Pivot Cycles has a new generation of the Trail 429, and it takes design and inspiration cues from Pivot’s longer-travel trail bikes, like the Switchblade and Mach 6.
The new carbon fiber frame keeps 120mm of rear travel and a 130mm fork, though they have an Enduro build with a 140mm fork. Pivot has tucked the rear shock into the same place it can be found on some of their recent redesigns. The 429 of course still uses a DW-link suspension design.
Pivot has slackened the head tube angle, increased the reach, and is using a flip-chip for adjustable geometry on the Trail 429. The outcome looks like a solid stage racing bike.
For the new shock placement, Pivot used a metric, Trunnion mount shock and made the curve more progressive for better pedaling efficiency and “more capability in big hits.” The characteristics, they say, include elimination of pedal bob under hard forces and improved traction. The vertical layout allows for a more compact frame design, better Fox Live Valve integration, and better standover height. They can make the 29er fit comfortably for people 4’11” to 6’7″ tall.
Pivot says the carbon fiber layup process used for the 429 allowed them to cut 300g of weight from the frame. Like the Switchblade, the Trail 429 has been designed with the Pivot Tool Dock in mind, so riders can get more tools off their backs and on the bike.
Geometry in the low position (the other position is dubbed “lower”) starts with a 66.5° HTA, a 75.5° STA, 430mm chainstays, a 670mm standover height and a 1,187mm wheelbase (both reflecting size medium). Reach on a size medium frame is 460mm. The Lower setting drops the HTA and STA by a half-degree.
Builds for anything on the Pivot are costly as usual. Full builds start at $5,600 for a Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain and SLX brakes, DT Swiss M1900 wheels, and a Fox Performance 34 and Float DPS shock. Prices climb up to $12,499 for a Team XX1 AXS build with Fox Live Valve and SRAM AXS. Check out more via the Pivot website.
Various builds for the Pivot Trail 429 are available for purchase online at Competitive Cyclist.
