Based on how much we’ve heard Chris Cocalis talk about testing various ebike platforms over the past few years, you could guess what was coming. Like the vast majority of players in the european mountain bike scene (or those trying to gain more market share in Europe), Pivot now has an ebike. While the U.S. is still trying to figure out where ebikes fit in the grand scheme of things, in Europe they’re already widely accepted. Meaning, manufacturers like Pivot are developing bikes of their own, even if that means not selling them in their home country.
It also means that we get to see what Pivot can do with a system like Shimano’s E8000, and even though it’s electronic, it’s classic Pivot in terms of performance and integration. Aptly named the Shuttle, their newest (e)MTB might just replace a vehicle to get you to the top on your next epic descent.
While eMTBs certainly didn’t start out looking much like the common mountain bikes we’ve grown to know and love, that’s quickly changing. Shimano’s E8000 system is pretty small to begin with, and Pivot has taken the design one step further by integrating the standard Shimano battery pack into the frame.
Shimano offers two batteries for their ebike systems, an internal and external model. Even though the batteries use the exact same cells and 504 Wh capacity, the difference in the case design actually makes the internal battery a bit heavier. However, in this case Pivot has used the external battery internally and hidden it the downtube with a bottom mount design for the best of both worlds.
Mounted to a full carbon tray, the battery is sealed with automotive quality gaskets, and the charging port is accessible without removing the battery from the frame. When installed in the frame, both the battery and the motor are kept safe with a carbon shell and a thick rubber downtube protector. We’ll have a more in depth piece on the E8000 system soon, but the motor provides 70Nm of max torque at 250w, and offers the same Q-factor as a Shimano XT crankset. When installed, the battery controls can be accessed through a port on the downtube which is how you turn the system on or off, and all other controls are accessed through the bar mounted control unit or the Shimano E-tube app. Shifting through assist modes is accomplished with a specific Firebolt shifter on the left side of the bar.
The Shuttle continues Pivot’s use of dw-link suspension, but there are a few tweaks to make it more e-friendly. Thanks to a wider, more burly e-specific version of their mid-travel linkage borrowed with a rear shock cartridge pivot bearing design from their longer travel bikes, the Shuttle should be plenty stiff at the rear end. Meanwhile a custom tuned Fox DPX2 with increased compression support helps control the added weight. Obviously, the Shuttle is going to be heavier than a standard MTB, but at a claimed 19.9kg (44lbs) it’s one of the lightest 140 (rear)/160mm (front) travel ebikes we’ve seen.
Now for the second time, Pivot is relying on their SuperBoost Plus axle spacing with a 157 x 12mm rear end. Like the Switchblade, it allows for clearance of 27.5 x 3.0″ tires (27.5 x 2.8″ stock), and 29 x 2.4″ compatibility. It also allows for a super short 437mm chain stay even with the motor and motor casing as well as providing a 30% increase in wheel stiffness over Boost. Like all E8000 bikes, the Pivot Shuttle includes a built in chain guide and a 34 or 38t chainring with a proprietary (to Shimano) BCD.
Equipped with a custom DT Swiss EB1550 SuperBoost Plus wheelset, the build is ebike specific and built to fit the Shuttle for a light but super robust wheelset. Pivot also says the bikes will come with new Maxxis Silk Shield Rekon + tires which were codeveloped for the bike. We assume that these will be available for other bikes soon, but on the Shuttle they’ll offer better protection than a standard casing tire, but a lighter and more supple riding tire than downhill casings.
Elsewhere, the carbon frame features the Pivot Cable Port System for quiet cable management, internal dropper post routing, full Di2 integration, low durometer rubberized protection on the stays, and 180mm post mount disc brakes – which seem like a necessity for ebikes given their added heft.
Pivot will offer the Shuttle in S-XL sizes with their new Long and Low Enduro/trail geometry, and the bikes will be available in Europe only for €9,999.
