I bought the original 429c years ago, I believe I paid around $5000 but best bike I ever owned and still enjoying it today. It feels like an extension of my body and handles great.
Worked a lot of extra shifts to afford a Pivot, price is literally the only universal complaint I hear about the brand. But as a wise man once said, buy once, cry once.
I have this bike and I concur. On the trails most questions I get about it involve the price. I bought this bike because of lack of availability of other brands that I knew well. I took a chance and glad I did. It climbs better than anything I've ever ridden. The only thing I added to the bike was a shorter (32mm) stem and tht made it feel even tighter on downhills
Thanks for your opinion and the information re. the manufacturing of Pivot. I own a Switchblade model year 2021 for a yaer now and confirm that the bike feels so capable, I blindly can rely on the bike when riding cros country or all mountain tours, but also when I ride technical terrain which is at the edge - or beyond - my skills. The bike gives me an extreme confidence which enables me easily to expand my personal limits.
Thanks for the great review. I found the same bike with a Black Friday Discount of 20%. I put a deposit on it thinking I would do my research before I pull the trigger. You've helped me very much with my decision. I'll be picking it up this weekend, for sure! Thanks…
Super boost is not going to stop you from snapping spokes, dinging rims or tacoing wheels. That is a rider finesse problem. All super boost does is make the rear end more laterally stiff.
While you are correct, super boost does add rear end stiffness, that's not the only thing super boost does. It also creates a stronger wheel. The wider spacing gives better spoke bracing angles. This also allows for more even tension of spokes. While I agree it won't prevent a rim ding, a super boost wheel IS less likely to taco or snap a spoke on an awkward hit. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great bike. I have a nice alloy Stumpjumper 150/130, a Raleigh hardtail, and a fatbike. Total bill = about $6500. I ride on varied terrain and I ride year round. Sinking that much into 1 bike would not work for me in the midwest. If I lived in Sedona, Moab, SoCal, etc. This would be the bike to get.
I got the 2022 Switchblade and I know now that I should've opted for that 429 instead. I got the same spec as well and it's a very solid bike, but I ride a lot of uphill and slowstuff, so I honestly don't have the need for all the travel I got. My bike is just like a mini enduro, and you have to push it before you see what it can do.
One annoying thing about Trail429 is the rubber adhesive Fox Live Valve cover. Mine dropped off and now there's a gapping hole. Couldn't understand at such high price point why Pivot didn't think of a better alternative perhaps use a plastic cover that could "click" in place for easier removal and re-installarion.
Interesting, I haven't had this issue yet but I could see how that would be annoying. I'm sure if you contacted Pivot they would send you another rubber piece with fresh adhesive. Thanks for watching!
I own a Mach-6 Alum V2 bougth on 2018, and before a I had a Mach-6 Alum V1 2015, an before a Mach 5,7 2013. Amazing bikes despite no carbon frame and no top of line components. Thank you for your review, and by the way did you test/ride any Mach-6 Alum...? Thanks
You forgot to mention the license fee that Pivot pays for using DW Link. Each iteration costs in the ballpark of a quarter of a million dollars. They have to recoup the money somehow. This is true for IBIS, EVIL, Devinci, Atherton, etc. who all use some Dave Weagle design. That is a large contributor to the cost.
I have a 2018 Switchblade. Started making creaking noises. Cleaned everything, didn't help. Changed all the bearings, didn't help. Foud that they used a fully threaded bolt going through the link bushing on the attachment between the shock and the rear triangle link. Used and modified a shaft-bolt and some Teflon tape. It's quiet now. But how does such a basic engineering blunder happen on $ 7000 bike that claims to be a high-end product ????
I own a 2020 Mach 4 SL and a 2021 Switchblade. If this bike was available when I bought the Switchblade, it would be the only Pivot I owned. Expensive bikes , but they are built to last.
Thanks for the review. I'm around 235lbs total and looking for a short-mid travel bike. You mention the stiffness of the 429 but I do like a little comfort. For someone at my weight, will it help counteract that stiffness and feel a little more compliant? Not looking to take a shock over every bump.
Bought the non-enduro as an endurance bike in the same spec. It wasn't my first choice and the price was definitely not easy to swallow. At the end of the day a shop close to me had one in stock and with supply chain / stock issues you kind of have to hop on the opportunities that you get. I either wanted a frame to build up or a complete that I wouldn't have to swap half the parts on. This one delivers.
I hate to say it... but I kinda regret having spent 13k for the TEAM AXS LIVE VALVE version. I know it is not a like comparison, but the Pivot SL e-bike might have been a better choice (and less expensive) for me. WHY? My E-gravel bike (w/20mm elastomer travel up front and back) is wicked fun and fast. But not able to properly navigate a rock garden. Me E-mtb is 160mm travel (front and back)... but 56 pounds is NOT very, "poppy". So I buy a "trail" bike with 130/120 mm travel. Regular... NOT ACOUSTIC! My bike makes no humming noises like a Tesla in reverse... BUT, I am still find myself gravitating towards wanting to ride longer distances for the same amount of output! So back to E...
Great review, clear and informative - thanks! Are you going to demo/review the Pivot Firebird and what are your thoughts on this bike vs. Trail 429, competitors and also, racing it in enduro?
Thanks! I would love to demo the Firebird! Unfortunately they are hard to get right now so if I do demo one it wouldn't be for awhile. I think the Firebird is an ideal enduro race bike. The 429 is a better all around trail bike.
I have a pivot Firebird and it’s the best bike and worth the money and superboost stabilizes that rear end. No need for carbon wheels only issue is superboost is hard to come by so invest in awesome hubs
@@djmightymel thanks man, that is really great to hear - yea I agree with you 100% - all the RUclips reviews I've watched on this bike rave how capable it is, all around, be it climbing, hitting the downhills at speed, grabbing air, agile, you name it - I don't think I've ever seen a bike that's enduro focused, yet covers the bases that well... cheers!
@@greggstrydom1172 That DW link is beast and some people complain about it being twitchy but its a matter of riding style and personal tweaks usually takes like 6 months to a year to become one with the bike. The other complaint is usually seat angle because they haven't went to 78 degrees lol. Moving the seat forward solves that issue. This year no more just frame only. which is a shame
@@djmightymel thanks that’s good to know firsthand! I’ve heard that it’s phenomenal on the climbs, that it’s extremely efficient while still providing great traction and that on the downs it gobbles up the chunk enabling better speed..! Sounds beast alright. I’ve just ordered one so can’t wait. Might take bit of getting used to coming from a linear frame with coil shock to a stiffer progressive one with air , but will be worth it with the direct handling and feedback - thx for all the feedback!
Compare to other brands, pivot is pricey. Dollar/per pound alone is pricey and the components that are included is not worth the price. I suggest look for other alternative.
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I bought the original 429c years ago, I believe I paid around $5000 but best bike I ever owned and still enjoying it today. It feels like an extension of my body and handles great.
Nice job man! As an owner (@ 225lbs) I appreciate super boost bc I can truly feel a difference. Keep up the good work!
Worked a lot of extra shifts to afford a Pivot, price is literally the only universal complaint I hear about the brand. But as a wise man once said, buy once, cry once.
I have this bike and I concur. On the trails most questions I get about it involve the price. I bought this bike because of lack of availability of other brands that I knew well. I took a chance and glad I did. It climbs better than anything I've ever ridden. The only thing I added to the bike was a shorter (32mm) stem and tht made it feel even tighter on downhills
Thanks for your opinion and the information re. the manufacturing of Pivot. I own a Switchblade model year 2021 for a yaer now and confirm that the bike feels so capable, I blindly can rely on the bike when riding cros country or all mountain tours, but also when I ride technical terrain which is at the edge - or beyond - my skills. The bike gives me an extreme confidence which enables me easily to expand my personal limits.
Thanks for the great review. I found the same bike with a Black Friday Discount of 20%. I put a deposit on it thinking I would do my research before I pull the trigger. You've helped me very much with my decision. I'll be picking it up this weekend, for sure! Thanks…
Super boost is not going to stop you from snapping spokes, dinging rims or tacoing wheels. That is a rider finesse problem.
All super boost does is make the rear end more laterally stiff.
While you are correct, super boost does add rear end stiffness, that's not the only thing super boost does. It also creates a stronger wheel. The wider spacing gives better spoke bracing angles. This also allows for more even tension of spokes. While I agree it won't prevent a rim ding, a super boost wheel IS less likely to taco or snap a spoke on an awkward hit. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Yes. Worth every penny! I just picked up a 2023 Switchblade and it’s unreal good.
Have the enduro with Reynolds and i9s. Incredible bike. Blue color is awesome.
Those Reynolds wheels are really nice!
Great bike. I have a nice alloy Stumpjumper 150/130, a Raleigh hardtail, and a fatbike. Total bill = about $6500. I ride on varied terrain and I ride year round. Sinking that much into 1 bike would not work for me in the midwest. If I lived in Sedona, Moab, SoCal, etc. This would be the bike to get.
Can you do a comparison between the Trail 429 and the Trail 429 Enduro, please?
I got the 2022 Switchblade and I know now that I should've opted for that 429 instead. I got the same spec as well and it's a very solid bike, but I ride a lot of uphill and slowstuff, so I honestly don't have the need for all the travel I got. My bike is just like a mini enduro, and you have to push it before you see what it can do.
Hey man, great review! I'm curious to find out total weight of the Enduro model? Did you get a chance to weigh it? Thanks!
Hey, I think it was right at 30 pounds!
I have two, yes worth it no question.
Santa Cruz bikes are crazy spendy but worth it. Thanks for the video.
One annoying thing about Trail429 is the rubber adhesive Fox Live Valve cover. Mine dropped off and now there's a gapping hole. Couldn't understand at such high price point why Pivot didn't think of a better alternative perhaps use a plastic cover that could "click" in place for easier removal and re-installarion.
Interesting, I haven't had this issue yet but I could see how that would be annoying. I'm sure if you contacted Pivot they would send you another rubber piece with fresh adhesive. Thanks for watching!
Mine came off the first wash, I put it back in place and covered it with 3M helicopter tape.
Pivot makes a cover for it.
I own a Mach-6 Alum V2 bougth on 2018, and before a I had a Mach-6 Alum V1 2015, an before a Mach 5,7 2013. Amazing bikes despite no carbon frame and no top of line components. Thank you for your review, and by the way did you test/ride any Mach-6 Alum...? Thanks
You forgot to mention the license fee that Pivot pays for using DW Link. Each iteration costs in the ballpark of a quarter of a million dollars. They have to recoup the money somehow. This is true for IBIS, EVIL, Devinci, Atherton, etc. who all use some Dave Weagle design. That is a large contributor to the cost.
I didn't know that! Thanks for the info and the comment.
I thought patents expires in 7 years. That design has been around since the 90s I think.
I have a 2018 Switchblade. Started making creaking noises. Cleaned everything, didn't help. Changed all the bearings, didn't help. Foud that they used a fully threaded bolt going through the link bushing on the attachment between the shock and the rear triangle link. Used and modified a shaft-bolt and some Teflon tape. It's quiet now. But how does such a basic engineering blunder happen on $ 7000 bike that claims to be a high-end product ????
I own a 2020 Mach 4 SL and a 2021 Switchblade. If this bike was available when I bought the Switchblade, it would be the only Pivot I owned. Expensive bikes , but they are built to last.
Thanks for the review. I'm around 235lbs total and looking for a short-mid travel bike. You mention the stiffness of the 429 but I do like a little comfort. For someone at my weight, will it help counteract that stiffness and feel a little more compliant? Not looking to take a shock over every bump.
Well presented. Good job!
429 Trail owner. Yes, it's worth the $.
My friend bought an Enduro and agrees it is worth the $
Nice.one of my dream bike. i have a giant reign 2 2021 model and philippines made Rurok Halcon enduro all mountain from Rurok Industry...🆒️
How will looks comparison with epic 8 evo pro?
Bought the non-enduro as an endurance bike in the same spec.
It wasn't my first choice and the price was definitely not easy to swallow. At the end of the day a shop close to me had one in stock and with supply chain / stock issues you kind of have to hop on the opportunities that you get.
I either wanted a frame to build up or a complete that I wouldn't have to swap half the parts on. This one delivers.
I hate to say it... but I kinda regret having spent 13k for the TEAM AXS LIVE VALVE version. I know it is not a like comparison, but the Pivot SL e-bike might have been a better choice (and less expensive) for me.
WHY?
My E-gravel bike (w/20mm elastomer travel up front and back) is wicked fun and fast. But not able to properly navigate a rock garden.
Me E-mtb is 160mm travel (front and back)... but 56 pounds is NOT very, "poppy".
So I buy a "trail" bike with 130/120 mm travel. Regular... NOT ACOUSTIC! My bike makes no humming noises like a Tesla in reverse...
BUT, I am still find myself gravitating towards wanting to ride longer distances for the same amount of output!
So back to E...
Is it just me or is there a lot of overlap between the trail 429 enduro and the switchblade?
You work at a bike shop and refer to the fork as a “front shock”?! 👀
Do you think it’s better to go w enduro version?
Nice review.
What makes this Enduro? Isn't it 120mm of travel?
The enduro version of the 429 has a piggyback reservoir factory float x shock, and a 36mm/140mm travel factory fork with a grip damper.
Spend the Money !
429 Trail is the Shite!
Not one trip to the shop!
Great review, clear and informative - thanks! Are you going to demo/review the Pivot Firebird and what are your thoughts on this bike vs. Trail 429, competitors and also, racing it in enduro?
Thanks! I would love to demo the Firebird! Unfortunately they are hard to get right now so if I do demo one it wouldn't be for awhile. I think the Firebird is an ideal enduro race bike. The 429 is a better all around trail bike.
I have a pivot Firebird and it’s the best bike and worth the money and superboost stabilizes that rear end. No need for carbon wheels only issue is superboost is hard to come by so invest in awesome hubs
@@djmightymel thanks man, that is really great to hear - yea I agree with you 100% - all the RUclips reviews I've watched on this bike rave how capable it is, all around, be it climbing, hitting the downhills at speed, grabbing air, agile, you name it - I don't think I've ever seen a bike that's enduro focused, yet covers the bases that well... cheers!
@@greggstrydom1172 That DW link is beast and some people complain about it being twitchy but its a matter of riding style and personal tweaks usually takes like 6 months to a year to become one with the bike. The other complaint is usually seat angle because they haven't went to 78 degrees lol. Moving the seat forward solves that issue. This year no more just frame only. which is a shame
@@djmightymel thanks that’s good to know firsthand! I’ve heard that it’s phenomenal on the climbs, that it’s extremely efficient while still providing great traction and that on the downs it gobbles up the chunk enabling better speed..! Sounds beast alright. I’ve just ordered one so can’t wait. Might take bit of getting used to coming from a linear frame with coil shock to a stiffer progressive one with air , but will be worth it with the direct handling and feedback - thx for all the feedback!
This one in particular…. Yes, yes it is
So true!
Yeti fanboy here
Pivot vs yeti??
Which country are Pivot frames manufactured?
Phoenix Arizona USA
I think it’s ridiculous that Pivot will not sell frame only. I’ll stick with my ibis ripley thank you!!
Yeah that's a deal breaker for me too. Even coming from an old pivot owner.
BIIIIIIKES
Compare to other brands, pivot is pricey. Dollar/per pound alone is pricey and the components that are included is not worth the price. I suggest look for other alternative.
No pricier than Specialized’s S-Works models, or the equivalent spec’d bikes from Trek, Scott, Santa Cruz, Yeti and several other brands 🤷🏼♂️
Hell no bikes are way over priced
I love pivot
No.