Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 Review
- Price: $6399
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 27.5 inches
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: The balanced geometry of the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 makes it the ultimate off-road bike.
What we don’t like about it: It only offers a 27.5-inch wheel option, with no 29-inch wheel option available.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 features an incredible 140mm plush and efficient DW-link® suspension, along with a 160mm travel Fox 36 fork, allowing you to conquer terrains that would intimidate other bikes.
It exhilarates riders, pushing them to their limits while descending aggressively.
We will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 in this article.
In the latter part of the article, we will also compare it to several top bike models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 boasts excellent geometry for high-speed stability and impressive downhill performance.
The carbon fiber frame utilizes proprietary hollow core internal molding techniques combined with a highly optimized layup design, using lightweight, high-modulus materials for reduced weight.
To experience it firsthand, I took this bike to Hatfield-McCoy Trails in West Virginia and made a hotel reservation nearby using IHG.
With over 600 miles of professionally built trails, it caters to almost any rider. From scenic mountains to rugged wooded trails, it also offers drop jumps and gravel sections that I enjoy.
Climbing
The Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 provides a climbing experience that is not overly challenging. Thanks to its lightweight carbon fiber frame and excellent geometry, it allows me to maintain a more upright riding position.
The more stable riding position enables better power transfer while pedaling.
When tackling steeper climbing routes, the SRAM Descendant 7k Eagle DUB 32t crankset combined with the SRAM XG-1275 10-52t freewheel offers a wide range of 1×12 speeds. I can easily switch to larger gears for effortless uphill riding.
On looser climbing surfaces, equipped with Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5″ x 2.5″ TR and EXO+ Maxxis Dissector 27.5″ x 2.4″ TR, EXO large-knob tires, the bike maintains excellent traction, allowing for more efficient pedaling.
Descending
When landing big drops with the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01, the Fox Performance 36 27.5″ front fork and Fox Performance 36 27.5″ rear shock with 160mm and 150mm travel, respectively, absorb most of the impact, resulting in smoother landings.
During long, rocky descents, the SRAM X01 Eagle rear derailleur provides strong chain tension, eliminating concerns about chain drops.
When encountering tight corners that require deceleration, the SRAM Guide RE 4-piston brakes, paired with SRAM Centerline 6-bolt – 180mm rotors, offer powerful braking capabilities. They instantly reduce my speed, providing more stability and safety for cornering.
It also excels on narrow trails. With its shorter chainstays and relatively steep seat angle, it offers agile handling. Combined with the 27.5-inch wheelset, I can swiftly navigate through tight paths.
In summary, the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 is a powerful full-suspension mountain bike that continually excites me during descents.
Specification
The Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 is available in five sizes (XS-XL) with internal cable routing on the carbon fiber frame. This provides a cleaner appearance and easier cleaning of the bike. The design of the silent line guides reduces noise during intense rides.
The 140mm plush and efficient DW-link® suspension almost sticks to and grabs onto anything, delivering unparalleled pedaling efficiency.
The chainstay protector on the rear triangle reduces chain slap noise during aggressive downhill rides. The mounting holes on the downtube support full-size water bottle installation.
Its long and low geometry ensures a confident and stable posture, constantly challenging riders to push their downhill limits.
Video
Other Versions
The Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 is a carbon fiber full-suspension bike with excellent geometry. However, riders accustomed to Shimano components may not adapt to the SRAM components as quickly.
To address this, we offer a full-suspension mountain bike with the same brand and geometry but equipped with Shimano components, better suited for fans of Shimano components.
Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race XT
The Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race XT and Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 share the same carbon fiber internal cable routing frames with excellent geometry.
In terms of component selection, both bikes feature the same outstanding Fox front and rear shocks. For the drivetrain, the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race XT uses the Shimano SLX M7100 with Shimano XT M8100 1×12-speed components, providing a slightly denser shifting feel.
Moreover, it features the Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston brakes paired with Shimano SLX 6-bolt – 180mm rotors, delivering powerful braking performance.
Ultimately, the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race XT utilizes carefully selected Shimano components, offering strong performance and suiting riders with a smaller budget and a preference for the feel of Shimano components.
Next, we will provide specific details and list some other full-suspension mountain bikes from different brands with similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- Proprietary hollow core internal molding technique, highly optimized layup design, and lightweight, high modulus materials for reduced weight.
- Internal cable routing for a cleaner appearance and easier cleaning.
- 140mm dw-link™ rear travel that almost sticks to and grabs onto anything, with unparalleled pedaling efficiency.
- Suitable for almost any rider (from 4’11” to 6’7″+).
- All sizes support full-size water bottle installation inside the front triangle.
- Silent line guide design to reduce noise during intense rides.
What don’t we like about it?
- Only offers 27.5-inch wheel options, no 29-inch wheel options available.
FAQ
- What wheelset is used on this bike?
The wheelset is DT Swiss M1900 w/ DT Swiss 370 hub, 30mm – 27.5″ 15×110 F/12×148 R.
- What are the specifications of the shock fork on this bike?
It using Fox Performance 36 27.5″, 44mm offset, GRIP – 160mm
- How to choose the right size?
Here we have a size chart for you. Of course, it doesn’t have to be according to this standard, and the best way to find the most suitable size is to try it on.
| 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 5.5Colors: Bass Boat Blue; Red Satin |
| Fork | Fox Performance 36 27.5″, 44mm offset, GRIP – 160mm |
| Rear Shock | Fox Performance Float DPS |
| Headset | Pivot Semi-Sealed Cartridge |
| Stem | Phoenix Team Enduro/Trail |
| Handlebar | Phoenix Race Low Rise Aluminum – 780mm |
| Saddle | Phoenix WTB Race High Tail Trail (XS, SM), Phoenix WTB Race Vigo (MD-XL) |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer Performance Elite 100mm (XS), 125mm (SM), 150mm (MD-LG), 175mm (XL) |
| Grips | Phoenix Factory Lock-On |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle 12-Speed |
| Crank | SRAM Descendant 7k Eagle DUB 32t |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275 10-52t |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RE 4-piston |
Wheels
| Rims | DT Swiss M1900 w/ DT Swiss 370 hub, 30mm – 27.5″ 15×110 F/12×148 R |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5″ x 2.5″ TR, EXO+Maxxis Dissector 27.5″ x 2.4″ TR, EXO |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM Centerline 6-bolt – 180mmSRAM Centerline 6-bolt – 180mm |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Travel | Frame material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Canyon Neuron CF 9 SL | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Ibis Ripley V4S GX | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT | Click View | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Yeti SB130 C1 | Click View | 130mm rear, 150mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 vs Canyon Neuron CF 9 SL
When comparing these two bikes, the former has a longer travel and the Fox Performance 36 fork has a thicker stanchion diameter compared to the FOX 34 Float Factory. This gives the former better capability to handle complex terrain during descents.
In terms of drivetrain components, both bikes have similar capabilities with their SRAM shifters. However, the latter’s electronic shifting version offers easier tuning and adjustments compared to the former.
Regarding the braking components, the Canyon Neuron CF 9 SL equipped with SRAM Code RSC provides stronger braking power than the Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 equipped with SRAM Guide RE.
In conclusion, between these two full-suspension mountain bikes, I would prefer the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 with its longer suspension travel.
Learn More: Is Canyon Stoic 2 Worth Buying? [Canyon Stoic 2 Review]
Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 vs Ibis Ripley V4S GX
They are both full-suspension carbon fiber mountain bikes with internal cable routing.
In terms of suspension, the former has a longer travel and a thicker stanchion diameter, allowing it to handle big drops and landings better. However, its climbing ability may be slightly inferior to the latter.
Regarding the drivetrain, the Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 equipped with a mix of SRAM GX and X01 components offers better drivetrain efficiency and rear derailleur tension compared to the Ripley V4S GX equipped with a mix of SRAM GX and NX components.
Both bikes use similar brake components and have excellent braking capabilities.
Therefore, between these two bikes, I would highly recommend the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 because it has higher-end components and better performance.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripley AF Deore Worth Buying? [Ibis Ripley AF Deore Review]
Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 vs Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT
They are two full-suspension mountain bikes, each with its advantages.
The former is equipped with a Fox Performance 36 front fork and Fox Performance Float DPS rear shock, providing 160mm of front travel and 140mm of rear travel. It is better suited for intense downhill riding compared to the latter, which has 120mm of front and rear travel. However, the geometry of the latter gives it stronger climbing ability.
In terms of drivetrain components, both bikes use high-quality components from SRAM and Shimano. The former offers a crisper and more responsive feel with SRAM, while the latter provides a smoother and more refined experience with Shimano.
However, when it comes to brake components, I prefer the feel of the Shimano XT M8120 4-piston brakes equipped on the Top Fuel 9.8 XT.
In conclusion, if you have a preference for long climbs, the Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT would be more suitable for you. If you’re seeking an exhilarating downhill experience, the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 is the better choice.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Worth Buying ? [Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Review]
Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01 vs Yeti SB130 C1
These two bikes have similar suspension travel and use the same Fox shocks, which gives them both strong support when landing.
However, in terms of drivetrain components, the Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01, with its mix of SRAM GX and X01 components, offers better drivetrain efficiency and overall performance compared to the SB130 C1 equipped with Shimano SLX M7100.
Lastly, the SRAM Guide RE 4-piston brakes on the former provides more powerful braking capabilities and are more reliable than the SHIMANO DEORE 4 PISTON brakes on the latter.
Overall, considering the similar prices of these two bikes, I would recommend the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01. It utilizes superior components.
Summary
Above is my review of the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Race X01. In our opinion, it is a high-quality bike with a carbon fiber frame paired with carefully selected components, offering excellent overall performance. That’s why we give it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension mountain bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at various price points, all of which are equally exciting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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