The Pivot Trailcat SL marks the entry into an exclusive league: Pivot is asking € 11,299 for the top model with Sram-XX equipment and Fox Factory suspension. With electronic Fox Neo suspension, the price even rises to 12,599 euros. If you fancy a little more suspension travel, the Trailcat is also available in the LT version with 150/135 millimetres of travel.
Features of the Pivot Trailcat SL
- Fork/damper: Fox 34 / Float Factory (now updated to Fox 36 SL)
- Circuit: Sram XX Transmission AXS (520 % bandwidth)
- Brakes: Sram Maven (180/180 mm; later replaced by Sram Motive)
- Impellers: Reynolds Carbon / Industry Nine
- Tyres: Maxxis Dissector Exo / Minion DHRII Exo+/Exo MaxxTerra (29 x 2.4)
- Telescopic support: Rockshox Reverb AXS (170 mm stroke)
- Guarantee: for life
- Max. system weight: No limit
- Special features: Storage compartment in the down tube, sag indicator, flipchip
From the test lab
- Total weight: 13.41 kg (without pedals)
- Impeller weight: 4.692 g
- Impeller inertia: 3769 kg x cm²
- BIKE Note: 2,1
On the agile side
The Trailcat SL appeals to riders who are looking for an agile and playful bike. The riding position is slightly sporty, but never feels too stretched. On long climbs, however, you will notice that the real seat angle is quite slack. When the saddle is extended, the weight shifts backwards, causing the front end to rise early. This requires an active riding style. On the other hand, the rear suspension scores with enormous sensitivity - it reacts to every little pothole, soaks up gravel and root carpets willingly and thus generates outstanding traction. This is a particular advantage on technical uphills, as the tyres remain glued to the ground.
Downhill, the second side of the Trailcat comes to the fore: it is manoeuvrable, playful and encourages active riding. It is easy to turn in corners, changes line playfully and is a lot of fun on flowing trails. On rough, fast terrain, however, it loses some of its poise - in direct comparison to some other trail bikes, the rider feels less integrated into the bike and the riding sensation is less stable. Those with an active riding style and a lot of physical effort will love the Trailcat. However, those looking for maximum smoothness and stability will find bikes like the Yeti SB120 a safer partner.
Character: An exclusive fun bike with sensitive rear suspension and high agility - ideal for flow trails and riders who prioritise playful handling over absolute smoothness.
| Pivot Trailcat SL XX | data |
| Price | 11,299 € (basic) |
| Weight | 13.41 kg (without pedals) |
| Impeller weight | 4.692 g |
| Impeller inertia | 3769 kg x cm² |
| Guarantee | for life |
| Max. system weight | No limit |
Strengths and weaknesses
Positive:
- Very high-quality workmanship
- sensitive rear triangle
- Practical features (storage compartment, sag indicator)
Negative:
- Extremely high price
- Less integrated driving position
Conclusion from Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:
The Pivot Trailcat SL impresses with the finest equipment, fine rear suspension and high agility. If you are looking for a light-footed and playful trail bike and can get over the price, you will find an exclusive fun machine here.
