E-bikes with a trail-focussed approach have a long tradition at Pivot. The cult manufacturer from Arizona entered the e-MTB business much earlier than many other brands. And the first e-mountainbike from Pivot - called the Shuttle back in 2017 - set new standards at the time. a new milestone in terms of downhill strength and trail handling. Hardly any other e-MTB offered so much riding fun and take-charge qualities on the trail back then. The new Shuttle LT picks up exactly where it left off, but also has a few surprises on board.
The Shuttle can now look back on a considerable number of evolutionary stages. The predecessor with a Shimano motor even beat the high-end competition from Santa Cruz and Evil in our test. roar to test victory. And the American E-MTB has become more differentiated in the meantime. The Shuttle SL as a light eMTB with Fazua Ride 60, the Shuttle AM with Bosch motor as an all-rounder - and the Shuttle LT as the downhill machine and spiritual brother of the Firebird non-motorised enduros. While the first E-MTBs from Pivot all relied on Shimano motors, the new Shuttle LT seems to put an end to this. A Bosch unit is located in the bottom bracket area - while the predecessor from 2022 still used Shimano's EP8.
Video: The new Pivot Shuttle LT in the BIKE Test
The facts about the Pivot Shuttle LT
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX-Race
- Battery: Powertube 750 Wh, permanently installed
- Suspension travel: 170 mm front / 160 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch, optional full 29
- Full carbon frame with DW-Link rear triangle
- Prices: Three models between 9099 and 13,399 euros
- Weight: from 23.4 kilos (top model in size L, EMTB measured value)
Motor and battery in the Pivot Shuttle LT
Pivot now seems to be fully focussing on Bosch for its powerful e-MTBs. This is because a CX replaces the Shimano EP8 or EP801 of its predecessor in the new edition of the Shuttle LT. This comes as no surprise, as many manufacturers are currently taking this step. Nevertheless, the choice of motor is exciting. This is because all models of the new Shuttle LT are powered by the exclusive Bosch Performance Line CX-Race. However, the limited power motor with special software is not based on the new, recently introduced fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX (test here!). But on its predecessor, the well-known and popular Performance CX Gen4.
The special race version with higher support (400 instead of 340 per cent) and extended trail is not available with the latest CX motor. However, according to Pivot, this special feature was important to them. You can read the test of the Bosch Performance Line CX-Race HERE!
Pivot also uses familiar technology for the batteries. All models are fitted with the Bosch Powertube 750, which ensures a really impressive range. However, this battery is relatively heavy. The Powertube 750 weighs 4350 grams on average. The new Powertube 800 is noticeably lighter at 3950 grams. However, it is also significantly thicker. That's why it doesn't fit into the slim chassis of the new Pivot Shuttle LT.
Speaking of a slim chassis. The engineers have opted for the weight-saving option of a permanently installed battery. This means that the battery cannot simply be removed from the down tube for charging or changing. But don't worry: in the event of servicing or a problem with the battery, the battery can of course be removed. Just with more effort. While the Shuttle AM also relies on a fixed battery, the predecessor of the Shuttle LT still came with the option of removing it.
Frame and chassis of the Shuttle LT
The main frame and rear triangle of the Shuttle LT are made of carbon fibre. The centrepiece of the chassis is the design of the rear suspension. The one-piece rear suspension is connected to the main frame via two separate rockers. The pivot point is virtual, changing its position over the course of the suspension travel. This technology allows the developers to adjust the kinematics very finely over the entire suspension travel. An effort that pays off. This is shown in the practical test further down in the article.
The finish of the bike is really classy. Mechanics will also be pleased about the lack of cable integration in the headset. This is because the classic cable routing in the main frame makes it easier to service the headset, cables and brakes. Or even the handling when installing and removing spacers under the stem.
The geometry of the Pivot Shuttle LT
Long reach and high stack - we are used to these characteristics from Pivot bikes. And this also applies to the new Shuttle LT. The bike is slightly larger than most other E-Enduros. However, the wheelbase and head angle are not extreme. Even the chainstays are really short, remaining the same length across all four frame sizes.
The seat angle is slightly slacker. Thanks to very short seat tubes, bikers can select the Shuttle LT according to length and thus choose the right frame length to suit their preferences and area of use. It is a pity that the telescopic seatposts fitted to the standard bikes are rather short. In size L, the maximum stroke is 175 millimetres. Optionally, the values can be adjusted using a flipchip. This makes the steering and seat angle 0.2 degrees slacker and the bottom bracket seven millimetres lower.
The Shuttle LT on the trail
First of all: the Pivot Shuttle is large. This was already the case with its predecessor and is particularly noticeable in the riding position. This is because the moderate seat angle increases the actual top tube length. This gives you a sporty position on the bike. When you leave the tarmac, you immediately notice the strong, character-defining rear suspension. This is because the rear suspension reacts very sensitively to small bumps. Nevertheless, the rear end doesn't get stuck to the ground so that the shock is pulled deep into the stroke. On the contrary. The suspension travel is very defined and carefully released. Just enough to ensure that traction and comfort are always fully available.
As a result, the rider remains in a central position on the climbs and maintains good control of the bike. Despite the short chainstays and the rather slack seat angle, the front doesn't climb excessively quickly. For really steep and technical climbs, however, we would have liked a more front-wheel orientated riding position. This is because it's not always possible to get enough pressure on the very high front end. Then the front wheel doesn't follow the desired line as precisely.
The race motor is a big plus for demanding climbs. The aggressive set-up with the long trail does take some getting used to. But once you have familiarised yourself with the feature, you can consciously use it for technical moves over obstacles and ledges.
However, the Shuttle LT is only really in its element on the downhill. Here too, the first-class rear triangle fully convinced us. This is because it strikes the ideal compromise between plush traction and sporty support. The emblematic term "hoover" does not come to mind when describing the rear suspension. The rear also handles its travel deliberately on downhill sections. The advantage of this is that the bike can be moved in a very active and defined manner. We were able to hit targeted lines with particular precision. And despite the high back pressure, traction does not suffer. Experienced riders can master even rough tracks with the Shuttle LT super precisely and quickly.
The long geometry also contributes to the high level of riding safety on nasty downhills. Behind the high front end, you are also safe and relaxed. And the equipment with the strong Conti tyres and reliable XTR stoppers also gives you a lot of confidence. When riding fast and at a rough pace, the rear triangle skilfully releases its full travel. Then the bike is almost impossible to brake. The suspension also smoothes out nasty sections and rough impacts with confidence.
The next characteristic of the Shuttle LT: the very direct suspension breathes life into the bike, even on flowing trails. The bike feels much more light-footed than the rather high weight and generous travel would suggest. Pushing through berms and bumps or pulling the bike into the air works pretty well. Especially in comparison with other long-stroke E-Enduros in the power category. The Shuttle is also easy to pull onto the rear wheel thanks to its short rear end and small rear wheel. However, this cannot hide the sheer length. At slow speeds and on very narrow courses, the bike requires a little more pressure to get round corners.
About the background noise: The CX-Race does not yet have the new Bosch freewheel, which makes the new CX rattle-free. Nevertheless, the Shuttle LT remains relatively quiet and the motor rattles discreetly. All in all, it leaves an extremely successful impression. The character appeals more to experienced bikers who are looking for a powerful tool for sporty descents and high-speed downhills.
Pivot Shuttle LT: Models and prices
If you're expecting bargain prices, you've come to the wrong place with the boutique brand Pivot. That's nothing new. And the Shuttle LT is no exception. The Shuttle LT Ride SLX/XT starts at 9099 euros. Nevertheless, all models come with the high-quality full carbon frame, the CX Race motor and the large 750cc battery. The top-of-the-range Team XX Eagle model costs 13,399 euros. If you want, you can even add the new Live Valve Neo suspension from Fox increase the price. Then the high-end speedster ends up at 14,899 euros. This update option is available for 1500 euros for the Pro and Team models, then with the Fox DHX steel spring shock.
Another option is the Bosch Power More 250, a range extender that can be added to all variants for 500 euros. All three models are available in the colours "Blue Scrub Jay" or "Willow Green".
Pivot Shuttle LT Ride - 9099 Euro
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Race
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750, permanently installed
- Fork/shock: Fox 38 Performance / Float X Performance
- Gear system: Shimano SLX/XT
- Brakes: Shimano SLX 7120 with Galfer brake discs, 223/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss Hybrid H1900
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal F/R Enduro Soft, 29 x 2.4'' / 27.5 x 2.6''
- Price: 9099 Euro
Pivot Shuttle LT Pro - 11 399 Euro
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Race
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750, permanently installed
- Fork/shock: Fox 38 Factory GripX2 / Float X Factory
- Gear system: Sram XO Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Shimano XT 8120 with Galfer brake discs, 223/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss Hybrid HX1501
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal F/R Enduro Soft, 29 x 2.4'' / 27.5 x 2.6''
- Price: 11,399 euros
Pivot Shuttle LT Team - 13,399 euros
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Race
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750, permanently installed
- Fork/shock: Fox 38 Factory GripX2 / Float X2 Factory
- Gear system: Sram XX Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Shimano XTR 9120 with Galfer brake discs, 223/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss Hybrid HXC1501 Carbon
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal F/R Enduro Soft, 29 x 2.4'' / 27.5 x 2.6''
- Price: 13,399 euros
BIKE review of the Pivot Shuttle LT
Downhill and on the trail, the Pivot Shuttle LT is a force to be reckoned with! The e-bike proves that excellent rear suspension can make the difference between a good and a very good downhill rider. For an e-bike in this travel class, the bike also performs really well on tame trails, as it always remains stable in its travel. But it really shines when it comes to downhill riding. A brilliant downhill bike for experienced enduro fans - even if the motor is not of the latest generation. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
