Pivot are well known for their top-notch DW Link, full-suspension bikes, so the new LES Carbon 29er hardtail could be seen as a bit of a deviation from the norm.
In common with the other carbon bikes in the range, the LES is built using Pivot’s internal moulding technique. This, they claim, smoothes the internal surfaces and forces the carbon and resin into every last part of the frame. As any mechanical engineer will tell you, the smoother the surface, the fewer stress-raisers present, resulting in a stronger frame for the same amount of material.
Pivot claim to have created a super-strong but impressively lightweight carbon chassis with the LES Carbon 29er – the frame weighs 1.13kg (2.5lb) and features a tapered headset and chunky bottom bracket area.
It also boasts Pivot’s attention to detail with its replaceable rear hangers – two bolts each side allow you to change easily from the 12x142mm geared option to a singlespeed setup. Indexed chain tensioning means adjustment only needs doing once, and this option costs £99.
Another small but crucial detail is the small port located just under the bottom bracket, to aid with the internally routed cable replacement; remove it and you have access to a plastic runner as it guides the front and rear cables to their respective destinations.
An FSA SL-K seatpost leads up to a WTB Vigo Race saddle
The stock build kit comes with an 80mm stem and 740mm bar, while the tyres are Kenda’s Slant 6s. The XT/XTR kit has a 2x10 gear setup, and bumps are kept under control with a Kashima-coated Fox Float fork, which can be specced at 120mm and 100mm travel options.
The Pivot frame on its own costs £1,600. With the XT/XTR build kit added, as on this bike, the price is £4,249. BikeRadar will have a full review of the LES Carbon 29er soon. For more information see www.pivotcycles.co.uk.