Pivot has released its new Switchblade and this latest iteration features a radical redesign.
The Switchblade has always been Pivot’s dual category mountain bike capable of enduro riding but equally comfortable clocking significant trail mileage, too.
For 2020 the Switchblade gains a new frame design, which moves the shock placement from its mounting point below the top tube to an upright position, anchored above the bottom bracket.
The new suspension configuration is from American kinematic specialist, Dave Weagle, and it retains the independent front and rear triangle linkages, which many followers of Pivot value.
Two short lower links join the frame’s triangles and the top link attached to a compact rocker arm, which actuates a Fox DPX2 shock. Rated at 142mm of travel and optimised around 29-inch wheels, the new Switchblade has 7mm more terrain-absorbing suspension stroke at the rear than before.
Further frame details include generous 2.6-inch tyre clearance if you are running 29er wheels and for those who prefer smaller diameter plus wheels, the Switchblade will accommodate 27.5-inch tyres up to 2.8-inches in width.
Using the frame's flip-chips, you can also run a 27.5in rear and 29in front wheel combination, if you wish.
The 2020 Switchblade geometry upgrades tally longer reach numbers and slacker steering angles, compared to its predecessor. Pivot had added about 10mm of reach per frame size, with the size L Switchblade now measuring 470mm of reach.
With a 160mm Fox 36 up front the new Switchblade has a 66-degree head angle, which is 1.25-degrees slacker than before.
Pivot is positioning its all-new Switchblade within a broad pricing bandwidth. The most affordable version is a Shimano XT component blend version, retailing at £5,700/$5,499/€6,199. For those potential Switchblade customers who want the most advanced specification, Pivot is offering an XX1 AXS equipped variant complete with carbon wheels and Fox Live Valve suspension, at £12,400/$12,399/€13,999.
