Pivot Mach 5.7 XTR Ultralite
The highly formed and machined XTR groupset from Japanese brand Shimano is an ideal match for the engineering-focussed Mach 5.7 frameset and together, you have an outstanding trail bike with an attention-to-detail like no other. Weight is kept low on the XTR Mach 5.7 thanks to a carbon Syntace cockpit and DT Swiss Tricon wheels, though control and stability is provided by the plush Fox Suspension and thru-axle design. With this bike, it is impossible to have a bad day.
The lads at Pivot Cycles have done an outstanding job with the Pivot Mach 5.7, having recognised that the original Mach 5 wasn’t all that different from the Mach 4. That’s a lot of Mach numbers but at its core the Pivot Mach 5.7 is a true trail bike with oodles of capability and pedalling performance for those who like to go large, fast. The Mach 5.7 gets 145mm of dw-link suspension goodness at the back with Fox Float 150 forks up front. Despite this increase in travel those smart engineers at Pivot Cycles have dropped 225 grams off the frame, whilst lowering the bottom bracket height and relaxing the geometry with a slacker head tube angle. All of this adds up to a low-slung and stable bike that exceeds on fast-paced descents and through technical singletrack, while maintaining that classic snappy Pivot feel to the suspension. While some trail riders may look at the Mach 5.7 as being "too much bike", those who are drawn to the long travel Pivot will appreciate it's generous suspension and geometry for tackling really steep and gnarly terrain. If you don't like the idea of owning an XC and a DH bike, the Mach 5.7 is the perfect do-it-all bike for you.

With the Mach 5.7 coming into its 2nd season, Pivot have celebrated its 1st Birthday by gifting it the gorgeous Fox Kashima RP23 rear shock, and a tidy 142x12mm thru-axle for the rear dropouts. Featuring a custom tune for the 5.7's suspension rate, the RP-23 Kashima shock uses a low Compression and Boost Valve tune to allow for plush, active suspension with a slightly progressive end stroke to avoid bottoming on big hits and drops. Unlike other brands suspension designs that require high levels of damping to reduce pedal bob, the dw-link features it's own inbuilt anti-squat characteristic that allows for a more "open" feeling rear shock that provides supple suspension without feeling sluggish under power. Although Pivot have developed a reputation for making stupidly stiff and laterally rigid dual suspension mountain bikes, the 12mm Thru-Axle serves to dish up even more strength to keep both wheels tracking on the same line no matter how rough the terrain is. Combined with the hydroformed top tube, 92mm press-fit bottom bracket and stout Tapered head tube, the Mach 5.7 provides its pilot with laser accurate handling that refuses to be bounced or twisted off line. However, it's when you factor in the efficient dw-link suspension design and the 2.7kg frame weight (with shock) that you realise just how capable the 5.7 can be; loose and techy climbs, steep switchback descents or bombing through chunky rock gardens - the Mach 5.7 laps it all up.