Why Pivot's Latest eMTB Update Is Turning Heads

Pivot has refreshed its most aggressive eMTB, the Shuttle LT, with a Bosch CX motor, new geometry numbers, fresh build kits, and a seat tube adjustment mechanism that they are calling Slacky McSteeptube, a name many of us are probably cringing at. But if you can look past the naming of this patent-pending tech, the bike is pretty interesting and is essentially a full-power eMTB version of the beloved Pivot Firebird.

Questionable naming aside, the New Shuttle LT does have some pretty redeeming qualities if you decide to fork over $12,599 for the mid-tier build, which is where the Bosch CX Race motor and FOX Podium forks start. As is consistent with Pivot, the builds top out at a whopping $16,699 for the top-end kit, which is equipped with a FOX NEO DHX shock, SRAM XX Eagle Transmission, and SRAM Maven Ultimate brakes.

Details

• 162/165mm frame travel, 170mm fork
• MX or 29" wheels
• 64° head angle, 76.5/78° seat angle
• 434-503mm reach, 639-673mm stack
• 800Wh battery, 600Wh compatible
• Bosch CX-Race motor (Pro build and up): 100 Nm torque, 750 W max power
• Price: $8,999– $16,699 USD
• Explore more at Pivotcycles.com

Adjustments and Powertrain

The Shuttle LT is littered with adjustments, and riders can tinker with the rear suspension progression, chainstay length (and travel), rear wheel size, and, thanks to the Slacky McSteeptube, the seat tube angle. The head tube also houses a straight 56/56 headset, which means you can drop in an angle-adjusting headset for slacker or steeper settings, but the bike does not come equipped with this out of the box. And yes, it’s still Super Boost (157mm spacing).

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

Harnessing the power of the Bosch CX Race motor seems like a no-brainer, and this is pretty much the standard for full-power eMTBs these days. The Shuttle LT does have a removable battery and is compatible with the Bosch RideMore add-on, as well as a smaller 600Wh battery, but all builds come stock with the 800Wh Bosch cell.

The one thing that would give me a little pause is the location of the charger door - something that won't be an issue in drier climates, but could be a pain point if you live somewhere that gets a lot of moisture.

While the Shuttle LT might look like just another eMTB in the sea of options, you’d kind of be right, but over the years, the brand has a few things that set it apart, and if you’re a fan of the way a Pivot rides, the Shuttle LT could be the eMTB you’ve been holding out for. The co-rotating dual link design from Dave Weagle is one of the shining attributes of Pivot’s, and when paired with the lowered center of gravity from the battery (which is removable) and motor, you get a bike that is really happy in the mid-stroke of travel and stays planted across tech climbs and descents that would scramble an egg.

Geometry

The Shuttle is designed around a 170mm fork, but can be bumped up to 180mm, which will, of course, slacken the 64-degree head tube angle. In the low flip-chip setting, that head tube is already at 63.2 degrees, so if you’re looking to keep things factory but want a slacker head tube, that might be the best option. The chainstays can be lengthened from 443mm (short) to 451mm (long) via a flip-chip on the rear axle, which also increases rear wheel travel from 162mm (short) to 165mm (long). 

The seat tube angle adjustments with the Slacky McSteeptube also give riders the choice between 75.7° (slack) and 77.2° (steep), depending on where and what you ride.

Low

High

Build Kits and Pricing

Shuttle LT Ride

• $8,999 USD
• Motor: Bosch CX
• Fork: Fox Performance 38
• Shock: Float X
• Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 70/90 T-Type
• Brakes: SRAM Maven brakes
• Dropper: JD/Pivot YSP23GLS
• Wheels: DT Swiss H1900

Shuttle LT Pro

• MSRP: $12,599 - $14,299 USD
• Motor: Bosch CX-Race
• Fork: Fox Performance Elite Podium
• Shock: Float X / DHX NEO
• Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle XO T-Type 
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver
• Dropper: OneUp V3
• Wheels: DT Swiss H1900

Shuttle LT Team

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

• MSRP: $14,999 - $16,699 USD
• Motor: Bosch CX-Race 
• Fork: Fox Factory Podium
• Shock: Float X2 suspension / DHX NEO
• Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle XX T-Type 
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate 
• Dropper: RockShock Reverb AXS V2
• Wheels: DT Swiss HXC1501 Carbon

More From Pivot