For 2012, the Mach 429 has received some major updates to improve on what was already rated as one of the best 29er bikes on the market. Like the latest Mach 4 and 5.7's, the 429 receives a simpler hydroformed top tube that eliminates much of the welding that was required on the older model, whilst also increasing standover height for more clearance. The rear triangle has been sculpted and machined to remove any unnecessary material, and the addition of a 142x12 Thru-Axle has actually increased lateral stiffness to a level other brands can only dream of. Even the shapely new Tapered head tube has allowed Pivot to reduce a few grams while boosting front end strength. All of these frame refinements on the 2012 Mach 429 add up to drop over 250 grams in weight, which is a significant percentage from what is a super solid bike.
With all this talk of  "hydroformed this", "tapered that", you've probably picked up that Pivot have a nutty obsession with frame stiffness, and if you find you have an uncanny ability to turn full suspension bikes into noodles, the short of it is that you are going to absolutely love the rigidity of a Pivot full suspension bike.

From Pivot Cycles:

"The original Mach 429 set the mtb world on fire as the best pedaling 29er full-suspension bike in existence. It received the MTBR.com award for best 29er and Mountain Bike Action readers picked it as the #1 choice for their next 29er. The combination of Pivot design and dw-link® suspension makes for a bike that accelerates, descends, climbs, and corners unlike any other 29er made- and now it just got better! The All New Mach 429 is both lighter and stiffer as a result of its revised rear triangle design, 1.5” tapered head tube, and a 142 X 12mm rear through axle design with post mount disc brake tabs. Plus, the frame lost over ½ pound in the process, resulting in the Mach 429 not only being the most efficient riding 29er full suspension frame in the world, but also one of the lightest!"
 

XT/XTR PRO build

The latest build option from Pivot Cycles takes a dash of flair from XTR, a generous helping from the sensible XT range, adds in a race-ready 29er wheelset and coats its suspension with the shimmering Gold Kashima finish for a delicious way to consume your Mach 429. With the latest XT Dyna-Sys 10 speed drivetrain, Shimano have provided the XT cranks in a double format that uses a 26/38t chainring combination that is designed to minimise front shifting. The wide range 11-36t cassette out back is super smooth and allows the rider to stay in one chainring up front more often by using the whole 10 speeds on the rear. Instead of the standard XT rear derailleur, Pivot have specced the XTR "Trail" rear derailleur on the Mach 429 that features a gold engagement switch for increasing tension on the chain - kind of like a pseudo chain device. By flicking this gold lever into the "on" position, you'll notice far less bouncing around from the chain as the spring in the derailleur cage pulls the chain down with more force than usual, helping to keep the chain secure when you're pinballing through rock gardens. Although the Mach 429 makes a great race bike due to its efficient DW-link suspension, it is also an amazingly capable trail bike thanks to the XT/XTR PRO build kit featuring a full-width FSA handlebar, front & rear thru-axles, Fox TALAS travel-adjustable fork and high volume Kenda Slant Six tyres.

• Fox Talas 29 RLC Fork with Tapered Steerer, Kashima Coat, QR15 Thru-Axle and 95-120mm adjustable travel
• Custom Valved Fox Float RP23 Kashima rear shock
• Shimano 10 speed XT Drivetrain with XTR Trail rear derailleur and XT 26/38t crankset
• Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes with Ice Tech rotors
• FSA SL-K Carbon Riserbar 685mm  , SL-K stem and SL-K carbon seatpost
• WTB Rocket V Race Saddle
• DT Swiss Custom 350 29er Wheelset with XR400 rims
• Kenda Slant Six 29 x 2.2" Tyres

• 6061 Aluminum Alloy Main Frame
• One-piece 6061 Aluminum Alloy Rear Triangle
• One-piece Carbon upper link and one-piece Alloy lower link
• 100mm rear wheel travel
• Custom valved Fox RP23 Kashima Boost Valve rear air shock
• Sealed bearings at each pivot point, with quad-row bearings used in the lower link
• Tapered head tube for stiffness
• Suited for 100-120mm travel forks
• 92mm Wide Shimano XTR PressFit BB
• Front Derailleur Spec: Direct Mount E-Type
• 142 x 12mm rear Thru-Axle
• Seat Post Diameter: 30.9mm
• Frame weight: 3000 grams (6.6lbs) with shock
• Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
• Colours: Anodized Jet Black, Anodized Cobalt Blue

Pivot Cycles have designed their 29er full suspension bike from the ground up to revolutionise the 29er bike market!