The development of eMTBs has already seen an interesting evolution. At first, it was a race to offer the most powerful bikes with the biggest batteries, as riders experienced the joy of effortless climbing and extended rides. However, it didn’t take long for some companies to start producing eMTBs with less power and less weight.
Pivot’s 2025 Shuttle LT is a full-powered eMTB, but its complete weight is low enough that it almost winds up in the ‘mid’ or ‘lite’ eMTB classes. While its Bosch motor tops out at 600W output, it does produce 85Nm of torque which matches some heavier eMTBs. The Shuttle LT also carries a 750Wh battery, so it’s not sacrificing capacity to keep its weight down.
Built for gnarly descents and all-day rides, the new Shuttle LT is a 160/170mm eMTB with a carbon frame, modern geometry, and compatibility for MX or 29” wheels.
Frame Features and Key Specs:
The Shuttle LT is basically a class 1 motor-assisted version of Pivot’s Firebird. It is a long-travel, enduro-inspired eMTB. The Shuttle LT’s frames are full carbon only, and custom carbon layups were designed to ensure it offers a similar ride feel to Pivot’s Firebird and Switchblade MTBs.
The frames are built using Pivot’s hollow core internal molding process, which they say keeps weight to a minimum. The Shuttle LT Team model weighs 49.25 lbs, which is impressive for a bike with a 750Wh battery.
The Shuttle LT offers 160mms of rear travel driven by a DW link suspension linkage. Pivot tuned the linkage to provide the ideal amount of anti-squat that harnesses the drive system’s power output and ensures solid traction. Pivot says their progressive linkage works well with either coil or air shocks.
All models of the Shuttle LT come with 170mm forks – either Performance or Factory level Fox 38s depending on model. If you want even more squish up front, this bike can run a 180mm single crown fork.
The new Shuttle LTs all come stock on MX wheels, but they are convertible to 29” wheels. A flip-chip at the top of the seatstays adapts the frame to either rear wheel size, and offers High/Low settings with a 29” rear wheel. Only the High setting is intended for MX wheel setups.
Pivot says going with a vertical shock layout allows them to design a more compact frame that maximizes stiffness and minimizes weight. This also lets them keep standover height low, and leaves ample room for a full-sized water bottle on all frame sizes.
Water bottle/accessory mounts are included on the underside of the Shuttle LT’s top tubes and on top of the down tubes. Pivot partnered with Topeak to produce a line of Dock multi-tools that attach to standard bottle mounts via a carrying case that keeps them clean.
Fitments:
Small frames come with 150mm dropper posts, and M-XL sizes come with 150-170mm posts (Ride model) or 175mm/Medium or Large and 200mm/XL (Pro and Team models). Maximum insertion depths are as follows: S – 245mm, M – 270mm, L – 310mm, XL – 348mm. The frames accept 31.6mm posts.
An upper chain guide is included on all Shuttle LTs, but there are no ISCG tabs. Pivot noted the bike’s skidplate sits lower than the chainring so you don’t have to worry about bashing your ring.
The Shuttle LT uses a Super Boost Plus 12x157mm rear axle, which provides rear tire clearance for 27.5×2.6” or most 29×2.5” tires. The frame features UDH-compatible dropouts, and a rear post mount for 203mm brake rotors.
Final details include internal cable routing through the front and rear triangles, a chainstay/seatstay guard, and a lower down tube guard.
Drive System:
All models of the 2025 Shuttle LT come equipped with Bosch’s Performance CX Race Limited Edition motor. This motor has a 600W max output, and maxes out at 85Nm torque. The Shuttle LTs come configured with four assist levels: Sport, eMTB Shortcrank, Turbo, and Race.
If you’re thinking a 600W motor doesn’t sound particularly impressive compared to other eMTBs that offer more, keep in mind the Shuttle LT is considerably lighter than most full-powered eMTBs. I recently rode the Devinci E-Troy Lite, which has a 600W output with just 55Nm of torque, and at 44.5lbs it easily produced ample power.
Assist power is supplied by a Bosch PowerTube 750Wh battery, but the bike’s capacity is expandable to 1000Wh with Bosch’s PowerMore range extender. The main battery is removable, but it requires the removal of the motor and charging port. Fully charging the battery takes 3.5-5 hours.
The Shuttle LT uses Bosch’s top tube-mounted display unit to show your battery life and assist level. At the handlebar, Bosch’s mini remote provides the necessary controls in a very compact package.
The Bosch ebike flow app allows for further drive system customization, but in this case, Pivot actually worked with Bosch to create a custom tuning app specific to the Shuttle LT.
Geometry:
At a glance, Pivot has given the Shuttle LT’s generous reach numbers, mid-length chainstays, slack steering angles, and fairly steep seat mast angles. Pivot said they kept standover heights low, and the above chart reveals they definitely did. Frame sizes S/M/L/XL are available, which should fit riders from 5’3” to 6’7” or taller.
If you choose to run a 29” rear wheel, the geo chart below shows all the numbers for the High and Low geometry positions. Please note both sides of the chart are labelled as Low but the figures on the right are actually for the High position.
Model Lineup:
The new Shuttle LT will be available in three complete builds; Team, Pro, and Ride. Pivot also offers buyers the chance to add Fox’s Live Valve Neo coil shock for an additional $1500 (on Pro and Team builds). For all models, buyers can add a Bosch PowerMore 250 range extender for an extra $500 (if purchased with a bike) or $525 if purchased separately.
You might notice the spec charts list the Shuttle AM’s front tires at 2.4” wide, and the rears at 2.6” wide. While we usually see wider fronts, Pivot did this intentionally to ensure the smaller 27.5” rear wheel gets all the traction and braking response possible.
Team model – $12,999
Pro model – $10,999
Ride model – $8699
Frame color options for the 2025 Shuttle LT are Blue Scrub Jay or Willow Green.
