2020 Pivot Switchblade: New Look, More Versatility | First Look

The Pivot Switchblade has received some major updates for 2020 and Pinkbike's Daniel Sapp is here to break it all down for you.

More Pinkbike Videos:

The History of Bicycle Chains and How they Work

How to Survive Winter Mountain Bike Rides

What Goes Into Testing 13 Mountain Bikes?

Subscribe for more content from the pulse of mountain biking.

[ChristianBisson]

I’m riding the XT/XTR and I really love it. It climb everything so easely . On the downhill it’s very composed and forgiving but still very precise and agile.

[tomabernatha]

I rode with current owner of that exact bike last night. From Pinkbike review to someone in North Carolina to the current owner in Williamsport PA. Still looks awesome after 3 years. He is stoked on it.

[mzmtb]

Bike Industry are becoming the tech industry, they change the design and looks every year but with minimal benefits for the average weekend rider. I've stopped upgrading 3 years ago since the experience with different shocks and pivot designs doesn't change the fact that we all ride for happiness while our bank account is getting thin. From then On, I realized, I will just change components if they are no longer working and will try to upgrade maybe after 5 or more years by buying a 1 or 2 yrs old second hand frame.

[michiganstate]

Dupont! Love the Burnt Mountain and Big Rock loop there

[mastjmw]

I love the old blade. Looking forward to trying this one out. Also, love Burnt Mountian, Baby Pisgah.

[T.R.S.D.]

Rippin around Dupont State Forest! Love those trails! Love the green color too!

[Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I just got one. The geometry sounds perfect for me.

[Ryan]

So sick. I have a 2019. Epic bike. The Green looks so

[nicksknives]

Killer looking bike, i have a trail 429 its the most solid highest quality bike ive ever ridden. Super boost is a good thing pivot makes great bikes.

[justinwbohner]

Glad they took my advice and went to a vert shock for water bottle clearance.

[KokoSupreme]

Got the opportunity to rent and ride the Pivot Switchblade Carbon 29er for a week and take it to Panorama, gotta say wasn’t disappointed. This bike can send crazily and flys through gnarly tech.

[leonidas]

Paid $5300 and change for my DiamondBack Release Carbon. Kashima everything, XO1 drivetrain including carbon cranks, carbon wheels, Guide ultimates. Sealed and covered bearings. Most fun bike I’ve ever ridden.

[YanDoroshenko]

I like it a lot. A major upgrade for the old Switchblade. But those prices...

[thefanatic]

I just picked mine up it is awesome and I love it

[stevemiller]

Nice one @daniel sapp. Beauty of a bike. Looks like alot of scenes from Pisgah and Dupont!

[brianmcinnis]

I'm looking forward to taking this bike to Dupont, and yes, I bought the 12K one. Thanks for the review!

[outerbike]

Solid review Daniel! Pivot is always a popular booth at Outerbike and this model will surely keep the folks lining up to try one!

[evanlerner]

I would have liked to hear more subjective commentary about how the bike rode. The review had good commentary that added value about the technical features of the SB, but I really want to hear what you think about it at the end of the ride with a beer in one hand and gesturing with the other.

[hardmtnbiker]

I can’t wait to demo one. They sound awesome on paper!

[burton]

Currently own a Switchblade. I don't think this is worth the upgrade. I went with the Switchblade because it was one of the few "XL" bikes with a reach over 500mm that was still lean enough to be "trail". Superboost didn't convince me, and it didn't scare me away either. After trying the 27.5+ setup for a while, I built up a set of 29er wheels with I9 hubs and took my "race" spec into something that felt more worthy of the price tag. I only wish the seat tube were a bit steeper (I'm 6'6") so my hips weren't in line with the rear axle.
I needed a quiver killer that could handle all the trails I ride on a daily basis, still be light enough to do a few casual XC races each summer, and take bikepacking once in a blue moon. The Switchblade handled everything beautifully and was a HUGE upgrade from my old Bronson in the pedaling and fit departments.
I'll look to try this new one at a demo day to see if the custom length tubing and specific reach sizing on XL helps with my cockpit position. MAYBE it's worth getting a 2020 frameset since its one of the only bikes I could swap all my parts to.