It seems like we were just in the desert for the launch of Pivot’s latest bike, but the brand is already back at PressCamp with not one, but two new bikes. Originally, Pivot says that they weren’t planning to introduce the new Mach 4 until the end of the year, but the early release provides a glimpse of just how popular the bike is. After selling through all their stock that was projected to last most of the year, Pivot moved the launch schedule up and was here to show off the updated Mach 4 carbon, and a new Pivot Les 27.5…
Referring to a similar upgrade packages as the recent 429 SL improvements, the Mach 4 doesn’t change in geometry, but many of the crucial frame specifications have been updated to reflect modern fitments. Using essentially the same front triangle, the Mach 4 continues with the Pivot Cable Port system for clean installs of mechanical or electronic drivetrains and the ability to run internal or external dropper posts. That includes the battery door on the downtube which doubles as the second water bottle cage mount for the frame.
The big change to the Mach 4 series comes in the form of an all new swingarm that moves to Boost 148 spacing for the 27.5″ wheeled bike. This makes for a stiffer rear end when combined with the resulting improvement to the wheel, but it also allows the Mach 4 to clear up to a 27.5 x 2.6″ tire. It’s important to note however, that since the Mach 4 comes in two distinct flavors (XC and Trail builds), that the 2.6″ tire clearance requires the Fox 34 fork as the Fox 32 Step Cast fork will only clear up to a 2.35″.
Continuing of course with a dw-link suspension system, the Mach 4 sticks with 115mm of rear travel (100mm for the XS frame). Other frame details include a PF92 bottom bracket, front derailleur compatibility with a high direct mount, post mount 160mm brake tabs, and a tapered 1.125-1.5″ head tube.
While Pivot believes in the same performance geometry for men and women, they offer a variety of spec options including women’s saddles and other fit options that make sense. Just because Pivot doesn’t offer women’s specific frames doesn’t mean they don’t fit shorter riders, in fact it’s just the opposite. Pivot’s XS frame offers one of the lowest standovers in the industry and offers almost the exact same performance as the bigger bikes. The only difference is the move to 100mm of rear travel which allows Pivot to change the shock stroke and valving so the suspension performs just as well for lighter riders. The XS and S can also be built with KS LEV Integra droppers which allow for a lower saddle height than the Fox Transfer posts used on many of their bikes.
Depending on your riding style, the Mach 4 can be built in two different ways. If racing is your thing, the XC build includes a 100mm Fox 32 Step Cast suspension fork, lighter tires, and a flat carbon bar. Or, if you want a light, efficient trail bike that can still be rallied on aggressive terrain, the Trail build bumps up to a 130mm travel Fox 34 fork, burlier 2.35″ tires, and a shorter stem with riser bar.
On the scale, complete XTR Team 1x builds came in at 22.66lbs for the XC build, and 23.99lbs for the Di2 Trail build without droppers. For either build, dropper posts are an option when purchasing. Offered in three colors – red, blue, and lavender (XS and S only), pricing for the Mach 4 ranges from $4,599 for the Boost Race XT 1x kit to the full Team XTR Di2 2x build for $9,499. Frames are available for $2,899 or $3,899 for the frame kit with a Fox 34 Kashima fork and headset.
MACH 4 CARBON:
- 115mm travel dw-link® suspension with race and trail tuning (100mm XS)
- Full carbon frame featuring Pivot exclusive hollow box internal molding technology
- 27.5″ wheels
- Fits tires up to 2.6”
- Available in either trail-oriented or XC racing-focused complete bike builds
- Boost 148mm rear hub spacing
- XS, S, M, L & L(long) sizing, with our X-small featuring the lowest stand-over clearance of any 27.5″ suspension bike made
- Full length internal cable routing, and Shimano Di2 compatible with Pivot’s exclusive cable port system
- Dropper post compatible with internal routing
- Enduro Max cartridge bearings
- Custom tuned Fox Float DPS Kashima rear shock
- Frame weight from 5.1lbs (2.3kg)
- Complete bike weights starting under 22lbs (10kg)
- 2 sets of bottle cage mounts
- Ultra-quiet, low durometer rubberized frame protection
Along with the Mach 4, the LES 27.5 also gets updated with many of the same features. Moving to the Pivot Cable Port System, the carbon frame includes routing options for just about everything you could throw at it, including dropper posts.
Also making the move to Boost 148 spacing, the LES 27.5 has the same tire clearance as the Mach 4 – 27.5 x 2.6″ with the use of the Fox 34 suspension fork. Otherwise, the Fox 32 Step Cast will allow up to 27.5 x 2.35″ tires. Thru axle, post mount, PF92, and tapered, the LES 27.5 should be dialed for XC race or general trail use. Very similar to the LES 29 frame now, the 27.5 does not include the single speed dropouts for a lighter, simpler frame.
Just like the Mach 4, Pivot allows short riders to easily clear the top tube of the XS size with a crazy low standover and the shortest head tube possible to help get the bars as low as possible.
On the scale, this large XTR Team 1x build came in at 19.49lbs while the frame without the rear axle weighed 1230g. Pricing for the LES 27.5 starts at $3,599 for the Race XT 1x kit, and goes up to $8,599 for the TEAM XTR Di2 2x build.
Pivot LES 27.5
- Ultra-light, ride-tuned, carbon frame featuring leading edge carbon fiber materials and Pivot’s proprietary hollow core internal molding technology
- Complete bikes under 19.4lbs / 8.79kg
- 27.5” wheels
- New-school hardtail racing geometry
- The LES hardtail design has been ridden to victory in UCI World Cup, professional XC, endurance and short track races.
- Boost 110mm front and 148mm rear spacing for ultimate in responsiveness and handling precision
- Extremely short 16.77”(426mm) chainstays
- Frame fits tires up to 2.6” wide (Fox 34 fork needed)
- Designed to work with forks from 100-130mm in travel
- Full length internal cable routing and internal Shimano Di2 integration via Pivot’s exclusive, easy-to maintain Cable Port System
- 1x and 2x gearing compatible
- Available in sizes XS, S, M, L for riders between 4’10” and 6’1″
