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Pivot Bike Size Guide
Your definitive 2025 guide for a perfect fit on all Pivot Cycles models.
Choosing the correct size Pivot is the single most important step in unlocking the world-class, uncompromised performance the brand is renowned for. As an industry leader in carbon fiber frame technology, DW-link suspension, and progressive geometry, Pivot engineers every bike to be a category leader. A proper fit is essential for harnessing this potential. This guide provides the official sizing data for the entire 2025 Pivot lineup, from the enduro-dominating Firebird to the genre-bending Vault gravel bike.
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Enduro Mountain Bikes
Built for the steepest descents and the biggest race days, Pivot's enduro bikes feature long-travel DW-link suspension and aggressive, long, and slack geometry for maximum stability and control.
Firebird & Mach 6 Carbon Size Chart
Frame Size | Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Reach (mm, Firebird) |
---|---|---|---|
SM | 5'4" - 5'9" | 162.5 - 175 | 450 |
MD | 5'8" - 6'0" | 172.7 - 182.8 | 470 |
LG | 5'11" - 6'3" | 180.3 - 190.5 | 490 |
XL | 6'2" - 6'7" | 188 - 200.6 | 510 |
Trail Mountain Bikes
This is the heart of the Pivot lineup, featuring incredibly versatile bikes that climb with XC-like efficiency and descend with confidence. The Switchblade is the all-mountain benchmark, while the Trail 429 is the do-it-all trail weapon.
Switchblade Size Chart
Frame Size | Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Reach (mm) |
---|---|---|---|
XS | 5'1" - 5'5" | 155 - 165 | 410 |
SM | 5'4" - 5'8" | 163 - 173 | 430 |
MD | 5'7" - 5'11" | 170 - 180 | 455 |
LG | 5'10" - 6'2" | 178 - 188 | 475 |
XL | 6'1" - 6'5" | 185 - 196 | 495 |
Trail 429 Size Chart
Frame Size | Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Reach (mm) |
---|---|---|---|
XS | 5'2" - 5'6" | 157 - 168 | 420 |
SM | 5'5" - 5'9" | 165 - 175 | 440 |
MD | 5'8" - 6'0" | 173 - 183 | 460 |
LG | 5'11" - 6'3" | 180 - 191 | 480 |
XL | 6'2" - 6'7" | 188 - 201 | 500 |
Cross-Country (XC) Bikes
Pivot's XC bikes are built for pure speed and efficiency. The Mach 4 SL is a World Cup-proven race machine designed to turn power into podiums, featuring a lightweight frame and hyper-efficient DW-link suspension.
Mach 4 SL Size Chart
Frame Size | Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Reach (mm) |
---|---|---|---|
XS | 4'11" - 5'4" | 150 - 163 | 385 |
SM | 5'3" - 5'8" | 160 - 173 | 420 |
MD | 5'7" - 5'11" | 170 - 180 | 445 |
LG | 5'10" - 6'2" | 178 - 188 | 465 |
XL | 6'1" - 6'5" | 185 - 196 | 485 |
Gravel Bikes
The Vault is Pivot's answer to the demands of modern gravel racing and all-road adventure. It combines a lightweight carbon frame with innovative comfort features and versatile geometry.
Vault Size Chart
Frame Size | Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Reach (mm) |
---|---|---|---|
XS | 5'0" - 5'4" | 152 - 163 | 368 |
SM | 5'3" - 5'7" | 160 - 170 | 375 |
MD | 5'6" - 5'10" | 168 - 178 | 383 |
LG | 5'9" - 6'1" | 175 - 185 | 390 |
XL | 6'0" - 6'5" | 183 - 196 | 398 |
E-Bikes
Pivot's Shuttle series brings their renowned engineering and DW-link performance to the world of e-bikes. Sizing is designed to provide a confident, stable ride that can handle the extra power and weight.
Shuttle SL, AM & LT Size Chart
Frame Size | Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Reach (mm, Shuttle AM) |
---|---|---|---|
SM | 5'4" - 5'9" | 162.5 - 175 | 445 |
MD | 5'8" - 6'0" | 172.7 - 182.8 | 465 |
LG | 5'11" - 6'3" | 180.3 - 190.5 | 485 |
XL | 6'2" - 6'7" | 188 - 200.6 | 505 |
A Deep Dive into Pivot's Sizing Philosophy
Under the leadership of founder Chris Cocalis, Pivot Cycles has been a driving force behind modern mountain bike geometry. Their philosophy is clear: create bikes that offer unparalleled performance through a combination of cutting-edge materials, refined suspension kinematics, and a forward-thinking approach to sizing. Understanding this philosophy is key to appreciating why their bikes feel the way they do and how to choose the right size for your needs.
The DW-Link and Vertical Shock Layout
At the core of every full-suspension Pivot is the **DW-link suspension system**. This platform, designed by Dave Weagle, is celebrated for its ability to isolate pedaling and braking forces from suspension action, providing an incredibly efficient yet plush ride. Pivot's engineers take this a step further with their signature **vertical shock layout**. This design has several key benefits that directly influence sizing and fit:
- Compact Frame Design: It allows for a more compact and stiffer frame structure, especially in the bottom bracket area, enhancing power transfer.
- Low Standover Height: By moving the shock out of the main triangle's path, Pivot can create exceptionally low standover heights across all sizes. This is a massive confidence booster on the trail.
- Long Dropper Post Compatibility: The low standover and short, straight seat tubes mean that riders of all heights can run the longest possible dropper post. This is a fundamental part of modern trail riding, allowing for maximum body movement and control on descents.
This intelligent design means that when you're choosing a size, you are less constrained by standover height and can focus more on the desired handling characteristics determined by reach.
Reach-Focused Sizing: The Pivot Standard
Pivot was one of the first brands to fully embrace a **reach-focused sizing** methodology. They understood early on that with dropper posts, the traditional metric of seat tube length was becoming obsolete for determining how a mountain bike fits. Instead, the critical measurements are **reach** and **stack**.
- Reach: As shown in our charts, reach is the primary metric. It defines the length of the cockpit and the bike's stability at speed. Pivot has consistently pushed for longer reach numbers to create confidence-inspiring bikes.
- Stack: Pivot bikes typically have a moderate to low stack height, promoting an athletic, "attack" position on the trail.
This philosophy means that riders on the border between sizes are empowered to choose based on their preferred ride feel. A rider who wants a more nimble bike can size down, while a rider seeking maximum stability can size up, often without compromising their ability to run a fully extended dropper post—a luxury not all brands can offer.
Sizing FAQ & Advice
Why is a Professional Bike Fit Important for a Pivot?
A professional bike fit is a crucial investment when purchasing a high-performance bike like a Pivot. While the height charts provide a highly accurate starting point, a professional fitter can analyze your body's unique proportions, flexibility, and your specific riding goals. They can help you make the critical decision if you fall between sizes and can fine-tune your cockpit with the perfect stem length and bar width. Most importantly for a Pivot, they can help you perfectly dial in your suspension sag, which is essential to getting the most out of the DW-link platform.
I'm Between Two Sizes. Which Pivot Should I Choose?
This is a common and excellent question, as Pivot's geometry often allows riders to fit on two sizes. The choice depends on your priorities:
- Size Down (e.g., Medium instead of Large): Choose the smaller size if you prioritize a nimble, playful, and agile ride. The shorter wheelbase will be easier to navigate through tight, twisty trails, and the bike will be easier to "pop" off jumps.
- Size Up (e.g., Large instead of Medium): Choose the larger size if your primary goal is stability at high speeds, confidence on steep terrain, and a more "planted" feel. The longer wheelbase will make the bike feel calmer and more composed in rough sections. This is often the choice for racers.
Thanks to Pivot's low standover heights, your ability to run a long dropper post is rarely compromised, making this choice more about handling preference than necessity.
How do I choose between a Switchblade and a Firebird?
Both are incredibly capable all-mountain/enduro bikes, but they are tuned for different ends of the spectrum. The **Switchblade** is the quintessential all-mountain bike. With 142mm of rear travel, it's an astoundingly efficient climber that can still handle incredibly rough descents. It's the perfect "one-bike quiver" for a rider who earns their turns and rides a wide variety of trails. The **Firebird**, with 165mm of rear travel and more aggressive geometry, is a purebred enduro race bike. It prioritizes descending capability above all else and truly comes alive at high speeds on the steepest, most technical terrain. If you ride bike parks or race enduro, choose the Firebird. If you want a bike that does everything exceptionally well, choose the Switchblade.
How does the vertical shock layout affect the fit?
The vertical shock layout is a key enabler of Pivot's sizing philosophy. By moving the shock, they can dramatically shorten the seat tube for any given size. A size Large Pivot, for example, may have a seat tube length comparable to a Medium from another brand. This provides two massive benefits: it gives you huge standover clearance for confidence, and it allows you to run a very long dropper post (175mm or 200mm+), which is a significant performance advantage on modern trails. It's a design that directly translates to better on-trail capability.