Exclusive image, at exclusive prices. This is what Pivot has always been known for. Even the first version of the Mach 4 SL had a price tag on it that made most of us gulp dryly. And with the update that has just been presented, the US manufacturer is once again asking prices that hardly any other manufacturer can beat. The high-end Team XX SL Eagle Transmission version costs a whopping 12,599 euros. However, the electronically controlled Fox Live Valve suspension is no longer on board. But there is also a cheaper option: If you can live with a mix of Shimano XT and SLX as well as Fox Performance suspension elements, you can make yourself happy with the new down-country file for just 6799 euros.
Pivot Mach 4 SL: the specs at a glance
- Rear suspension systemDW-Link system
- Rear suspension travel95 or 104 millimetres for the World Cup version
- Ferderweg rear104 or 116 millimetres for the Trail version
- Front suspension travel100 or 120 millimetres
- Total weightfrom 10.5 kilos
- FrameFull carbon, approx. 1660 grams in size S / 1930 grams incl. Fox DPS shock
- Vario support for all equipment variants
- Equipment variants4 Shimano builds / 4 Sram builds
- ColoursBlue Ice / Seafoam Green
- Prices6799 to 12.599 Euro
The frame of the Pivot Mach 4 SL: 300 to 400 grams lighter
According to founder and CEO Chris Cocalis, the development goal for the new Pivot Mach 4 SL was quickly outlined: uncompromising riding performance with a race-ready weight. The Mach 4 was to offer a chassis that generates traction on the climbs without sacrificing efficiency when sprinting and does not slow the rider down on the descents. A compromise that, according to Pivot, could not have been achieved with flexing struts at the rear. This is why the developers also opted for a DW-Link system for the new version.
Despite this, a considerable amount of weight is said to have been saved on the frame. According to Pivot, the patented hollow-core carbon moulding process has reduced the weight by 300 to 400 grams compared to its predecessor. If you compare our measurements of the predecessor, the frame in size L should then land at around 1850 grams without shock. For the size S frame, Pivot specifies a weight of 1660 grams in size S without shock or 1930 grams in size S including the Fox DPS shock.
Total weight of the new Pivot Mach 4: a race-ready 10.5 kilos
By reducing the weight of the frame, the new Pivot Mach 4 SL in the World Cup XXL SL version in frame size S is said to weigh a total of 10.5 kilos including the dropper post. The weight savings are particularly visible in the more minimalist design of the shock rocker. According to Pivot, every fibre and every radius on the frame has been optimised once again.
The upright position of the shock in the frame should also enable a more compact frame design, which is then reflected in the use of less material and a lower standover height for more control on the trail. The rear suspension kinematics should also provide more progression.
New flip-chip on the Mach 4 models for spring travel adjustment
In addition to the weight saving, the frame of the Mach 4 SL has another new feature: all variants of the Pivot bike now have a flip chip on the rocker, which can be used to vary the suspension travel. This allows the World Cup variant optionally with 95 or 104 millimetres rear suspension travel and is equipped with the lightweight Fox DPS shock. The Team, Pro and Ride builds have 104 or 116 millimetre spring travel on the Fox Float shock and thus fulfil the optimum requirements for a modern down-country bike, at least on the data sheet.
Space for drinking bottles
To ensure that you are adequately supplied with water even on longer journeys, each frame size offers space for at least one large water bottle. For sizes M to XL, two bottles even fit in the front frame triangle. One of the two bottles is mounted on the underside of the top tube. There are three holes on the down tube for optimum positioning of the bottle cage.
Pivot's "Ride-Tuning" size concept
To make the Pivot Mach 4 SL accessible to the widest possible range of rider sizes, the trail bike is available in sizes XS to XL and should therefore fit riders between 1.47 and 2.00 metres tall. Lighter riders in sizes XS and S receive a specially adapted shock set-up. Thanks to the size-specific composition of the Hi-Mod carbon fibres, every frame size should feel the same for every rider size in terms of ride quality and performance.
Two equipment lines for different preferences
Whether you are an XC racer or a trail and marathon enthusiast - the Pivot Mach 4 SL should offer the right setup for every taste.
Pivot Mach 4 World Cup build
For the hunt for the podium, Pivot offers the World Cup version with a Fox Factory Float DPS shock with 95 or 103 millimetres of travel at the rear and a Fox Factory Stepcast suspension fork with 100 millimetres of travel. The Race version also has a flat bar and a 3-position lockout on the fork and shock and a Fox Transfer SL dropper post to make it easy to master even the most demanding descents. The steering angle is 68 degrees and the seat angle is 76 degrees.
Team-, Pro- and Ride-Build
The slightly more trail-orientated versions of the Mach 4 SL have a little more travel and, with 106 or 115 millimetres, are also equipped for more demanding descents. Depending on the price range, a Fox Factory or Fox Performance shock absorbs the shocks from the ground. The rear triangle is supported by a Fox Stepcast 34 fork with 120 millimetres of travel. Also available in Factory or Performance versions. In the down-country version of the Mach 4 SL, there are only two positions for the fork and shock - either open or with a platform. In terms of geometry, Pivot takes a slightly more progressive approach here: the head angle measures 66.7 degrees (1.3 degrees slacker than the World Cup series) and the seat angle 74.7 degrees (also 1.3 degrees slacker).
Pivot Mach 4 SL - Overview of the geometries
Pivot Mach 4 SL - The equipment variants
All in all, the new Mach 4 SL 8 equipment variants give. In each case 4 of them with Shimano drivetrains and brakes and 4 with Sram components. What they all have in common is the Fox suspension. There is no Rockshox suspension in the equipment lists of the new Pivot.
Ride Builds
The Ride Builds form the entry into the world of the Mach 4 SL. They start at 6799 euros. For this, you get a mix of Shimano SLX and XT as well as Fox performance suspension.
Pro Builds
From the Pro version upwards, the higher-quality Fox Factory suspensions provide damping. Here too, you have the choice between Shimano or Sram components. Incidentally, all versions of the Pivot Mach 4 SL roll on Maxxis Rekon Race tyres in the WT version and 2.4 inch width. Prices from 8299 euros.
Team Builds
The team builds are the high-end version. Here you can shift gears with either Shimano's XTR or the brand new Eagle Transmission from Sram. However, you will have to fork out a whopping 12,599 euros for this. Electronic suspension is no longer on the spec list.
World Cup Builds
The World Cup version of the Pivot Mach 4 SL comes in race trim. The suspension travel is reduced to 100 millimetres at the front and 95/103 millimetres at the rear. The frame is garnished with all kinds of carbon parts, from the handlebars to the Reynolds Blacklabel wheels. Shifting is done with Shimano's XTR or the new Sram XX SL Eagle transmission, depending on your preference. The Sram equipment is considerably more expensive than the Shimano specs.
One of the very first test bikes of the new Pivot Mach 4 SL has already landed in the BIKE lab. Over the next few days, we will be putting the new version of the nimble race and down-country bike through its paces on our test benches and then sending it out on our test laps. We will provide a detailed report on the new Pivot Mach 4 SL here shortly.
Stefan Frey
Editor
