Market: About two years ago, Pivot Cycles launched the Switchblade Carbon. In the Velomotion test, the carbon trail bike impressed us with its excellent uphill characteristics and powerful downhill skills. The downside of the fast trail rocket was and still is the rather high purchase price. Now the US manufacturer is creating a remedy in the form of the cheaper Switchblade Aluminum.
The new Switchblade Aluminum should cause a lot of wind in the scene. While the carbon version was or is simply too expensive for most riders, the cheaper switchblade aluminum is clearly aimed at a broader group of buyers. Despite the lower price starting at 4.799,00 euros, Pivot Cycles promises no compromises when it comes to on-trail performance. Based on the same innovative geometry, chassis equipment and suspension, a hydroformed aluminum frame is used. This should also have the same stability and stiffness values as the carbon frame. The 135 millimeter dw-link suspension at the rear is standard with the Switchblade Aluminum, as is the 157 millimeter Super Boost Plus rear wheel installation width for more rigidity and tire clearance. Four different equipment variants are offered in 27.5″ or 29″. The Switchblade Aluminum is now available in the two colors "electric blue" with red accents or "aqua blue" with lime green accents.
Chris Cocalis, President and CEO of Pivot Cycles states: “It has taken years to develop the innovative manufacturing processes that allow us to build an ultra-light aluminum frame that has the same strength and stiffness values as our carbon models. But we did it. Both Switchblade models are perfect for riders who want to tackle aggressive terrain or enduro stages. In 29er mode it has a confident, playful feel. In 27.5+ mode, the Switchblade is even more stable and has absolutely unreal traction. Now even more riders can enjoy the outstanding attributes of one of our best-performing bikes.”
Test: Pivot Switchblade PRO XT/XTR – Playful, flexible premium trail bike
But Pivot Cycles is not only improving the product range itself, but also the staff. By its own account, the company has quickly become the fastest growing mountain bike brand in the United States. This enormous growth curve brings with it the need to hire new employees and expand the sales structure. In addition to the team of employees in important areas, the sales offices at international level are also being expanded. This also includes the Stuttgart-based Pivot Cycles European branch headed by Volker Knaus.
Switchblade Aluminum: geometry data
| Switchblade 29″ | ||||
| S | M | L | XL | |
| Seat Tube Length (CT) | 16.00 | 16.75 | 18.00 | 19.50 |
| Top tube length | 22.90 | 24.20 | 25.00 | 26.00 |
| Head tube length | 3.54 | 4.00 | 4.25 | 4.72 |
| Head Tube Angle | 67.25° | 67.25° | 67.25° | 67.25° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74.50° | 74.25° | 74.25° | 74.25° |
| Chain stay length | 16.85 | 16.85 | 16.85 | 16.85 |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 13.38 | 13.38 | 13.38 | 13.38 |
| Standover height | 27.75 | 27.90 | 28.00 | 28.80 |
| Wheelbase | 44.61 | 45.96 | 46.85 | 48.02 |
| Stack (Height) | 23.82 | 24.21 | 24.41 | 24.80 |
| Reach | 16.14 | 17.32 | 18.11 | 19.09 |
| Switchblade 27.5″+ w/17mm cup | ||||
| S | M | L | XL | |
| Seat Tube Length (CT) | 16.00 | 16.75 | 18.00 | 19.50 |
| Top tube length | 22.90 | 24.20 | 25.00 | 26.00 |
| Head tube length | 3.54 | 4.00 | 4.25 | 4.72 |
| Head Tube Angle | 66.50° | 66.50° | 66.50° | 66.50° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.75° | 73.50° | 73.50° | 73.50° |
| Chain stay length | 16.85 | 16.85 | 16.85 | 16.85 |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 13.27 | 13.27 | 13.27 | 13.27 |
| Standover height | 27.65 | 27.87 | 27.90 | 28.82 |
| Wheelbase | 44.78 | 46.14 | 47.02 | 48.19 |
| Stack (Height) | 24.02 | 24.46 | 24.70 | 25.14 |
| Reach | 15.75 | 16.93 | 17.72 | 18.70 |
| Specifications in inches |