Pivot calls their all-new Trailcat a “dynamic duo of trail bikes” mixing it up with either superlight or longer travel build to transform their new mid-travel carbon mountain bike. Whether you prefer smooth, flowing singletrack or steeper technical terrain, either new Trailcat can tame your trails. You just have to pick Trailcat SL or Trailcat LT depending on how your riding leans…
2025 Pivot Trailcat SL & LT mid-travel carbon trail bikes
For years Pivot touted the short-travel enduro capabilities of their long-running Trail 429 platform, even building a Bernard Kerr-inspired edition in years past with a more burly spec. But now, reimagining that popular bike with the same DW-link layout – just like their short Mach 4 SL and longer-travel Switchblade – this all-new Trailcat splits the difference between XC and enduro. Thanks to well-refined geometry with flip-chip adjustability and the adaptability to run two different link/shock combos for either 120mm or 135mm of rear wheel travel, this new Trailcat is more versatile than ever.
It’s not one bike to rule them all. In fact, it’s kind of 2 different bikes in either SL or LT guise.
It’s just that perfect trail sweet spot where most mountain bikers actually ride. You only have to decide if your trail riding has more Super Light or Long Travel vibes?
What’s new?
Comparing it to the last 429 that was introduced back in 2019, the Trailcat’s biggest difference is the new 135mm travel option in the Trailcat LT. The Trailcat SL sticks with the same 120mm out back. To make that work, Pivot tweaked the suspension a bit to let them drop in a larger upper link to manage the uptick in rear wheel travel while keeping geometry and handling similar to the shorter SL build.
Up front the SL gets paired with 140mm forks just like the old 429 Enduro builds, while the LT bumps it up even further now to 150mm.
The end result is that the shorter travel Trailcat SL builds should still be immensely capable over any terrain, while retaining “XC-inspired efficiency”. And the Trailcat LT simply takes it to the next level, promising a “rowdy & refined” ride meant to open up more, and tougher trails to you everyday mountain bike.
“At Pivot, we don’t just build bikes; we design experiences. With the Trailcat SL and LT we set out to create the ultimate expressions of versatility and performance. Whether you’re pushing limits on the tech or putting in miles on an all-day adventure, there’s a Trailcat that’s perfect for your ride.”
– Kevin Tisue, Pivot Cycles, Director of Engineering
Tech details
- full hollow core carbon frame – 120 mm or 135mm rear travel depending on the SL or LT rocker link and lower shock mount position
- frame weights from 2430g, claimed
- complete Trailcat SL Team XTR build at 27.75lb (12.58kg) and Trailcat LT Team XTR build at 28.75lb (13.0kg), claimed
- dual cable port internal routing, with full
- Toolshed internal frame storage, with internal tool bag
- space for full-size water bottle on all frame sizes
- additional accessory cage mounts under toptube and under downtube
- ZS 44/56 headset (Pivot also offers a +17mm lower cup for full 27.5 setups)
- max 2.6″ tire clearance
- ISCG05 mounts
- 31.6mm seatpost with internal dropper routing
- Pressfit BB92 bottom bracket
- Super Boost Plus 157mm rear spacing
- UDH
- 5 frame sizes available (XS-XL)
- upper seatstay pivot flip-chip adjustable geometry
- full 29er standard, but mullet wheel compatible
- lifetime warranty on carbon frames to original buyer (when registered)
- lifetime “courtesy” bearing replacement
2025 Pivot Trailcat SL & LT – Pricing, options & availability
The new Pivot Trailcat SL & LT trail bikes both come in 5 sizes (XS-XL). They are available now in either the dark Dr. Purple or light Green Meadow Mist. And then, each gets a bunch of different spec options in three levels – Ride, Pro & Team – each with Shimano or SRAM components and all with Fox suspension.
Pricing starts at $6000 for the SL, $6200 for the LT – with a Shimano SLX/XT mix, Performance level suspension, and alloy DT M1900 wheels.
Then, they climb as high as $13,100/13,300 with SRAM XX Eagle Transmissions, Fox Factory Live Valve Neo suspension, and Reynolds Blacklabel carbon wheels.
