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/SLX build