I have the trail 429 and really like the superboost is solid i haven't had any clearance issues, maybe i have smaller calves idk. It does feel more solid than any other bike ive ridden. Trail 429 is under 30lbs and still super capable. Pivot makes the best bikes.
Love my 2021 Switchblade! Did great on my trips to NC, Ga, and even southern Utah! I ride it daily in Fl too. Like you mentioned, it's a great daily bike.
I’m 5’6” and 145 pounds, a size small. How do you think the switchblade would perform for a smaller rider like me. I’ve been trying to decide between that and the 429, but love the blue of the switchblade so much more and like the idea of having a mid travel bike that’s a little more capable. Any recommendations?
Thanks for the vids-great work!.I’m currently on an older VPP carbon Tallboy. Torn between a Ripley, a Pivot Trail 429, Switchblade, or another Tallboy with better geo. . Im in Northern Virginia with lots of peddling. Recommendation? Thanks
Great videos JC! Discussed this with fellow subscribers but was wondering if you think the Epic Evo or Ripley is better for technical cross country. Live out west in California, but ride mostly cross country, not enduro lol. Gonna be demoing both in a couple months (after covid thing).
Hmm 🤔. Here is my thought on those 2 bikes. I would pick the Epic Evo if your riding flatter trails that are smooth or technical. If you like the feeling of an XC bike then Epic for sure. If your riding trails with a big climb up front followed by a big descent then go with the Ripley. The Ripley’s geo is a little more roomy so it feels more comfortable on long steeper descents. (Feels more like a trail bike) Hope this helps.
My 2018 Spectral AL got light on the front end when climbing too, something my Instinct BC doesnt seem to do. I got the 10-52 XO installed on the BC, dropped just over 1/2 pound and that carbon crank looks so much better than the GX Good point about the chain stays being wider and rubbing with the 157 super boost, most times an improvement/change comes with a hidden [for a while] drawback
Great review buddy and your looking good on that newly constructed knee! I own the switchblade and its the sickest bike I have ever ridden! I havnt ridden a ton of bikes but from what I've ridden I would never give up that pivot! It just shreds anything I want it to do. Great bike and great review!
Thanks for the review. Have been really comparing the Switchblade with the Delano Peak. Pretty rocky chunk and loose single track here in Bentonville. Leaning towards switchblade, thoughts on terrain one vs the other?
Another observation: I recommend you get the DT Swiss carbon wheels and not the Reynolds carbon wheels. Although the Reynolds wheelset has a higher engagement than the DT Swiss wheelset, the DT Swiss wheelset is 1,535 grams vs. 1,780 grams for the Reynolds wheelset. Also, if you buy the DT Swiss 54t Ratchet upgrade kit; you will get engagement that is very similar to the Reynolds wheelset. I also put a DHR2 on the front but I put a Maxxis Rekon in the back. The Rekon is about 150 grams lighter and works great in the Pacific Northwest where I live.
Those Reynolds are DH rated (that's why they are heavier) and have a lifetime no questions asked warranty and the I9 Hydra engagement happens at .52 of a degree. No DT Swiss will ever come close to that. just saying
Just checked out this bike. It looks and feels amazing. I'm seriously considering buying this for a do it all bike. How do you think this compares to the Fezzari Delano Peak? Does the Delano have a burly frame like this one does? This felt like a solid frame when I had it in front of me.
Furion, I rode hardtails for years, then one year ago, I bought my first FS bike. I demo’d a bunch of bikes before buying my switchblade and the SB140 was the other bike I almost bought. This might sound crazy, but I did not like how the Yeti pedaled. Idk if the one I demod had short short crank arms and wrong sprocket, but I couldnt get past it. Both bikes are fun to jib around on going down the trails and I feel like the 140 was a bit more poppy! You cant go wrong with either of those two bikes….
If you had to pick between your Epic Evo and the new Stumpy for your light weight, short travel bike for longer days in the saddle, which would it be??
I have the new Stumpy and the 2019 Epic EVO. Given the choice, I’d still go with the Epic EVO. It’s lighter, more efficient, and I personally think the suspension kinematics are better. I’ll probably actually sell the 21 Stumpy and go back to the previous model year. Way more comfy, and still faster (but not much more).
“It’s so quiet.” Meanwhile all I can hear is an angry buzz of bees. Then your screen text pops up. LOL. Interesting comment about the top tube. I feel the same. It’s why, even also at only a bit over 5’10”, my Bronson is an XL. And some of these bikes with even steeper STAs are even worse. Luckily most brands going with short seat tubes so you really can select size based on length of reach and top tube. Welcome back. Good to see you back in the saddle again.
You know, I think sometimes going down a size isn’t a bad thing especially when it comes to what I call “flickability”. I have a Pivot Mach6 carbon in size medium and I love it. I’m normally a large. Another thing, it’s kind of apples to oranges comparing the two because the Mach 6 is a DW link and the switchblade is not but both are excellent climbers which tells me (having two different suspension designs) that pivot has really figured something out when it comes to climbing. On my Mach 6 I rarely ever have to lock out the rear shock to climb.
Solid review! You really touched on many of the points that I have read about that bike. I’d be curious to see how it feels on larger drops and when there’s more compression. I have a ripmo right now and I constantly experience severe bottom outs on large drops and bigger hits. I know that they have very similar peddling platforms but I’d be curious to know if that Pivot performs better when it comes to drops and larger compressions. Also I hear this bike is a bit snappier and more agile than the ripmo..... Is that a demo bike or did u buy it speculatively?
It’s a demo. The Switchblade is really hard to bottom out unless your a big rider. Their is a ton of progression engineered in the shock and most riders have to put a smaller token in it.
Got mine, same build, at Thanksgiving...best bike I’ve ever owned. All the cliche mtb terms apply to this bike. You simply can’t out skill this bike...whatever is the best you can throw at it, it can take more. Good review and welcome back.
How is it on steep recents? I am looking to upgrade my Devinci Django 120mm rear for a little more travel so i can ride windrock steep downhill local trails but also want it to work on my other everyday east coast trails around knoxville and pisgah.
I think it pedals better than the 429 (steeper STA) and it has way more traction over the rocks. Having more travel in feels more comfortable on the descents.
Is there a 2021 review of trail 429? I love mine I bought a month ago. Would be interested to see if you think they dialed in the update of trail 429 from 2020?
That’s a pretty heavy bike. How is the DW Link on this bike, compared to Ibis DW, namely on your Ripley? I mean this bike is 33 lbs and the Ripmo is just over 28lbs with a threaded BB? Are companies like Pivot and say Santa Cruz overbuilding their frames to avoid warranty issues do you think?
My Ripmo v2 is pretty light too and more capable but pedals very well and the travel is super supple off the top. It doesn't feel boring in tame trails, its super poppy and fun. Yes, it has threaded bb. No super boost!
I grabbed one of thse from JRA earlier this week. Got 2 rides on it on very very technical terrain bike preforms fantastic. Climbs better then my old sb130 and feels like it can smash like my trek slash. Perfect trail bike. 🤙
@@jctrails dude let me know if you wana be the first mtb RUclips channel to get a video at aggie in york maine. Awesome place to ride.. never been covered for some reason.
Would that be an UPcountry bike??
Nah James it’s a Down Country EVO Plus LT CC
JC TRAILS which water bottle cage is that on your Pivot SB review?
@@BravoZuluDM www.specialized.com/us/en/zee-cage-ii--right/p/172378?color=274170-172378&searchText=43020-2114
I have the trail 429 and really like the superboost is solid i haven't had any clearance issues, maybe i have smaller calves idk. It does feel more solid than any other bike ive ridden. Trail 429 is under 30lbs and still super capable. Pivot makes the best bikes.
Love my 2021 Switchblade! Did great on my trips to NC, Ga, and even southern Utah! I ride it daily in Fl too. Like you mentioned, it's a great daily bike.
It sure is. The one bike that can do it all.
7:30 to like 8:40 you were flying man, how can you even see what’s going on? Great riding! 👍
Getting famous off of comments day 230, so I can live the dream, live every day like it’s your last🤙🚀🤙
I’m 5’6” and 145 pounds, a size small. How do you think the switchblade would perform for a smaller rider like me. I’ve been trying to decide between that and the 429, but love the blue of the switchblade so much more and like the idea of having a mid travel bike that’s a little more capable. Any recommendations?
Thanks for the vids-great work!.I’m currently on an older VPP carbon Tallboy. Torn between a Ripley, a Pivot Trail 429, Switchblade, or another Tallboy with better geo. . Im in Northern Virginia with lots of peddling. Recommendation? Thanks
Good honest review, not too jazzed on superboost, evil is doing that too now and others. Hopefully it doesn't become a thing. Glad your back bro!
Great videos JC! Discussed this with fellow subscribers but was wondering if you think the Epic Evo or Ripley is better for technical cross country. Live out west in California, but ride mostly cross country, not enduro lol. Gonna be demoing both in a couple months (after covid thing).
Hmm 🤔. Here is my thought on those 2 bikes. I would pick the Epic Evo if your riding flatter trails that are smooth or technical. If you like the feeling of an XC bike then Epic for sure. If your riding trails
with a big climb up front followed by a big descent then go with the Ripley. The Ripley’s geo is a little more roomy so it feels more comfortable on long steeper descents. (Feels more like a trail bike) Hope this helps.
Makes sense. In that case Ripley any day given California trails are big ups and downs, with long descents and climbs. Thanks and love your videos!
@@alimick4966 thanks for watching!
My 2018 Spectral AL got light on the front end when climbing too, something my Instinct BC doesnt seem to do. I got the 10-52 XO installed on the BC, dropped just over 1/2 pound and that carbon crank looks so much better than the GX
Good point about the chain stays being wider and rubbing with the 157 super boost, most times an improvement/change comes with a hidden [for a while] drawback
Great review buddy and your looking good on that newly constructed knee! I own the switchblade and its the sickest bike I have ever ridden! I havnt ridden a ton of bikes but from what I've ridden I would never give up that pivot! It just shreds anything I want it to do. Great bike and great review!
Thanks man! It’s a great bike.
Thanks for the review. Have been really comparing the Switchblade with the Delano Peak. Pretty rocky chunk and loose single track here in Bentonville. Leaning towards switchblade, thoughts on terrain one vs the other?
Your vids are so gnarly bro u be shredding like that and giving a review. Epic man very entertaining
Another observation: I recommend you get the DT Swiss carbon wheels and not the Reynolds carbon wheels. Although the Reynolds wheelset has a higher engagement than the DT Swiss wheelset, the DT Swiss wheelset is 1,535 grams vs. 1,780 grams for the Reynolds wheelset. Also, if you buy the DT Swiss 54t Ratchet upgrade kit; you will get engagement that is very similar to the Reynolds wheelset. I also put a DHR2 on the front but I put a Maxxis Rekon in the back. The Rekon is about 150 grams lighter and works great in the Pacific Northwest where I live.
Those Reynolds are DH rated (that's why they are heavier) and have a lifetime no questions asked warranty and the I9 Hydra engagement happens at .52 of a degree. No DT Swiss will ever come close to that. just saying
Hauling ass! Man, I have a SBv2 and you were killing it!
JC TRAILS how did tear your ACL?
Just checked out this bike. It looks and feels amazing. I'm seriously considering buying this for a do it all bike. How do you think this compares to the Fezzari Delano Peak? Does the Delano have a burly frame like this one does? This felt like a solid frame when I had it in front of me.
I would smash this bike so hard
It can take it.
Very nice review! How would you compare the Pivot with the SC Hightower you previously reviewed? Great channel!
That sounds like an Industry Nine Hydra to me!
Any chance you could get an Evil Offering V2 in to review? (then you could switch wheels with the super boost)
Hopefully I will get to demo it soon.
Yea get the Offering review out! So tempted to buy one
Just a note, at the end part when describing the bike, the volume of your voice changes drastically when you turn your head away from the camera
Good to see you back on the trails.
Good to be back.
Awesome! If you could only own 1 bike and had 3500 to spend which would you get? Nice reviews! Subscribed!
You left me wondering how it climbs *compared* with the Ibis Ripley
I'm more interested in how this in 27.5" compares with the Yeti SB140
Furion, I rode hardtails for years, then one year ago, I bought my first FS bike. I demo’d a bunch of bikes before buying my switchblade and the SB140 was the other bike I almost bought. This might sound crazy, but I did not like how the Yeti pedaled. Idk if the one I demod had short short crank arms and wrong sprocket, but I couldnt get past it. Both bikes are fun to jib around on going down the trails and I feel like the 140 was a bit more poppy! You cant go wrong with either of those two bikes….
Man the way navigate those trails you should be a fighter pilot lol. It seems every bike with the DW - Linq work well. Great bike, great review!👍🏽
That's some great natural trails right there. How do you like saddle switchlbade comes with? Do you recommend?
I picked up a 2017 Pivot 429 trail in 2020 and agree with your review, great bikes super fun to ride
Glad to see you back on the trails!
If you had to pick between your Epic Evo and the new Stumpy for your light weight, short travel bike for longer days in the saddle, which would it be??
I have the new Stumpy and the 2019 Epic EVO. Given the choice, I’d still go with the Epic EVO. It’s lighter, more efficient, and I personally think the suspension kinematics are better. I’ll probably actually sell the 21 Stumpy and go back to the previous model year. Way more comfy, and still faster (but not much more).
“It’s so quiet.” Meanwhile all I can hear is an angry buzz of bees. Then your screen text pops up. LOL.
Interesting comment about the top tube. I feel the same. It’s why, even also at only a bit over 5’10”, my Bronson is an XL. And some of these bikes with even steeper STAs are even worse. Luckily most brands going with short seat tubes so you really can select size based on length of reach and top tube.
Welcome back. Good to see you back in the saddle again.
Thanks DaD. It’s good to be back.
I'm on a 2021 Switchblade as well. Love it! I've yet to it my calves on the chain stays. You must have super calves!
Claves of the moderate size.
For your bike b-roll, use 60 fps and slow it down in post
When I tell you this bike was made for everything...demo it and bought it the next week... and had to add the live valve...
Great to see you shredding again JC. You must be working through that knee pain but looks like you are handling the gnar with ease! ✌
You know, I think sometimes going down a size isn’t a bad thing especially when it comes to what I call “flickability”. I have a Pivot Mach6 carbon in size medium and I love it. I’m normally a large. Another thing, it’s kind of apples to oranges comparing the two because the Mach 6 is a DW link and the switchblade is not but both are excellent climbers which tells me (having two different suspension designs) that pivot has really figured something out when it comes to climbing. On my Mach 6 I rarely ever have to lock out the rear shock to climb.
It is DW Link suspension... so...
I'm sure it's great, but the price isn't attainable ..I ordered a Ibis Rimpo AF.. over 3000$ cheaper
It’s a pricey bike for sure.
Wow. So this thing is billed as an enduro bike, but it sure seems like a sick trail bike.
Where are you riding this bike in this video?
I bought my Switchblade more than 2 months ago and im still waiting the shipping (damn Covid)... :(
Hopefully it comes soon 🤞🏻
This may sound silly but have you risen the firebird?
Solid review! You really touched on many of the points that I have read about that bike. I’d be curious to see how it feels on larger drops and when there’s more compression. I have a ripmo right now and I constantly experience severe bottom outs on large drops and bigger hits. I know that they have very similar peddling platforms but I’d be curious to know if that Pivot performs better when it comes to drops and larger compressions. Also I hear this bike is a bit snappier and more agile than the ripmo..... Is that a demo bike or did u buy it speculatively?
It’s a demo. The Switchblade is really hard to bottom out unless your a big rider. Their is a ton of progression engineered in the shock and most riders have to put a smaller token in it.
Nice looking trail and great riding🤙🏼
I’ve always liked the switchblade, super boost is annoying. Great review, seems a great east coast bike.
Great do it all bike.
I wonder how this compares to the Ripmo?
Got mine, same build, at Thanksgiving...best bike I’ve ever owned. All the cliche mtb terms apply to this bike. You simply can’t out skill this bike...whatever is the best you can throw at it, it can take more. Good review and welcome back.
Thanks brotha!
How is it on steep recents? I am looking to upgrade my Devinci Django 120mm rear for a little more travel so i can ride windrock steep downhill local trails but also want it to work on my other everyday east coast trails around knoxville and pisgah.
I see that bike barn racing carry Haro...Could you do a review on The Shift R9?If they have them in stock
I thought of you when I saw them in there. They are trying to get me a demo as we speak🤞🏻
@@jctrails can't wait good to see the knee the getting better
Do you think this pedals better than the Trail 429? Big difference in downhill stability? You seemed impressed with the Trail 429 too
I think it pedals better than the 429 (steeper STA) and it has way more traction over the rocks. Having more travel in feels more comfortable on the descents.
James want to review my 2020 429 Enduro Limited Edition XT/XTR Pro build 36 grip2, DPX2, Reynolds, hydras
Is there a 2021 review of trail 429? I love mine I bought a month ago. Would be interested to see if you think they dialed in the update of trail 429 from 2020?
Ok Im defintely getting a swtichblade now lol
Do it! You won’t regret it
Welcome back 🤙🏻 where’s you sick ass Mega ?!
She’s sitting in the basement.
That’s a pretty heavy bike. How is the DW Link on this bike, compared to Ibis DW, namely on your Ripley? I mean this bike is 33 lbs and the Ripmo is just over 28lbs with a threaded BB? Are companies like Pivot and say Santa Cruz overbuilding their frames to avoid warranty issues do you think?
My Ripmo v2 is pretty light too and more capable but pedals very well and the travel is super supple off the top. It doesn't feel boring in tame trails, its super poppy and fun. Yes, it has threaded bb. No super boost!
More capable then the new stumpjumper Evo!?
Don’t know haven’t ridden the new Evo.
Just got my Switchblade middle of last season. Perfect for the terrain out here in CO plus some Trestle downhill days
Heck ya this thing would be a blast on the front range.
Very nice! but the price is $$$$ high lol. Btw what computer do you use? Thanks
It’s not cheap. Garmin 530
@@jctrails which bike do you think is comparable to the switchblade? Ty
@@jctrails what was the mount you used for the 530 on the setup in the video
@@toddsmith1709 www.backcountry.com/k-edge-gravity-cap-computer-mount-for-garmin?CMP_SKU=KEG000K&MER=0406&skid=KEG000K-BK-ONESIZ&mr:trackingCode=5871B744-05C2-E611-80FD-005056944E17&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=m&mr:adType=plaonline&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_49783140947_c_224495428260_w_aud-1142580333289:pla-935139950118_n_g_d_m_v__l__t__r__x_pla_y_7811_f_online_o_KEG000K-BK-ONESIZ_z_US_i_en_j_935139950118_s__e__h_9002049_ii__vi__&CMP_ID=PLA_GMm001&Google&PLA&k_clickid=_k_EAIaIQobChMI3fbqrsG67gIVFgiICR3jlg4IEAQYASABEgI0kPD_BwE_k_&:pla-935139950118_dev-m_ext-_prd-KEG000K-BK-ONESIZ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3fbqrsG67gIVFgiICR3jlg4IEAQYASABEgI0kPD_BwE
where did you purchase the bike? ty
It’s a demo
What trails were you at? Plymouth?
Pine hills
I miss the dank garage review days :D
Haha. Simpler times!
weight on your mega??
Maybe 33ish lbs haven’t weighed it in a while.
How much does it way
Never mind, didn’t watch far enough
How plush is it?
Not as plush as a big enduro bike, but it’s a super supple bike.
I grabbed one of thse from JRA earlier this week. Got 2 rides on it on very very technical terrain bike preforms fantastic. Climbs better then my old sb130 and feels like it can smash like my trek slash. Perfect trail bike. 🤙
Agreed 👊
@@jctrails dude let me know if you wana be the first mtb RUclips channel to get a video at aggie in york maine. Awesome place to ride.. never been covered for some reason.
What a bike
🤘
Great review, as always, man!
Seems like the perfect MA-terrain bike, but would you take it to Thunder Mountain or Highland?
Hell yeah put it in the low position and let it rip.
How would compare it to the Ripley? Which do you prefer?
I wouldn’t really say it’s fair to compare a Ripley and a switchblade, it’s much more like a Ripmo in terms of geo,travel and weight.
@@oakleypayne-meyer7534 agreed. More so wondering what he prefers if he could only own 1. Feel free to share your experience if you have tried both
I love this bike. I demoed one when the first came out and I was hooked .. I'm saving as we speak...hopefully they come back in stock.
They will soon
@@jctrails I have one one the way. The Mojave one....can't wait