Pivot 2014 Mach 6, LES 27.5 and Vault – first look
Two new 650b (27.5in) models and a disc cyclocross bike
Pivot Cycles has been hard at work developing three new bikes. New for 2014 are two 650b (27.5in) mountain bikes and the company’s first cyclocross bike. All three carbon models use a similar high-compression internal molding process to improve compaction and cut down on weight.
Click through the image gallery on the right for detailed images of the Mach 6 Carbon, LES 27.5, and Vault.
Mach 6 Carbon
The Mach 6 is Pivot’s answer to the burgeoning enduro scene. The new bike has 650b (27.5in) wheels and 155mm of rear suspension travel. The Mach 6 is not a reworked version of the popular Mach 5.7 tweaked to accommodate slightly larger wheels. It is a completely new frame with an updated suspension design.
The Mach 6 differs from the 26in-wheeled Mach 5.7
While the Mach 6 still uses Dave Weagle’s dw-link suspension, it also employs a clevis (a wishbone-shaped link that wraps around the seat tube), mounted to the upper link, to drive the shock. This design eliminates the shock bushing, replacing it with a pair of Enduro Max cartridge bearings.
Pivot claims the new arrangement gives them more control over the shock rate and significantly improves small- to mid-size bump compliance. Best of all, the new design does not require a proprietary length shock. The Mach 6 will come with a custom-tuned Fox Float or Float X CTD shock, depending on build kit.
The suspension links are quite short, which cuts down on overall chainstay length
Compared to the Mach 5.7, the Mach 6 is longer, lower, and slacker. The 6 has a 66-degree head tube angle, 13.6in (345mm) bottom bracket height, 16.9in (430mm) chainstays, and longer cockpits across the five-size range. Price and availability are still to be announced.
LES 27.5
Pivot introduced the 29in LES last year. For 2014, it will also offer the LES with 650b (27.5in) wheels. While the LES 29er is only offered in four sizes, the LES 27.5 adds an XS option, with a bent top tube for improved standover clearance for vertically challenged mountain bikers.
Pivot LES 27.5 2014
The LES 27.5 has internal cable routing, with an access port under the bottom bracket to make replacing cables and housing more user friendly. Unlike the 29in LES, which uses a modular dropout system that allows it to be configured for use as a singlespeed or with a 135x10mm quick-release axle or 142x12mm thru axle, the LES 27.5 uses a dedicated 142x12mm thru axle with no singlespeed option.
We don’t have full geometry numbers for the LES 27.5 yet, but we do know it has very short, 426mm chainstays. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.
Vault
While wearing Pivot livery, the Vault is actually the BH RX Team CX. Pivot founder and CEO Chris Cocalis plays a role in designing bikes for the Spanish company, which distributes Pivot in Europe. Pivot, in turn, distributes BH in the United States.
The Vault shares the same geometry as the RX Team CX across its four-size range. The frame uses a 386 EVO oversize bottom bracket, and incorporates the same clever conversion system that allows riders to convert between disc and cantilever modes.
The Vault shares the same geometry and features as BH’s RX Team CX
The Vault is available now. The frameset retails for US$2,299 or US$3,599 complete with a Shimano Ultegra 11-speed drivetrain, TRP HY/RD hydraulic disc brakes, and a NoTubes Iron Cross wheelset.
For more information on Pivot see www.pivotcycles.com.
