This video has been sponsored by LMNT! For a limited time, my community will be able to claim a free LMNT electrolytes sample pack - you only cover the cost of shipping ($5 for US customers). Get your sample pack of LMNT electrolytes by using this link: Http://DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff
Jeff, I did the free LMNT sample pack on your recommendation after the video where you 1st plugged them and I have to say I really like them and am glad I did. Just wanted to pass that on for others who haven't tried them yet.
I’ve been riding a V2 SB for almost 2 years. I was debating between this bike and a Sentinel. I have never really got on with slacker bikes, especially when jumping. The geometry of the SB makes it truly a quiver killer. It climbs amazingly and I can ride it on everything from enduro trails to the jump trails at the bike park. I threw a Marzocchi coil on it and it completely transformed it. It also has a progressive Cane Creek spring to make it more playful at the cost of the plushness of a linear steel spring. It’s the perfect rig. I absolutely love it and have zero complaints.
Chris is a great guy and definitely dives into the details of his company. I met him back with Titus. I had bought a Titus Switchblade from my LBS and was having trouble with shock. When I spoke to Chis he asked me to send in the shock and also offered to send me the linkage to add more travel while replacing the shock. He took his personal time to make sure that my “dream bike” was dial in. We have met at demos and Inter-bike LV through the years and he is always great to talk too. As for the Pivot SB, I definitely think it’s awesome that it can be 2 bikes maybe 3 with 29er, 27.5+ or mullet. Not many bikes are in that category.
I have been shopping the SB130 Rimpo and Pivot SB for the last 6- 8months. Went Ripmo (just got it)and i'm still getting everything dialed! It seems to be a great bike! Very happy so far! Great clips, lot of good feed back!
I've been checking out bikes for a long time now and time and time again there's just so many things I'd like to instantly swop out on most options out there. This Switchblade even got a color I love, and they got so many right choices of components to choose from. If I can order a bike and just mount some pedals and some other grips and that's it, well that's a big win to me. Still waiting reply to check availability though, so as long as it's possible within reasonable time I think I've finally landed. EDIT: Touch down. First impressions are great, but of course I need to rack up some proper miles before I can share anything more.
At 5’10” with long legs, I’m often between a medium and a large. But the new size medium switchblade is the first bike that felt like a perfect fit-climbing and descending!
What counts as long legs? I'm 5'10 with approx 31" inseam. Coming up from old old school (I'm 63) modern bikes mfgs keep pushing me to Large but even M's are quite a bit larger than my bikes of history. Anyways, back to question, what counts as long legs?
@@mudkayak6305 yeah, I’m a 33” inseam. So not a freak (I think haha), but I definitely have a bit longer legs/shorter torso than the average rider my height.
This is where bike fit gets complicated. Because if I “size down” to a medium when on the fence of a manufacturers recommendation, I don’t want the seat tube to be too steep as is the trend, because things get cramped when pedaling. Not just because it’s a smaller bike, but because I run the seat post higher than most people riding a medium, therefore my saddle is further back (how far back is exaggerated the more slack/old school a seat tube angle is). After a few years of trying my best, I now agree with the sentiment that you’ve simply gotta try a bike and see how the concoction of lengths, design, and angles work. And in the case of a medium switchblade, it was fantastic fit!
Quality content as always Jeff., can you also review the Santa Cruz Hightower V2? Im curious as to what your opinion is comparing the hightower V2 to the ripmo, sb130 and the switchblade.
This turned out so well. The footage and riding of that stuff on the far east side came out great! Awesome review too. You were shredding on that Switchblade.
@Jeff. I love my new Switchblade. It has been my go to for DFW and Bentonville. I bought it mainly for the reasons you mentioned Jeff...this thing never bottoms out. I can hit all the big hits and drops in Bentonville and it never bottoms out like my Stumpy did. It climbs just as well as my Stumpy but feels more planted. It's pretty playfull for an "all trail" bike for sure. I am very happy with it and looking at the new Mach4 SL as a CC bike. Great video, as always. Pedal On.
Looks like you did a little testing at the Gold Canyon trails. Wherever, those raw trails truly test the nature of a bike. Hawes is fun but the others you showed are my local favorites.
Jeff... FINALLY you test my bike... unfortunately I hate watching you ride so much better than me!! BUT... if you like it a little slacker... throw the 17mm spacer in the front and ride it mullet.. went there and never went back.... would love to see what you think
Stayed in Scottsdale a few weeks ago ... We go every year and head up to Sedona, but this year decided to save ourselves a 90 minute drive and checked out Hawes ... Amazing trail network that IMO is just as good as Sedona. Made the mistake of riding at 2pm when it was 103 and didn't last long. Next morning we got there at 6:30 and rode for 5 hours. Have the Mach 6 which is similar to the Switchblade, just a little more aggressive with 27.5" wheels. Expensive obviously but if you're in the market I'd definitely recommend.
do you also find the suspension firm off the top? I’m interested with the mach 6, but me being a small and kinda light rider, the firm suspension might feel harsh compared to other bikes.
I love my switchblade. I treat it much more like an enduro bike and it does great. Even ride it at the DH park. Only time I wish I had more travel is SUPER gnarly stuff.
JKW gets all the best bikes. I guess that is your reward for being the King of the Wheelie. You make the bikes look so good people want to buy it when they see your tricks that you do on the bike.
Been riding a Switchblade since August of last year. Was riding a Scott Spark previously and felt I needed updated geometry and longer travel. I've really been liking the Switchblade, I feel it's allowed me to progress safely and have fun and connect trails and lines in different ways! Plus the customer service is superb and super responsive from the company. Thanks for doing this review! P.S. I still enjoy the Spark for more XC days, great bike also
I've been giving this bike some serious consideration. I've owned a few DW link bikes and I really love how they pedal. I have a 2018 Yeti SB 5.5 Turq and the specs/geometry are almost identical to this iteration of Switchblade. (which would be great!) Just wondering if you (Jeff) or anyone here has any input on the comparison. Thx!!!
Great review on the Switchblade Jeff. I've been a long time fan of DW bikes and it's awesome to hear your opinions on this one. I Haven't owned the Switchblade but I have ridden it a couple times and for my preference I did find the HA a little on the steep side. That may also be because I was riding a medium and I'm more used to riding size large, I think this made me feel over the front of the bike a bit more. I'd agree that the suspension feels a bit firmer off the top like the SB 130 does. Over all an awesome feeling bike and I may still pull the trigger on one some day, especially if they slacken the HA a bit!
Just get an angleset. I wanted a slacker HA on my '20 firebird, got a -1* angleset, now low is 64* and the high setting is more usable and gives a steeper seat tube angle.
@@peterhansen2781 Ya I've considered that but when there are so many great bikes out there now a days with the HA I want its hard to justify hassling with an angleset.
Big Fan of DW-Link bikes, especially Ibis and Pivot. Love the brand culture. Your comment on the steep head angle had me running over the geo charts, and looks similar to the HD3 spec. Does it seem like some of these bikes are coming back from the slacker head angles towards something a bit more "all-round"? Be interested in how this would ride with 27.5" instead of 29" against a MOJO instead of a RIPMO.
Wow Jeff, I cant believe you went over to that OHV area. I call that my in search of single track area. There are some cool trails out there but the horses destroy alot of it.
This bike looks great ! Apart from the short rear end, I have all the same thoughts on my banshee prime v3 which seems to be the same kinda bike (135mm rear/160 front, 65,5 hta, never bottoming out, tall stack, etc..). I was wondering, have you ever tried one of these and if so, what are your thoughts on it ? If you’ve never tried a banshee, they’re fantastic bike with a ton of personality 🤟 thanks so much for your videos, it’s always a pleasure to watch you ride, and I learn a lot from doing so ;) cheers !
Ive ridden Hawes 20x and Ivew never seen those features before? Wish I could find some of that stuff. I dont ever remember riding rock faces like that. Reminds me of Sedona rock.
That Green color is so killer. Hope they shave that as a color option when my next bike is due. Awesome review by the way. Now I want to try this on the North shore and Squamish
Lots of switchblade owners where I live and they love it! I am curious you thoughts on switchblade vs Occam LT. Both have kind of middle of the road geo, without trying to be some mini enduro sled. I was on a sb130 LR for last two years and it was super fast, but a very aggressive bike to handle and required a lot of feedback to feel confident. I think it’s because the chainstay were so short and front was so long that you have to really lean on the fork to keep the front tire down.
Learned a ton more about MTB geometry from listening to you. I ride a Large 29r Marin Rift Zone3 and the geometry is progressive for a 2018. With only 120mm in back and 130mm modified up front this bike is super fun. I try to adapt your poppy style of riding and notice better handling and comfort . Thanks for a great video.
@@yengsabio5315 it is mostly cross country and with some do it yourself upgrades to the shocks ( 2.1 charger + Rockshox travel increase to 130mm) it can do more downhill mountain riding. It climbs better than an enduro and gets you on a MTB that can keep up with high priced bikes.
I was hoping you'd get a ride of one of these! Sounds like it was a blast. I was looking for a new bike last year and after shopping around for a few high end options (since they were all that was really available), ended up on a 2021 Switchblade Pro X01. I have to say it's damn near perfect for the sort of trails we have in Australia which do look pretty similar to Arizona most of the time. At 6'2" I was annoyingly right in between the L and the XL on the size chart. The bike shop talked me into sizing up with my relatively long legs since the stack height wasn't really a problem with the geo being the way it is. Initially I was worried that I might have been better off on a size L until I swapped out the 50mm stem for a 35mm one and got comfortable with it. All that said, I'm interested to hear you talk more about bike fit and anything that you do to figure out how to get a new bike setup correctly. Damn good bike though, highly recommended!
This review made me happy to have chosen the sb130lr. Don't get me wrong, the switchblade seems amazing. You just seemed more thrilled with your sb130 review!
I have a switchblade and had a 130lr prior. They’re so similar yet different. Both are great. Yeti was like the trophy truck while the switchblade is like king of the hammers. It just plows rock gardens and climbs anything but at high speed the yeti suspension felt more at home. Neither was lacking but they shined at different things.
Hmmm, have a 20/21 Switchblade. Rode it on across Oregon single track no prob and now living in steep AF town New Zealand with the occasional bike park in my life it feels like just not enough and not stable enough at the limit. Watched your review to see if I was missing something as I continue to fine tune the suspension in the hopes of feeling more confident and a recent brake upgrade. Nope, seems to be a bike for a different grade and dirt makeup of track than my new playground. Now to decide if a Firebird or a Spire is the big hit machine of choice?! Keep on shredding Jeff!
Great review @Jeff Kendall-Weed helped my partner make her choice on her first fs bike. Maybe you can do a Banshee Bike Legend sometime for this rare Clydesdale dh’er.
Dude!! You were here riding at Hawes?!? I was just there riding Iron Gowt and Pure Ovaries today, and I’m pretty much there everyday haha! I wish I had seen you out there!
For those of us riding since the 90's... when you say the more beaten horse trails, doll heads, rooty, over grown trails vs the smooth man made trails. We hear "the real trails vs the man made MTB trails". lol
That rock feature is on Tech Loop Trail out at Gold Canyon. Start at the Lost Goldmine Trailhead and take it to K-trail and Tech Loop is a short fun loop off K-Trail.
Sorry Carlos, I don’t have good data for you. I run heavier duty than many, though rarely flat, so I feel it’s worth it. I’m 170lbs, riding double down (DD) or DH/Tough casing tires and I’m usually at 22/24 psi with my carbon 31mm wide rims.
If you look at the specs compared to my Yeti SB 5.5, the new Switchblade is almost a clone. This is a good thing IMO. I love my Yeti, but my next bike will probably be a Switchblade. Yeti has gone too low/slack for my preference and region where I ride.
Jeff's pretty much spot on. I own the offering v2 and currently switching to the SB. The Switchblade is less plush off the top than the offering making it a better climber and feels lighter. At the same time, the offering smooths out more chunk downhill and it's added weight makes it more stable downhill than the pivot. I need to choose my lines on the SB vs just monster-trucking the harshest line with the Offering. The Evil pretty much feels like it has more travel than 140mm while the pivot feels like it has less than 142mm of travel. If you want a bike better pointed downhill then I'd stick with the evil, but if you do longer pedaling days, its hard to beat the SB. If you want something in-between, maybe a Ripmo.
Do you notice the difference between Ibis DW Link and Pivot DW Link? I felt the Ibis still felt more comfortable on the climbs and nimble feeling, but the Pivot just seemed to descend better. Or am I crazy?
This video has been sponsored by LMNT! For a limited time, my community will be able to claim a free LMNT electrolytes sample pack - you only cover the cost of shipping ($5 for US customers). Get your sample pack of LMNT electrolytes by using this link: Http://DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff
Jeff, I did the free LMNT sample pack on your recommendation after the video where you 1st plugged them and I have to say I really like them and am glad I did. Just wanted to pass that on for others who haven't tried them yet.
I love LMNT it’s helped me make through so many hard days. Thanks Jeff for turning me on to this electrolyte mix.
I already had it 👊
There are tons of switchblade reviews in youtube, but your’s is not a carbon copy on any of it. Totally enjoyed your vid
Spot on. I went from a sb130LR to this bike. It’s such a weird bike but I love it. Feels like an XC bike had a baby with a monster truck.
I’ve been riding a V2 SB for almost 2 years. I was debating between this bike and a Sentinel. I have never really got on with slacker bikes, especially when jumping. The geometry of the SB makes it truly a quiver killer. It climbs amazingly and I can ride it on everything from enduro trails to the jump trails at the bike park. I threw a Marzocchi coil on it and it completely transformed it. It also has a progressive Cane Creek spring to make it more playful at the cost of the plushness of a linear steel spring. It’s the perfect rig. I absolutely love it and have zero complaints.
Impressed on the Ibis/Pivot relationship... have owned bikes from both.... both GREAT.
6’2 here on a size L, fits perfectly. Best all around bike I have ever road. Love it.
Same height, same bike size, and same experience!
Chris is a great guy and definitely dives into the details of his company. I met him back with Titus. I had bought a Titus Switchblade from my LBS and was having trouble with shock. When I spoke to Chis he asked me to send in the shock and also offered to send me the linkage to add more travel while replacing the shock. He took his personal time to make sure that my “dream bike” was dial in. We have met at demos and Inter-bike LV through the years and he is always great to talk too.
As for the Pivot SB, I definitely think it’s awesome that it can be 2 bikes maybe 3 with 29er, 27.5+ or mullet. Not many bikes are in that category.
This is the reason why I got a switchblade and even better I work there 👍👍
The new Pivot Shadowcat seems very intriguing, specially with your style of riding.
I have been shopping the SB130 Rimpo and Pivot SB for the last 6- 8months. Went Ripmo (just got it)and i'm still getting everything dialed! It seems to be a great bike! Very happy so far! Great clips, lot of good feed back!
I've been checking out bikes for a long time now and time and time again there's just so many things I'd like to instantly swop out on most options out there. This Switchblade even got a color I love, and they got so many right choices of components to choose from. If I can order a bike and just mount some pedals and some other grips and that's it, well that's a big win to me.
Still waiting reply to check availability though, so as long as it's possible within reasonable time I think I've finally landed.
EDIT: Touch down. First impressions are great, but of course I need to rack up some proper miles before I can share anything more.
At 5’10” with long legs, I’m often between a medium and a large. But the new size medium switchblade is the first bike that felt like a perfect fit-climbing and descending!
I have the same build and the size medium pivot switchblade is the absolute most comfortable bike I've ridden
What counts as long legs? I'm 5'10 with approx 31" inseam. Coming up from old old school (I'm 63) modern bikes mfgs keep pushing me to Large but even M's are quite a bit larger than my bikes of history. Anyways, back to question, what counts as long legs?
@@mudkayak6305 I'm 5'9 with 32" inseam from floor to crotch
@@mudkayak6305 yeah, I’m a 33” inseam. So not a freak (I think haha), but I definitely have a bit longer legs/shorter torso than the average rider my height.
This is where bike fit gets complicated. Because if I “size down” to a medium when on the fence of a manufacturers recommendation, I don’t want the seat tube to be too steep as is the trend, because things get cramped when pedaling. Not just because it’s a smaller bike, but because I run the seat post higher than most people riding a medium, therefore my saddle is further back (how far back is exaggerated the more slack/old school a seat tube angle is). After a few years of trying my best, I now agree with the sentiment that you’ve simply gotta try a bike and see how the concoction of lengths, design, and angles work. And in the case of a medium switchblade, it was fantastic fit!
I just got a Switchblade and I love it. It feels light, agile and very plush. I came out of an Alchemy Arktos and I loved that as well. Just go ride!!
I've been looking at the Arktos too, was it the 135 or 150? Hard wanting to pull the trigger on something I can't demo
As always, you are one of the best and most informative reviewer that I always tune in to.
The best bike reviewer hands down, love the honesty. Thanks Jeff.
agreed
Awesome review! Love how you were just feeling the bike inside their facility….one can tell you’re a virtuoso of the dirt
Quality content as always Jeff., can you also review the Santa Cruz Hightower V2? Im curious as to what your opinion is comparing the hightower V2 to the ripmo, sb130 and the switchblade.
Nice review Jeff. Love seeing you chewing up our local terrain. Cheers.
the Grim Donut!!!
This turned out so well. The footage and riding of that stuff on the far east side came out great! Awesome review too. You were shredding on that Switchblade.
@Jeff. I love my new Switchblade. It has been my go to for DFW and Bentonville. I bought it mainly for the reasons you mentioned Jeff...this thing never bottoms out. I can hit all the big hits and drops in Bentonville and it never bottoms out like my Stumpy did. It climbs just as well as my Stumpy but feels more planted. It's pretty playfull for an "all trail" bike for sure. I am very happy with it and looking at the new Mach4 SL as a CC bike. Great video, as always. Pedal On.
I love my ‘21 SB V2. Such an amazing bike. Glad you enjoyed it too.
Looks like you did a little testing at the Gold Canyon trails. Wherever, those raw trails truly test the nature of a bike. Hawes is fun but the others you showed are my local favorites.
So awesome meeting you at sedona mtb fest! Great video!
Awesome seeing Goldfield getting some love!!
Jeff... FINALLY you test my bike... unfortunately I hate watching you ride so much better than me!! BUT... if you like it a little slacker... throw the 17mm spacer in the front and ride it mullet.. went there and never went back.... would love to see what you think
Stayed in Scottsdale a few weeks ago ... We go every year and head up to Sedona, but this year decided to save ourselves a 90 minute drive and checked out Hawes ... Amazing trail network that IMO is just as good as Sedona. Made the mistake of riding at 2pm when it was 103 and didn't last long. Next morning we got there at 6:30 and rode for 5 hours.
Have the Mach 6 which is similar to the Switchblade, just a little more aggressive with 27.5" wheels. Expensive obviously but if you're in the market I'd definitely recommend.
do you also find the suspension firm off the top? I’m interested with the mach 6, but me being a small and kinda light rider, the firm suspension might feel harsh compared to other bikes.
I love my switchblade. I treat it much more like an enduro bike and it does great. Even ride it at the DH park. Only time I wish I had more travel is SUPER gnarly stuff.
JKW gets all the best bikes. I guess that is your reward for being the King of the Wheelie. You make the bikes look so good people want to buy it when they see your tricks that you do on the bike.
Just picked one of these up before Christmas. Such a badass ride. I’ve been loving every moment on my new Switchblade!
Been riding a Switchblade since August of last year. Was riding a Scott Spark previously and felt I needed updated geometry and longer travel. I've really been liking the Switchblade, I feel it's allowed me to progress safely and have fun and connect trails and lines in different ways! Plus the customer service is superb and super responsive from the company. Thanks for doing this review! P.S. I still enjoy the Spark for more XC days, great bike also
I've been giving this bike some serious consideration. I've owned a few DW link bikes and I really love how they pedal.
I have a 2018 Yeti SB 5.5 Turq and the specs/geometry are almost identical to this iteration of Switchblade. (which would be great!)
Just wondering if you (Jeff) or anyone here has any input on the comparison.
Thx!!!
Your riding skills are on point , my switch blade is so nice to ride.
Great review on the Switchblade Jeff. I've been a long time fan of DW bikes and it's awesome to hear your opinions on this one. I Haven't owned the Switchblade but I have ridden it a couple times and for my preference I did find the HA a little on the steep side. That may also be because I was riding a medium and I'm more used to riding size large, I think this made me feel over the front of the bike a bit more. I'd agree that the suspension feels a bit firmer off the top like the SB 130 does. Over all an awesome feeling bike and I may still pull the trigger on one some day, especially if they slacken the HA a bit!
Just get an angleset. I wanted a slacker HA on my '20 firebird, got a -1* angleset, now low is 64* and the high setting is more usable and gives a steeper seat tube angle.
@@peterhansen2781 Ya I've considered that but when there are so many great bikes out there now a days with the HA I want its hard to justify hassling with an angleset.
Sick video Jeff. Those bikes look absolutely RAD fun.
Big Fan of DW-Link bikes, especially Ibis and Pivot. Love the brand culture. Your comment on the steep head angle had me running over the geo charts, and looks similar to the HD3 spec. Does it seem like some of these bikes are coming back from the slacker head angles towards something a bit more "all-round"? Be interested in how this would ride with 27.5" instead of 29" against a MOJO instead of a RIPMO.
Wow Jeff, I cant believe you went over to that OHV area. I call that my in search of single track area. There are some cool trails out there but the horses destroy alot of it.
This bike looks great ! Apart from the short rear end, I have all the same thoughts on my banshee prime v3 which seems to be the same kinda bike (135mm rear/160 front, 65,5 hta, never bottoming out, tall stack, etc..). I was wondering, have you ever tried one of these and if so, what are your thoughts on it ? If you’ve never tried a banshee, they’re fantastic bike with a ton of personality 🤟 thanks so much for your videos, it’s always a pleasure to watch you ride, and I learn a lot from doing so ;) cheers !
Hawes is a great trail network. They did a excellent job building those trails. Love to see more videos on Hawes.
Ive ridden Hawes 20x and Ivew never seen those features before? Wish I could find some of that stuff. I dont ever remember riding rock faces like that. Reminds me of Sedona rock.
@@jitterspec same i would like to know where the rock slab at 11:12 is
I think it’s Gold Canyon, maybe Hoo Doo trail
That Green color is so killer. Hope they shave that as a color option when my next bike is due. Awesome review by the way. Now I want to try this on the North shore and Squamish
Lots of switchblade owners where I live and they love it! I am curious you thoughts on switchblade vs Occam LT. Both have kind of middle of the road geo, without trying to be some mini enduro sled. I was on a sb130 LR for last two years and it was super fast, but a very aggressive bike to handle and required a lot of feedback to feel confident. I think it’s because the chainstay were so short and front was so long that you have to really lean on the fork to keep the front tire down.
Can you do a video of the new bronson or capra?
Can't wait to see the next vid with HTA. My backyard trails at Hawes! Loving my SB130 there!
Hey Jeff just wonder if your ever going to review transition mtbs I have a 2021 alloy sentinel I it feels great.
Tremendous vid Good review. Love my Blade and looking forward to seeing the new Blade launch this year as well. 👍🏻
New color is awesome!! Ive got a few days as SOMO and Hawes on the SB. Great bike!
Oooh! Cacti, heat and Dehydration! Those are three of my favorite amenities HAHA
Yep!
Learned a ton more about MTB geometry from listening to you. I ride a Large 29r Marin Rift Zone3 and the geometry is progressive for a 2018. With only 120mm in back and 130mm modified up front this bike is super fun. I try to adapt your poppy style of riding and notice better handling and comfort . Thanks for a great video.
Is Rift Zone a trail MTB, or enduro MTB? Thanks in advance!
@@yengsabio5315 it is mostly cross country and with some do it yourself upgrades to the shocks ( 2.1 charger + Rockshox travel increase to 130mm) it can do more downhill mountain riding. It climbs better than an enduro and gets you on a MTB that can keep up with high priced bikes.
Awesome, well rounded, buzz-word free review. Thank you
I was hoping you'd get a ride of one of these! Sounds like it was a blast.
I was looking for a new bike last year and after shopping around for a few high end options (since they were all that was really available), ended up on a 2021 Switchblade Pro X01. I have to say it's damn near perfect for the sort of trails we have in Australia which do look pretty similar to Arizona most of the time.
At 6'2" I was annoyingly right in between the L and the XL on the size chart. The bike shop talked me into sizing up with my relatively long legs since the stack height wasn't really a problem with the geo being the way it is. Initially I was worried that I might have been better off on a size L until I swapped out the 50mm stem for a 35mm one and got comfortable with it.
All that said, I'm interested to hear you talk more about bike fit and anything that you do to figure out how to get a new bike setup correctly.
Damn good bike though, highly recommended!
Is that the Giro Switchblade helmet you're rocking to review the Pivot Switchblade? I see what you did there.
The SB has a flip chip. Wondering if he was already in the low setting and still wanting an extra 0.5° of slack
Great video review and honesty. You should head out to Colorado sometime and review the Revel bikes.
Thanks Jonathan, and that's a good idea!
Lunchride eats that switch up on steeps and faster trails, still a fun bike for some aggressive trail tho
Nah. Marginal at best. I owned both , Prefer the blade everywhere.
the pivot bikes have always been dream bikes for me that i could never afford same with evil.
Glad to see a good paint job on this bike. Last year's colors were incredibly boring.
This review made me happy to have chosen the sb130lr. Don't get me wrong, the switchblade seems amazing. You just seemed more thrilled with your sb130 review!
I have a switchblade and had a 130lr prior. They’re so similar yet different. Both are great. Yeti was like the trophy truck while the switchblade is like king of the hammers. It just plows rock gardens and climbs anything but at high speed the yeti suspension felt more at home. Neither was lacking but they shined at different things.
If if it came down to this or the SB130 LR, which would it be?
Another killer review Jeff.
Hmmm, have a 20/21 Switchblade. Rode it on across Oregon single track no prob and now living in steep AF town New Zealand with the occasional bike park in my life it feels like just not enough and not stable enough at the limit. Watched your review to see if I was missing something as I continue to fine tune the suspension in the hopes of feeling more confident and a recent brake upgrade. Nope, seems to be a bike for a different grade and dirt makeup of track than my new playground. Now to decide if a Firebird or a Spire is the big hit machine of choice?! Keep on shredding Jeff!
Is Switchblade a trail MTB or enduro MTB? Thanks in advance!
How did the Grim Donut end up at Pivot HQ?
Awesome video and very informative!
That LMNT watermelon is too good. Might drink as my new soft drink
Remember that dude who threw his Kit in a trashbag? I'm not anymore and wash my stuff after every ride :)
derailleur hanger is different? Excellent!
How would this bike compare to a Norco sight ?
Same HT & ST angle as my Trance 29 Adv PRO 1
Does the 2022 pivot (green) switchblade come out of the box with tubeless tires ready to ride?
Great review @Jeff Kendall-Weed helped my partner make her choice on her first fs bike. Maybe you can do a Banshee Bike Legend sometime for this rare Clydesdale dh’er.
Nice Jeff.......
I have a 269Trail..
Awesome review Jeff 👍
I’m in Phoenixfor the week too and I’m renting a switchblade for riding in Sedona
What a great looking bike and a great review.
Dude!! You were here riding at Hawes?!? I was just there riding Iron Gowt and Pure Ovaries today, and I’m pretty much there everyday haha! I wish I had seen you out there!
Wished it would be a degree or two slacker. Looking for something that feels like my chromag stylus (geo) but with full suspension
maybe an adjustable headset -1 would be the ticket?
Gotta review the pink Shadowcat next
This!!!
Full send !
Would you be able to comment on the new Fox Live value system
Please ride a Banshee (Phantom or Prime!!
Bike did look small aka you did look tall 😉
Jeff, did you say “aluminum spokes”?
For those of us riding since the 90's... when you say the more beaten horse trails, doll heads, rooty, over grown trails vs the smooth man made trails. We hear "the real trails vs the man made MTB trails". lol
Jeff,
Great review! Just wondered how this would compare to a Santa Cruz Hightower or my Tallboy 4?
Just watched the first minute. Very lit Jeff, very lit. as the kids would say
And the Knolly Fugitive
Hey Jeff, what helmet do you have at the beginning of the video? Thanks!
Great Stuff Jeff 😉 enjoyed the video buddy 😉👌🚴🏿♂️🏴🏴👌
Ordered the sample pack
Like your analysis
Sick video! Anybody know where this trail feature is? 14:55
That rock feature is on Tech Loop Trail out at Gold Canyon. Start at the Lost Goldmine Trailhead and take it to K-trail and Tech Loop is a short fun loop off K-Trail.
You are too good lad.mint
Damn this guy can ride 😳
What tire pressure do you recommend at the Mormon loop to National? My wait is 160 Lbs and just bought a 2021 Switchblade.
Sorry Carlos, I don’t have good data for you. I run heavier duty than many, though rarely flat, so I feel it’s worth it. I’m 170lbs, riding double down (DD) or DH/Tough casing tires and I’m usually at 22/24 psi with my carbon 31mm wide rims.
random question but do you have any thoughts on the FloatX shock? Has it stood out?
If you look at the specs compared to my Yeti SB 5.5, the new Switchblade is almost a clone. This is a good thing IMO. I love my Yeti, but my next bike will probably be a Switchblade. Yeti has gone too low/slack for my preference and region where I ride.
Similar geo. Way different on trail. switchblade far more refined imo
Sizing and geometry way more important than suspension design
Great video!! 👍🏽
review the transition patrol
How do you think it compares to offering v2? I'm thinking of switching from offering to switchblade . Thanks
Jeff's pretty much spot on. I own the offering v2 and currently switching to the SB. The Switchblade is less plush off the top than the offering making it a better climber and feels lighter. At the same time, the offering smooths out more chunk downhill and it's added weight makes it more stable downhill than the pivot. I need to choose my lines on the SB vs just monster-trucking the harshest line with the Offering. The Evil pretty much feels like it has more travel than 140mm while the pivot feels like it has less than 142mm of travel.
If you want a bike better pointed downhill then I'd stick with the evil, but if you do longer pedaling days, its hard to beat the SB. If you want something in-between, maybe a Ripmo.
Do you notice the difference between Ibis DW Link and Pivot DW Link? I felt the Ibis still felt more comfortable on the climbs and nimble feeling, but the Pivot just seemed to descend better. Or am I crazy?
He said in the video the Ibis bottoms out more easily.
Do you use tire inserts?