Frameset
Frame
Pivot (model unspecified)
Fork
Fox Factory 36 29", GRIPX2 - 150mm
Rear shock
Fox Factory Float X
Trailcat LT Team XTR Di2
The Pivot Trailcat LT is a mid-travel 29er designed for riders who want the pedaling efficiency of a short-travel chassis paired with the descending capability of a much larger bike. Introduced for 2025, it sits alongside the shorter-travel Trailcat SL, sharing the same core carbon frame but utilizing a distinct rocker link, shock, and lower shock mount to deliver 135 millimeters of rear travel paired with a 150-millimeter fork.
Pivot positions the LT as a versatile daily driver that bridges the gap between cross-country agility and enduro aggression. This generation introduces the brand's Tool Shed downtube storage system and a refined cable routing approach that avoids routing through the headset. It is built for mountain bikers who prioritize a highly responsive, energetic ride character but still want enough suspension overhead to handle rough, technical descents without feeling overwhelmed.
$11,999
Build
Size
| Stack | 618mm |
| Reach | 430mm |
| Top tube | 598mm |
| Headtube length | 95mm |
| Standover height | 680mm |
| Seat tube length | 368mm |
Fit and geometry
The Trailcat LT utilizes a modern but moderate geometry package that prioritizes quick handling over straight-line plowing. A 65.3-degree head tube angle in the low flip-chip setting provides enough slackness for steep descents while keeping the steering sharp on flat or climbing trails. Combined with relatively short chainstays, the chassis is easy to manual, jump, and maneuver through tight switchbacks.
Rider posture is shaped by a 75.6-degree effective seat tube angle. While this provides a comfortable, upright position for seated pedaling, it is slightly slacker than some contemporary trail bikes. Testers noted that this can cause the front wheel to wander on very steep climbs, requiring the rider to actively shift their weight forward.
Cockpit setup proved critical to the bike's handling character. Testers noted that longer stems made the steering feel nervous, and swapping to a shorter 35- or 40-millimeter option noticeably improved downhill control and cornering precision. However, shortening the reach further emphasized the need to manage front-end lift on steep ascents.
Full specs
Groupset
Shift levers
Shimano XTR Di2 M9200 ISPEC EV 12-speed
Rear derailleur
Shimano XTR Di2 M9200 SGS 12-speed
Cassette
Shimano XTR M9200 10-51T
Chain
Shimano CN-M9100 12-speed
Crankset
Race Face Era 32T
Bottom bracket
Race Face (type/standard unspecified)
Front brake
Shimano XTR M9220 4-piston hydraulic disc
Rear brake
Shimano XTR M9220 4-piston hydraulic disc
Front rotor
null
Rear rotor
null
Wheelset
Front wheel
Reynolds Blacklabel 329 Trail Pro w/ Industry Nine Hydra hub, 29", 15x110
Rear wheel
Reynolds Blacklabel 329 Trail Pro w/ Industry Nine Hydra hub, 29", 12x157
Cockpit
Stem
Phoenix Team Enduro/Trail - 35mm (XS), 45mm (SM-XL)
Handlebars
Phoenix Team Low Rise Carbon - 780mm (XS-LG), 800mm (XL)
Saddle
Phoenix WTB Volt Team (Medium Width)
Seatpost
Fox Transfer Neo Factory Series
Grips
Phoenix Factory Lock-On
Builds
The Trailcat LT lineup spans six builds, all utilizing the same Hollow Core carbon frame and Fox suspension. The range splits primarily between SRAM and Shimano drivetrains, with a clear progression in suspension damping and wheel materials as the price increases.
The entry point is the Ride Eagle 70/90 build, which pairs a Fox Performance 36 fork and Float X shock with a mixed SRAM mechanical and electronic transmission. Moving up to the Pro tier introduces Fox Factory suspension with the highly adjustable GRIP X2 damper, alongside DT Swiss XM1700 alloy wheels. The Pro XT Di2 and Pro X0 Eagle Transmission builds represent the sweet spot for performance, offering top-tier suspension and reliable electronic shifting without the extreme premium of the flagship models.
At the top of the ladder, the Team XX Eagle Transmission and Team XTR Di2 builds upgrade to Reynolds Blacklabel carbon wheels laced to Industry Nine Hydra hubs, shedding rotational weight for maximum acceleration. Braking power scales with the builds, moving from SRAM DB8s on the Ride models to Shimano XT or heavy-duty SRAM Maven brakes on the Pro and Team tiers.
Reviews
Reviewers consistently praise the Trailcat LT for its exceptional pedaling platform and surprisingly capable descending manners. The dw-link suspension is a standout feature, providing a firm base under power while remaining highly active over rough terrain. One tester noted that the rear end "fools the rider into thinking that it’s packing more travel on tap" (Off) than the numbers suggest, easily absorbing square-edged hits while maintaining momentum. Another reviewer went further, calling it the "best-feeling suspension on a stock Pivot bike" (YouTube) they had tested, noting it felt more effective than some of the brand's longer-travel options.
The bike’s handling leans heavily toward agility and responsiveness, aided by a stiff carbon frame and Super Boost rear hub spacing. Testers found it eager to generate speed by pumping through rolling terrain and highly engaging in corners. However, this lively character comes with a slight tradeoff in high-speed stability, as the relatively short wheelbase requires more rider attention when pushing through extremely rough, fast sections.
Component preferences divided testers, particularly regarding the heavy-duty SRAM Maven brakes specced on several builds. While one reviewer found them appropriately "burly for such a small travel rig" (Off), another struggled to modulate their massive power on a lightweight trail bike. Additionally, testers noted that the press-fit bottom bracket developed a creak during testing, and the downtube storage system was viewed by some as an unnecessary addition that added weight.
