PC15: Pivot Unveils All New Mach 429 Trail, Updates Vault Gravel/Cross Machine

Even though we just visited with Pivot at their headquarters in Tempe, AZ, we knew something big was on the horizon, but we didn’t know what. Characteristically tight lipped about future bikes in development, Chris Cocalis only promised that we would get a chance to see everything they were working on once we got to Press Camp in Deer Valley, UT.

True to his word, we arrived to find a bike that many Pivot fans have been asking for – a slacker, short travel trail bike, only with 29″ wheels. That of course would be the new Pivot Mach 429 Trail. Described to us as sort of a mash up of the Mach 429 SL and the Mach 6, the 429 Trail checks off a lot of boxes. Not only that, but at the same time Pivot was unveiling the Mach 429 Trail, they also showed off the revised Vault carbon cross/gravel bike. Now disc only and full thru axle, the Vault could unlock the ability to have just a single 700c bike in your garage…

Before the presentation, I was able to sneak a look at the new bike outside and one of the first things that jumps out to you is the call out of 116mm of travel on the top tube. During the presentation, Pivot made it clear that in hindsight, they wish that they would not have included that in the graphics. Why? The bike does have 116mm of rear travel, but that number does not match the suspension performance of the bike. There is just no way to ride it and come away thinking it had any less travel than at least 120-130mm. However, the climbs are a different story – the thing is so efficient when the trail points up that you might think it has less travel than 116mm. This bike really does climb similar to the Mach 429 SL yet descend with the capability approaching that of the Mach 6. The resulting ride fits the design goal which was to create a true all around, do it all trail bike.

Sticking with Dave Weagle’s tried and true DW link suspension system, the Mach 429 Trail uses Pivots newer mid-travel linkage design with cold forged alloy links and Enduro Max sealed cartridge bearings. Basically, the bike gets the same lower link as the Mach 6 for stiffness with a new upper link to fit the bike. Relying on a custom tuned Fox DPS rear shock for the rear suspension, the front is matched to a Fox 34 fork set at 130mm of travel. Pivot is a big fan of the Fox Dual Piston System Shocks since the two separate valving channels deliver better definition between the 3 settings of the shock.

The Mach 429 Trail frame continues with Pivot’s Hollow Core carbon molding process, but the blend of carbon has changed a bit in order to get the price of the frame down. According to Pivot the frame still tests out just as strong as other designs, but the addition of more mid-modulus carbon fiber helps drop the price from $3,000 per frame, to $2,500. The biggest concession would probably be in the weight department, but as you’ll see below the frame still checks in under 6lbs.

As Pivot’s first bike with Boost 148 spacing, Cocalis states that the decision was based more on tire clearance and frame design than rear wheel stiffness. During our trip to Pivot’s HQ, our conversation around Boost left us with the impression that Chris really would have liked to have seen a wider spacing used instead of 148, but the inclusion of Boost on the Mach 429 Trail does make it 27+ compatible. Not all rim and tire combinations will fit, but Pivot will have a FAQ section on their site which will let consumers know what set ups will work. Additional details at the rear include standard or Shimano Direct mount derailleur hanger options, post mount disc tabs, and one of the only bits of internal cable routing on the bike.

The front of the bike is also Boost spacing with the 15×110 thru axle in the Fox 34 and corresponding wheels from DT Swiss. Cocalis notes that on the front of the bike, he feels that 110mm Boost spacing actually does make a big improvement in the stiffness of the front wheel. The Shimano XT crankset is also a Boost specific spacing with a 3mm outward shift of the rings that does not affect Q-factor.

One big change from the Mach 4 is that the cable routing for the Mach 429 Trail is almost completely external. With the exception of the rear derailleur housing through the swing arm and the Stealth dropper post routing, everything is on the outside of the bike for easier maintenance as well as another effort to reduce the price. That does mean that the Mach 429 Trail doesn’t have the slick Di2 integration and cable port system we saw on the 4, but Pivot points out the bike is still Di2 compatible.

If you’ve ever talked to Chris about 1x systems you know he is a big fan of the front derailleur. But he also knows that people like the clean look of 1x only frames so the 429 Trail includes a custom derailleur mount that is removable. The frame is compatible only with Shimano Sideswing front derailleurs using the e-type mount.

Still as firm a believer as ever in pressfit bottom brackets, the 429 Trail uses a Shimano BB92 pressfit shell which isn’t surprising considering Chris co-developed the design with Shimano. In addition to the front derailleur mounts, the frame also includes ISCG05 mountain tabs for chain guides.

On the scale, a complete large 429 Trail in the X0 build kit came in at 26.57 lb (12.05kg) and the frame without the thru axle measured 5.93 lbs. Available in S-XL frame sizes, the reach will be similar to that of the 429 SL with a 67.5 degree head tube angle and 72.8 degree seat tube angle and 440mm chain stays. Offered in 8 different complete builds with both double and 1x options, complete bikes will range from $3,999 to $7,699 with foremasts coming in at $2,499. Look for these to hit stores in mid July.

Switching gears to the skinnier side of things, the Vault is back with an all new frame that is now disc brake specific. Along with the discs, the bike is now full thru axle with a 142×12 rear and 100×15 front and provides clearance for up to 38mm tires. Marketed as a do it all road/cross/gravel bike, the carbon frame includes size specific carbon layups through Pivot’s Hollow Core molding.

Opting to utilize the new Shimano Flat mount disc standard, the Vault only uses it on the rear of the bike with the front remaining 160mm post mount. Pivot’s reasoning was that there is noticeable benefit for the design out back, but on the front with a 160mm rotor the post mounts are cleaner and don’t require an adapter. The rear will be able to run 140 or 160mm rotors while the front is 160/180. Other frame tidbits include a 31.6mm seat post, and 1.5 to 1.125 tapered head tube.

The Vault frame is fully Di2 compatible with both mechanical or electronic internal cabling, but for now production bikes will only be offered in mechanical complete (though Di2 builds will come in the future). The Di2 batter would mount in front of the bottom bracket which happens to be a BB386 – another press fit design Chris co-developed with FSA. According to Cocalis the design offers the best stiffness, crank compatibility, and tire clearance without resorting to extreme designs of the chain stays.

Shown above how it will ship complete, the Carbon Cross Ultegra build includes a 2×11 Ultegra drivetrain, FSA Gossamer Pro 386 Evo crank with up spec chainrings, Stan’s Grail wheels, and a smart mix of components for $3,899. Framesets will also be available for $2,299.

The complete stock build in a large checked in at 19.25lbs (8.73kg) while the frameset weighed in at 1340g for the frame and 480g for the fork (with a crown race). Available in XS-L frames, the four sizes include 52, 54, 56, and 58cm top tube lengths. Medium and large frames are set to ship next week with the XS and S frames coming in a few weeks.

pivotcycles.com