Pivot E-Vault on test: Sporty E-Graveller to accelerate

Test: With first-class equipment and an elegant carbon frame, the Pivot E-Vault from the US off-road specialist is not only light in weight, but also has brisk handling characteristics. We'll show you what else this e-gravel bike has to offer.

The US manufacturer Pivot has been known for its off-road bikes since 2007. Whether enduro, hardtails or fullys, the range is extensive. With the Vault Gravelbike, the first bike with racing bike handlebars was added a few years ago. Although Pivot has only been represented in the e-bike sector with an e-enduro so far, the second time around they are going straight for an e-gravel bike. The Pivot E-Vault is very similar to its counterpart without E-support. This platform was used and equipped with a Fazua Evation drive in order to be able to offer even more gravel fun.

Pivot E-Vault - Natural driving experience in the foreground

For additional power, the Pivot E-Vault relies on the Fazua Evation drive from Munich. This not only offers a comparatively low weight, but it also disappears almost inconspicuously in the down tube. The support of the Fazua drive is just as unobtrusive, which is due to the coordination of the support levels, because the battery can basically bring up to 250 watts of additional power to the pedal. However, the drive concept is to be understood in such a way that it helps when you need it, for example on the mountain, but is more reserved on the flat and focuses on the natural driving characteristics. With the Pivot in particular, driving without support and beyond 25 km/h works particularly well due to the high-quality equipment and lighter tires. Here you can also consider whether you want to remove the battery completely and occasionally use the bike as a classic gravel bike.

Pivot E-Vault - Good rolling characteristics for lots of speed

So it's no wonder that rolling characteristics and speed are among the strengths of the E-Vault. The combination of sporty geometry, stiff carbon frame and snappy Reynolds carbon wheels with low-profiled 32mm tires from Maxxis results in smooth running and propulsion. However, you have to make some compromises in terms of handling, especially off the forest and asphalt roads. On the one hand, this is due to the profile of the tires and, on the other hand, to the somewhat sluggish handling on more technical sections. Nevertheless, comfort has not been completely forgotten with the Pivot E-Vault, because thanks to a special seat post mount and an elastomer insert in the seat tube, you get significantly more flexibility and comfort in the seat area. The fact that Pivot did not build its bikes for a specific target group is also quickly clear from the versatile conversion options of the bike. On the one hand, the frame and fork are designed in such a way that there is space for tires up to 47mm wide, thus increasing off-road suitability in no time at all. On the other hand, the named seat post mount offers the option of retrofitting a lowerable post for more trail fun.

The E-Vault definitely has less need for retrofitting in terms of equipment, because with the electric Shimano GRX Di2 groupset with two chainrings you have the crème de la crème of gravel groupsets on your bike. Not only the ergonomics of the grips, but also the braking and shifting performance leaves no wish unfulfilled. The already mentioned Reynolds carbon wheels not only ensure a lot of speed and a first-class look, but also have certain damping properties.

Pivot E-Vault – The features at a glance