If you’ve ever ridden in the Golfie (Innerleithen), you’ll know it’s one of those places that sticks in your mind. Steep, technical, rooty, slippery, and absolutely packed with world-class descents. We’ve been lucky enough to ride up there plenty of times on analogue bikes, but this trip was our first time taking e-bikes — and more specifically, the Pivot Shuttle LT.
Short version? It was unreal.
First time e-biking in the Golfie
The climbs in the Golfie are… let’s call them character-building. Long, steep, relentless fire roads and technical linking climbs that really test your legs before you even get to the good stuff. Normally, this means carefully rationing your energy and picking your runs wisely.
Enter the Pivot Shuttle LT.
The Shuttle LT completely transformed the day. Instead of grinding up and saving ourselves for one or two big descents, we were able to keep lapping — and loving every minute of it. The monstrous climbs suddenly became a fun challenge rather than a suffer-fest, which meant we could focus on what the Golfie does best: wild, technical, grin-inducing descents.
More runs, more trails, more exploring
One of the biggest highlights was just how much more we managed to ride. We easily doubled our usual number of runs — if not more — and still had energy left in the tank. The massive 800Wh battery meant we could stay out all day without worrying about range, even with big climbs and constant descending.
It also gave us the freedom to explore further afield, including heading over to the other side of the valley and ticking off some new trails, including the awesome Feed the Pony — which absolutely lived up to its reputation. Having that extra boost meant bigger adventures, more trail time, and a far bigger riding day overall. Plus back to back days, making the most of each and every hour.
How did the Shuttle LT ride?
In a word: confidence-inspiring.
The Pivot Shuttle LT just ate up the Golfie’s brutal terrain. Roots, rocks, steep chutes, greasy off-cambers — it handled everything with calm, composed confidence. The suspension felt incredibly supportive, tracking the ground beautifully while still giving loads of pop and control when things got fast and technical.
One of my favourite moments of the trip was realising I got tired before the bike did — not from pedalling, but from the sheer concentration required on those intense, techy descents. The bike just kept asking for more.
For anyone considering an e-bike but worried about losing the feel of a “proper” mountain bike — honestly, don’t. The Shuttle LT rides like a serious enduro bike first, and an e-bike second. It’s playful, stable, planted, and ridiculously capable when the trails get steep and technical.
Is it worth it?
If your riding involves big climbs, long days, technical descents, or simply wanting more trail time in one ride — the Pivot Shuttle LT is an absolute game changer.
More runs. Bigger adventures. More smiles per ride.
And let’s be honest — who wouldn’t want that?
In stock now at The Ark Cycles, Stroud
If this sounds like your kind of bike, we currently have:
2 x Medium Pivot Shuttle LT
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1 x Pro X0 spec
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1 x Ride SLX / XT spec
1 x Ex-demo XL Pivot Shuttle LT
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Pro X0 spec
Pop into the shop, give us a call, or drop us a message — we’re always happy to talk bikes, help with sizing, and get you set up for your next big adventure.
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