Vault Team Force XPLR AXS

The fourth-generation Pivot Vault marks a deliberate shift from its cyclocross and all-road roots toward dedicated gravel and adventure riding. Rather than pushing into ultra-slack, mountain-bike-adjacent territory, Pivot retains a lightweight carbon chassis while expanding the bike's capability over rough terrain. The frame introduces the ToolShed downtube storage system to reduce reliance on external bags, alongside a Universal Derailleur Hanger and clearance for high-volume tires. It suits riders looking for a fast, highly capable gravel platform that balances long-distance comfort with efficient power transfer. By moving away from a pure racing focus, the Vault becomes a highly adaptable machine, offering multiple cable routing options and drivetrain compatibilities to serve endurance racers and bikepackers alike.

$5,599Gen Gen 4

Build

Size

Stack	568mm
Reach	390mm
Top tube	555mm
Headtube length	125mm
Standover height	750mm
Seat tube length	480mm

Fit and geometry

Pivot utilizes a progressive geometry approach for the Vault, characterized by a longer front center, increased stack height, and a shorter stem. This combination places the rider in a more upright, centered posture, creating a sensation of sitting inside the bike rather than perched on top of it. A generous bottom bracket drop further lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability on loose descents.

Despite the longer wheelbase, the frame maintains agility through short chainstays that keep the rear wheel tucked in for efficient climbing and sharp low-speed maneuvering. A suspension-corrected fork with ample offset ensures responsive steering and eliminates toe overlap, even on smaller frames running large tires.

Riders should pay close attention to Pivot's sizing conventions, which run larger than industry norms. A size small, for example, features an effective top tube length typical of a medium in other brands. Additionally, some reviewers noted that the stock handlebar widths run wide, particularly on smaller sizes, which may prompt riders with narrower shoulders to swap the cockpit for an optimal fit.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Pivot Vault Carbon

Fork

Pivot Vault Carbon

Groupset

Shift levers

SRAM Force AXS HRD

Rear derailleur

SRAM Force XPLR AXS, 13-speed

Cassette

SRAM Force XPLR XG-1371, 13-speed, 10-46T

Chain

SRAM Force Flattop, 13-speed

Crankset

SRAM Force 1 Wide DUB, 40T

Bottom bracket

SRAM DUB (Wide) bottom bracket

Front brake

SRAM Force AXS HRD, 2-piston hydraulic disc

Rear brake

SRAM Force AXS HRD, 2-piston hydraulic disc

Front rotor

SRAM CenterLine rotor (size not specified)

Rear rotor

SRAM CenterLine rotor (size not specified)

Wheelset

Front wheel

DT Swiss ER 1600 Spline 23mm, 700C, 12x100 (front)

Rear wheel

DT Swiss ER 1600 Spline 23mm, 700C, 12x142 (rear)

Cockpit

Stem

Phoenix Gravel Stem, 31.8mm — 60mm (XXS-XS), 70mm (SM-XL)

Handlebars

Zipp XPLR 70 SL Carbon — 40cm (XXS-XS), 42cm (SM), 44cm (MD-LG), 46cm (XL)

Saddle

WTB Gravelier, stainless rails

Seatpost

Phoenix Pro ISO Flex Carbon

Builds

The Vault lineup spans four complete builds, all utilizing the same carbon frame and fork. The range opens with the Pro Apex and GRX models, which deliver reliable 12-speed mechanical shifting and wide gear ranges at a highly competitive price point for a premium carbon chassis. Moving up the ladder, the Team Force XPLR AXS build introduces wireless electronic shifting with a tighter cassette for smoother cadence changes on rolling terrain. At the top, the Team Force/X0 Wide Range AXS model utilizes a mullet drivetrain, pairing drop-bar shifters with a mountain bike rear derailleur and a massive cassette for steep, loaded climbing.

All builds roll on aluminum DT Swiss ER 1600 wheels and 40mm WTB Vulpine tires. Because the frame clears up to 50mm rubber, riders looking to maximize the bike's off-road capability often upgrade to wider tires immediately. The frame also features a clever dual-routing system, allowing owners to choose between fully hidden cables through the headset or a simpler port-based internal routing that makes stem swaps and maintenance much easier.

Pro Apex

$4,199

GRX

$4,499

Team Force XPLR AXS

$5,599

Selected

Team Force/X0 Wide Range AXS

$5,999

Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Vault for balancing speed with long-distance comfort, noting that the frame effectively mutes harsh impacts without feeling sluggish. A key factor in this ride quality is the Iso Flex seatpost sleeve, which testers found subtly effective. It manages to "take the edge off bumps and vibrations" (Bike Rumor) without the bouncing sensation of a true suspension post. On dirt, the bike feels composed and secure, with handling that has "no edge" and feels so safe that riders naturally carry more speed (Velo).

While the frame is highly regarded, multiple testers pointed out that the stock tires limit the bike's potential. Swapping to wider rubber makes a substantial difference, with one reviewer noting that "unparalleled confidence with the 50 mil tires" (YouTube) essentially negates the need for suspension on moderately rough terrain.

The handling earns high marks for low-speed agility and high-speed gravel stability, though this off-road focus comes with a minor tradeoff. On fast, paved descents, the relaxed front end requires a bit more rider input. Overall, testers view the Vault as an exceptionally well-rounded machine that feels "supremely comfortable" (Bike Rumor) during extended efforts.