Tech Info

Pivot FAQ

What size frame should I ride?

Mach 4
XX-Small: 4'10"-5'2"
X-Small: 5'2"-5'5
Small: 5'4.5"-5'9"
Med: 5'9-just under 6'
Large: 5'11-6'2"
X-large 6'2+

Mach 5.7 & 5.7 Carbon
X-Small: 4'11"-5'5
Small: 5'4.5"-5'9"
Med: 5'9-just under 6'
Large: 5'11-6'2"
X-large 6'2+

Mach 429
Small: 5'6"-5'10"
Med: 5'9-6'1"
Large: 6'1"-6'4"
X-large 6'3"+

Firebird
Small: 5'-5"-5'9"
Med: 5'9"-just under 6'
Large: 5'11"-6'2"
X-large 6'2"+

Phoenix
Small: 5'5"-5'9"
Med: 5'9-6'
Large: 5'11-6'2"

Which cranks work with your bb?

Our Mach 4, Mach 5 and Mach 429 frames use a press in Shimano XTR bb that will work with any of the 2-piece mountain cranks from Shimano, FSA and Race Face. TruVativ cranks will not work with our press-in system at this time. However, we are working with TruVativ on a press in version of their GXP bottom bracket which should be available in the very near future.

The Firebird uses a standard thread in BB so that we can accommodate ISCG05 (international standard chain guide system 05 version).

Are there any other bb's that will work with Pivot? Can you upgrade to ceramic bearings?

We designed the bb in conjunction with Shimano to interface with our frame. It is an XTR bb bearing with special composite resin cups. This system is now used by other manufacturers. The XTR bearing is very good, spins freely and is sealed well – it comes with a 3 year warranty.

Aftermarket bottom brackets are becoming available for our integrated system. However, we have not tested any of them at this time and cannot give any useful data on fit, function or service life. We can tell you that it is hard to beat the weight savings of the XTR BB. For instance, some aftermarket ceramic versions weigh up to 32 grams more then the XTR BB.

What size seatpost do you use?

All Pivot frames use a 30.9 seatpost with a 34.9 seatpost clamp.

Do I need a special front derailleur?

Pivot uses e-type Shimano front derailleurs that are readily available from any shop or parts distributor. We simply unbolt the derailleur from the plate and mount them directly to the precision machined tabs on our frame. This gives all Pivot frames the perfect derailleur height, angle, and location, and a super rigid mounting surface for the most precise and positive front shifting possible.

I want to run a 22-36 Saint Crank on my Firebird. Will an e-type derailleur work?

If you are using a 22-36 double chainring setup on your Firebird, Shimano makes a new (for 2009) SLX derailleur (M-665E) specifically for 2 ring set ups which is designed for a maximum 36 large ring. However, even a standard 3 ring E-type front derailleur will work fine with a 2-ring set up.

What headset do I need for my Pivot Cycles frame?

For 2008 to 2010 Mach 4 and Mach 5, and 2008 to 2011 Mach 429 use a 44mm ID headtube designed to fit a zero-stack headset. ZS headsets press in just like a standard headset, but the entire headset, bearings and all, fit inside the headtube. The zero stack headset is designed to use a 1.125 standard steerer tube.

For riders wanting to run a tapered steerer on 2008 to 2010 Mach 4 and Mach 5, and 2008 to 2011 Mach 429, we recommend a Cane Creek 40 TR44/40 lower headset cup.  This is an external cup that allows the use of a tapered steerer for any of the above models. 

For the 2011 Mach 4 and Mach 5.7, we use a zero stack tapered headtube designed to fit a 44mm ID upper cup and a 56mm ID zero stack lower cup. This head tube allows you to use a tapered fork or a standard 1.125" fork (with special crown race).  ZS headsets press in just like a standard headset, but the entire headset, bearings and all, fit inside the headtube. This allows for lower overall stand-over heights and greater flexibility in setting up handlebar height.   Zero Stack headsets are available from major suppliers like Cane Creek, FSA, and Chris King.

Please note the Firebird and Phoenix have a 1.5" head tube, (49.6mm ID) for which there are plenty of headset options from every headset manufacturer for use with tapered, standard, and 1.5 steerer tubes. 

I've heard multi-link bikes are flexy.

We've heard also heard that single pivot bikes, and 4-bar bikes are flexy. All in all, one of the shining traits of a dual link design is the ability to make the bikes more rigid because of the one piece rear triangle, no pivots near the dropouts, and the ability to so closely tie the upper and lower links. We won't speak about the competition here, but only scream from the top of the mountain that Pivot frames are the most rigid, flex free frames made. We designed every Pivot frame for maximum stiffness so that all your power gets to the ground and your pivot bearing live a long and worry free life. Every detail on the bike was scrutinized to achieve a frame that won't twist under extreme riding conditions. The 92mm bb shell adds stiffness. The CNC'd widestance bb yolk/pivot mount adds stiffness. The one piece rear triangle adds stiffness. The oversized main pivot with 8 bearings adds stiffness and durability. Even the one piece carbon rocker adds stiffness. Pivot bikes, including the Mach 429, are the most laterally stiff suspension bikes on the planet.

What kind of warranty does Pivot offer?

Pivot Cycles offers a Limited Warranty;

Pivot Cycles promises Pivot frames to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 3 years from its date of purchase. This limited warranty applies to the original owner and is nontransferable. Pivot will, at its discretion, repair or replace any frame or component that we determine to be defective.
The Frame finish on all Pivot frames will be warranted for (1) one year from date of purchase. This includes paint, clear coat, decals, and the anodized finish.
These limited warranties do not apply to normal wear and tear, claimed defects, malfunctions or failures that result from abuse, neglect, improper assembly, improper maintenance, alteration, collision, crash or misuse. The original owner shall pay all labor and transportation charges associated with the repair or replacement of all parts under this warranty. Under no circumstance does this limited warranty include the cost of travel or shipment to and from an authorized Pivot dealer. In order to exercise your rights under these limited warranties, the bicycle or frameset must be presented to an authorized Pivot dealer, together with proof of purchase.

No Fault/Crash Replacement

If the warranty claim on your Pivot frame or parts is determined to be invalid, Pivot Cycles will make replacement parts available at a minimum charge to the original owner. Pivot Cycles does this at its sole discretion and reserves the right to refuse this offer.

The Pivot Cycles warranty, or any implied warranty, is limited to the replacement of defective parts with those of equal or greater value at the sole discretion of Pivot Cycles. In no event shall Pivot Cycles be held responsible for direct, incidental or consequential damages, including, without limitation, damages for personal injury, property damage, or economic losses, whether based on contract, warranty, negligence, product liability, or any other theory.

What size bike should I get?

There are a lot of theories on bike fit out there, to the point that it can get very confusing. The reality is that each rider has a different physiology, different riding style and different needs from a bike. That said, when comparing our bikes with those of other companies, sometimes our medium may compare to another companies large. Also, all our bikes are designed with class leading stand-over at each frame size so look closely at the top tube length, because this is the measurement that really matters most. As a starting point, our medium frames are designed around an average 5'11" (180.34cm) rider with a 33-34" inseam. You can use that as a baseline. Finally, All of our Pivot retailers are bike experts and that includes bike fit. Spend some time with your Pivot dealer to get the perfect fit on your new Pivot.