Pivot is known for high-quality bikes and the new Shuttle is no exception. It is therefore surprising that one of the cheaper bikes in our comparison test of high-end all-mountain bikes up to € 10,000 comes from Pivot. The frame of this Pivot test bike is the same as on the top model of the Shuttle AM, which costs € 12,949. However, there are savings on the equipment. Fox suspension from the performance range, rather cheap aluminium wheels and gears and brakes from Shimano's SLX and XT range. No drama, but anything but brilliant in this price range. What's more, the Shuttle AM has not yet been updated to the latest Bosch Performance CX, but is powered by its predecessor. Is this still up to date and can the concept work with mid-range equipment? This much can be revealed: We were in for a surprise.
Details of the Pivot Shuttle AM Ride SLX/XT
- Application: All Mountain
- Suspension travel: 160 / 146 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: 22.4 kg (BIKE measured value without pedals)
- Maximum system weight: 150 kg
- Price: 8299 Euro
- Warranty: 10 years
- Special features: Flipchip, tool mount, older generation motor
Features of the Pivot Shuttle e-bike
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 4
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 625, permanently installed
- Fork: Fox 36 Performance
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Gear system: Shimano SLX / XT
- Brakes: Shimano SLX / 203/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H 1900
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo+, 29 x 2.50 / DHR II Exo+, 29 x 2.40
- Seatpost / Stroke: SDG Tellis / 180 mm
Practical test of the Pivot Shuttle AM
In fact, any doubts about the engine soon fade into the background as the shuttle pulls towards the summit. Yes, the successor provides even more sensitive, smoother and quieter support. But that's complaining on a high level, because if you don't have a direct comparison, you probably won't miss anything thanks to the powerful performance of the classic Bosch CX Gen4.
The "old" Bosch CX Gen 4 motor is definitely no "old hat" and can still easily keep up with most e-bike motors. In terms of torque and power, it is exactly on a par with its successor. However, the new model is quieter and, above all, rattle-free. Unfortunately for the resale: The depreciation of the Bosch CX Gen 4 is likely to be higher than with the technology of the latest evolutionary stage.
Despite the upwardly angled stem, the Pivot Shuttle AM Ride SLX/XT creates a racy, sporty riding experience. The generous reach and a slack seat angle stretch the rider generously over the top tube and make them feel as if they are sitting far behind the control centre. Tight, steep bends are not the bike's speciality on the climbs. The long front end makes you lose control more quickly than on the competition.
The Pivot Shuttle's propulsive wheel weight is also clearly noticeable on the climbs. Compared to the Propain or Cube, the Pivot is more sluggish when accelerating. Meanwhile, traction is at a high level. Comfortable, plush and sensitive, the suspension soaks up obstacles without lacking control.
King of the descent
The sensitive yet defined rear suspension is also the highlight of the Pivot on the downhill. It whizzes confidently through the rocks and gives the rider a sense of security. Against this strong performance, the simple Fox 36 Performance falls short. It is stingy with damping control and is too generous with its travel. The faster the terrain and riding style become, the more of a problem this becomes. Then the economy fork demands a lot of compression, and sensitivity suffers.
The harmonious geometry, on the other hand, is a blessing. The bike strikes an ideal compromise between composure and comfortable handling. The Pivot's finest hour comes in steep key sections. It integrates its rider perfectly into the long main frame and the slack head angle allows you to plunge confidently into the fall line. The reasonably priced Shimano parts have no weaknesses. All in all, the Shuttle AM convinced us the most in the downhill disciplines, although the fork still has some potential.
The BIKE spider diagram shows the strengths and weaknesses of the Pivot Shuttle AM in the E-All-Mountain category. Uphill, playfulness and downhill refer to the riding behaviour. The greater the deflection, the better the suitability. Equipment: is made up of various points such as quality/workmanship, usability, bottle cage volume, saddle retractability. Range: measured in a standardised field test.
Data from the BIKE test lab
- Total weight: 22.42 kg BIKE measurement without pedals)
- Battery weight: permanently installed
- Weight of wheels: 5811 g (per set with tyres, cassette, brake discs)
Conclusion from BIKE editor Jan Timmermann
The Pivot Shuttle AM SLX/XT clearly has more strengths than weaknesses. The downhill handling is both safe and playful, making many friends. The rear suspension also delivers a first-class performance. The fact that the motor lags one evolutionary stage behind is not an exclusion criterion. Thanks to its strong riding performance, the Pivot Shuttle earns the trail tip in the comparison test of high-end all-mountain bikes. The wish for a steeper seat angle and a removable battery remains unfulfilled. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- sensitive, high-traction rear triangle
- superior handling
- light
Contra
- Flat seat angle
- Fork is inferior to rear triangle
- Engine rattling
- Permanently installed battery
BIKE grade: 1.9*
- Driving behaviour: 1.9
- Motor: 1.8
- Laboratory: 1.8
- Equipment: 2.5
*The BIKE grade is made up of practical impressions from test riders and laboratory measurements. The grade is independent of price. Grading range: 0.5-5.5, analogue to the school grading system.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
