Pivot Switchblade 2020: Big update for noble all-rounders

Product news: Pivot has established itself in the high-end segment in recent years. And rightly so, because we were able to get a lot out of all the American bikes. Also the Switchblade, and now Pivot is doing even better! The Pivot Switchblade gets a complete makeover for 2020.

Of course, the flagships of every MTB manufacturer are downhill bikes or XC rockets, but the majority of riders are more interested in all-round models like the Switchblade. We tested the predecessor, here you can read how we liked the bike:

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Pivot Cycles is now introducing the new Switchblade and promises to have done some fine-tuning. The bike should be more versatile than ever and have what it takes to redefine performance within its category. It is also promised that the new evolutionary stage of the bike will blur strict areas of use, but in our opinion the predecessor was already able to do that very well, so we are curious how the bike feels... Hello Pivot, bring me a test bike!

Pivot Switchblade 2020: Proven rear end, more travel

On the plus side and one of the reasons for the great performance uphill and downhill was the dw-link rear end of the "old" Switchblade. But now it even has 142 millimeters of travel, compared to 135 millimeters before. Previously lying, a standing damper is now installed in the wheel, which, among other things, creates enough space for a large drinking bottle. A more progressive characteristic should lead to a fuller ride at the beginning of the suspension travel with more support in the middle and increased bottoming out protection at the end.

In close cooperation with Fox, Pivot wants to have developed a completely new piston and a set-up for the spring strut that should make the DPX2 even more sensitive and thus elicit noticeably more traction from the rear triangle. In addition, the bike is compatible with steel spring dampers and the Fox Live integration should be significantly easier. Incidentally, the frame weight of the frame manufactured using the "hollow-core process" is given as 2,57kg in size S and without dampers.

Pivot Switchblade 2020: More progressive geometry, optimized XS frame

The Switchblade also follows the ongoing “longer & slacker” trend, but is not too extreme. The steering angle has become flatter, about half a degree, and the reach is a good two centimeters longer, which should position the rider a little more sportily on the bike. The makers have given the bike a steeper seat tube angle by over a degree, another step towards the advanced long and low geometry. The seat tube has also been straightened and shortened, creating space for longer dropper posts and more freedom of movement. Thanks to the more compact frame design, the developers want to further increase the sense of security without restricting the choice of seat post.

 

The "flip chip" for adjusting the geometry is known from the current Firebird and allows adjustment to all common wheel sizes for such a bike. Whether it's a mullet bike with 29″ at the front and 27,5″ at the rear or just one of the two sizes at the front and rear, that's a matter of taste and leaves plenty of room for tuning and trying things out.

Pivot Switchblade 2020: model variants, equipment and prices

The new Pivot Switchblade will be available in six basic variants between 6.549 euros and 11.849 euros. Incidentally, all models share the carbon frame, which always comes in one of the two colors "Treeline Green" and "Horizon Blue" - regardless of the selected model.

As has been the case for some time, Pivot also offers a small modular system for the Switchblade, with which the basic variants can be upgraded in parts. The Team and Pro variants offer the option of equipping the chassis with the new Fox Live Valve System - for a sporty surcharge of around 2.000 euros. Furthermore, all Switchblade variants with 29 and 27,5+ tires or wheels will be available. The frame remains the same, the adjustment is made exclusively via flipchip and headset.

Website

www.pivotcycles.com