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Pivot Trailcat SL endurance testModifications and first defects on the trail bike

Stefan rides the Pivot Trailcat SL in size L, appreciates the sensitive suspension, but above all wishes for more powerful brakes with larger discs.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber
The Pivot Trailcat SL seems to be made for fast laps on the home trails with its firm 120 millimetre rear suspension travel and updated geometry. The endurance test will show whether the chic carbon speedster can also withstand tougher use. Right at the start, minor modifications should increase the riding fun. Here is my first interim report.
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I spent a long time wandering through our test cellar in search of the perfect endurance test partner, but none of my bike dates were able to ignite the spark - trail bikes, all-mountain bikes, light eMTBs, everything tried out. But I nipped the flickering flames in the bud at the slightest flaw. Until the new Pivot Trailcat SL landed in the trail bike partner search portal and I realised: this could be something with us.

As fast as Usain Bolt? The Pivot Trailcat SL still has to prove itself in our endurance test.Photo: Georg GrieshaberAs fast as Usain Bolt? The Pivot Trailcat SL still has to prove itself in our endurance test.

Manoeuvrable trail geometry

The first check of the profile immediately revealed a match: with 140 millimetres of travel at the fork and 120 millimetres at the rear, the Trailcat SL promised to climb efficiently and not reach its limit too quickly on the descents. Ideal for use on my undulating home trails and for extended Alpine tours. I was already familiar with the DW-Link rear suspension from other models. The system with a virtual pivot point is particularly sensitive at the beginning of the suspension travel and then leads to a firm end progression.

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The rear suspension with DW-Link works sensitively at the beginning, I ride the flip-chip in the low position.Photo: Stefan FreyThe rear suspension with DW-Link works sensitively at the beginning, I ride the flip-chip in the low position.

Pivot has also worked on the geometry. The Trailcat SL is slightly more modern than its predecessor, the Trail 429, with a slacker head angle (65.8 degrees), slightly more reach (480 mm) and more length overall (1226 mm). The previously very slack seat angle is now slightly steeper at 76 degrees, which counteracts the typical feeling of "pedalling from behind" on Pivot bikes. What has remained is the pronounced playfulness: thanks to short chainstays and a geometry that is not too slack overall, the Pivot dances nimbly over the trails in the Bavarian Forest from the very first time you get to know it.

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Pivot Trailcat SL in detail

  • Field of applicationTrail : Trail
  • Spring travel140 / 120 mm
  • Wheel size: 29"
  • Frame materialCarbon
  • Frame weight: 2430 gram
  • Price6999 Euro
  • Special featuresFrame with storage compartment in the down tube, including two tool bags; additional mounting points under the top tube; low/high geometry adjustment
The geometry of the Trailcat SL in the low position of the flipchip.Photo: PivotThe geometry of the Trailcat SL in the low position of the flipchip.

Pivot Trailcat SL Ride GX Eagle - the equipment

  • ForkFox Performance 34 29", GRIP - 140mm
  • DamperFox Performance Float
  • CircuitSram GX Eagle Transmission 1 x 12 / 32; 10-52
  • BrakesSram DB8 4-Piston, 180 / 180 mm
  • Seat postSDG Tellis (SM-XL)
  • SaddlePhoenix WTB Volt Race
  • ImpellersDT Swiss M 1900 Spline
  • TyresMaxxis Minion DHRII 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ TR, 29 x 2.40 WT / Dissector 3C MaxxTerra Exo TR, 29 x 2.40 WT
  • StemPhoenix Team Enduro/Trail - 35mm(XS), 45mm(SM), 55mm(MD-XL)
  • HandlebarsPhoenix Race Low Rise Aluminium - 780mm (XS-LG), 800mm(XL)
  • Tax ratePivot Precision Sealed Cartridge

Little glamour in the equipment - first conversions

The Trailcat is functional but not very glamorous: M-1900-Impellers from DT Swiss, a Chassis from the performance class of Fox and Sram DB8 brakes - which have been stingy with braking power since the start of the test. The GX transmission drive on the other hand, is up to date.

The Sram DB8 with 180 millimetre discs are clearly too weak on the chest!Photo: Stefan FreyThe Sram DB8 with 180 millimetre discs are clearly too weak on the chest!

New cockpit for a softer seating position

After the first ride, I swapped the flat handlebars and the 55-millimetre stem for a shorter and higher cockpit from Deity. The new handlebar/stem combination with a length of just 40 millimetres takes some of the pressure off the front and defuses the slightly front-heavy riding position.

Next, the tyre at the rear will probably have to go. The standard Maxxis Dissector tyre has already caused me several punctures with its weak TR casing. In general, rooty forest trails are more the Trailcat's métier than rocky Dolomite trails, where the rear suspension in particular bites its teeth out early on.

A Deity handlebar/stem combo with a length of 40 millimetres takes some of the pressure off the front.Photo: Stefan FreyA Deity handlebar/stem combo with a length of 40 millimetres takes some of the pressure off the front.The Trailcat is the first pivot with a storage compartment. The fastener is practical, but the opening is a little narrow. Two stylish tool bags are included.Photo: Stefan FreyThe Trailcat is the first pivot with a storage compartment. The fastener is practical, but the opening is a little narrow. Two stylish tool bags are included.

Change to Continental tyres

I have now switched to a new tyre combination for the start of the coming season. In our last trail tyre test, I was particularly happy with the combination of Continental Kryptotal FR front and Magnotal friends at the back.

The duo provides reliable guidance on the fork and decent propulsion at the rear. I'm also hoping for slightly better puncture protection than before, especially on the rear tyre. You'll find out whether I'm happy with my choice in the next long-term test update.

Dynamic duo? I'm hoping for better rolling behaviour at the rear and a bit more puncture protection from the Conti combination.Photo: Georg GrieshaberDynamic duo? I'm hoping for better rolling behaviour at the rear and a bit more puncture protection from the Conti combination.

Driver profile - Stefan Frey

  • Age: 42 years
  • Size1.88 metres
  • Weight78 kilos
  • Favourite areaHometrails in Landshut; Bavarian Forest; alpine tours in the Dolomites away from built park trails
  • Kilometres current: 595 km
  • Current depth metres: 20210 hm
Stefan rides the Pivot Trailcat SL in size L, appreciates the sensitive suspension, but above all wishes for more powerful brakes with larger discs.Photo: Georg GrieshaberStefan rides the Pivot Trailcat SL in size L, appreciates the sensitive suspension, but above all wishes for more powerful brakes with larger discs.

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