The Pivot Switchblade has only just been unveiled for 2024 and we can already tell you where the strengths and weaknesses of the high-end full-suspension bike with 160 millimetres of travel at the front and 142 millimetres at the rear lie. The Americans are not firing off a firework display of new features for the new model year. Instead, they are following the path of gentle optimisation, giving the Switchblade slightly revised kinematics and small changes to the geometry. We already attested the predecessor a cream rear triangle and great riding fun. Can the new Pivot Switchblade in the Pro X0 AXS version go one better?
Pivot Switchblade 2024 on the climbs: not a model student
At first glance, the 2024 Pivot Switchblade is an old acquaintance. Thanks to the SAG indicator on the shock, the right setup is quickly found. Once mounted, the Switchblade immediately feels very balanced. Although the bike is not stingy with length, the riding position is neither too sporty nor too comfortable thanks to the high front end. The rear suspension is of the lively variety and eagerly pumps along when pedalling. Even flipping the platform lever does not fully stop the movements of the upright shock.
In line with current trends, Pivot has steepened the seat angle slightly. However, at 75.5 degrees, it is still in the moderate range. Especially in the highly competitive market of high-end all-mountain bikes, the geometry tables of many competitors are much more progressive. In comparison, the rider sits far back on the Pivot. Together with the high cockpit, the short chainstays and the slight sagging of the rear triangle, this unfortunately doesn't make the Switchblade a model student on steep ramps.
Unlike Merida, for example or Ghost, Pivot does not combine short seat tubes and a long reach with an extraordinarily steep seat angle of 78 or even 79 degrees. This is another reason why sensitivity is required when choosing the size. While the 430 millimetre short seat tube with the 477 millimetre long reach and the 200 millimetre adjustment range of the dropper post suit classic L-shaped riders well, the longer reach could also appeal to taller riders. However, with a large saddle extension, they will pedal even further back. At 14.5 kilos, the weight of the Switchblade is refreshingly low compared to bikes in the same suspension travel class - despite the solid Exo+ puncture protection at the front and rear.
Pivot Switchblade 2024 in the Downhill: Feel-good place
Similar to the Dave Weagle rear triangle on the Ibis HD6 The sensitive rear end of the Pivot Switchblade comes into its own on the descents. On varied trails, the fluffy suspension is an absolute bank, sensitively filtering out even small bumps from the ground and reacting quickly to big impacts. At the same time, the active suspension provides pleasant support when playing with the trail. The 142 millimetre rear suspension works so well that it can easily keep up with the significantly longer fork - quality instead of quantity! Without any imbalances, the suspension supports the rider optimally in every downhill situation.
Pivot has also hit the nail on the head when it comes to integrating the rider into the bike. The rider is wonderfully centralised on the bike, which, together with the compact rear end and low standover height, favours pleasant handling. The Switchblade can be intuitively pulled onto the short chainstays and the bike also feels comfortable on the jumpline. The Pivot is smooth through tight bends.
It gets a little more nervous on rough terrain with a lot of speed and fast steep descents. Compared to other all-mountain bikes, the steering angle is rather steep at 65.5 degrees, even in the slack flip-chip setting and despite the long fork. Although the good suspension can conceal uncertainties in such borderline situations, the Geo has a somewhat "old-school" feel overall.
Even downhill there is no denying it: The front of the Pivot Switchblade is high! At 644 millimetres, the stack value is of the tall variety. Pivot not only leaves a lot of spacers on the steerer tube, but also installs a stem with rise. For racers and sporty downhill riders who like to put a lot of pressure on the front end, this is too much of a good thing. On the other hand, there are no rollover feelings even on steep descents. In addition, riders with a playful riding style only need to pull the cockpit briefly to move the bike onto the rear wheel.
The equipment of the Pivot Switchblade Pro X0 AXS is consistently high-quality and functional, but - measured against the proud price - doesn't radiate quite as much glamour as we had hoped. To put it more critically: other manufacturers already offer the same equipment on carbon full-suspension bikes that are a good 3000 euros cheaper. Annoying: The Fox Transfer Factory dropper post developed significant play in all directions early on in the test and was noticeable in the form of loud rattling on the otherwise quiet bike.
Details on the Pivot Switchblade Pro X0 AXS
- Price: 9299 Euro
- Suspension travel: 160/142 mm
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Application: All Mountain
Equipment
- Fork: Fox Float 36 Factory
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory
- Gear system: Sram X0 AXS Transmission, 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Code RSC 200/180 mm
- dropper post/stroke: Fox Transfer Factory / 200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / Minion DHR II 3C Maxxterra Exo+ Protection TR 29 x 2.5"
Measured values
- Total weight: 14.52 kg (without pedals)
- Weight of wheels: 5161 g
- Impeller inertia: 4227 g x cm²
Conclusion from Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
With first-class suspension of the highest quality and uncomplicated handling, the Pivot Switchblade knows how to please in many situations. The exception is climbing steep ramps. Then the rear suspension seems too bumpy and the seat angle is still too conservative. Overall, the Pivot's strengths lie less on long rides and more in playful downhill manoeuvres. Compared to the strong all-mountain competition, the riding fun is top, the price unfortunately flop.
Pro
- Chassis with excellent response behaviour
- Balanced driving position
- manoeuvrable and playful handling
Contra
- rear-heavy pedalling position
- Chassis bobs on tour
- less smooth-running than other all-mountain bikes
Jan Timmermann
Editor
