Pivot Shuttle SL/AM: Noble, light and powerful - new Light-E-MTB from Pivot
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 28.05.2025
It's the classic promise of a light trail bike: relaxed and with uphill flow uphill - light-footed and fun-maximised downhill. Always the same thing? Or is Pivot doing something completely different? With the Shuttle SL/AM, the Americans show after the Shuttle SL with Fazua engine their second light eMTB - with a new e-drive and more downhill power. And we know that Pivot can build first-class trail rockets. A closer look at the little brother of the Pivot Shuttle AM is definitely worth it!
The key data promise a downhill trail all-rounder: 160 mm travel at the front, 150 mm at the rear. The "golden mean" for equipping a bike for both rough downhills and flowing trail rides. Compared to the shorter-travel (150/132 mm) and firmer Shuttle SL, Pivot's first light bike, the SL/AM is clearly more geared towards downhill riding.
In the video: BIKE checks out the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM
SL through SX - the Bosch drive
"Business as usual" is the motto for the drive system. The Shuttle SL/AM (the Americans themselves like to pronounce it "Slam"!) comes with Bosch Performance Line SX. The 400-cell battery is permanently installed in the down tube. The vast majority of SX bikes come in this setting. Why a permanently installed battery? Sure, it saves weight. According to Pivot boss Chris Cocalis, around 750 grams. According to the Pivot head office, a rotated motor to allow the battery to be removed would also have been in the way of the ideal pivot points for the rear triangle and, last but not least, would have spoilt the look.
Pivot justifies the choice of the Bosch SX with the best combination of uphill flow and low weight. In fact, the SX is blessed with extremely high peak power. It only releases its full thrust at a very high cadence, and the power continues to increase when cranking fast. This character makes riding the SX extremely dynamic. Uphill flow is definitely included. The "mini-shuttle" thus remains true to its name.
Icing on the cake at the rear
The rear triangle is even more special. Pivot naturally relies on the patented DW-Link rear triangle with virtual pivot point on its latest addition. This design has the advantage that drive influences can be adjusted differently over the course of the suspension travel.
With an e-bike, the strong motor thrust can cause more drive influences, which is why the complex kinematics on the e-MTB should offer even more advantages according to Pivot. In fact, we have only had positive experiences with the rear suspension of Pivot e-MTBs in past tests. Quite often, they have clearly characterised the character of the bike.
The facts about the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM
- Motor: Bosch Performance SX
- Battery: Compact Tube 400, permanently installed
- Display: System controller, ready for Kiox 400C
- Frame: Full carbon fibre
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch (optional mullet possible)
- Weight: 19.61 kg (medium equipment "Pro", without pedals, size L, BIKE measurement)
- Three equipment variants for 8599, 10,999 and 12,999 euros
- Permissible total weight: 149 kg Rider weight
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Sizes and geometry of the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM
A new addition to Pivot's e-bike portfolio is the particularly small size XS, which is designed to fit riders from 150 cm tall. This makes particular sense for a light e-MTB, because the lighter the person on the bike, the greater the advantages of a light e-MTB. At the same time, the disadvantages lose weight. This is because a lighter person needs less motor power and battery capacity to achieve the same uphill speed and range as a heavier rider. The XS bikes only come in a mullet set-up with a 27.5 mm rear wheel. In addition, the shocks do not have a reservoir so that the Range Extender Power More also fits into the bike.
The geometry of the Shuttle SL can be adjusted using a flipchip. Pivot recommends the "low" setting for classic use. The higher and slacker position (+0.5° steering and seat angle) is also suitable for anyone who would like to fit a small 27.5-inch rear wheel.
The developers have chosen the chainstays in such a way that they guarantee maximum riding fun without compromising the climbing characteristics. Pivot sees this average at 444 mm. The reach in size L is 476 mm - which is not overly generous. It ends at 496 mm in size XL. Typical Pivot: with quite high stack values, the front tends to be high.
The short, straight seat tubes with a high insertion depth make it possible to install telescopic seatposts with plenty of adjustment travel. Riders can also fit different frame sizes. This means that the right size can be selected according to length, so that the bike can be ideally customised to your own riding style and personal preferences.
Features and weight of the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM
Light bikes should live up to their name. Accordingly, most manufacturers also save weight in addition to the drive system, i.e. motor and battery. This is also the case with Pivot. The frame should be lighter than that of the full-power Shuttle AM, and the equipment is also focussed on weight rather than maximum downhill performance and robustness. The brakes are the new Sram Motive and the DT Swiss wheels are from the Swiss Non-E line. Our test bike, the medium "Pro" model, weighs in at 19.6 kilos in size L.
How to ride the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM
We were able to take the new Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Pro on its first trail rides before the launch. However, time was short and extensive back-to-back tests were not yet possible. Nevertheless, our experiences are sufficient for a first ride impression. As is typical of Pivot, the Shuttle SL/AM is not super compact, but still very comfortable.
Due to the rather flat seat angle, the riding position is long. However, the high front avoids uncomfortable stretched-out feelings. This gives you a comfortable position even on longer tours and flat sections. However, the Shuttle SL/AM does not want to mutate into a real climber. On steep stretches, you have to put a lot of weight on the front to keep the bike on track. This pays tribute to the high front and slightly rear-heavy riding position. Thanks to the lively thrust and high peak power of the SX motor, you can still climb impressive ramps - especially as the traction on the rear wheel is excellent. However, the bike's finest hour comes on the downhill.
Trail experts? Strengths and weaknesses!
The lively, fun character of the bike immediately stands out. Lifting the bike into the air on root edges or surfing over the trail in manual mode - this is much easier with the fun machine than with most other e-mountainbikes. The new Pivot therefore knows how to make excellent use of the advantages of a light e-MTB. The ideally tuned rear suspension supports this character. Despite its sensitive absorption capacity, it provides pleasant support and does not bottom out at all during active riding manoeuvres.
Unfortunately, our test bike quickly revealed a negative side: the rattling of the Bosch Performance SX on our Shuttle SL/AM Pro was above average. This means that the bike is not one of the quietest light bikes on the trail - which unfortunately dampens the noble impression of the bike somewhat.
The riding position on the bike is pleasantly integrated. You are centred behind the high front end. This also gives you a lot of confidence on steep and demanding sections. With its moderate head angle, moderate wheelbase and not overly generous reach, the new Pivot is on the playful side. According to our first impressions, the bike is more suited to fun manoeuvres than bluntly holding on. However, we wouldn't be afraid of tough enduro tracks after our first test runs. We'll find out how the bike performs on even more serious terrain in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
BIKE conclusion on the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM
The new Pivot Shuttle SL/AM shines exactly where light e-MTBs have their strengths: Riding fun and handling on the trail. The playfulness of this bike is tremendous! The weight is good, although not record-breaking. The finish and details of the bike stand out, but unfortunately the background noise detracts from the high-quality impression. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Prices and equipment
When it comes to price, the boutique brand Pivot is traditionally tricky. The Shuttle SL/AM starts at 8599 euros. The two more upmarket versions cost 10,999 and 12,999 euros. If you want to top it all off, you can add the electronically controlled Fox Live Valve Neo Air suspension to the Team and Pro models. This adds another 1300 euros to the price. All three versions are available in grey/white and blue.
Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Ride - 8599 Euro
- Fork/shock: Fox Performance 36 / Fox Performance Float
- Gear system: Sram Eagle 90 Transmission
- Brakes: Sram DB8 Stealth
- Wheels: DT Swiss Hybrid H1900
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF, Exo+, Maxxterra / Maxxis Minion DHRII, Exo+, Maxxterra
- Seatpost: TranzX YSP23GLS
Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Pro - 10,999 euros
- Fork/shock: Fox Factory 36 Grip X2 / Fox Factory Float X
- Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Motive Silver
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF, Exo+, Maxxterra / Maxxis Minion DHRII, Exo+, Maxxterra
- Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory
Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Team - 12,999 euros
- Fork/shock: Fox Factory 36 Grip X2 / Fox Factory Float X
- Gear system: Sram XX Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Motive Ultimate
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Trail Pro with Industry Nine hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF, Exo+, Maxxterra / Maxxis Minion DHRII, Exo+, Maxxterra
- Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
