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The wheels on the Pivot Shadowcat may be small but the standover is massive. And the suspension capability should be fairly large too.
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By ben_haworth
Get the full story here:
https://singletrackmag.com/2022/03/pivot-shadowcat-27-5-not-for-average-mountain-bikers/
So, basically a lighter Banshee Spitfire?
I like it, but that shock would have to go. What size are they?
What size are they?
Short, it would seem.

I found it. 185/55 metric.
It's a good looking bike. I have friends that prefer 27.5 still, prizing manoeuvrability over outright speed and smoothness. This would definitely appeal to them.
It does look like a stack of fun, although I agree that the shock seems a curious choice alongside a 160mm 36.
Yes! More 27.5 bikes! Don't get me wrong I have 29er bikes, I like 29er bikes, but my Transition Scout in its "small" 27.5wheeled goodness is still the best bike I've ever ridden. Ever.
As a smaller bloke(5ft7) there's definitely a place for them in my quiver.
Whats wrong with that shock on a 140mm rear??
From it's sizing it looks like a bike designed for ladies but not branded as such.
From it’s sizing it looks like a bike designed for ladies but not branded as such.
Well I suppose that would make sense, what with 99% of ladies mountain bikes not being designed* for ladies but branded as such.
*Ok they make them one size smaller and put a ladies saddle on them, maybe jazz the paint up too.
at 4 foot 10, you wouldn’t be much room for a dropper post in a 343mm seat tube.
it’s for short riders
to fit riders from 4ft 10in (XSmall) up to 6ft 3in (Large)
Yet it’s also for highly skilled riders
Delivering inspiration and confidence to beginners
Well, can’t imagine anyone summing it up better 🤣
I’d love to know any 6 foot 3 riders who see a 480mm reach bike today and go ‘Yep, that’s the bike for me!’
Another thing that I’ve noticed is a lot of people seem to put a lot of stock in the lettering way of sizing, as in ‘well I’m a large, so those numbers must be right for me’ rather than actual measurements determining what size they go for.
And, Shirley there’s more call for an XL (and even XXL, based on those numbers) than an XS?
For those that the bike fits it should be a fun bike. It seems to be evolution of Pivot 5.5 with some geometry adjustments with less weight and with lighter wheels. Had a lots of fun with 5.5 and while my newer bigger 29rererer bike might be faster in some areas it is less nimble than 5.5.
Yeah, 6'3" on a large doesn't commute these days, then there's the discrepancies with one brands large being another brands medium, they should just switch to reach number as a frame size.
That raspberry colour though. 👌
lovely colour, if that bike was a 29er and i was a dentist, I'd be on it like a seal on rocks.
"I’d love to know any 6 foot 3 riders who see a 480mm reach bike today and go ‘Yep, that’s the bike for me!"
Well, yes, if I was in the market for a short travel jibby bike, that bike, like a 5010, would be high on the list. My cuurent jibber has a 450mm reach and I am 6'3".
Why didn't I notice that my phone decided I meant commute when I typed compute.🤷
And, Shirley there’s more call for an XL (and even XXL, based on those numbers) than an XS?
that depends on how tall you are! i am not 5 foot, but my wife is and she’d like a bike that fits
I’m not saying either/or. If there’s a market for XS bikes, there must be one for XL, at 500+mm reach?
for sure. when pivot was titus they made XXS bikes, my wife still rides her 2005 racer-x. it is a shame that they stopped producing that size when they started pivot. completely understandable, though.
If one of those gets to STW towers can I have a go on it?
Nice bike . I would never want a 29er and being just 5’7” prefer compact frames. My inside leg is 29 so having wheels that big is too much.
The long reach fashion is great for DH but not for trail riding fun. Only downside I see is high prices.