Pivot Trailcat SL in the endurance test: Wild chase through the Bavarian forest as a prelude

A good year ago, when I bought my much-loved endurance test bike Rocky Mountain Element C70 I almost fell into a crisis. The beefed-up marathon bike with its delicate frame was tailor-made for me. On the trail, we were one heart and one soul. We raced together on home trails, Alpine tours and bike park laps. The final report was like the end of a great love affair. Over, over!

Since then, I have been wandering through our test cellar as if I were looking for a partner on a dating platform. I mentally brushed aside anything I didn't like straight away. None of my bike dates had the same spark - trail bikes, all-mountain bikes, light eMTBS, I'd tried them all. But I nipped the flickering flames in the bud at the slightest flaw. But then the new Pivot Trailcat SL landed in the trail bike partner search portal and I realised: this could be something with us.

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Pivot Trailcat SL - for hot laps around the house

The first check of the Trailcat 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.

Pivot Trailcat SL in detail

• Area of application: Trail
• Suspension travel: 140 / 120 mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Frame material: Carbon
• Frame weight: 2430 grams
• Price: 6999 Euro
• Special features: Frame with storage compartment in the down tube, including two tool bags; additional mounting points under the top tube; low/high geometry adjustment

First pivot with storage compartment

I've always been sceptical about storage compartments in the down tube. You've seen a lot of things: Openings that are too small, closures that rattle and in the end not everything fits in and you have to strap on an additional hip bag. But I wanted to keep an open mind and at least the solid lid with its practical lever looks promising. Pivot has also provided two tool pockets with Velcro fasteners, which can be filled with the most necessary accessories and should prevent annoying rattling.

Looking into the boot, you can also catch a glimpse of the cable routing. Here, Pivot has dispensed with laminated cable ducts inside the frame, which should prevent water from collecting in the ducts and also save some weight. Foam covers are nevertheless intended to prevent the cables from rattling during the journey.

Modernised geometry

Pivot has also worked on the geometry. The Trailcat SL is a little more modern than its predecessor, the Trail 429, with a slightly 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 should counteract the typical feeling of "pedalling from behind" on Pivot bikes. What the Trailcat should have in common with the 429, according to the geo data, is the pronounced playfulness, thanks to its short chainstays and the geometry, which is not too slack overall.

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Disillusionment on the first date

If you opt for the luxury version of the Trailcat SL with Fox Live Valve suspension, high-end electronic shifting and carbon wheels from Reynolds, you should have 12599 euros in your pocket. But because we're not here on "Make a Wish" or with the "terribly glamorous family called the Geissens", my long-term test date comes to the first meeting in the "Ride GX Transmission" version, which at 6999 euros is still a bit of a steal, but still only costs almost half as much as the top models.

However, I have to make do with performance suspension from Fox, entry-level Sram DB8 brakes and the cheapest trail wheels from DT Swiss. Pivot pulls components such as handlebars, stem and grips from its own range. Although the electronic GX Eagle transmission is inexpensive, it delivers the same performance as the significantly more expensive Sram models. Nevertheless, I'm already starting to have my first doubts - have I made the right choice here?

Chic frame with practical details

At least the SDG Tellis dropper post with 200 millimetres of travel is long enough for my 1.88 metre height and the Trailcat SL has been dressed up in mint green and beige. The frame also has a high-quality finish and a few clever details.

There is space on the storage compartment cover for a bottle cage with a large bottle. There are additional mounting points for accessories or a tool under the top tube. The frame is also excellently protected against stone chips and chain slaps. Pivot has even placed a frame protector on the connecting strut on the rear triangle.

There is an additional plastic cover over the DW link to prevent excessive dirt ingress. The cables run into the frame behind the head tube for easy servicing and the geometry can be adjusted using a flipchip, allowing it to be adapted to a 27.5 rear wheel. Clever: A SAG indicator on the shock makes setup easier.

Pivot Trailcat SL - the equipment

• Fork: Fox Performance 34 29", GRIP - 140mm
• Shock: Fox Performance Float
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle Transmission 1 x 12 / 32; 10-52
• Brakes: Sram DB8 4-piston, 180 / 180 mm
• Seatpost / Hub: Fox Transfer Performance Elite (XS), SDG Tellis (SM-XL)
• Saddle: Phoenix WTB Volt Race
• Wheels: DT Swiss M 1900 Spline
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHRII 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ TR, 29 x 2.40 WT / Dissector 3C MaxxTerra Exo TR, 29 x 2.40 WT
• Stem: Phoenix Team Enduro/Trail - 35mm(XS), 45mm(SM), 55mm(MD-XL)
• Handlebars: Phoenix Race Low Rise Aluminium - 780mm (XS-LG), 800mm(XL)
• Headset: Pivot Precision Sealed Cartridge

Our test bike rolled into the editorial office on DT Swiss wheels instead of the Newman wheels advertised on the website. Unfortunately, the suspension is only good enough for the Fox Performance class, which offers slightly fewer adjustment options. The Sram DB8 brakes are not exactly considered to be deceleration wonders. With the GX transmission drivetrain, the Pivot is up to date. Although the drivetrain is a little heavier, it is in no way inferior to the top Sram drivetrains in terms of function. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor

>> The pioneer of lightweight fullys from Last was the Enduro Tarvo. Click here for the test.

First exit - the start of a great love affair?

The plan for our first adventure together is quickly finalised: I want to pedal from Deggendorf to the Geißkopf to see how the Trailcat SL performs on longer uphills. Then flowcountry to warm up, followed by Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 to test the limits a little. In the uphill flow, the Trailcat is then able to show me its capabilities on technical climbs and on the way back to Deggendorf, we dance together over winding single trails and loamy forest paths.

Thanks to the slightly sporty riding position and very high-traction and sensitive rear suspension, the first few metres of elevation gain on forest trails are quickly climbed. The Maxxis Dissector on the rear wheel also rolls easily enough for extended tours. But after just a few kilometres, I note the first flaw on my mental pros and cons list: For the first time in years, my crown jewels fall asleep on the brutally soft, concave WTB saddle. The bulging pivot grips are also a little too thick for my liking.

Nimble on the trail but with clear limits

On the first descent on the Geißkopf, the Trailcat SL lives up to its name. It is nimble and smooth through the bends, pushing off small bumps like a cat thanks to the progressive rear suspension and landing behind them as if on velvet paws. However, as soon as the terrain gets steeper, I feel like I'm hanging a little over the front end. This is probably due to the 55 millimetre stem, which Pivot fits from size M upwards. The handlebars are also quite flat and straight - another point on my bucket list.

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Limited suspension travel, weak puncture protection

The limits of the Trailcat SL soon become apparent on the rocky enduro trail. While the 140 mm fork can still cope well with harder impacts, the 120 millimetres at the rear soon can't quite keep up. In addition, the frame makes a distinct clunking noise on hard hits. While I'm still thinking about the cause, I miss the line and the somewhat weak TR carcass of the Maxxis rear tyre lets a rock hit the rim hard. The tubeless milk can no longer seal the fat dent. So, stop and insert the inner tube. And then the Pivot puts me to the next test of patience: the opening of the storage compartment is quite narrow, making it difficult to remove the filled panniers. If I had gone to a café with my blind date, now would be the time for me to ask the waiter for the bill.

But with fresh air in the tyres, the Trailcat SL deserves another chance and we work our way back together through the rooty Bavarian Forest to Deggendorf. And this is where the Pivot finally really comes into its own. It climbs over steep root fields with ease and on the twisty but not too steep, sometimes loamy descents we rush around the tree trunks like the neighbour's dog is after us. This is where the manoeuvrable geometry and good rear suspension pay off. Manuals over cross logs, little tricks and fast cornering - that's the short-stroke Pivot's métier. Back at the car park, we make an appointment for the next date on my home circuit - but this time with minor adjustments.

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The first adjustments

Admittedly: The spark didn't quite ignite on the first tour. But the starting difficulties could be overcome with a few small changes. I was able to dent the rear wheel a little, but the tyre still isn't tight. So for the time being I'll be using a light TPU inner tube to bridge the gap.

I immediately swapped the WTB saddle, which was far too soft, for a well-fitting model from SQlab. I haven't had any sitting problems with it for years. The step design also provides good support on steep climbs.

More compact riding position with new stem and handlebars

A handlebar/stem combination from Deity replaces the aluminium components from Pivot and saves 130 grams. More importantly, the 42 millimetre short Copperhead stem with a low stack height is 13 millimetres shorter than the standard stem. Together with the lightweight Skywire carbon handlebars with slightly more rearward bend and a little more rise, I'm in a noticeably more central position and feel less like I'm hanging over the front wheel.

DEITY SKYWIRE CARBON

• Oversized 35mm carbon handlebar
• Designed for E-Bike / Enduro / All MTN / Trail
• Unidirectional carbon construction
• Cushioning structure for less hand strain
• 25 mm rise (also in 15mm Rise available)
• 800 mm width
• 9 degrees backbend x 5 degrees upsweep
• Lifetime Crash Replacement
• Weight: 229 grammes
• Price: 179.99 USD

Deity Copperhead Stem

• Oversized 35 mm clamping
• MTB stem with 42 mm length
• Designed for Gravity / E-Bike / Enduro / All MTN / Trail
• CNC milled from a 6061 T6 aluminium block
• Low 33 mm stack height
• Available in 35 mm, 42 mm and 50 mm lengths
• Price: 104,99 USD

Oh, and in case anyone is wondering why the chain still shines as if it were brand new: I degreased it before the first ride and bathed it in hot wax. So far I am very satisfied with this action: The drivetrain runs quietly and smoothly and I don't have to worry about oily fingers in the event of a breakdown. Anyone buying a new bike and thinking about waxing instead of greasing should definitely do this before the first ride and save themselves a lot of work.

>> How-to chain wax: Less wear and tear and no more dirty fingers

Permanent tester profile Stefan Frey

• Age: 42 years
• Height: 1,88 m
• Weight: 78 kg
• Place of residence: Lower Bavaria
• Profession: BIKE editor (Test & Technology team / copy editor)
• Favourite riding style: technical and playful, long tours with a high proportion of trails

The small changes to the Pivot Trailcat SL have already borne fruit on the next ride on my home circuit. The riding position is a little more compact and less front-heavy. On descents, I now feel more secure on the bike and the Pivot can be controlled even more actively. - Stefan Frey, BIKE editor