Same same but different: The Americans from Pivot remain true to their unusual e-bike concept with its own battery integration, but optimise the details of the elegant e-bike Shuttle and launch a slimmed-down version for a whopping 2400 euros less.
The DW-Link rear suspension with 140 millimetres of travel has been redesigned for the larger wheels, but the main frame remains unchanged. The external Shimano BT-E8010 battery, which is actually bolted into the down tube as a load-bearing component, has therefore remained. This gives the e-MTB a low centre of gravity and also allows Pivot to achieve low wall thicknesses for a lightweight frame.
However, replacing the battery is a small test of patience. Eight screws have to be loosened before the entire unit consisting of the carbon plate and battery can be removed. A new quick-release device on the inside still has to be folded away, then the energy storage unit is free.
Not practical and woe betide you if you lose one of the screws in the field. But at least everything is rattle-free and can be charged via an external port. So if you're not constantly travelling with two batteries, the lightweight pivot system is a good choice.
The new Pivot Shuttle: the equipment
The Shuttle Team XTR is powered by the tried and tested Shimano Steps E-8000. Relatively long 170 mm cranks are fitted. Pivot dispenses with the higher quality left-hand Modus shifter and installs the slim and ergonomically better SW-E7000 unit, which harmonises well with the lever for the Fox Transfer.
There are also top suspension elements from Fox, carbon handlebars and nice details such as the mini protective rubber over the lower rocker. On the old model, small stones could get stuck in the gap. This has probably been solved with the guard.
With the exclusive 1550 gram DT Swiss wheels with solid EXO+ tyres and the new 12-speed XTR drivetrain, the top model Shuttle Team XTR almost breaks the 20-kilo barrier (manufacturer's specification 20.32 kilos in size M). This makes the new Pivot one of the lightest e-bikes on the market. However, Pivot also wants a whopping 10,499 euros for it. Because not every customer is a lottery winner, Pivot has a second model on offer. The Shuttle Race XT for a more affordable 7899 euros - that's not a real competitive price, but at least it's there.
The frame of the XT version is identical to that of the more expensive model and is made entirely of carbon. However, the cheaper and slightly weaker Shimano Steps E-7000 motor and the simpler performance suspension elements from Fox are at work here. The 400 gram heavier wheels, the 11-speed XT drivetrain and generally cheaper components bring the weight up to a still light 21 kilos.
Pivot Shuttle - Brief info
- Frame: Carbon with DW-Link rear triangle
- Suspension travel: 160 mm front/140 mm rear
- Price: Model Shuttle Team XTR 10499 Euro/Shuttle Race XT 7899 Euro
- Weight: 20.32 kilos (Team XTR size M model, manufacturer's specification)
- Motor: Shimano Steps E-8000/E-7000
- Battery: External battery 504Wh, integrated
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR2 EXO+, 3C TR
- Available: from July 2019
Geometry at a glance
Pivot has created its own rear axle standard. It is called Superboost and, with an installation width of 157 millimetres, is a few millimetres wider than the currently established Boost standard. This is how the Americans manage to keep the rear triangle at a short 440 millimetres - despite the large 29-inch wheels. Stiffer wheels are a bonus on top. DT Swiss, Industrie Nine and soon Sram are currently offering corresponding wheels.
The relatively high bottom bracket of the bike is striking. This shows that Pivot really hasn't changed anything on the main frame. With the longer 160-millimetre fork and the 29-inch wheels, the bottom bracket rises to an unusual 363 millimetres. The fairly slack head angle in combination with the short 44 mm offset of the fork trims the bike more towards an enduro bike.
Riding impression Pivot Shuttle Race XT
Even with large wheels, the Pivot looks compact and easy to handle as soon as you sit on it. The average reach, the short stem and the high front end place the rider upright but well centred on the bike. The Steps E-7000 motor hums much more quietly than the more expensive 8000 model, providing more discreet but also less powerful support. The rear suspension works very well as usual: with a precisely adjusted sag, it offers the ideal combination of anti-squat and sensitive response: It doesn't bottom out even on steep climbs and delivers excellent traction at steel spring level.
Although the rather long 170 mm cranks don't sit up due to the high bottom bracket, they make it difficult to achieve a high cadence. Less would be more here. Downhill, the Shuttle is a force to be reckoned with! The classic 2.4 mm tyres can be steered precisely and have excellent grip. Compared to the somewhat wobbly plus tyres of its predecessor, this is a real gain. When cornering, the bike is perfectly balanced, only losing grip late and then in a controlled manner via the rear wheel first. The shortened fork travel in combination with the slack steering angle (65.2°) noticeably calms the steering.
The 36 mm Fox with performance cartridge harmonises well with the sensitive rear end and is stable in its stroke when the compression damping is halfway closed. The 140 millimetre travel at the rear feels like more. Response, absorption and end progression are top. Overall, the Pivot is a very smooth-running trail bike with enduro genes and conveys enormous confidence with the high front and large wheels.
