Aluminum. Typically the word is associated with affordability more than high-performance, but for Pivot’s newest mountain – bike being more affordable is only part of the story. Earlier this year, while taking a tour of Pivot’s headquarters in Tempe, Arizona we were shown a few sections of aluminum tubing. These pieces of metal stood out for their impressive use of hydroforming and while we weren’t told what they would be for, we were told we could expect something new around Eurobike.
Now that the cat is out of the bag, check out the all new Pivot Mach 6 Aluminum. There is also a new Pivot Mach 6 Carbon which is worthy of excitement in its own right, but we have a feeling that the aluminum model might be more exciting for many readers since the use of metal for the frame will save you $1000 on the frameset and $1200 on the least expensive complete bike. Stuffed with many of the features you will find on the carbon Mach 6, the aluminum bike may have you reconsidering alloy frames…
When it came to designing the aluminum Mach 6, one of the main goals was to reach the same stiffness numbers as those of the carbon frame. That was a tall order especially considering the carbon frame has gotten quite a bit stiffer with the latest iteration.
To create an aluminum frame with carbon like stiffness but without the weight of a tank, the aluminum Mach 6 relies on what Pivot is calling next generation hydroforming. By using variable wall thicknesses and custom jigs in order to machine the complex seat tube shape, the new aluminum frame boasts all of the stiffness and precision of the carbon fuselage and comes in at 7.4 pounds for a medium frame with shock.
The Mach 6 aluminum continues with 155 mm of Dw-link suspension that is controlled through a new cold forged double wishbone linkage design that is wider and 150% stiffer at the upper link and uses larger Enduro Max cartridge bearings at the frame attachment points. The shock clevis has also been redesigned for improved strength as well as increased clamping force on the shock body. Meant for air shocks only, the frame can be paired with a 150 mm–160 mm suspension fork.
Like the new Mach 6 Carbon, the frame uses Boost 148x12mm rear spacing with 27.5 inch wheels. Designed for 1x or 2x drive trains, the aluminum frame includes a removable Side Swing front derailleur mount. Built with mostly external cable routing, the shift cable passes internally through the chain stay and the frame is compatible with internal or external dropper posts. The aluminum frame continues the use of a PF92 bottom bracket and provides ISCG05 mounting tabs. Post mount disc brakes and a tapered head tube finish up the vitals.
Sold with a custom valved Fox Factory Kashima Float DPS Shock with EVOL air sleeve, the Mach 6 aluminum will be available in frame only for $1999 or complete builds starting at $3499. These will start shipping to dealers in September.
If you want the ultimate in light weight performance in the Mach 6 package, the carbon bike is still king. Not only is the carbon frame still lighter, but the addition of new suspension linkages means the new frame is substantially stiffer than the old one as well.
Using the same code forged double wishbone links used on the new aluminum model, the carbon Mach 6 sees an increase of stiffness by 150% at the upper link. The frame also uses the redesigned clevis and larger EnduroMax sealed cartridge bearings. Another big change for the frame is the switch to Boost 148 spacing for increased frame stiffness as well as improved tire clearance.
This was also a perfect time to update the Mach 6 carbon with the Shimano XTR Di2 compatible Pivot Cable Port System. The cable ports allow for extremely clean routing of all possible drivetrain options as well as providing a battery hatch on the downtube to keep the weight as low to the ground as possible.
Also equipped with a custom valved Fox Factory Kashima Float DPS Shock with EVOL air sleeve, Mach 6 Carbon frames will start at $2,999 while complete builds will start at $4699. You’ll be able to find these at dealers effective immediately.
Both bikes share the same geometry and are available in five sizes.
