The Pivot Shuttle has a long development history behind it. The first generation came onto the market 6 years ago. At the time, the elegant bike polarised with a 500 Wh battery from Shimano that was virtually permanently installed in the down tube and was actually intended for external mounting. It took what felt like two dozen screws and a lot of patience to remove the battery from the frame. A nightmare in terms of handling, but a direct hit in terms of weight and centre of gravity. Thanks to its full carbon frame, the first Pivot Shuttle weighed just under 20 kilos and, with its small 27.5 mm wheels and the typical DW multilink rear suspension with 140 millimetres of travel, was very smooth, agile and at the same time easy to swallow. Back then, it was already a very successful combination, albeit with a distinct pot-bellied pig look and at an exorbitant price of 9999 euros for the time.
The facts about the Pivot Shuttle AM 2023
- Carbon frame with 160/148 millimetre stroke
- 29er wheels
- Bosch Performance Line CX motor
- Bosch Powertube 750 permanently installed in the down tube
- Optional 625 power tube possible, standard on the entry-level model
- Flip chip for 0.4° geometry adjustment (low/high)
- Weight 22.27 kilos (Pro X0 model, measured in the EMTB lab, size L)
- Three models for 9399, 12,199 and 14,399 euros
The new Pivot e-mountainbike in detail
Fast forward seven years and the Pivot Shuttle AM is the latest interpretation of the original Shuttle. The E-MTB has retained the now classic DW rear triangle, which experience has shown to combine a high level of drive neutrality with plenty of pop with a high absorption capacity and good sensitivity both downhill and uphill. In the Shuttle AM, it offers 148 millimetres of travel, which is accessed via the Fox Float X air shock.
The full carbon bike is powered by the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX. And this is a first for Pivot. Until now, the brand's e-MTBs have relied on Shimano motors or the Fazua Ride 60. With its 85 Newton metres of torque, the Performance CX motor provides an enormous boost when required. The top model even comes with the exclusive CX Race drive of the Swabians. For plenty of endurance and range, Pivot installs the large 750 battery firmly in the down tube. A range extender, the new Bosch Power More 250with another 250 watt hours, can also be clicked into the frame as an altitude metre eater. The special feature of the Pivot Shuttle, however, is the downgrade option: a second pair of mounting points in the down tube allows the smaller 625 battery to be installed. This saves a good 700 grams of weight (fitted as standard in the entry-level model) and would reduce the already low weight of our test bike to a good 21.5 kilos. A very good value for a modern e-bike with 29-inch tyres, a large battery and a power motor! However, the lack of a battery removal option is somewhat limiting. Changing the battery on tour or after a few bike park laps is not possible, nor is charging the battery outside the bike.
Power-Lift: The Bosch Performance Line CX in the new Pivot Shuttle AM
Pivot is not committed to one motor manufacturer, but offers a different e-bike motor for each of its three models. The Shuttle LT features the Shimano EP8 drive, while the Shuttle SL the Fazua Ride 60. For the all-rounder, the Shuttle AM trail bike, Pivot relies on the proven, powerful Bosch Performance Line CX. Since the extensive Update for display and remote the powerful Schwaben motor impresses with its high-quality integration with a mini-remote on the handlebars and a small battery and support level display on the top tube. Experience has shown that the Bosch batteries deliver a lot of energy and reliably propel the rider uphill with the 750 watt hour battery in our standardised range test to just under 2000 metres - significantly more than other systems with 700 to 750 watt hours.
The geometry of the new Pivot Shuttle AM
The chassis of the Pivot Shuttle AM offers the option of slightly changing the geometry via a flip chip. In the high position, the steering angle and seat angle are steepened by 0.4 degrees. The changes are minor and are more noticeable in nuances in practice. After a first run in the high position, we switched to the flat setting - and didn't feel the need to change it again. All testers found the handling to be very balanced and successful.
Pivot Shuttle AM Pro: The equipment
The middle of the three models, the Pivot Shuttle AM Pro, has a very high level of equipment. But at a price of 12,199 euros, anything else would be cheeky. Naturally, the top suspension elements from the Fox brand can be found at the front and rear. The Fox Factory 36 Kashima with high-quality Grip2 cartridge offers all the necessary adjustment options. The gears are shifted using the brand new electronic Sram XO Eagle transmission. Shimano XT brakes, DT Swiss FB 1535 aluminium wheels, carbon handlebars and cranks made from the precious black material complete the high-quality overall package.
Practical test: This is how well the new Shuttle AM Pro rides
We were able to test the brand new all-mountain e-bike from the Americans extensively on the trails in the Bavarian bike park in Oberammergau and in Lermoos, Austria. A total of three different riders rode the mountain bike. Their harmonised impressions provide a clear picture of the advantages and weaknesses of the new Pivot Shuttle AM 2023.
Uphill capability: how the newcomer climbs
In our comparison rides, it quickly became clear that the new Pivot Shuttle AM offers a rather long, touring riding position. Thanks to the high front, the e-bike does not appear uncomfortably stretched, but is rather tall when seated. The riding position distributes the weight neutrally and without a significant load on the front wheel. The seat angle is rather slack by modern standards, even in the steeper geo position. On really steep climbs, this almost makes you sit a little rear-heavy, which is not ideal. However, the Pivot MTB proves to be a solid climber, although the front wheel climbs earlier than on real climbing specialists. A particular highlight is the excellent traction in the rear triangle, supported by the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Overall, the e-bike positions itself well in the midfield of power trail bikes on the climbs. Despite a few minor weaknesses, the Pivot Shuttle AM offers solid performance on the climbs.
Downhill performance: this is how well the Pivot Shuttle AM rides on the trail
The rather average uphill performance is in stark contrast to the downhill performance of the Pivot Shuttle AM. Downhill, the relatively light e-MTB impresses with its extremely balanced handling. It is emphatically light-footed, lively and direct, whereby the lightweight DT Swiss wheels are also clearly noticeable. Thanks to the high front end, you are very well integrated on the bike and feel secure even on steep terrain. The suspension is well-balanced, but with little end progression. It doesn't feel like the ultimate in suspension travel, but gives a defined, poppy ride feel. For all testers, the Shuttle AM offered a good compromise between comfort and sporty support at the rear.
Overall, we really liked the DW-Link rear suspension. The bike has a good absorption capacity, but doesn't offer a hoover feeling like the Specialized Turbo Levo, for example. It provides clear feedback from the ground, but without giving a harsh ride feel. Despite the smooth ride and high absorption capacity, the bike retains a defined character. Too bad: During our first test rides, the Shuttle AM produced a distinct rattling noise downhill. After a long search, it turned out that the noise was caused by significant play in the Fox transfer post. The carbon frame of the Shuttle amplified this noise to an unusually high degree.
Conclusion:
The Pivot Shuttle AM is a lively E-trail bike with enduro qualities and an absolutely successful fun machine. Downhill and on the trail, it is one of the best and most fun power eMTBs on the market. The decent but not excellent climbing performance, due to the fairly slack seat angle and the high front end, hardly spoil the overall impression. Thanks to the permanently installed battery, the e-bike is extremely light - a rarity among e-MTBs with a Bosch drive. At 22.3 kilos, it is the lightest E-Fully with a 750cc Powertube that we have ever tested in the EMTB lab. In terms of equipment, there is still room for improvement. The top-of-the-range version with carbon wheels, CX Race motor and XTR components should be a few hundred grams lighter. In the Pivot model range, the Shuttle AM sits very successfully between the Enduro Shuttle LT (click here to test the successful enduro!) and the light bike Shuttle SL. Perfect for anyone looking for a lively, fun power bike that can also take on enduro descents. However, you have to dig pretty deep into your pocket for this.
Models and prices of the new Pivot Shuttle AM
There will be three models of the new Pivot Shuttle AM with Bosch drive. However, you won't find a real budget version. It only starts with the "Ride" model for 9399 euros. It is difficult to even use the word "entry-level model". The top-of-the-range "Team" model costs 14,399 euros.
Pivot Shuttle AM Ride - 9399 Euro
The cheapest Pivot Shuttle AM Ride has a smaller battery, namely the Powertube 625, with the advantage that despite its more favourable features, the model is probably not heavier than the Pro model. This is because the small battery saves over 700 grams. The suspension comes from Fox's Performance range, and the gears and brakes are a Shimano mix of Deore, SLX and XT.
Pivot Shuttle AM Pro - 12199 Euro
Functionally "full hut" - that's how you could describe the Pro model. The Fox Factory suspension is a noticeable update compared to the entry-level version. The gears are shifted with the new Sram X0 Eagle transmission. This is also a big step forward in terms of shifting precision and durability. The other components such as the wheels and seat post are also of a higher quality.
Pivot Shuttle AM Team - 14,399 euros
The top model adds a few more highlights on top. Elegant carbon wheels from Newmen, Bosch's limited CX Race motor with the extraordinary Race mode, XTR brakes and Sram's high-end XX Eagle Transmission groupset. These updates should reduce the weight by a few hundred grams in particular.
