Pivot Switchblade 2024: Razor-sharp - the new Pivot Switchblade All Mountain

The Pivot Switchblade arouses desire - and not just because of its long price tag. The Americans combine 142 millimetres of suspension travel with a significantly longer 160 mm fork, thus expanding the capabilities of their all-mountain full-suspension bike. Pivot is also known for a rear triangle design created by suspension mastermind Dave Weagle and for its first-class carbon frames. Pivot is relaunching the Switchblade for 2024. In the latest version, the developers want to have made it even better. We have all the information on the new, potential dream bike Pivot Switchblade.

Pivot Switchblade 2024: evolution instead of revolution

Pivot is aware of the strengths of its all-mountain platform and also relies on its favourite virtues on the new Switchblade. Firstly, the suspension travel remains the same: 142 millimetres at the rear, 160 at the suspension fork.

The silhouette doesn't look much different at first glance either. The shock is still positioned vertically, i.e. upright in the bike, and enables a compact frame design with a low standover height and compatibility with large water bottles in the frame triangle.

Of course, the new Switchblade also relies on the familiar DW-Link rear triangle. However, this has been optimised for 2024 under the influence of its big enduro brother Pivot Firebird further developed. Not only the kinematics are new, but also the geometry. Pivot is also fine-tuning small but important frame details to further optimise the Switchblade.

Details of the new Pivot Firebird

• Price: 6599 to 12,249 euros
• Weight: 14.52 kilos (BIKE measurement, Pro X0 AXS model, size L)
• Suspension travel: 160 mm front / 142 mm rear
• Wheel size: 29" / Mullet (29" front; 27.5" rear)
• Tyre clearance: 2.5" (for 29") / 2.8" (for 27.5")
• Range of use: All Mountain
• Frame material: Carbon
• Available in ten equipment variants: 2x each Ride / Team / Pro with optional wheel upgrade plus four limited Talon editions
• Available sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL
• Available colours: Blue / Black / Pink (Limited Edition)

We have already had the chance to ride the revised Pivot Firebird on the trails. The extensive test with all laboratory and practical evaluations will be available soon.

Geometry update for the Pivot Switchblade

In the further development of the Pivot Switchblade, Pivot wanted to take a progressive direction without compromising the versatility of the all-mountain full-suspension bike. To achieve this, the Americans chose a modern approach, lengthening the reach slightly (by ten millimetres in sizes S to XL) and significantly flattening the head angle (by 0.8 degrees).

The seat tube lengths were already compact before the 2024 update. Pivot has retained this geo-policy, but the latest version allows more insertion depth for the seatpost so that longer dropper posts can also be installed.

At the same time, the seat angle is increased by half a degree. The frame of the Switchblade retains a flip-chip adjustment, which influences the bottom bracket height and makes the steering angle variable by 0.5 degrees. The bike is also approved for a mullet wheelset with a large 29-inch wheel at the front and a small 27.5-inch wheel at the rear. Pivot recommends the "High" geometry setting for this

Completely new in the geometry table of the Pivot Switchblade are size-dependent chainstay lengths. These increase from a minimalist 410 millimetres in size XS to 436 millimetres in size XL. Compared to other current bikes in the same suspension travel class, however, the length of the rear triangle on the new Switchblade remains compact and promises playful riding behaviour.

The growing chainstays are complemented by a size-specific carbon layup. This means that Switchblade riders of all frame sizes should benefit from the same balanced riding characteristics.

The Pivot Switchblade retains its proven virtues

On the trail and in the workshop, it's often the small details that decide whether a bike rocks or sucks. Pivot therefore relies on tried and tested features. The carbon frame of the Switchblade is generously protected by protectors. A SAG indicator on the shock makes setup easier. A UDH derailleur hanger is fitted to the dropout to make the bike compatible with gears from the Sram Transmission series.

If required, a chain guide can be fitted to an ISCG05 mount, although Pivot delivers its complete bikes without an additional guide. The frame is prepared with a post mount for 180 millimetre brake discs; a maximum of 203 millimetres is permitted.

As with other Pivot models, the rear triangle width of the new Switchblade is designed around the Boost+ standard and requires 157 millimetre wide hubs. The bottom bracket is still pressed into the frame instead of bolted.

Already from the "old" Pivot Switchblade was the Dock Tool System, which the Americans developed together with the accessory specialists from Topeak. This is a modular system for stowing small tools and spare parts on the frame.

Pivot has also dispensed with a storage compartment in the frame on the new edition of the all-mountain bike. Instead, there is a tool mount underneath the top tube. With the help of various Topeak adapters, you can carry CO2 cartridges, a multitool, tyre plugs or a spare tube, for example.

Limited Talon version of the new Pivot Switchblade

Pivot hasn't just been building bikes for off-road fun since yesterday. The history of the Sun Eagle Talon goes back 35 years - the initial spark for Pivot bikes. To celebrate its historical roots, Pivot is launching a special Talon version of the new Switchblade. The limited Talon series picks up on the bright colour design of the early years. All Talon equipment variants come with the upgrade to Newmen Carbon Advanced SL A.30 wheels as standard.

Features and prices of the new Pivot Switchblade

Pivot consistently equips the new Switchblade with suspension elements from Fox. A Fox 36 damps at the front, while a Fox Float X does its job at the rear - in different quality classes depending on the equipment variant, of course. When it comes to the drivetrain, you have the choice between mechanical gears from Shimano and electronic wireless gears from Sram. Prices start at 6599 euros, so even the new Pivot Switchblade is not available at a bargain price.

Pivot Switchblade Ride

• Shimano SLX / XT - 6599 Euro
• Sram GX AXS Transmission - 7399 Euro

Pivot Switchblade Team

• Shimano XTR - 9699 Euro
• Talon Limited Edition Shimano XTR - 9949 Euro
• Sram XX AXS Transmission - 11,999 euros
• Talon Limited Edition Sram XX AXS Transmission - 12,249 euros

Pivot Switchblade Pro

• Shimano XT / XTR - 8299 Euro (incl. wheel upgrade: 9299 Euro)
• Talon Limited Edition Shimano XT / XTR - 9549 Euro
• Sram X0 AXS Transmission - 9299 euros (incl. wheel upgrade: 10,299 euros)
• Talon Limited Edition Sram X0 AXS Transmission - 10,549 euros