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Pivot Cycles
ALL BIKES XC / TRAIL TRAIL / ENDURO GRAVITY / DH eMTB DJ / PARK FAT GRAVEL / CX / ROAD
BUILD BIKE
FEATURES
GEOMETRY
KEY TECH
DETAILS
REVIEWS
TECH SPECS
FAQS

The Ultimate Trail Bike

The Mach 5.5 Carbon builds on the legacy of our renowned Mach 5.7 Carbon as the quintessential trail bike. With 140mm of dw-link™ rear travel, it sticks to and claws up just about anything, with unparalleled pedaling efficiency. On descents, the Mach 5.5 Carbon’s incredible square edge bump performance and 160mm travel Fox 36 fork enables you to conquer terrain that makes other bikes cower. It’s a bike that inspires you to climb while looking forward to the descents and that begs you to push your limits while putting a smile on your face.
FEATURES
GEOMETRY
KEY TECH
DETAILS
REVIEWS
TECH SPECS
FAQS

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Technical Conversation with Aaron Chase and Chris Cocalis

Introducing the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

2018 Pivot Mach 5.5 Review & Extended Test Ride
FEATURES
GEOMETRY
Values in:

160mm Fork

 
                    
XS
SM
MD
LG
XL
A
Seat Tube Length (C-T)
14.00 in
15.50 in
16.75 in
18.00 in
19.50 in
B
Top Tube Length
21.96 in
22.99 in
24.28 in
25.17 in
26.26 in
C
Head Tube Length
3.54 in
4.13 in
4.53 in
4.92 in
5.31 in
D
Head Tube Angle
66.5°
66.5°
66.5°
66.5°
66.5°
E
Seat Tube Angle
74.25°
74.25°
74.25°
74.25°
74.25°
F
Chain Stay Length
16.93 in
16.93 in
16.93 in
16.93 in
16.93 in
G
Bottom Bracket Height
13.40 in
13.40 in
13.40 in
13.40 in
13.40 in
H
Standover Height
27.00 in
27.18 in
27.20 in
27.23 in
28.00 in
I
Wheelbase
43.95 in
44.98 in
46.32 in
47.26 in
48.40 in
Stack
22.93 in
23.48 in
23.84 in
24.21 in
24.58 in
Reach
15.35 in
16.14 in
17.32 in
18.11 in
19.09 in

Graphics, colors, and specifications are subject to change without prior notification.

140mm of supple-yet-efficient dw‐link® suspension

Equipped with a burly Fox 36 160mm-travel fork

27.5” wheels with extra clearance for up to 2.6” tires

Long and low geometry for a confident, stable stance

Short 430mm (16.9”) chainstays for snappy cornering

12 x 148mm Boost rear spacing for additional stiffness and control

Every size clears a full size water bottle inside the front triangle

Hassle-free, full-length, internal cable routing, fully Di2 compatible

Front derailleur compatible

Fits nearly all riders (everyone between 4'11" and 6'7"+)

10-year warranty

DW-LINK®

The DW-Link® suspension design allows us to achieve the ultimate ride. The perfect balance of traction, acceleration, square-edge bump performance, superior braking, and the ability to handle big hits with ease is what Pivot bikes are known for.
Variable wheel travel path
Variable wheel travel path

Provides for great square edge bump performance, allowing the bike to maintain momentum over rough terrain and resulting in superior traction on climbs.
Fully active braking
Fully active braking

Using your brakes will not affect your suspension performance on a DW-Link™ Pivot. This means that your rear tire can maintain contact with the ground under heavy braking action (instead of chattering), resulting in more control and the ability to brake later in the corner without skidding or hopping.
Incredible frame stiffness
Incredible frame stiffness

Using your brakes will not affect your suspension performance on a DW-Link™ Pivot. This means that your rear tire can maintain contact with the ground under heavy braking action (instead of chattering), resulting in more control and the ability to brake later in the corner without skidding or hopping.
Position sensitive anti squat
Position sensitive anti squat

DW-Link™ suspension does not squat or bob when you pedal, it achieves this through its inherent design qualities, and does not require any levers buttons or gadgets to be the most efficient suspension design available. All of your power output naturally goes into forward momentum, allowing you to focus on the ride.

Fox Live

The best just got better. The Pivot Mach 5.5 continues to rack up awards and receive rave reviews from media and owners alike.
Seamless Next Level Suspension Performance
Seamless Next Level Suspension Performance

We all dream of the bike that climbs like an XC racer yet descends like a DH bike, and Live Valve gets us closer to that reality than ever – the one bike that can truly do it all. Live Valve senses the terrain the terrain beneath your tires and adjusts itself to be in the perfect setting for every trail situation. Incredibly, Live Valve’s computer does everything automatically and, in less time, than a blink of the eye - 100 times faster. With Fox Live Valve the dream of perfect suspension for every part of the ride becomes a reality.   
Complex Electronics for a Simply Stunning Ride
Complex Electronics for a Simply Stunning Ride

The Live Valve system enhances the Mach 5.5’s already incredible performance by taking pedaling efficiency up another level everywhere on the trail seamlessly and instantly. It doesn’t matter if the climb is 10 feet or 10 miles. Same goes for descending. Imagine a short, punchy climb where you’re hammering out of the saddle at maximum effort only to crest the top and then dive into a quick rocky descent. Wouldn’t it be nice if the bike could accommodate both of these situations instantly? That’s Live Valve. Your Mach 5.5 magically becomes XC race firm on the climbs, composed and controlled on the descents and even knows when you leave the ground for a plush landing.
A Setting for Any Occasion
A Setting for Any Occasion

Live Valve is a simple turn on and ride system, but it also has adjustability to suit any rider style or terrain. You can optimize Live Valve settings for steep rocky, rooty terrain or add efficiency making the Mach 5.5 a Strava leaderboard hunter on smooth XC rides. With five available settings, Live Valve can be set up for a specific style of riding or just set it in the middle and harness the maximum range of Live Valve’s capabilities.  The end result is an incredibly broad spectrum of suspension performance that makes the Mach 5.5 pedal and climb like our Mach 4 yet descend with performance that rivals our longer travel Mach 6. Live Valve takes the Mach 5.5 suspension performance to the next level.  
Developed Together
Developed Together

We’ve been working with Fox since before the beginning of Pivot Cycles when Chris installed the first Fox Alps air shock on a prototype full suspension bike back in 1992.  Since the launch of Pivot in 2007, we have partnered with Fox on every new bike project and with all our top race teams and athletes, so it’s only natural that we were the first to work with Fox to develop the Live technology with full frame integration. We began working with Fox on this project almost three years ago when the Mach 5.5 and the Live system were in their earliest prototype stages. As a result, when you buy a Live Valve equipped Mach 5.5 you are getting a system that is tested, dialed and the absolute latest in cutting-edge technology and performance. 

PIVOT CARBON

Pivot Carbon is produced utilizing a proprietary, hollow core, internal, molding technology for best-in-class frame quality, strength and weight.

Where other frames require hours of touch-up work, filling voids and imperfections with heavy epoxy after they leave the moulds, our hollow core molding technology produces a lighter and stiffer frame that is correct, beautiful and precise from the start. Pivot’s hollow core moulding process employs hard internal forms for both layup and moulding to provide consistent pressures, the highest levels of compaction and extremely tight tolerances over the entire frame structure. This ultra precise layup method can be optimized to provide the perfect ride feel for every model and size, and is a key to producing the renowned Pivot ride quality.

CABLE PORT SYSTEM

Pivot’s Cable Port System is the easiest, cleanest and quietest cable routing solution – loved by mechanics and Pivot owners alike.

Say goodbye to fishing for cables and never listen to rattling housing again. This future-proof internal routing offers huge access ports for fast, easy assembly, universal housing clamps that keep your bike quiet, full Shimano Di2 integration, and compatibility with all gearing and dropper configurations. The Pivot Cable Port System is easily updated to accommodate new technologies, making it the only future-proof routing system available.

LONG & LOW GEOMETRY

Pivot's long and low geometry puts the rider “in” the bike.

Maintain increased stability at high speeds and on steep technical challenges while short chainstay measurements provide a maneuverable, dynamic ride that makes it easy to put the bike where you want it. When climbing, the long front-center keeps the front wheel in contact with the trail and gives the bike a balanced, highly capable, technical climbing capability over rough terrain.

WOMEN'S BIKES

We take quality and workmanship seriously at Pivot, and know that the details are what make a great rider experience.

Our approach to rider-size-specific geometry relies on a balanced fit and size-adjusted geometry to maintain correct wheelbase length and handling to properly accommodate the proportions of a smaller rider.

Smaller sizes are built with shorter head tubes to create more stand-over height.

Size-specific carbon molds use varying diameters and unique carbon layups for each frame size.

Smaller frame sizes offer the same pedaling efficiency and stiffness experience larger sizes.

Lighter shock tuning and leverage rates enable us to set up the bike for a diverse range of rider weights and abilities.

Pivot complete bikes intelligently address real-world rider differences, with the option to choose women’s specific saddle on any size Pivot and shorter cranks on our Small and Extra Small sizes.

MACH 5.5 DETAILS

ULTRA LIGHT. ULTRA STRONG.

Weight matters…and so does strength. The Mach 5.5 Carbon matches Mach 6 Carbon durability while achieving Mach 429 SL Carbon weights. The result is the perfect balance of frame stiffness and ride feel. The frame’s carbon structure features our proprietary hollow core internal molding process combined with a highly optimized lay-up design, utilizing lighter weight, high modulus materials that save up to a pound (.45kg) over other trail and enduro bike designs. The Mach 5.5 Carbon is available as a complete bike, with builds weighing under 27lbs (12.2kg) complete with dropper, and with frame weights as low as 5.2lbs (2.35kg).

ULTRA CAPABLE

The Mach 5.5 Carbon’s well-balanced geometry makes it the ultimate trail bike weapon. We combined a long and low cockpit with a 66.5-degree head angle for high-speed stability and amazing downhill performance. The bike’s short (430mm) chainstays and relatively steep seat angle help it rail the tightest corners and absolutely crush the steepest climbs.  We’ve also evolved our mid-travel link design. By utilizing the same rear-shock pivot cartridge-bearing design found in our longer-travel models (such as the Firebird and Phoenix), we’ve given the Mach 5.5 Carbon the unmatched, small-bump compliance and traction that Pivot is known for—in a lighter weight and more compact design. We’ve taken this ultimate trail bike idea one step further by combining it with Maxxis’ new Wide Trail 2.6” Minion DHF/Rekon tire combination mounted on 35mm wide rims for maximum control and maximum fun in a wide variety of conditions. This wider 2.6” tire option gives you incredible traction and rollover advantages with nearly the speed of a full on enduro race tire set up. The Mach 5.5 Carbon can run any 27.5 tire combination, from 2.1-2.6, so your options are nearly unlimited.

Athletes on the Mach 5.5 Carbon

Athletes on the
Mach 5.5 Carbon

Bernard Kerr
Ed Masters
Emilie Siegenthaler
Chloe Woodruff
Aaron Chase
Kialani Hines
Danielle Beecroft

REVIEWS

FAQS

—
Which size bike should I purchase?

To ensure the best sizing, we recommend that you visit your local Pivot dealer to get a professional fit and refer to our geometry chart to check your measurements. However, we can provide a rough guideline:

X-Small: 4'11" – 5'4"

Small: 5'4" – 5'8"

Medium: 5'8" – 5'11"

Large: 5'11" – 6'3'

X-Large: 6'2" +

We suggest that you pick your Mach 5.5 Carbon size based on your riding style. The Mach 5.5 Carbon features trail bike long and low geometry with both shorter seat tube and head tube measurements per size – this geometry means that most riders can go up or down a size and should base their choice on riding-style, reach and stem length preferences.

—
How do I set the sag on my bike?

We make it easy to get the best ride out of your Pivot bike with a simple sag indicator already installed on your bike, and this follow-along video featuring our own Bernard Kerr:
https://vimeo.com/pivotcycles/sag

—
Can I use a dropper post with this frame?

Yes, internally routed dropper posts are compatible with the Mach 5.5 Carbon.

—
What dropper post length should I use?

There are limitations that each dropper post have for each frame size based on the rider’s saddle height, so it is important to check fit before choosing the travel and model of dropper post for your Mach 5.5 Carbon. Use the Dropper Fit Guide under the Tech Specs section to help identify the right post length.

—
Will a large water bottle fit on my bike?

Yes, this frame features two sets of water bottle mounts on the small to extra large frame sizes. One mount is inside the front triangle and the other is underneath the down tube. Every size clears a full size water bottle inside the front triangle.

—
What is the hub/wheel spacing?

The Mach 5.5 Carbon uses Boost 148mm x 12mm hub/wheel spacing. This hub design has wider flanges, so you cannot change the end caps to convert an existing 135mm, 142mm, 150mm, or 157mm hub.

—
What wheel sizes are compatible?

27.5” only

—
What is the thread pitch on the rear axle?

We use a 1.5 thread pitch on the rear thru axle. You can order one through our online store.

—
How wide of a tire can I run on the Mach 5.5 Carbon?

You can fit 27.5” tires up to 2.6” inches.

—
What is the size of the seatpost?

30.9mm

—
What is the size of the seat clamp?

34.9mm (or 35mm as some manufacturers call it)

—
What front derailleur does the Mach 5.5 Carbon use?

An e-type side-swing style front derailleur - Shimano produces the e-type side-swing front derailleur in Deore & SLX for 10-speed drivetrains and XT & XTR for 11-speed drivetrains.

—
What crank and bottom bracket will work with my bike?

All cranks designed for the Boost system and use a Pressfit BB92 bottom bracket will work on your Mach 5.5 Carbon. 

—
Can I use a non-Boost crankset?

You can use non-Boost:

Race Face Next SL 1x cranks
Shimano XT and XTR 1x11 cranks (with 30t or 32t)
Shimano XT and XTR 2x11 cranks (with 24t/34t or 26t/36t)

There may be other 2x non-Boost cranksets available that will work, thought it will depend on the chainline and chainring size. If the chainline is not out far enough, the front derailleur clearance may be tight when shifting in to the small ring – the front derailleur mount has been shifted outwards to accommodate the Boost design.

 

—
What is the narrowest Q-Factor crank I can run?

163mm

—
Can I mount a chain guide on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?

Yes. The Mach 5.5 Carbon features ISCG05 mounts on the frame. Most upper guides on the market will fit or some of the more compact versions that attach to an E-Type front derailleur mount will also work. For full upper and lower guides, we recommend the MRP AMG.

—
What headset do I need?

Zero stack (ZS) 44mm top and ZS 56mm bottom (or a Chris King Inset 2)

—
What is the largest rotor I can fit?

180mm

—
Do I need a rear brake adapter?

No rear brake adapter is needed for a 180mm rotor.

—
What travel fork can I use?

The Mach 5.5 Carbon was designed for fork lengths between 150mm-160mm.

 

—
What is the fork offset?

44mm

—
What is the eye-to-eye shock length and stroke length?

Eye to eye: 7.875”

Stroke: 2”

—
What do I need to know if I want to run a different brand shock?

You’ll need the proper shock mounting hardware. For the front of the shock, the hardware is 8mm x 36mm. There is no hardware on the rear of the shock, the spacer hardware and bushing will need to be removed as the rocker mounts directly to the shock body. Some shocks may have a different spec then the Fox shock that comes on the bike and may not fit properly. Also, as we cannot test every shock on the market, therefore riders assume some risk if they choose a shock that does not fit properly or is not tuned correctly for the bike. The frame is designed around a large volume air can with medium compression valving and medium rebound damping.

 

—
Can I run a Cane Creek Double Barrel Air shock?

Yes, as long as you order the correct eyelet size (15mm).

—
Can I put a coil-over shock on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?

No, this bike was designed to work with the progressiveness of an air spring. A coil-over shock (even one with separate bottoming control) does not offer the progressive spring curve that the Mach 5.5 Carbon requires. Running a coil-over shock will result in hard bottoming and damage to the frame.

—
What are the torque specs?

A detailed PDF of the torque specs can be found in the Tech Specs section. 

—
Fox Live Valve FAQ

Have some questions about using Fox Live Valve on your Mach 5.5 Carbon? We are here to help.

—
How do I set sag?

You set sag just as you would on regular suspension but with the Live Valve system turned off, so you get accurate readings. We make it easy to get the best ride out of your Pivot bike with a simple sag indicator already installed on your bike, and this follow-along video featuring our own Bernard Kerr:

https://vimeo.com/pivotcycles/sag

—
How long does the battery last?

Battery life is highly dependent on Live Valve settings and terrain. Average life ranges between 16 and 20 hours. For most riders, that covers several weeks of riding.  

—
How long does it take to charge?

Charge times range between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the power source. If you forget to charge the system before a ride it only takes 15 minutes to get enough power for a 2-hour ride.

—
How do I charge it?

The Live battery can be charged on or off the bike and is charged using a standard micro-USB cable.

—
What happens when the battery dies?

When the system detects a low battery it goes into open mode and shuts down.

—
Can I ride Live Valve with the system off?

Yes. Riding Live Valve powered off is just like riding your bike with the suspension in the open mode. Pivot’s awesome dw-link suspension always offers class-leading performance with the system on or off.

—
Can I mount Live Valve to a non-integrated bike?

No. the Live Valve system requires an accelerometer integrated near the rear axle, system mounting, and suspension tuning specific to the bike design.   

—
Is Live Valve waterproof?

Yes, within reason. Things like washing your bike, riding in the rain or normal puddles and small water crossings are fine. We do not recommend total submersion or a direct blast of water from a pressure washer – both could push water past seals and compromise the electronic system.

—
Do I have to shut Live Valve off or does it do it automatically?

If you forget to turn the system off, Live Valve shuts off automatically if motion is not sensed for 1.5 hours. However, it is best to turn it off manually for battery charge preservation.

—
Can I add Live Valve to my current Mach 5.5?

Yes, all Mach 5.5 frames are fully compatible, and Fox offers a complete preprogrammed system that is specific to the Mach 5.5. Please see your authorized Pivot dealer for information.  

—
How do you install the Fox Live Valve system on a Mach 5.5 Carbon?

Chris Cocalis is here to take you through the steps...

 

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