Frameset
Frame
Pivot LES SL
Fork
Fox Factory Stepcast 32 29" w/ Remote, 44mm offset, GRIP SL - 100mm
Les SL Pro XT Di2
The Pivot Les SL is a premium, ultra-lightweight cross-country hardtail designed for aggressive racing and fast endurance riding. Introduced in 2022, this generation modernizes the platform by moving away from twitchy traditional race geometry in favor of a slacker head angle and longer reach. Built around a carbon frame weighing roughly 800 grams, it prioritizes direct power transfer and climbing efficiency without completely sacrificing rider comfort.
To mitigate the fatigue often associated with rigid frames, Pivot utilizes a 27.2mm seatpost to introduce seated compliance. The frame also features practical touches for marathon efforts, including UDH compatibility and multiple bottle and tool mounts inside and under the front triangle. It suits dedicated racers and riders who want a highly responsive, minimalist machine for covering ground quickly.
$7,399Gen V2
Build
Size
| Stack | 601mm |
| Reach | 445mm |
| Top tube | 620mm |
| Headtube length | 100mm |
| Standover height | 684mm |
| Seat tube length | 420mm |
Fit and geometry
The Les SL utilizes progressive cross-country geometry that encourages a centered, aggressive riding posture. By lengthening the reach and slackening the head tube angle to 68.5 degrees, Pivot created a chassis that feels stable on fast descents without losing its sharp steering response. A low 64mm bottom bracket drop helps the rider sit lower in the bike, contributing to a grounded feel through corners.
The cockpit setup pairs a short 60mm stem with wide flat bars—ranging from 760mm to 780mm depending on the build—to maintain quick, direct handling. The seat tube angle sits at a moderately steep 74.5 degrees across most sizes, positioning the rider efficiently over the pedals for steep climbs. While the frame is designed around a rigid seatpost to maximize seated flex, it is dropper-compatible. Riders looking to add one will be restricted to shorter-travel or gravel-oriented options due to the 27.2mm tube diameter.
Full specs
Groupset
Shift levers
Shimano XT Di2 M8200 ISPEC EV 12-speed
Rear derailleur
Shimano XT Di2 M8200 SGS 12-speed
Cassette
Shimano XT M8200 10-51T
Chain
Shimano CN-M8100 12-speed
Crankset
Race Face Æffect R 32T
Bottom bracket
Race Face (not specified; BB type depends on LES SL frame standard)
Front brake
Shimano XT M8200 2-piston hydraulic disc
Rear brake
Shimano XT M8200 2-piston hydraulic disc
Front rotor
Not specified
Rear rotor
Not specified
Wheelset
Front wheel
DT Swiss XR1700, 29", 15x110
Rear wheel
DT Swiss XR1700, 29", 12x148
Cockpit
Stem
Phoenix Team XC/Trail - 60mm
Handlebars
Phoenix Team Flat Carbon - 760mm
Saddle
Phoenix WTB Pro Volt (Narrow Width)
Seatpost
Phoenix Team Carbon
Grips
Phoenix Factory Lock-On
Builds
The Les SL lineup spans six builds, all utilizing the same lightweight carbon frame and a 100mm Fox 32 Step-Cast fork. The range splits evenly between Shimano and SRAM drivetrains, starting with the Ride-level builds. These entry points feature mechanical SRAM Eagle or wireless GX Transmission shifting, Fox Performance Grip dampers, and aluminum DT Swiss X1900 wheels.
Moving up to the Pro builds introduces Fox Factory forks with the Grip SL damper and lighter DT Swiss XR1700 alloy wheels. Drivetrain options here include SRAM X0 Transmission or a mixed Shimano XT build with an XTR rear derailleur.
The top-tier Team builds represent a significant jump in price and specification, outfitting the bike with either full Shimano XTR or SRAM XX Eagle Transmission. These flagship models also upgrade to Reynolds Blacklabel carbon wheels laced to high-engagement Industry Nine hubs, alongside carbon cranksets. Across the board, Pivot specs fast-rolling Maxxis Rekon Race tires and SRAM four-piston or Shimano two-piston brakes, keeping the focus strictly on cross-country speed.
Reviews
Reviewers consistently praise the Les SL for balancing the immediate acceleration expected of a race hardtail with a surprising degree of comfort. The frame's lateral stiffness delivers excellent power transfer, yet it manages to mute trail chatter effectively. One tester noted that the chassis "didn’t transmit the harsh feeling that other carbon hardtails delivered" (GearJunkie), allowing riders to maintain momentum over rough sections. This compliance is aided by the frame design and the high-volume 2.4-inch tires specced across the range.
Handling is another strong point, with the modernized geometry providing stability at speed while remaining agile in tight singletrack. The bike is described as being "reactive to rider inputs" (BikeRadar) and highly capable on descents.
However, reviewers point out that the premium price tag means the "overall value isn’t the best" (BikeRadar) compared to some competitors, as buyers are paying heavily for the meticulously engineered frame. Additionally, multiple testers suggested that adding a dropper post would further improve the bike's descending capabilities on technical courses, though options are limited by the narrow seat tube diameter.
