Here at The Ark Cycles, we’re keen to dive into one of our favorite brand’s new 2025 gravel bikes. So keep reading to discover our honest thoughts on the new 2025 Pivot Cycles Vault.
Our Thoughts at The Ark Cycles on the New 2025 Pivot Vault: Is It Worth the Hype?
When it comes to gravel bikes, the Pivot Vault has been kept in the shadows, especially within the UK. However, with the release of the new 2025 model, the question is whether Pivot Cycles has taken its gravel machine to the next level.
So, let’s dive into what’s new about the Pivot Vault's latest version.
The tagline for this new Vaults release was ‘boundless by design’. It’s got the vibe of a race gravel bike that would be super comfortable for epic adventure events. The frame can carry up to five water bottles! It’s definitely a bike you could take on some serious distance with. This isn’t to say that the Vault has completely abandoned its racing roots—you can still use it to take wins at gravel racing events, no probs. It’s got a fully revised geometry with a new focus on comfort, power efficiency, and speed. The Vault now features a longer front center, more stack, and a shorter stem for a modern progressive gravel geometry. Add to that an additional 6mm of bottom bracket drop and a new fork with an extended axle-to-crown, and you’ve got a recipe for a bike that’s more stable on technical, uneven terrain. Yet maintains a comfortable pedaling position.
This setup gives you the confidence to push your boundaries, especially if your idea of gravel riding includes a bit of rugged off-road adventure. With a 52mm fork rake, toe overlap is no longer a worry, and the bike feels planted even on rougher trails!
More Room for Tires!
Pivot has also upped the tyre clearance on the 2025 Vault, allowing you to run up to a 700x50mm tyre without stretching the chainstays past 420mm. This is a huge win for those who like to tackle gnarlier paths or ride with a bit more comfort. This tweak, along with the continued use of an asymmetric chainstay design, balances performance with practicality. It’s still fast and responsive but more forgiving on challenging terrain.
A brand new redesigned frame!
We love how Pivot has thought about the rider’s experience, not just with performance but also with customisation. You can choose between mechanical and electronic shifting options, and the bike offers a variety of cable routing solutions to suit your preferences. If you like a clean look, you can route the cables through the stem. If flexibility in your bar and stem choices matters more, you can route them lower in the headtube. Pivot has also kept its Iso Flex system in place, but it’s been refined for the 2025 model. This system, designed to isolate the rider from vibrations without compromising the stiffness of the frame, gives you a more comfortable ride without losing that snappy, race-ready feel. It’s a clever way to marry comfort and performance, ensuring you stay fresh even on longer, more adventurous rides.
Toolshed: Hidden Storage for the Adventure Riders
It seems no modern gravel bike is complete without snazzy in-frame storage, and Pivot has joined the party with their new Toolshed system. This neat storage compartment allows you to carry essential tools or snacks in an easily accessible space. We especially like the magnetic quick-link holder and integrated strap loop for extra organisation. This is a nice touch, keeping your essentials close at hand and minimising clutter from bike bags for a clean, streamlined setup.
Expanded Sizing: Options for Everyone
One common critique of Pivot in the past was its somewhat limited sizing range. For 2025, they’ve addressed this, offering an expanded range that includes both XL and even XXS sizes. This should make the Vault more accessible to a wider range of riders.
The Price Drop: More Accessible Than Ever
Now, the big question—how much does it cost?
Pivot has made a bold move by lowering the price across the 2025 Vault range. The Vault starts at £3,999 for the Shimano GRX build and goes up to £6,149 for the top-end SRAM Force XPLR ETAP AXS build, with prices rising to £6899 with Reynolds carbon wheels.
For what you’re getting—a premium gravel bike with high-end components, customisable features, and the pedigree of Pivot Cycles engineering—this pricing makes the Vault more accessible than ever. It’s a clear signal that Pivot wants to compete not just in performance but also in value.
Final Verdict from us at The Ark Cycles.
In short, the 2025 Pivot Vault is a significant evolution from its race-focused predecessors. It’s now a bike built not just for gravel racing but for adventure, comfort, and versatility. If you’re after a bike that can do it all—whether it’s a spirited gravel race or a laid-back weekend exploring backcountry paths—the Vault should definitely be on your radar. And with the new, lower price point, it just might be more within reach than you think. Get in touch with our friendly product team here at The Ark Cycles to discover exactly if the new 2025 Pivot Vault is for you.
Alternatively, you can explore our range of current gravel bikes here.
See you out on the trails!
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