The Pivot Mach 4SL was designed to win XCO, XCM, KOMs and deliver unprecedented ride quality, telepathic handling and stunning acceleration.
XC racing is a designers nightmare. Racers are often willing to sacrifice suspension quality, traction, or worse handling for weight reduction. In terms of suspension, the pursuit of the lowest possible weight and optimizing manufacturing costs has meant that the most common suspension variations you'll find in elite XC bikes today are Flex-Stay, a single-pin design that relies on the flexibility of the material used. The American PIVOT did not go down this route and the new Mach4SL uses a full DW-Link suspension just like its predecessor.
IT'S LIGHTER
Pivot is renowned for its uncompromising approach to the manufacture of the frames and materials themselves. Unlike many other manufacturers, it doesn't offer different workmanship grades, fiberglass admixtures or carbon types. All frames are made from the highest quality carbon that Pivot knits themselves. Each individual plate is accurately weighed and thus controlled to ensure it does not exceed tolerances. A single frame is bonded with 250-300 pieces of plates that are optimized for each size to offer the same riding characteristics, whether you're a subtle racer on an XS or a thunderbolt saddling an XL.
After all, Pivot is considered the most demanding brand ever among carbon frame builders.
The carbon frame manufacturing itself is another critical point. Pivot frames are made in positive forms. While this is the most expensive and time-consuming method, it ensures maximum compression and thus density of the carbon tubes. The higher density then provides the necessary stiffness using less carbon, resulting in an extremely light and strong frame.
With the new Mach 4 SL, the latest patented Hollow Core carbon fibre construction saves an impressive 300-400 grams (depending on size) compared to the previous generation, resulting in a 1930g (frame inc. shock).
Just looking at the minimalism of the rear structure is literally a feast for the eyes and also reveals a number of clever details, such as placing the rear brake caliper as close to the axle as possible to where the structure is stiffest and therefore does not require additional bracing.
IS BETTER CUSHIONED
Pivot uses the acclaimed DW-Link to suspend the rear structure. The virtual suspension was designed by Dave Weagle. It has long been respected as one of the best virtual systems ever on the market. Its strongest points are traction and activity under braking. The rider, the racer, can start braking later and more forcefully in broken terrain. Another big advantage is the structural rigidity that is so crucial in corners. And for XC, perhaps the most important feature is the system's immunity to chain pull while maintaining precise activity when handling rough terrain.
The Mach 4 SL is offered in Ride, Pro and Team specs offering 115mm rear travel with the option to adjust to 106mm using a Flip-chip shock mount. Up front you'll then find a 120mm Fox 34 Step-Cast fork.
For the even more race-minded biker, there's a World Cup variant which, thanks to a shorter shock, offers 103mm and 95mm of rear travel respectively, combined with a 100mm Fox 32 Step-Cast fork.
In both cases, you get a full suspension system that, compared to Flex-Stay systems, not only offers more confidence in technical passages, but is also more comfortable and won't beat the crap out of your hard-built fitness faster than you plan to reach the finish line.
IT'S MORE FUN
Fun is the added value of this racing bike. Every day is not a race. Instead, how many times do you have the best races with just yourself? Or is it because racing itself should be fun too, to cushion the suffering. Or because it's simply a sport.
The Mach 4SL is as versatile as it is fast. Take off your bidon and win the short-track. Grab a bottle and start the XCO. Put two bidons in the frame and go XCM. Looking for Leadville? No problem, add a third bidon and stick a tool under the center for good measure.
DW-Link suspension will easily take you through sections you'd be hesitant to tackle on other XC bikes. It won't betray your maximum engagement, leaving the rear wheel glued and under engagement where others bounce. It will also relieve you at the xth hour and let you sit where hardtails and flex-stay riders would rather involuntarily stand for the millionth time.
IT'S MORE CONTROLLABLE
Longer handlebar length (reach), steeper seat tube angle, lower head angle, wider wheelbase. The new Mach 4SL handles speed with complete composure and, combined with stiffness, allows you to power through any trail without sacrificing power or prestige.
