The new Pivot Trail 429 fits seamlessly into the finely graduated Pivot model range below the Switchblades one. In terms of looks and the rear suspension system, Pivot is sticking to the tried and tested. The Trail 429 also has a DW-Link rear triangle with a virtual pivot point and is ridden with a slightly longer travel fork. The name describes the area of application, the Pivot Trail 429 is a classic trail bike with 120 millimetres at the rear and can be combined with forks with up to 140 millimetres of travel. The rider has the choice and can either ride 27.5+ wheels with tyres up to 3.0 inches wide or 29ers with 2.6 inch tyres.
The key data of the Pivot Trail 429 at a glance:
- 120 mm suspension travel, recommended for forks with 130-140 mm
- compatible with 27.5+ and 29 inch
- Frame weight 2900 g with shock absorber
- 430 mm short chainstays
- 67.3° steering angle (29 inch with 130 mm fork)
- 460 mm reach in size L
- Super Boost rear triangle with 157 mm width
- Prices from 5649 to 10399 euros
- Frame sizes from XS - XL for riders from 150 - 200 cm
- 10-year guarantee
The first ride impression of the Pivot Trail 429:
We were able to ride the Pivot Trail 429 with size L 29er wheels. Thanks to the combination of a 460 mm reach with a short stem, the riding position is by no means too stretched out for a 179 cm tall rider. You sit comfortably, but the short head tube allows you to set the cockpit very low, which means you can exert enough pressure on the front wheel at all times. Overall, the frame feels quite stiff and the connection to the rear triangle is also very solid thanks to the short, wide rocker links.
For a 29er, the Trail 429 is pleasantly playful and only requires a little effort on the rear wheel. The rear suspension works extremely sensitively, is always active and generates very good traction both uphill and downhill. When pedalling out of the saddle, the rear suspension pumps slightly and reacts to the rider's load changes. Downhill, the rear wheel sticks to the ground very well. Even in rough sections, the rear suspension feels like it has more than 120 millimetres of travel and can follow the 130 mm fork with ease. Even on hard landings or compressions, there is always enough progression available.
The geometry, suspension and wide 29er tyres make the Pivot Trail 429 very potent downhill. Uphill and during short intermediate sprints, however, you can feel the rather high weight of the trail bike. The Pro model we rode for 6948 euros weighed 13.4 kilos in size M without pedals.
