MTB of the Year? All-New Pivot Switchblade REVIEWED

Pivot jumps into 2020 with big updates to a popular bike, and we're confident in saying that it's an incredible ride. Vital MTB's 2016 Bike of the Year went to the previous Pivot Switchblade. How do you improve on that? Give it a few years and some fresh ideas. With 142mm of rear travel and 160mm up front, this all-new 2020 version one-ups its predecessor pretty much across the board. Join Vital MTB's Product Editor, Brandon Turman, for a look at everything that's been updated and his in-depth ride impressions.

Switchblade Highlights:
- 29", 27.5+ and mullet wheel size compatibility
- 142mm (5.6-inches) rear travel // 160mm (6.3-inches) front
- dw-link suspension design
- 185x55mm trunnion shock with custom tune
- FOX Live Valve integration
- 44mm offset fork
- Adjustable geometry
- Size-specific carbon tubing
- Water bottle mount inside front triangle
- Internal and external lower headset cup option
- Full-length, internal cable routing
- Press Fit bottom bracket with ISCG05 mounts
- Low durometer frame protection
- 12x157mm Super Boost Plus rear axle
- 29x2.6" or 27.5x2.8" tire clearance
- Accessory mount for custom tool holder due out this spring
- Weight: 29.0-pounds (13.2kg, size medium Team XTR build, no pedals)
- Colors: Horizon Blue and Treeline Green
- MSRP: Starting at $5,499 USD

The new Pivot Switchblade climbs like a snappy short-travel trail bike but can hang with the enduro rigs on the way down. It's light on its feet and eager to rally. This easy-to-ride feel inspires you to go harder, for longer, and it charges in terrain where I've experienced other bikes getting bogged down.

Add in good geometry and improved visual aesthetics, plus dialed details throughout, and this is a ride our tester would love to own. Pivot has taken an already stellar platform and advanced it even further. Its versatile feel will suit a wide range of rides and the compact frame is great for a wide range of riders. It could be the one bike for a lot of people.

It's still way too early to call Bike of the Year, but Pivot has kicked off 2020 with one hell of a contender. It's rad to see their continual improvement and there is a lot to be excited about heading into the new year.

Visit https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/bike-switchblade-1 for more details.

Video by John Reynolds and Brandon Turman

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