Pivot Cycles has released one of the World’s lightest hardtail mountain bikes ever to grace the market; the 2022 Pivot LES SL. It shaves 300g off its predecessor with an all-new carbon layup optimized not only to save on weight but also to enhance ride quality performance with a more compliant tubeset. Claimed weight for the medium frame is 800g (1.7 lbs) with the light complete bike, the Team XTR, weighing a claimed 9 kg (19.8 lbs). Starting price is $,4999 USD.
Pivot LES-SL Hardtail
The 2022 LES SL is Pivot Cycles’ lightest hardtail mountain bike to date, engineered specifically for XC race performance. While it certainly isn’t the lightest (I think the Mondraker Podium takes that accolade) it sure is incredibly light. Built around a 29″ wheelset only, the LES SL gets updated geometry that sees it get longer, lower and slacker than ever, now boasting a 68.5° head tube angle.
Available in sizes XS-XL, the LES SL sports a reach measurement of 400-485mm catering to rider heights of 147 cm to 185+ cm. That’s an increase in reach of over 30mm on the medium as compared with the earlier LES SL. The BOOST rear end features 429mm chainstays, consistent across the size range. That gives rise to sufficient clearance for a 2.4″ wide trail “XC specific” tire on 28-30mm internal width rims. The bike is not compatible with 27.5+” tires.
The LES SL’s effective seat tube angle from the 72.5° we saw on the 2020 model to a steeper 74.5°.
There are six complete bikes to choose from ranging from $,4999 USD to $9,799 USD. All are spec’d with the 44mm offset Fox 32 Step Cast 100mm travel fork, with a maximum tire clearance of 2.3″. The LES SL is, however, approved for use with a 120mm travel fork for riders who want to slacken that head angle beyond its 68.5°.
Though none of the complete bikes are spec’d with one, the 27.2mm seatpost is compatible with a dropper seat post. Maximum insertion lengths according to frame size are as follows:
- XS – 230mm
- S – 240mm
- M – 260mm
- L – 300mm
- XL – 390mm
While the former Pivot LES SL featured swinger adjustable dropouts for a quick conversion to a single-speed setup, the 2022 LES SL does not. You can still run it as a single-speed of course, but you will need to invest in an independent chain tensioner that attaches to the SRAM UDH derailleur hanger in place of the derailleur.
Pricing & Availability
The 2022 Pivot LES SL is available now in two colors, Black Sunset and Blue Ribbon. at eight price points starting from $,4999 USD for the most affordable Race build. That cash gets you the FOX Performance Stepcast fork with GRIP damper, Shimano XT 12 speed group with SLX 2-piston brakes, aluminium Race Face seat post and DT Swiss X1900 wheels on the DT370 hubset. The XO1 Race build comes in a little pricier at $5,499 USD.
The PRO Builds are Pivot’s mid-range offering, starting from $6,199 USD for the Pro XT/XTR model. Upgrades on this one include the namesake groupset, Shimano XT 2-piston brakes, the Fox Factory Stepcast fork with FIT4 damper, a Race Face carbon seat post and DT Swiss XR1700 wheels on the DT350 hubset. The PRO XO1 build comes in at $7,199 USD.
An upgrade to Reynolds Blacklabel carbon rims on Industry Nine Hydra Hubs is available for both the PRO XT/XTR and PRO XO1 builds, pushing the price up to $7,549 USD and $8,549 USD, respectively.
The range tops out with the Team XTR and Team XX1 AXS builds retailing at $8,399 USD and $9,799 USD, respectively. Aside from their namesake groupsets, these are fitted with those Reynolds Blacklabel carbon rims on Industry Nine Hydra Hubs as standard. There are other carbon upgrades too including the Race Face Next SL crankset and the Phoenix Team Flat Carbon Bar.
