails are steeper, faster, and rougher. I live in Durango CO and ride a 150/160mm travel Stumpy Evo. It's rocky and steep here with long descents over rock gardens. I use 2.6 Rekon front and 2.4 Rekon rear tires. Even long travel bikes deserve fast rolling tires. I also ride a 110/120mm travel Epic Evo with 700x47mm fast-rolling Pathfinder Pro Gravel tires for riding pavement, gravel, and green/blue singletrack. I my opinion, there are only 2 types of Trailbikes, those that come with 120mm forks and those that come with 160mm forks. Bikes with 130, 140, and 150mm forks should be avoided. Pick your poison, Down-Country or All-Mountain.

[@bicyclestation]

Totally agree. The new epic dips into the 65 degree head angle at 120/120 now. Its pretty amazing what it can do

[@mikewassel5683]

Take that bike to Moab. You’ll quickly understand the design spec for bikes like the Switchblade .

[@treyshepard1717]

That bike looks fun!

[@garrettpace2701]

You can't ride a Trail Bike like an XC Bike. You gotta stay inside the geometry more on the climbs and let it work for you. Getting your reach dialed is key. Way more important than worrying about overall weight is worrying about getting your position right. Once you find the spot though, it will grind up obstacles with very little required beyond subtle rider inputs. As far as Pivots go, a Trail 429 or better still a Mach 4 SL would likely be a better fit for your local trail choices.

[@andersonday3196]

I loved riding the switchblade, but I could not get myself to buy it because of the super boost spacing

[@Hjorten93]

You think there’s a difference, or like more of a ”need” for longer travel/heavier bike for a heavier rider? Im like 240lbs and i always feel like XC bikes would be so fragile under my fat ass

[@jamiefarrell6496]

Epic Evo is all the trail bike most people (including me) need 😉

[@jamiefarrell6496]

Epic Evo is all the trail bike most people (including me) need 🙂

[@Sketchybackyardtrails]

Great video!

[@bicyclestation]

Appreciate it!

[@crane1bl]

I'm not sure riders will want to deal with limited wheel selection or a full wheel rebuild just to upgrade their wheelset, even if the concept of superboost is entirely sound for big rig monster truck bikes. If the industry standardizes superboost for big bikes, it alleviates the problem somewhat. With smaller bikes as the new do-it-all, I guess allowing big bikes to adopt the qualities of their enduro/DH cousins makes sense.

[@bicyclestation]

I like this take a lot. Might as well push them further into the gravity segment.

[@samd6405]

The fact they do not offer frame only options and superboost are reasons I look elsewhere. Otherwise, Pivot looks solid.

[@bicyclestation]

As a dealer I can get you a frame. They just don’t advertise it at all. They really do pedal amazing. The bike is probably perfect except it’s harder to customize.

[@samd6405]

Good to know….was debating between Ibis Exie and Pivot Mach 4SL last year…ended up with the Ibis due to frame only option, plus discount on USA manufactured carbon.

[@bicyclestation]

I don’t understand why they don’t advertise it. High end customers usually own some solid parts and don’t wanna fork out for a complete

[@samd6405]

@@bicyclestation 💯 agree…and that described my use case. I’d argue they go further than not advertise. They explicitly told me they did not offer frames. Granted, this was ~1yr ago…so maybe things have changed. But I contacted them directly as I was interested in a Mach 4SL. Both being DW link XC options. And no stupid Super Boost either…lol

[@brucehumphries6889]

You’re not wrong about the wheels. Sucks. Nobby Nics though!!! Yea!!!

[@bicyclestation]

They are really good tires. Have you tried the wills?

[@brucehumphries6889]

@@bicyclestation Yes! Run them on my Epic Evo. They roll fast and have really good traction. I’m trying my lighter wheels with the Ray/Ralphs, and I swear they don’t feel as fast as the Wills

[@barrettwalker5294]

I'm not sure it's fair to compare or rate a "All Mountain Bike" on a cross-country trail nor would it be fair to do the opposite. I have watched a lot of videos on the Pivot Switchblade and never heard anything negative other than the price. I lived in Illinois for 40 years and rode trails there, they do not compare to Arizona trails, especially South Mountain. I mean yes it's not going to perform like a cross-country bike. You said no full suspension bike climbs well. What exactly are you trying to accomplish? You obviously prefer cross-country bikes and that's fine. I do not own a Pivot bike but to create a video about a bike and not use it for its intended use is silly at best.

[@bicyclestation]

Well pivot lent me the bike to try out. I took it to the most technical trail I had that didn’t involve driving 5 hours. Not understanding your point. I gave my opinion of the bike on the trails people in Indiana have. I tried really hard to not just say it sucks. I could have, but I tried to give it more credit. Cause it did kinda suck on the trail I road it on.

[@erictrelz3519]

The Switchblade is one of the best bikes period. If you are an XC guy, why test a Switchblade on simple trails? You created your own problem and then over complicated the analysis. The Switchblade is not an XC bike and does not pretend to be one. I love trail bikes because they are big and forgive many of my mistakes where an XC bike would not. I don’t care about weight. The DW Link is a great pedaling platform for any type of bike.

[@bicyclestation]

Pivot lent me the bike. I road it on my local trails. Idk how I created that problem. And it’s not even a problem.

[@OscarHernandez-xx2je]

Switchblade is not an XC bike. You should know this.

[@bicyclestation]

The title of the video is long travel bike on Midwest trails. I’m not sure you watched the video?

[@OscarHernandez-xx2je]

@@bicyclestation i did bro. You just complained a lot and it seems very weird.

[@bicyclestation]

So you’re agreeing with me that the bike makes no sense for Midwest trails? I’m not understanding what you’re trying to say? I don’t remember claiming it was an Xc bike.

[@OscarHernandez-xx2je]

@@bicyclestation That’s ok if you don’t. Others will.

[@bicyclestation]

Will what?

[@Blkxr6]

You're not cool enough

[@carlosflanders518]

The constant visual cuts and glitches make this video unwatchable. Gave up. No idea what the guy was saying as the editing is just too distracting.

[@bicyclestation]

Sorry about that. Tons of people comment about how much they love it. I understand it appeals to more of a TikTok style audience, and understand that that’s not for everybody

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

This style of machine gun editing with constant backgound musak has become very popular unfortunately...probably for short duration concentration time span people. I also find it pretty irritating and will aften just stop watching this style of video and move on.

[@bicyclestation]

It’s definitely the meta. I don’t think the channel would be growing if it wasn’t generally liked. I personally like it occasionally but not every video. And I think that’s why it’s doing well for us. I think most cycling channels do minimal edits.

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

@@bicyclestation Your content and humour are excellent and if I did not own a Scott Spark RC would have been tempted by a Specialised Epic following one of your videos. You have to go with the flow...I have always swam against the tide lol.

[@jamiefarrell6496]

Epic Evo is all the trail bike most people (including me) need 😉

[@jamiefarrell6496]

Epic Evo is all the trail bike most people (including me) need 🙂