PIVOTTRAIL429 PROXT/XTR JARGON
£6,450 Sporty singletrack weapon with stunning looks
American brands have tended to be conservative in terms of geometry, but Pivot have moved with the times and the Trail 429 has a much more progressive frame shape than its cramped predecessor.
The frame
Pivot’s ‘hollow-core’ construction uses special techniques to achieve denser carbon layers. The one-piece ‘double wishbone’ rear triangle is joined to the mainframe by two sets of stubby alloy links – a more conventional take on Dave Weagle’s dw-link design – which drive a latest-generation metric shock on oversized, wide-stance pivots.
A Super Boost Plus rear axle, using 157mm spacing, enables the chainstays to be kept short and ensures excellent mud clearance, whether you run 650b+ or 29er (up to 2.5in) wheels/tyres. But the specific hub means the Trail 429 is only available as a complete bike, not a frame, and may be harder to fix. Because the Trail 429 is singlechainring specific, Pivot have been able to widen the main pivot and bottom bracket area (which holds a longer crank axle, to work with the wider rear end). The result of all this is a seriously stiff and precise frame. There are five sizes, with reach stretched to 480mm on the XL, which in today’s market is a roomy rather than radical number.
The kit
This Pro XT/XTR build includes a Factory series Fox 34 Float fork and DPS shock, both of which use the latest EVOL air spring design, with a larger negative chamber for extra sensitivity. The unusual rear axle spacing stretches the hub flanges wider, for a better spoke brace angle, and a subsequently stronger and more balanced wheel. As well as being extra-solid, the DT Swiss hoops are lively, fast-rolling and quick to accelerate. The Wide Trail Maxxis Minion tyres are a decent choice, but it’d be good to see a 3C version up front for better grip in the wet.
The thick own-brand grips use WTB’s PadLoc technology, which means they have to be fitted to a special bar with a corner cut off. A ‘wedge’ inside then helps resist spinning. They’re well-cushioned, but a bit spongy on the ends when loading the bike in turns. Thankfully, Pivot include bar plugs so you can swap to your favourite grips instead.
The ride
The carbon Trail 429 feels absolutely rock solid. Thankfully, that doesn’t translate to a harsh or jarring ride, since the stiffness is dull and reassuring, rather than sharp and brittle. It holds a line firmly, and really