r/pivotcycles

Hi, I'm thinking about getting a trail cat sl and all the reviews and videos I see are big guys. I am small women - 5'3", 120 lbs. Any smaller people out there able to give me some feedback on the SL? I can see how if you are a bigger man, it might be better to have the LT, but I never bottom out my suspension. I just don't ride that heavy. And, I'll add I'm 47 so I'm not looking to start taking very big drops. I also like the new Mach 4, and have ridden a friend's a bunch, but truthfully, I'm never trying to go that fast (my friends like to talk when we ride) so I don't really think I need it. Another consideration is that I only go to the effort of a new bike purchase every 5-8 years. I'm lazy and have to spend a lot of my gear research efforts keeping up with my kids' needs. So I would love a bike I can stick with for a while. I'm in Durango Colorado - mostly riding pretty smooth trails with lots of climbs, will travel to other Southwest areas - Moab, Flag, other Colorado towns, etc.

I need some opinions. I just sold my Kona Process X 170/160. Absolutely loved the downhill on this bike but it wasn't super efficient pedaling. It also wasn't too exciting - it liked staying on the ground - it took alot of effort to jump and be playful. I now own a Pivot Trail 429 enduro setup with the 1 degree wolftooth headset and 140 up front. I love the pedaling on this bike, it's insane! I have cleaned stuff that I struggled so much with on my enduro. It likes being pointed downhill but I often find that rear limit of the suspension and the front is def more harsh in the chunk. I'm trying to figure out what to do, some scenarios below. Before we get there, I live in Las Vegas and ride the Southwest which is chunky but I get summers off and go to the PNW. I'd like to only bring one bike with my setup with my truck, space is limited in a Tacoma with a camper.

Scenarios

I keep the trail 429 and add a firebird to the fleet and I guess I take the firebird on my trip? I'm concerned about how it climbs. Any input is welcome. I know the DW is much better than my old Kona so it will be better than that but I'm not sure how much better.

I sell the 429 and get a switchblade.

I sell the 429 and get the trailcat LT.

Does anyone have any input they can provide when comparing the T429 to climbing abilities compared to the firebird, switchblade, or trailcat LT?

I am also looking for any info regarding the trailcat v switchblade or trailcat v firebird.

Any help or insight is highly appreciated and valued.

Hey guys just got my first carbon bike. I pick it up in a week just wanted to know if it’s safe / suggested to use a Fox Mission Tailgate Pad, or should I shell out the extra 550 for a Kuat? Looking for real world experience, my bike will be wrapped in protective material so scratched not a concern, rather cracks or fiver damage. Thanks in advanced.