One thing is clear: if you end up buying a Pivot, you won't think about Cube, Canyon or Radon because of the better price. The bikes from the stable of mastermind Chris Cocalis are exercises in perfection and priced on a par with Santa Cruz, Yeti, Ibis and co. In other words, really expensive. Favourable variants? They simply don't exist.
This works because Pivot has a dedicated fan base. The rear suspension from the pen of kinematics pope Dave Weagle, known as DW-Link, is the object of adoration. It is what has helped the Pivots achieve their cult status. Even today, e-bikes still come with this system. If this seems excessive to you, you can read more here read the test of the predecessor Shuttle AM. One of the best e-bikes we've ever ridden, especially thanks to its great suspension.
The facts about the Pivot Shuttle AM
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX or CX-R (from Pro model)
- Battery: Powertube 800 Wh, permanently installed
- Spring travel: 160 mm front / 150 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29 inch, compatible with 27.5 inch rear
- Full carbon frame with DW-Link rear triangle
- Prices: Three models for 8599, 11,999 and 13,999 euros
- Weight: 22.6 kilos (Pro model in size L, BIKE measured value), top model from 21.5 kilos (factory specification)
- Maximum rider weight: 136 kilogrammes
New carbon frame with Bosch CX motor
One of the main criticisms of the "old" Shuttle AM was the rattling on the descents, which also had to do with the older generation Bosch Performance Line CX. With the new CX, there is no more rattling from the motor downhill, and Pivot also offers the Shuttle AM with the option of 100 Nm and 750 watts peak power and the new EMTB+ mode. The more expensive Pro and Team models even come with the lighter CX-R motor and Kiox 400C display, while the cheaper model has to make do with the "normal" CX and system controller.
As is almost always the case with Pivot, the 800 watt-hour battery is permanently installed in the full carbon frame and cannot be removed for charging. This has advantages in terms of weight, appearance and stiffness. If the 800 watt hours in the battery are not enough, you can upgrade with a Power-More range extender with an additional 250 watt hours for extremely long tours. The charging port low down on the down tube has been specially designed for this purpose.
DW-Link rear suspension with 150 millimetres stroke
Of course, the new Shuttle AM also relies on a DW-Link rear triangle with a virtual pivot point. It squeezes 150 millimetres of travel out of air shocks from Fox or Rockshox. Compared to its predecessor, the design has been slightly adapted to accommodate the greater motor power of the new CX and CX-R (tested here) with up to 750 watts and 100 Newton metres at its peak. Instead of the previous 148 millimetres, the rear suspension should now provide a real 150 millimetres of travel.
Incidentally, you can optionally upgrade the top model "Team" to an air shock with the electronic Fox Live Valve System (tested here) for an additional € 1300. This is not easily possible on the cheaper models due to the Rockshox suspension.
Classic design: The geometry of the Pivot Shuttle AM
Also cool. Instead of insisting on renewal out of principle, Pivot has simply left the geometry of the Shuttle AM untouched. True to the motto "It was already good, leave it as it is!" Few manufacturers dare to do that. At 445 millimetres, the chainstays are pleasantly short for an e-bike and the seat angle is relatively conservative at 75.6 degrees. Pivot also traditionally avoids extremes when it comes to reach and head angle, which on the other hand often gives the bikes very good-natured and predictable downhill behaviour. The bike comes from the factory as a full 29er, but you can also ride the Shuttle AM as a mullet. Pivot then recommends setting the flip chip in the seat stays to "High". We rode the bike in "Low".
With Rockshox from 8599 Euro
The entry-level price of € 8599 for the Ride model with Srams mechanical transmission is typically high for Pivot. However, the Lyrik Select+ from Rockshox and the transmission are already solid components. Pivot simply doesn't do anything below that. The only cause for criticism might be the sometimes somewhat toothless DB8 brakes. Otherwise, even the cheapest model should work well.
Our "Pro" test bike with Rockshox Ultimate suspension, Maven brakes, lightweight aluminium wheels from DT Swiss and electronic XO transmission is of a much higher quality. However, the price is also significantly higher at 11,999 euros. Surprisingly, Fox is only available from Pivot in the top model "Team" for € 13,999 with Fox 36 Grip X2. With XX Transmission, carbon wheels and cranks and Maven Ultimate brakes, the Team is a real winner even without Live Valve already pulling out all the stops.
Sporty, fun, defined: The Shuttle AM on the trail
With the medium Pro model, we were able to get a good impression of the new Shuttle AM. The CX-R motor gives you plenty of steam on the climbs. Thanks to plenty of power and torque, the Pivot shoots up steep climbs, but needs to be consciously kept in check. A clear tendency towards a power wheelie! This means that the Shuttle AM reaches its limits, especially on steep terrain. On the other hand, there are plus points for the very good traction of the well-designed suspension. However, the Pivot with its rather slack seat angle is not a classic climbing ace.
Downhill, the rear suspension is very defined but not extremely comfortable. With the change from Fox to Rockshox and the stiffer ZEB fork, we've optimised the bike. also in comparison to the predecessor as emphatically direct and precise. This emphasises the lively and lively nature of the Pivot. Those who like this character will find the 22.6-kilogram Shuttle a great partner for crisp trails that still remains playful for a full-power E-MTB. The riding position and geometry require very little familiarisation and inspire a lot of confidence. Top all-rounder, with limits only on extreme climbs.
BIKE summary of the Pivot Shuttle AM
Successful model update! Pivot has taken a cautious approach with the Shuttle AM, limiting the changes to the new motor and updates to the components and suspension. It's still a great full-power eMTB that appeals to active riders and fans of explicitly easy-to-handle full-power bikes with a permanently installed battery and defined suspension. Of course, the price remains steep, but the Pivot should still be a hit with the target group. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
