Where brand names like Pivot and Yeti are involved, there is no room for the cheap-is-awesome mentality. Anyone interested in models from the US cult brands should have plenty of money in their pockets, because both trail bikes in this high-end duel are far from cheap. At €9900, the Yeti SB120 is the top model in the Colorado-based manufacturer's portfolio. Opponent Pivot even charges a five-figure sum for the Trailcat SL at 11299 euros. Our test bike with Sram XX trim and conventional Fox Factory suspension is not even the end of the line. If you want something even more exclusive, you can also order the Trailcat SL with electronically controlled Fox Neo suspension for an impressive 12599 euros.
While the prices are at the upper end of the scale, the suspension travel is more in the moderate range. Both trail bikes rely on a 140 mm fork in combination with a 120 mm rear end. The Yeti is even sportier if you consider the option of a 130 mm fork.
Yeti SB 120 vs Pivot Trailcat SL: Which offers the better equipment?
In larger comparison tests with a tight price corset, the equipment quality of high-end brands is often a tiresome topic. In this top duel, however, Yeti and Pivot are almost on an equal footing. Both change gears wirelessly with a Sram Transmission AXS. X0 with an aluminium crank on the Yeti and XX with a lighter carbon crank on the Pivot. Both rely on the highest quality suspension, but from different manufacturers. Yeti even gives its SB120 a Superdeluxe Ultimate shock from Rockshox as a team partner to the Pike, which ensures more constant damping on long descents with its reservoir.
The Pivot uses a Fox Factory combination of a racy 34 fork and Float shock without a reservoir. Since we had already received our Trailcat SL after the presentation in spring, there has been another update to the equipment in the meantime: Pivot now relies on a Fox 36 SL and the somewhat tamer but lighter Sram Motif brakes instead of the brute Maven anchors on our test bike. The wheels are where the gap widens the most. Pivot spent the extra € 1400 on Reynolds carbon wheels, which look a little better than the DT Swiss aluminium wheels on the Yeti and, as our measurements show, are also a little easier to accelerate.
How the bikes perform on the climbs
Both bikes are fitted with a combination of Maxxis tyres and therefore roll towards the trail entrance in a similarly relaxed manner. Thanks to the longer reach and the slightly longer stem, the riding position on the Pivot is slightly sportier. However, there is no question of an overly stretched position on either bike. On steep climbs, however, the Yeti still comes out on top. On the one hand, the Pivot's centre of gravity moves a little further back when the saddle is extended (slacker real seat angle), and on the other, the rear end sinks a little lower than on the Yeti. This means that the front end of the Trailcat Sl rises earlier than the SB120, and the rear end of the Yeti is also more stable when pedalling and hardly reacts to the rider's input. This saves you having to reach for the shock platform. The Pivot pumps a little more, but still remains efficient. On the other hand, the Trailcat SL rear suspension readily absorbs even the smallest gravel and generates top traction. When pedalling hard, the lower weight of the carbon wheels is only subtly noticeable in direct comparison.
This is where the bikes score in downhill
The uphill duty is fulfilled and we set off to enjoy the downhill fun. A look at the geometry reveals that both bikes are quite similar in terms of wheelbase and head angle. Nevertheless, the Yeti is able to take its narrow lead from the uphill and even extend it on the downhill. Especially when the trail gets demanding and rough, the SB120 feels more composed and composed and conveys more confidence. The slightly slacker head angle, the longer chainstays and the slightly lower bottom bracket ensure a more balanced riding experience. In direct comparison, the rider feels less integrated into the bike on the Pivot. Although the Fox suspension on the Pivot reacts very sensitively, the Yeti builds up more traction, especially when braking, and is more stable in its travel, which conveys calm and confidence. Although both trail bikes have a penchant for downhill riding, the Yeti is the better-natured and more confident partner downhill, which is also due to the slightly higher weight.
Conclusion from BIKE test director Peter Nilges
"In a direct comparison, the Yeti SB120 in the Lunchride version with 140 mm fork comes out on top against the Trailcat SL. Despite its higher weight and slightly poorer spec, the Yeti wins the uphill and downhill rankings."
