Pivot Switchblade

Big wheels on wide hubs allow this boosted beauty to hold any line you choose but change direction on a whim.

The Fox 36 Factory Kashima Fork provides plenty of stiffness in the front. Had on the brakes? Steering out of ruts? The 36 handles like a champ while eating up the chunder.

A lot of suspension travel can seem like a big commitment. We get that. One great thing about modern MTB suspensions is the ability to neutralize movement with a flick of that blue lever.

A Fox Float CTD rear shock munches up bumps, while the 157mm speced double wishbone rear triangle tracks smoothly through the 135mm of travel.

The Fox Transfer is reliable and easy to maintain. We love it. A QR clamp makes it super easy to fine-tune position out on the trail.

A 12mm thru axle holds that big wheel firmly in place, while Shimano Ice Tech rotors scrub speed and heat.

Maxxis High Roller tires front and rear are standard equipment. A big 2.4 Conti on this size MD demo is a good option too.

Aggressive front tires are your friend.

Shimano XT M8000 brake levers feel good with a single finger.

Pivot's flagship "trailduro" bike keeps handlebars conservatively wide - at 740mm. The Pheonix Trail Enduro stem provides some rise or drop, weather you flip or flop.

The M8000 shifter will dump two gears per upshift and four per downshift.

The fun switch. Push it.

The blue CTD lever modifies the force required to compress the fork. Open is for full downhill, medium is for mixed conditions with lots of pedaling, firm is for standing and mashing on smoother climbs.

Points of contact can make or break a ride. Fortunately - Pivot specs a cush WTB Vigo saddle on the Switchblade and most other bikes. When contact is not desired, slam the Fox Transfer seatpost down and get rowdy!

Many drivetrain options are available on the Switchblade, including the Di2 and 2x. This particular bike rocks a Shimano XT/XTR Pro 1x kit.

This demo bike runs a modified 11-45 cassette in the rear with a Raceface 30t single chainring up front.

Low standover heights give you more room to work with in technical situations.