Issue #036, Review - December 21, 2018

Pivot Mach 5.5 Pro XT Review

The Pivot Mach 5.5 has received a lot of praise in our previous reviews. To make it even better, for an additional charge Pivot now offers the bike with the brand new FOX Live Valve system. But does the bike need FOX’s high-end electronic suspension?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best trail bike you can buy

**Pivot** Mach 5.5 | 160/140 mm (f/r) | 13.94 kg | € 9,899

When Pivot presented the Mach 5.5, it was greeted with a lot of frowns. A question many asked themselves is, does anyone need this bike? It’s no wonder; the American brand’s portfolio was virtually complete. But with 160 mm of travel up front, 140 mm at the rear and 2.6″ wide 27.5″ tyres, there was a place for the bike yet. At first glance, the Mach 5.5 hasn’t changed for 2019. In the case of our test bike, the componentry consists of a Shimano XTR/XT drivetrain mix, XT brakes and DT Swiss M1700 wheels. The high-end cockpit features a 55 mm stem and a 760 mm carbon handlebar from Pivot’s in-house brand, Phoenix. Unfortunately, none of our testers were convinced of the vague feeling PadLoc grips with their extra soft compound. The stand-out feature of the Mach 5.5 is the electronic FOX Live Valve system, which automatically adjusts the suspension to the terrain you are on.

Comfortable as! The Pivot scores particularly well on long rides.

The Pivot Mach 5.5 in detail

Fork FOX 36 Factory Live Valve 160 mm
Schock FOX Live Valve 140 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 180/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR/XT
Seatpost FOX Transfer 150 mm
Stem Phoenix Team Enduro/Trail 50 mm
Handlebar Phoenix Team Carbon 760 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss M1700
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/Rekon 27.5″ x 2.6″
Weight 13.94 kg
Price € 9,899

**Cable clutter**
The additional cables of the Live Valve system make the cockpit look disorderly. Unfortunately, they regularly detach themselves from the clips and rattle around annoyingly.

**Superfluous**
On bikes that climb badly, the Live Valve system makes perfect sense. Since the Pivot climbs very well even without the Live Valve system, it seems unnecessary.

**Undefined**
The PadLoc handles have an extra soft wedge on the outside for increased comfort and to prevent hand fatigue. Due to the soft end of the grips, however, the handling feels less defined.

**Top class**
The workmanship on the Mach 5.5 is flawless. The bike convinced us with its excellent finish and attention to detail, such as the fittings for the internal cable routing and the SAG indicator.

Geometry of the Pivot Mach 5.5

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	356 mm	394 mm	426 mm	457 mm	495 mm
Top tube	558 mm	584 mm	617 mm	639 mm	667 mm
Head tube	90 mm	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm	135 mm
Head angle	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°
Seat angle	73.8°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Chainstay	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
BB Height	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm
Wheelbase	1116 mm	1143 mm	1177 mm	1200 mm	1229 mm
Reach	390 mm	410 mm	440 mm	460 mm	485 mm
Stack	582 mm	596 mm	606 mm	615 mm	624 mm

**Helmet** Bontrager Rally MIPS | **Glasses** Oakley Jawbreaker | **Backpack** Osprey Raptor | **Shirt** POC Raceday DH Jersey | **Short** POC Resistance Enduro Mid | **Shoes** Specialized 2FO Cliplite

The Pivot Mach 5.5 on the trail

Before riding, you switch on the Live Valve and select the desired sensitivity level. It defines at which level of impact and at which gradient the suspension opens and how long it remains open. With the Pivot Mach 5.5, we preferred mode one or two because the rear end is very efficient and any higher mode wasn’t sensitive enough. The riding position is comfortable, making the Pivot a good long distance bike that you won’t want to stop riding. However, getting going, it feels a bit sluggish despite the electronic suspension. The reason for this is its 13.94 kg weight. We also found that the otherwise active and super-sensitive DW-Link driven rear suspension loses its charm on the climbs because of the digital mode of operation. Without the Live Valve, we used to know exactly how the bike would behave on a climb, when hitting a root for example, whereas now everything seems somewhat unpredictable. Descending, on the other hand, you’ll hardly notice the Live Valve. The suspension feels as sensitive and plush as usual. It absorbs hits with confidence, but without lacking feedback or mid-stroke support. The 2.6″ wide tyres offer plenty of comfort, but active riders will want more precise and direct handling. The shallow tread of the Rekon tyre on the rear also lacks grip and puncture protection. Nevertheless, the bike masters even the most technically demanding steep trails with composure and predictable handling, always letting the rider know when it’s time to back off.

**Tuning tip:** save money on the Live Valve upgrade and invest it in higher quality wheels instead.

Conclusion

The Pivot Mach 5.5 is a high-end bike for those in need of a faithful companion for long trail adventures. It’s very comfortable for long days in the saddle, and the handling is easy and predictable. But don’t plan on setting your personal best times on the climbs or descents. The FOX Live Valve upgrade isn’t necessary, the bike climbs well enough without it.

Tops

easy and predictable handling
very comfortable
excellent rear linkage

Flops

rear tyre lacks grip
a little sluggish in acceleration
not made for rough, high-speed terrain

Uphill

Downhill

Stability

Agility

Value for money

More info at: pivotcycles.com