Carbon Shmarbon – Pivot Cycles releases new alloy Switchblade

To kick off the pre-Sea Otter onslaught, here’s a brand new alloy version of the Pivot Switchblade. Sharing the same geometry, suspension travel and 29/27.5+ wheelsize adaptability as the carbon fibre Switchblade (a bike we tested and reviewed last year), the alloy version aims to lower the price of entry while providing a high quality alternative to carbon fibre.

Using hydroformed alloy tubing that has been curved, butted and moulded to follow the same lines as the carbon frame, the alloy Switchblade looks to be about as advanced as we’ve seen for a frame made of metal rather than plastic. Even with the welded frame, Pivot has been able to retain that silly-short 428mm chainstay length, while offering clearance for up to a 29×2.4in tyre, or a 27.5×3.25in tyre. In plus mode, a 17mm spacer for the lower headset cup can be used to balance out the BB height.

Same name, but with a welded alloy frame.

Otherwise, the Switchblade Alloy still features a 150mm travel fork with a 51mm offset, and 135mm of rear travel that’s delivered by the excellent DW5 suspension design. Oh, and it’s got Super Boost Plus 157x12mm rear hub spacing too, though this time around, Pivot Cycles has been joined by a few other brands on the SBP wagon including Knolly Bikes – a brand that recently went all-in with SBP spacing on its entire range.

Update: We’ve had confirmed pricing come through on the new alloy Switchblade, which will only be available as a complete bike starting at £4,600 for a Race XT Build, and topping out at £6,750 for the Pro X01 Eagle bike.

You can check out all the detailed photos of the new alloy Switchblade below, along with a full geometry chart if you want a refresher on the Switchblade’s numbers.

The dw_link suspension design remains, with an upper strut driving the end of the Fox Float DPS rear shock.

All pivots roll on big Enduro MAX sealed cartridge bearings.

The rigid swingarm uses hydroformed tubing to complete the complex shaping required to get the chainstays so short, while keeping the tyre clearance big.

There’s room for huge 27.5×3.25in tyres in there.

Super Boost Plus 157x12mm spacing carries over from the carbon Switchblade.

Switchblade geometry.

Also available in other colours.

The new alloy Switchblade is being shown off at Sea Otter in Monterey this week where our fearless leader, Mr Chipps Chippendale, will be getting a closer look at the bike. So you can expect some more detailed photos and information on the new bike in the very near future.

For now, here’s the full press release straight from Pivot Cycles’

PHOENIX, AZ –The original Switchblade redefined how capable—and versatile—a mountain bike could be. Today, Pivot debuts a more affordable aluminum version that brings the same innovative geometry, suspension and on-trail performance to a wider audience.

Pivot Cycles’ carbon Switchblade debuted in 2016 and quickly earned kudos from the press. With the Switchblade, Pivot pioneered the use of Super Boost Plus 157 on a trail bike. The wider rear axle spacing not only creates a stiffer rear wheel and frame, it also allowed Pivot to build a model possessing massive tire clearance and some of the shortest chainstays in its class, with room to spare for a front derailleur. The end result is an aggressive trail/enduro bike that’s confident, yet nimble, and which truly excels while wearing either 29-inch or 27.5+ wheel and tire combos.

The new Switchblade Aluminum now delivers the same versatility, features and performance in a more affordable package.

The Switchblade Aluminum and Switchblade Carbon share the same progressive geometry, suspension hardware and 135 millimeters of efficient-yet-supple dw-link™ suspension.

“Using our next-generation, hydro-formed aluminum allows us to achieve the same strength, stiffness and on-trail performance as the carbon Switchblade,” says Pivot Cycles President and CEO, Chris Cocalis. “The difference is that more people can experience that for themselves now.”

“It took years,” says Cocalis, “to develop the advanced shaping techniques that enable us to build an ultra-light aluminum frame, which meets the same strength and stiffness tests as our carbon models. But we’ve done it. Both Switchblade models are perfect for riders looking to tackle aggressive terrain or enduros. In 29er mode it has a confident, playful feel. In 27.5+ mode, the Switchblade is even more stable, but with absolutely unreal levels of traction. Now the Switchblade Aluminum puts all that performance in reach of even more riders.”

The new Switchblade Aluminum will be available in two color options—Electric blue with red accents or aqua blue with lime green highlights.

For more information on Pivot Cycles and to find your nearest UK dealer, head to the Upgrade Bikes website.