Bike Geometry & Specs
Based on Size Large
Model: Talon Team XX AXS Transmission
Price: £12,500.00
Wheel Size: 29”
Rear Travel: 142mm
Fork: 160mm
Wheelbase: 1212mm
Chainstay: 432mm
Reach: 480mm
Head Tube Angle: 65.2°
Review:
After riding this bike for many months now throughout the UK, Wales and Scotland I can safely say I’m seriously impressed. I’ve tested it on everything from an epic 20+ mile hike a bike mountain loop to big bike park jumps right through to Enduro World Series technical stages! So here’s my review of what it’s been like to have the Pivot Switchblade as my only mountain bike for the last few months.
Introducing the 2024 Pivot Switchblade Talon
Firstly let’s acknowledge the colour! I mean just look at this bright pink bike! The whole idea behind the 2024 Pivot Switchblade Limited Edition Talon was that 35 years ago Pivot created the original pink Talon mountain bike, in a very funky pink and yellow colour scheme. Now, 35 years later they’ve revived it from the ashes, it’s fair to say mountain biking has changed a hell of a lot in the last 35 years, and so has the new Talon Switchblade.
You can watch me enjoying this bike with some of The Ark Cycles team on The Lake District’s Four Passes here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTEwcbNArsw&t=35s
Climbing with the Switchblade
Climbing on the Switchblade is an absolute blast. The forward-seated position, thanks to the steep 76-degree seat tube angle in the low flip chip setting and the snappy 432-millimeter chainstay, makes for a precise and motivating experience. The bike’s small footprint and balanced weight bias mean it goes exactly where you want it to. With a 480-millimeter reach that felt natural and a high front-end stack height, lifting the front end over rocks and roots was effortless. The updated rear suspension is super supple, giving a light, responsive feel without ruining the fun.
Traction and Rear Suspension
The new Switchblade has improved traction compared to the old model. The rear shock effortlessly handles rocks and roots, making it feel like a bike made for rough desert terrain. After the initial soft stroke of the rear suspension, it ramps up just like any good DW-link bike should. The harder you pedal, the more support you get from the rear end, making those steep climbs a breeze.
Handling Brake Bumps and Technical Descents
If you stray off your trail line and hit some gnarly bumps, the 160-millimeter Fox fork has your back. The Switchblade comes with Phoenix Team Low Rise Carbon handlebars (780mm for a size large) and a SRAM XX Eagle Transmission 12-speed drivetrain. The drivetrain provides smooth, reliable shifts with a satisfying pod shifter that's great on the thumb.
Downhill Performance
Heading downhill, the Switchblade is a well planted beast. It’s got a loud personality with short, snappy 432-millimeter chainstays and a progressive 142 millimeters of rear travel. The bike slices corners and pops off jumps in a really fun and playful way. The more you put into it, the more you get out. It rewards an active riding style and pushes you to find the perfect line. The 160-millimeter fork and rear suspension work brilliantly together, handling everything from brake bumps to gnarly trails.
Component Highlights
This is the best SRAM component spec, I have ever ridden with. The Code Stealth Ultimates levers provide ample stopping power, while the classic Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR tire combo remains predictable and trustworthy. I have been used to RockShox suspension most of my riding career so setting up the Fox fork and shock did take me some time. I had many test rides when it just didn’t feel quite right but after a few weeks of tweaking I finally got it a perfect set up. Once set up how I liked it, the lighter-feeling shock on the Fox Factory Float X rear shock complements the DW link, allowing the bike’s 142 millimeters of travel to handle trails like a full 160-millimeter bike. The SRAM XX Eagle Transmission 12-speed drivetrain delivered smooth, reliable shifts throughout all my rides. This bike has been so easy to work on which as I do all my own bike mechanics is a real blessing, although I’ve not run in to many issues at all.
Final Thoughts
With its ultra-progressive 142 millimeters of rear travel, the Switchblade is incredibly lively yet confident inspiring. It should be on any mountain biker’s “to demo” list. It blends the best of small and big bikes into one zesty package, making it an excellent one-bike quiver for all terrain. It pedals so bloody well I even sold my own Orbea Wild E-Bike since I got the Switchblade!
If you love a planted yet playful bike you can throw around, this bike is for you.
The new Switchblade retains the spirit of its predecessor but adds a greater appetite for speed. If you’d like to explore our range of Mountain Bikes at The Ark Cycles you can discover more here - https://www.thearkcycles.co.uk/bikes/mountain/
In conclusion, the Pivot Switchblade Talon is a standout bike that deserves all the hype. If you’re in the market for a new top-spec enduro/all-mountain bike, I highly recommend you test one of these.
We've run some amazing Pivot Demo Days with the Ark Cycles in collaboration with https://saddleback.co.uk/ in the past, so be sure to keep an eye on our socials for more updates on events!
See you out on the trails!
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