Switchblade Pro XT Di2

The third-generation Pivot Switchblade remains a versatile mid-travel trail bike, pairing 142 millimeters of rear suspension with a 160-millimeter fork. Pivot designed this iteration to handle increasingly aggressive terrain without losing the crisp pedaling response the platform is known for. The defining structural update is a longer lower link in the dw-link suspension, drawing inspiration from the brand's longer-travel enduro frames. This change yields a more rearward axle path, allowing the rear wheel to better absorb square-edge impacts and maintain momentum through rough sections. Despite these downhill-focused refinements, the Switchblade retains a relatively compact footprint compared to dedicated enduro sleds, keeping it agile on tighter singletrack and efficient during long days in the saddle. It suits riders who want a single mountain bike capable of tackling steep, technical climbs, rolling terrain, and occasional bike park laps with equal composure.

$8,999Gen V3

Build

Size

Stack	627mm
Reach	440mm
Top tube	606mm
Headtube length	100mm
Standover height	667mm
Seat tube length	368mm

Fit and geometry

The Switchblade’s geometry leans modern but stops short of extreme, prioritizing balanced handling over pure straight-line plowing. Pivot slackened the head tube angle and lengthened the reach across the size range, which centers the rider and adds stability on steep descents. To maintain the bike's signature maneuverability, the chainstays remain relatively short, though they now feature size-specific lengths that grow slightly on the largest frames to help taller riders maintain front-wheel traction.

A steeper seat tube angle places the rider in a comfortable, upright pedaling position that excels on long climbs, though riders who prefer a low-cadence grind might find it slightly forward-biased. The frame also features a straighter seat tube, allowing for deeper dropper post insertion and giving riders more room to move around the cockpit on descents. A flip-chip in the upper linkage offers a high and low setting, allowing riders to tweak the bottom bracket height and head angle. This chip also accommodates a mixed-wheel setup for those who prefer to swap in a smaller rear wheel for added rear-end clearance and cornering agility.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

null

Fork

Fox Factory 36 29", 44mm offset, GRIP X2 - 160mm

Rear shock

Fox Factory Float X

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

null

Front brake

Shimano XT M8220 4-piston hydraulic disc

Rear brake

Shimano XT M8220 4-piston hydraulic disc

Front rotor

null

Rear rotor

null

Wheelset

Front wheel

DT Swiss XM1700 wheel, DT Swiss 350 hub, 36t Star Ratchet, 30mm internal, 29", 15x110

Rear wheel

DT Swiss XM1700 wheel, DT Swiss 350 hub, 36t Star Ratchet, 30mm internal, 29", 12x157

Cockpit

Stem

Phoenix Team Enduro/Trail - 35mm (XS), 45mm (SM-XL)

Handlebars

Phoenix Team Low Rise Carbon - 760mm (XS), 780mm (SM-MD), 800mm (LG-XL)

Saddle

Phoenix WTB Pro High Tail Trail (XS, SM), Phoenix WTB Volt Pro (Medium Width) (MD-XL)

Seatpost

Fox Factory Transfer

Grips

Phoenix Factory Lock-On

Builds

Pivot offers the Switchblade in a premium range of complete builds, divided into Ride, Pro, and Team tiers. Every model uses the exact same carbon frame, meaning buyers at the entry point receive the same chassis quality and size-specific carbon layup as those purchasing the flagship versions.

The Ride builds feature Fox Performance suspension and alloy DT Swiss wheels, paired with reliable mid-tier drivetrains from Shimano or SRAM. Stepping up to the Pro tier introduces Fox Factory suspension with highly adjustable dampers, along with lighter components and the option to upgrade to carbon DT Swiss wheels. The top-tier Team builds spare no expense, utilizing flagship electronic or mechanical drivetrains, premium brakes, and carbon wheels as standard equipment.

Buyers should note a few specific ecosystem standards on the Switchblade. The frame utilizes a press-fit bottom bracket and SuperBoost Plus rear hub spacing. While Pivot argues this wider rear axle improves wheel stiffness and tire clearance, it does limit aftermarket wheel choices and prevents riders from easily swapping standard boost wheels from other bikes.

Ride Eagle 70/90

$6,499

Ride GX Eagle Transmission

$7,399

Pro X0 Eagle Transmission

$8,999

Pro XT Di2

$8,999

Selected

Team XX Eagle Transmission

$11,499

Team XTR Di2

$11,799

Reviews

Critics broadly agree that the updated Switchblade successfully balances its historical pedaling efficiency with noticeably improved descending manners. Testers frequently highlighted the revised suspension kinematics, noting that the bike tracks better through chatter and maintains momentum over harsh impacts. Out on the trail, the rear suspension provides "a very soft top end, with enough support to keep you from using all of your travel all of the time" (Pinkbike). This translates to a ride that feels highly capable in rough terrain, prompting one reviewer to note that they "quickly settled into point-and-shoot mode" (Singletracks) on rocky descents.

While the bike is highly praised for its stability, reviewers point out that its handling requires an active pilot. Because the rear center remains relatively short, riders need to deliberately weight the front wheel to maintain traction in flat or loose corners. When ridden aggressively, however, the chassis rewards the effort. The updated linkage design means the bike "swallows bigger impacts with noticeably less effort" (Flow Mountain Bike) than the previous generation, making it a highly effective tool for riders who want to push hard on descents without dragging a heavy enduro frame up the climbs.