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Pivot Shuttle eMTB plugs in with Shimano E8000, for Europe only

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Based on how much we’ve heard Chris Cocalis talk about testing various ebike platforms over the past few years, you could guess what was coming. Like the vast majority of players in the european mountain bike scene (or those trying to gain more market share in Europe), Pivot now has an ebike. While the U.S. is still trying to figure out where ebikes fit in the grand scheme of things, in Europe they’re already widely accepted. Meaning, manufacturers like Pivot are developing bikes of their own, even if that means not selling them in their home country.

It also means that we get to see what Pivot can do with a system like Shimano’s E8000, and even though it’s electronic, it’s classic Pivot in terms of performance and integration. Aptly named the Shuttle, their newest (e)MTB might just replace a vehicle to get you to the top on your next epic descent.

While eMTBs certainly didn’t start out looking much like the common mountain bikes we’ve grown to know and love, that’s quickly changing. Shimano’s E8000 system is pretty small to begin with, and Pivot has taken the design one step further by integrating the standard Shimano battery pack into the frame.

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Shimano offers two batteries for their ebike systems, an internal and external model. Even though the batteries use the exact same cells and 504 Wh capacity, the difference in the case design actually makes the internal battery a bit heavier. However, in this case Pivot has used the external battery internally and hidden it the downtube with a bottom mount design for the best of both worlds.

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Mounted to a full carbon tray, the battery is sealed with automotive quality gaskets, and the charging port is accessible without removing the battery from the frame. When installed in the frame, both the battery and the motor are kept safe with a carbon shell and  a thick rubber downtube protector. We’ll have a more in depth piece on the E8000 system soon, but the motor provides 70Nm of max torque at 250w, and offers the same Q-factor as a Shimano XT crankset. When installed, the battery controls can be accessed through a port on the downtube which is how you turn the system on or off, and all other controls are accessed through the bar mounted control unit or the Shimano E-tube app. Shifting through assist modes is accomplished with a specific Firebolt shifter on the left side of the bar.

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

The Shuttle continues Pivot’s use of dw-link suspension, but there are a few tweaks to make it more e-friendly. Thanks to a wider, more burly e-specific version of their mid-travel linkage borrowed with a rear shock cartridge pivot bearing design from their longer travel bikes, the Shuttle should be plenty stiff at the rear end. Meanwhile a custom tuned Fox DPX2 with increased compression support helps control the added weight. Obviously, the Shuttle is going to be heavier than a standard MTB, but at a claimed 19.9kg (44lbs) it’s one of the lightest 140 (rear)/160mm (front) travel ebikes we’ve seen.

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Now for the second time, Pivot is relying on their SuperBoost Plus axle spacing with a 157 x 12mm rear end. Like the Switchblade, it allows for clearance of 27.5 x 3.0″ tires (27.5 x 2.8″ stock), and 29 x 2.4″ compatibility. It also allows for a super short 437mm chain stay even with the motor and motor casing as well as providing a 30% increase in wheel stiffness over Boost. Like all E8000 bikes, the Pivot Shuttle includes a built in chain guide and a 34 or 38t chainring with a proprietary (to Shimano) BCD.

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Equipped with a custom DT Swiss EB1550 SuperBoost Plus wheelset, the build is ebike specific and built to fit the Shuttle for a light but super robust wheelset. Pivot also says the bikes will come with new Maxxis Silk Shield Rekon + tires which were codeveloped for the bike. We assume that these will be available for other bikes soon, but on the Shuttle they’ll offer better protection than a standard casing tire, but a lighter and more supple riding tire than downhill casings.

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only

Pivot plugs in with Shimano E8000 Shuttle eMTB for Europe only geometry

Elsewhere, the carbon frame features the Pivot Cable Port System for quiet cable management, internal dropper post routing, full Di2 integration, low durometer rubberized protection on the stays, and 180mm post mount disc brakes – which seem like a necessity for ebikes given their added heft.

Pivot will offer the Shuttle in S-XL sizes with their new Long and Low Enduro/trail geometry, and the bikes will be available in Europe only for €9,999.

 

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25 Comments
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Vincent
6 years ago

Is it compatible with 29″ whells ?

Dustytires
6 years ago

This is the best looking Pivot ever, their current swoopy sh*t makes me dizzy. Re-read the article Vince it’s all in there.

Craig
Craig
6 years ago
Reply to  Dustytires

I’d 100% agree with you there Dustytires. This bike looks amazing, reminds me a bit of motocross bike styling. Well done Pivot, this is awesome!

Me
Me
6 years ago

Getting tired of this Euro only E bike BS. There’s a few E bikes I’m considering and this would be on the top of the list if not for that distribution strategy. Lost sale Pivot ;(

ascarlarkinyar
6 years ago

Great. Let Europe have “all” the motorcycle ebikes…. that way they will not ruin our trails and get mtbs kicked off as well.

Erik
Erik
6 years ago
Reply to  ascarlarkinyar

clearly you have never ridden one.

Frank
Frank
6 years ago
Reply to  Erik

I keep reading this BS reply. So what if they are fun. They are motorcycles. There are a lot of fun things you shouldn’t do. E-MTB’s are anantithesis to what mountain biking is.

Andrew
Andrew
6 years ago
Reply to  Frank

clearly you have never ridde one ( part 2)

Frank
Frank
6 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

I’ve ridden a front-wheel-drive commuter e-bike in the snow. lots of fun. Inappropriate for and the antithesis of mountain biking.

liz
liz
6 years ago
Reply to  Frank

And hikers think MTB’s are inappropriate and ruining what was once only theirs, so f*** off! If standard MTB bikes are allowed, then so should e-bikes! You anti-e-bike people think you own the trails! Get over your bloated egos and let everyone enjoy!

Andrew
Andrew
6 years ago
Reply to  Frank

and no,they are not motorcycles and yes,you’ll still find yourself sweating a lot while riding one.

D-Con
D-Con
6 years ago
Reply to  Erik

Erik,
Just because mountain bikes are quiet, wheeled, and fun doesn’t mean that everything that is quiet, wheeled, and fun is a mountain bike.

Motor = motorized
No Motor = non-motorized

Al
Al
6 years ago
Reply to  D-Con

By that logic my racing cart is a family sedan

Frank
Frank
6 years ago

Say it ain’t so Pivot! An e-MTB from a small, American bike company… gone to the dark side.

Feminals
Feminals
6 years ago

Y’all need to a take a business class about demand and supply. The EU is all ebikes. The demand is there. This is a smart move for Pivot.

moto9
moto9
6 years ago

Even though I don’t have an ebike…I get it!
I have seen several peddle assist ebikes out on the trail and I don’t see an issue with them.
In fact, what I do see is the ebike drawing more riders into the sport, seniors, parents out with their kids.
Which gives mountain biking a bigger voice.
I talked to one lady in her 60’s that had a Levo, she said the ebike has given her a new life in mountain biking.
She can now ride up through her favorite trails, it has increased her ride time and distance, where before she physically she couldn’t do it before.
the Euros get it, we should too.

Me
Me
6 years ago
Reply to  moto9

Best comment ever Moto 9. Anything that gets people off the couch and outside is a good thing.

Al
Al
6 years ago
Reply to  Me

Well said

zipp23
zipp23
6 years ago
Reply to  moto9

As a mountainbiker I dont need help for a bigger voice from e-bikers. Please stop parasiting on cycling.

Antoine
Antoine
6 years ago

Have to say from an european standpoint i have a hard time understanding ‘murican. On one side you have ppl very angry at e-bike stating these are motorized (Evil) vehicle and you’ll find crazy “coal roller” or “tractor puller tournament” are right in the name of liberty.
I don’t think a 250 watt motor will make a significant difference to the impact a bike has on a trail, in particular if this bike has plus/2.6+ tire.

Bazz
Bazz
6 years ago
Reply to  Antoine

e-bikes are like thigh masters or drinking diet soda with a big grease burger

zipp23
zipp23
6 years ago
Reply to  Bazz

(deleted)

Collin
Collin
6 years ago

When does motorsport start using lane assist so that anyone can be a race car driver? Moto GP use CVT? The answer it seems, is soon

Todd B
Todd B
6 years ago

Man I am 53 years old. Bought my first Mt bike in 88, so I have been riding for almost 30 years. I hope to ride for 30 more. I would consider one of these when the time comes that my legs and lungs are just done. If it keeps me riding I will be all for it. For now, I will swing my leg over my Yeti and ride, ride, ride. Fact is I would rather ride an Bike then not ride at all.

Bazz
Bazz
6 years ago

Ha ha, so when we look back on Pivot’s 10th anniversary we will remember it as the year that they started making e-bikes…

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