Pivot just recently announced the signing of Freeride star and pioneer Aaron Chase. So naturally, the first bike that Pivot has him introduces is…. a fat bike. The Pivot LES Fat is not just any fat bike though, it is what looks to be a category crushing jack of all trades that just happens to be fat.
Now, there are a number of bikes out there that make that claim to be versatile, but how many of those are built to adapt to 4 different wheel size standards? Better yet, Pivot claims that 26 X 3.8, 26 X 4.8, 27.5+ and 29+ wheels and tires can all be run on the LES Fat without compromises in geometry. Throw in the ability to run rigid or suspension for the front end, 1x, 2x, or even single speed drivetrains, and internal dropper posts and you have a serious contender for the new fat super bike.
And in case you’re wondering – yes, there are gratuitous (corked!) backflips on a fat bike after the jump…
On paper, the LES Fat has just about everything you could want from an aggressive, trail oriented fat bike. Using Pivot’s proprietary Hollow Core internal molding technology, the LES Fat features a full carbon frame and rigid fork. Calling it the “largest downtube in the category” LES Fat has an aggressive stance that follows loosely from the LES hard tail. The top tube and seat stay profiles remain slim to aide in ride quality which is quite the contrast with the massive lower half of the bike.
Running multiple wheelsets on a fat bike isn’t exactly new, but having a bike truly designed with all those wheel sizes in mind is unique. In order to make the LES Fat compatible with the 4 different wheel sizes, one of the biggest features is the patented Swinger II dropout system. Most fat bikes will fit 29+ wheels and tires, but the larger diameter ends up raising the bottom bracket and front end. To counter that, as you pull the Swinger II dropouts back, the bottom bracket gets progressively lower. This indexed adjustment arc also allows for chainstay length adjustments for fat bike wheels, and the ability to run single speed.
After loosening two drive side anchor bolts and three non-drive anchor bolts, adjustments to the dropouts are easily made with adjustment screws on each side. Rear axle spacing is set at 197×12 and includes a non-quick release rear axle.
Further adjustability is built into the front end of the bike, with each frameset and complete bike shipping with two separate lower head set cups. Again, 29+ wheels and tires or suspension forks with fat bike tires raise the front end of the bike. To allow for the taller set ups while still working with rigid forks and smaller wheels and tires, there is a Zero Stack and an 18mm cup option. The Zero Stack is used for the taller suspension forks and 29+ set ups, while everything else – rigid 26 x 3.8-4.8″ and 27.5+ will use the 18mm cup.
Fans of interchangeability will also be happy to see a 150mm spaced carbon fork from Pivot. Complete with a 150x15mm axle, the tapered steerer fork is fully compatible with the RockShox Bluto so riders will only need one wheel to swap back and forth.
Further attention to detail is highlighted at the bottom bracket with a PF132 bottom bracket and a co-designed Pivot/e*thirteen crankset. We’re checking into the specifics, but the crankset which will ship with complete bikes has what Pivot is calling an “optimized Q-Factor.” Basically the 5″ tire compatible frame has a crankset designed with an ideal chainline, but the Q-factor of cranks meant for frames with 4″ tires only.
Using a Shimano Sideswing derailleur with the low profile 3-type mount, the frame is 2x compatible as well as 1x and SS. Full length internal cable routing for all derailleurs, brakes, and internally routed dropper posts are all managed with Pivot’s new Cable Port System that was recently introduced with the new Mach 4. Additional features include 3 water bottle cage mounts plus rear rack mounts, though mounts on the fork are lacking.
Specs:
- Fits all fat/plus wheel sizes (26 X 3.8, 26 X 4.8, 27.5+ and 29+) via Swinger II dropout system, without geometry compromises
- Full carbon frame featuring proprietary hollow core internal molding technology
- Optimized layup structure with svelte top tube and stay shaping for long ride and epic adventure comfort while featuring the largest downtube in the category
- Full length internal cable routing via Pivot’s exclusive Cable Port System
- Optimized narrow Q-factor design
- Complete bikes include co-designed lower Q factor E-Thirteen fat bike-specific crankset
- 132mm wide press fit bottom bracket for light weight, durability and ease of maintenance
- 2x and 1x and singlespeed compatible
- 197mm rear spacing and optimized design clears 5″ tires with massive clearance for unpacked snow, mud and sand
- Pivot designed carbon fork with 150mm spacing
- RockShox Bluto compatible
- Ships with both 18mm and Zero Stack headset cups for correct geometry at any wheel size
- Shimano Sideswing front derailleur compatible via a low profile e-type mount
- Geared and singlespeed compatible
- Rear rack mounts
- Internal dropper post compatible
- 3 bottle cage mounts
- Highly durable rubberized leather chainstay protection
- Sizes S, M, L for riders between 5’6″ and 6’4″
- Available as a complete bike or as a frame/fork/headset
Available as a frame/fork/headset or as a complete bike, LES Fats will be sold in S, M, and L frames to fit riders from 5’6″ – 6’4″. Frames will start at $2599 with both headset cups, while a complete bike with an X01 build slates in at $4699.
