Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS Review
- Price: $10,999
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29 inches
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: It offers superb ride quality and telepathic handling. It is definitely a top-of-the-line full-suspension trail bike.
What we don’t like about it: It’s a bit expensive and not an option for everyone.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS has a lightweight carbon frame with excellent geometry and top-notch components, making it an unmissable full-suspension trail bike.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS has excellent geometry, a lightweight carbon frame with top SRAM components. I can’t wait to experience its riding capabilities.
For this reason I took the this bike to Windrock Park (Tennessee).
I also booked a hotel nearby via IHG in advance. There are easy to hard trail levels, and I chose a wooded trail where exists some winding and undulating trails with long rocky descents and some small drop-offs.
Climbing
This bicycle felt light to me when climbing, thanks to its ultra-light carbon frame coupled with the same top-notch components.
The weight of the bike was light, and the feeling of power when pedaling was direct and fast.
When I needed to ride over steeper uphill grades, the SRAM XX1 Eagle DUB SL 34t crankset coupled with a SRAM XG-1299 10-52t flywheel provided me with smooth power transmission, and the rich combination of speed and light weight allowed me to overcome every steep grade.
In terms of geometry, it enjoyed a steeper seat tube angle, allowing me to keep my center of gravity stable for the upward ride and the weight evenly distributed between the two ends of the bike.
The front wheel stuck well to the ground, and I could be more stable in my upward riding launch.
All in all, I think this is a full-suspension cross-country mountain bike with strong climbing performance, giving me an XC mountain bike riding feeling on climbs.
Decline
This bike also showed a powerful ability when descending.
The Fox Factory Stepcast 32 fork and Fox Factory DPS rear shock provided 100mm of shock travel front and rear, with the DW-Link suspension designed to change travel to adapt to different terrain for descending riding.
The DW-Link suspension was designed to change travel to accommodate different terrain descents.
Not only that, on the rocky road, the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS rear derailleur provided strong tension, so I didn’t have to worry about the chain coming off in this fast descending section even if it was very bumpy.
Referring to geometry, it boasted a looser head tube angle combined with a large 29″ wheelset for great passing and stability when descending.
Finally, as I slowed down into the winding trails, the SRAM Level Ultimate’s hydraulic brakes coupled with the SRAM Centerline CenterLock – 160mm discs had great braking power and the brakes were responsive enough to slow the bike down in the shortest amount of time, ensuring a safe ride around the corners.
All in all, it is a powerful full-suspension cyclocross bike that excels in all aspects of its class.
Specification
It has a total of (XS-XL) 5 sizes of internal cabling carbon frame to choose from.
The appearance looks clean and tidy, and will be easier to clean on a daily basis.
The silent cable tube design ensures that the cable tube will not slap against the lower wall and make noise during intense riding.
The bike has a dropper design that guarantees the center of gravity kept stable during climbing and descending rides, improving the efficiency of the ride.
The protective patch at the downtube reduces damage caused by splashing stones hitting the expensive carbon frame during the ride.
Apart from that, the protective patch on the rear lower fork reduces the noise generated by the chain slap and protects the carbon frame on the other hand.
Finally, the mounting holes at the lower tube support full-size water bottle installation, while the mounting holes at the upper tube allow for carrying portable tools for riding, thus increasing the range of the ride.
Video
Other versions
The Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS is a powerful, full-suspension trail bike, with excellent geometry of ultra-light carbon frame and top-notch components. But the price is expensive and difficult for everyone to accept.
For this reason we offer a bike with the same frame under the same brand, using slightly lower grade but equally reliable components, for riders on a budget.
Pivot Mach 4 SL Pro X01
Both Pivot Mach 4 SL Pro X01 and Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS use the exact same carbon frame, but the former’s components that are not top of the line, so the corresponding price will be slightly lower and more suitable for everyone.
The Pivot Mach 4 SL Pro X01 uses a Fox Factory Stepcast 34 shock fork and Fox Factory DPS rear shock, which has great support and excellent lubrication for shock rebound.
As to the drivetrain components, the SRAM X01 Eagle’s 1×12 speed components have great drivetrain efficiency and the X01’s cranks are very sturdy. Again, it’s a drivetrain component that I really like.
Below, we will list the specific parameters of this bike and some other brands of full-suspension cyclocross bikes with similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- (XS-XL) frame size to meet the choice of 4’9″-6’8″ height riders, suitable for more riders.
- The bike adopts the design of internal cable routing, makes the appearance look cleaner and neater, and the cleaning will be simpler.
- The dropper is designed to keep the rider’s center of gravity stable throughout the climb and descent, improving the efficiency of the ride.
- The dw-Link suspension has a strong support when landing and the smoothness of the power when climbing.
- The efficient Fox Factory DPS shock absorber features 95mm or 103mm of adjustable travel on the World Cup.
- Silent cable tube and the design of the rear fork protection patch reduce noise generation by intense riding.
What don’t we like about it?
- The price is a bit expensive and does not fit everyone’s buying budget.
FAQ
- What kind of rider does this bike fit?
It is for riders not short of money and with a lot of riding experience.
- Can I use coil spring rear shocks on this bike?
Running coil spring rear shocks on this bike may cause damage to the hard bottom and frame, which is not covered by the warranty policy.
- How to choose the right size?
Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’9″ – 5’5″ | XS |
| 5’3″ – 5’9″ | S |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’8″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Mach 4 SLColors: Greystorm; Black Sunset |
| Fork | Fox Factory Stepcast 32 29″ w/ Remote, 44mm offset, FIT4 – 100mm |
| Rear Shock | Fox Factory DPS |
| Headset | Pivot Precision Sealed Integrated Cartridge |
| Stem | Phoenix Team XC/Trail |
| Handlebar | Phoenix Team Flat Carbon – 760mm |
| Saddle | Phoenix WTB Team Volt (Narrow Width) |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer Factory Series 100mm (XS), 125mm (SM-LG), 150mm (XL) |
| Grips | Phoenix Factory Lock-On |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 12-Speed |
| Crank | SRAM XX1 Eagle DUB SL 34t |
| Shifters | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 12-Speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1299 10-52t |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle 12-Speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Ultimate 2-piston |
Wheels
| Rims | Reynolds Blacklabel 309/289 XC w/ Industry Nine Hydra hub 30mm F 28mm R – 29″ <br> 15×110 F/12×148 R |
| Tires | Maxxis Rekon Race 29″ x 2.4″ TR, EXO, 120 TPI<br />Maxxis Rekon Race 29″ x 2.4″ TR, EXO, 120 TPI |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM Centerline CenterLock – 160mm<br />SRAM Centerline CenterLock – 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Travel | Frame | Brake | Drivetrain |
| Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XTR | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | Shimano XTR M9100 Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Giant Trance X Advanced, Pro 29 SE | Click View | 135mm rear, 150mm front | Carbon | TRP Trail EVO Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Juliana FURTADO X0 AXS RSV / Carbon CC | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Carbon | SRAM Code Silver Stealth Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Yeti SB120 T3 X0 Transmission | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | SRAM G2 RSC Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS vs Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XTR
Both the Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS and Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XTR use a lightweight carbon frame, but the latter has longer damping travel for more complex riding conditions.
SRAM’s gearing feels stiffer and easier to tune electronically, and Shimano’s gearing feels smoother.
Also, in terms of braking components, both bikes have top-notch braking feel, with both the SRAM Level Ultimate and Shimano XTR M9100 having responsive and reliable braking capabilities.
In the end, if to choose from these two full-suspension trail bikes, the Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS is better for those who want a more integrated ride, and conversely the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XTR has a better descent.
Learn More: Is Trek Fuel EX 8 Worth Buying? [Trek Fuel EX 8 Review]
Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS vs Giant Trance X Advanced, Pro 29 SE
The Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS and Giant Trance X Advanced, Pro 29 SE are two full-suspension trail bikes with their own advantages.
In terms of damping, the former Fox Factory Stepcast 32 fork has a lighter weight than the latter RockShox Lyrik Ultimate Flight Attendant, but the latter owns a longer damping travel for better performance on big drop drops.
As for the drivetrain, the two used SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS and SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain respectively, the former with higher component grade and stronger performance on the basis of lighter weight.
When it comes to the braking components, the SRAM Level Ultimate brakes of the Pivot Mach 4 SL Team feels violent and hard, while the TRP Trail EVO of the Giant Trance X Advanced, Pro 29 SE is fast and responsive.
Finally, I would recommend the Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS, which has more advanced components and is able to attract more attention.
Learn More: Is Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 Worth Buying? [Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 review]
Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS vs Juliana FURTADO X0 AXS RSV / Carbon CC
The Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS and the Juliana FURTADO X0 AXS RSV / Carbon CC have their own advantages compared to each other.
The FURTADO X0 AXS RSV / Carbon CC uses RockShox front and rear shocks that provide longer damping travel and better descending ability.
Besides, its SRAM X0 Eagle AXS shifting system is robust and easy to adjust. Whereas the SRAM Code Silver Stealth braking feel is violent and direct.
The Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS uses Fox front and rear dampers that have lighter weight and great support.
Its SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS has top of the line drivetrain components that have lighter weight and are more capable in all aspects. In addition , SRAM Level Ultimate brakes, braking violence and fast response, which I really like.
From my perspective, the Juliana FURTADO X0 AXS RSV / Carbon CC would be for you if you like more intense descending rides, and the Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS is a better choice if you’re into lighter rides and powerful climbs.
Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS vs Yeti SB120 T3 X0 Transmission
Both the Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS and the Yeti SB120 T3 X0 Transmission have similar off-road riding ability and are both light in weight.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS, with a smoother and lighter shifting feel, is higher-grade and lighter than the latter SRAM X0 EAGLE AXS.
Next comes the braking kit. both the SRAM Level Ultimate in the former and the SRAM G2 RSC in the latter have reliable braking capabilities and both provide excellent braking when deceleration is required.
Overall, these two full-suspension trail bikes both have excellent riding ability, and no matter which one you choose is a trustworthy option. You can consider according to which one you prefer, say, the appearance, brand.
Summary
Above is my ride review of the Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS. In our opinion, this is a quality full-suspension trail bike with great all-round performance, which is why we gave it a 4.9 rating.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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