Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Business in the back and party in the front. Photo by Jens Staudt​

Introduction

Pivot has been on a roll lately with a 43% jump in sales from 2015 to 2016. In a year where the bike industry has struggled even to stay flat, Pivot has managed to hit a few out of the park with bikes such as the Switchblade and the Firebird. They've done it by introducing timely, relevant bikes where every detail is dialed.

Pivot invited us to ride their new bike on the rugged trails of Moab at Mag 7 to Portal trails and the Hymasa/Captain Ahab loop the next day. What they showed us is their new trail bike, the Mach 5.5 Carbon. It is a 140mm rear, 160mm front travel bike rolling on 27.5 wheels. It is meant to be a fun bike that can be climbed on big rides and then taken on the most challenging descents. It replaces the old Mach 5.7 which has been out of production for two years.

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

2.6 tires are the shoes of choice. Photo by Jens Staudt​

Trail bike made for 2.6 tires

One of the most intriguing aspects of this bike is it is designed specifically for 2.6 tires. If you're unfamiliar with this new size, we discuss its merits here as a tire that is very wide but not quite to the level of Plus tires at 2.8-3.0 size. It is a tire size that learns from the benefits of Fat and Plus in terms of cushioning and traction but without too much of the squirm and bounciness of Plus tires.

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Room with a 2.6 Recon tire. Photo by Jens Staudt​

Ample tire clearance is provided so 2.6 tires can be accommodated with room for mud clearance. And Pivot, subscribes to Maxxis' philosophy of maintaining outer diameter between their 2.35, 2.5 and 2.6 tires and varying just the width. Thus ride height is not affected too much as riders choose between these tire options.

Pivot chartered Reynolds composites to build them a 36mm internal carbon wheel for this application and a DT Swiss M1700 alloy wheel will be used for lower price points.

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Ready for the first ride on the Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon on the Mag 7 to Portal trail. Photo by Jens Staudt​

Of course the Mach 5.5 carbon can be ridden with 2.35 and 2.5 tires but each will be sold by Pivot with 2.6 tires. Minions in front and Rekons on the rear is the stock spec.

Unlike the Switchblade, the Mach 5.5 will be available as a frameset as well. No aluminum versions are planned at this point.

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Chris Cocalis explains why he chose a 160mm fork instead of 150mm after many rounds of testing.​

Mach 5.5 Carbon Features

  • 140mm dw-link rear suspension with Pivot's mid-travel specific linkage design
  • Designed for forks up to 160mm travel which is spec'd on all builds
  • 27.5" wheels with extra clearance for larger tire sizes
  • Designed to fit 27.5 X 2.1" to 2.6" tires. Complete bikes spec'd with new Maxxis 2.6 Wide Trail Tires on 35mm wide rims
  • Features Pivot's new long and low geometry similar to the Switchblade and Firebird
  • Short 430mm (16.9") chainstays
  • 12 x 148mm Boost rear spacing for maximum stiffness and control.
  • 180mm rear post mount disk brake
  • Every size clears a full size water bottle inside the front triangle
  • Available in 5 sizes from X-Small to X-large
  • Pivot Cable Port system for easy internal routing of shifters, brakes and droppers and full Di2 Integration
  • Front derailleur compatible with Pivot's stealth E-Type mounting system
  • New ultra quiet low durometer rubberized frame protection
  • Frameset price is $3099
  • Complete bike price is $4899 for XT 1X to $8999 for 1x12 Eagle
Pivot Mach 5.5 Aluminum

Aluminum prototype of the Mach 5.5 has the same stiffness and weight.​

Frame design

There are several things that make the new Mach 5.5 Carbon stand out. They've evolved the mid-travel link design, by utilizing the same rear shock pivot cartridge bearing design found in their longer travel clevis designs (such as the Firebird and Phoenix), to give the Mach 5.5 Carbon excellent small bump compliance and traction.

Pivot also made a compact frame that is lightweight. The Mach 5.5 Carbon matches Mach 6 Carbon durability while achieving Mach 429 SL Carbon weights. The frame's carbon structure features their hollow core internal molding process combined with a highly optimized lay-up design, utilizing lighter weight, that save up to a pound (.45kg) over other trail/enduro bike designs. We weighed a medium Mach 5 frame at 5.9 lbs with, seat collar, derailleur hanger and bottom di2 battery cover.

Geometry

Geometry takes after the long and slack Switchblade and Firebird​

Trail Geometry

The geometry of the Mach 5.5 Carbon is tuned to support its well-rounded trail bike personality - the optimized long and low geometry with a 66.5-degree head angle provides high-speed stability, contributing to its descending capabilities. Combined with short 430mm chainstays a 73.5-degree seat angle, it performs well on steep climbs.

Pivot utilized the Maxxis' new Wide Trail 2.6" Minion DHF/Rekon tire combination mounted on 35mm wide rims for control and fun in a wide variety of conditions. This wider 2.6" tire option delivers traction and rollover advantages with nearly the speed of a full on enduro race tire set up. The Mach 5.5 Carbon can run any 27.5 tire combination, from 2.1-2.6, so the rider has a wide array of options.

Build Kit 1

Team and Pro builds​

Pivot builds

Wheels: Pivot bikes include the best wheel technologies available. DT wheels include the 36-tooth Star Ratchet hubs for immediate engagement off the line and the friendliest, most reliable tubeless system in the sport, with easy setup and inflation. Reynolds Carbon wheels feature industry leading composite materials and proprietary resins that give Reynolds rims the perfect balance of stiffness and ride-feel. These Pivot-exclusive 36mm Reynolds wheels are the perfect complement for your new Mach 5.5 Carbon.

Continue to page 2 for the Mach 5.5 FAQ »

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Available in Black/blue as well. Photo by Jens Staudt​

FAQ

Which size bike should I purchase?
To ensure the best sizing, we recommend that you visit your local Pivot dealer to get a professional fit and refer to our geometry chart to check your measurements. We can, however, provide a rough guideline to get you started. These recommendations are based on our experience, athlete preference and customer feedback:

X-Small: 4'11" - 5'4"
Small: 5'4" - 5'8"
Medium: 5'8" - 5'11"
Large: 5'11" - 6'3'
X-Large: 6'2" +

We suggest that you pick your Mach 5.5 Carbon size based on your riding style. The Mach 5.5 Carbon features trail bike long and low geometry with both shorter seat tube and head tube measurements per size - this geometry means that most riders can go up or down a size and should base their choice on riding-style, reach and stem length preferences. Be sure to also consult our dropper post fit guide when making your selection. You can always reach out to us on Live Chat for additional guidance.

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Amasa back trail caters to many passions. The smile on the faces of the 4-wheelers was very similar to ours. Photo by Jens Staudt​

What dropper post length should I use on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon features a low stand-over height and short seat tubes to allow the use of longer travel dropper posts and/or more flexibility for a wider range of rider sizes.

There are some limitations that each dropper post can accommodate for each frame size based on the individual rider's saddle height, so it is important to check fit before choosing the travel and model of dropper post for your Mach 5.5 Carbon. Use the linked guide to find the right post for your bike:
https://www.pivotcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mach55Carbon-Dropper-Fit-Guide.pdf

Bernard Kerr climbs out of saddle.

Bernard Kerr climbs out of saddle.​

How do I set the sag on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?
We make it easy to get the best ride out of your Pivot bike with a simple sag indicator already installed on your bike, and this follow-along video featuring our own Bernard Kerr: https://vimeo.com/pivotcycles/sag

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Sag indicator is one of the best tools around. Photo by Jens Staudt​

Can I run a water bottle on the Mach 5.5 Carbon?
Yes, the Mach 5.5 Carbon features 2 sets of bottle mounts on the Small to X-Large frame sizes. One mount is on the top of the down tube and the other bottle mount is underneath the down tube. Every size clears a full size water bottle inside the front triangle.

What hub/wheel spacing does the Mach 5.5 Carbon use?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon uses the Boost 148mm X 12mm hub/wheel spacing. This is a hub design with wider flanges so you cannot take a current 135mm, 142mm, 150mm, or 157mm hub and change end caps to convert an existing hub.

Mach 5.5 feels right at home in  technical loops.

Mach 5.5 feels right at home in technical loops.​

What size seatpost does the Mach 5.5 Carbon use?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon frame uses a 30.9mm seatpost.

What size seat clamp does the Mach 5.5 Carbon use?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon frame uses a 34.9mm or 35mm (as some manufacturers call it) seatpost clamp.

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Room for a front derailleur. Photo by Jens Staudt​

Can I mount a chain guide on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?
Yes. The Mach 5.5 Carbon features ISCG05 mounts on the frame. Most upper guides on the market will fit and you can either use the ISCG05 mounts or some of the more compact versions that attach to an E-Type front derailleur mount. For full upper and lower guides, we recommend the MRP AMG for the Mach 5.5 Carbon.

What front derailleur does the Mach 5.5 Carbon use?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon uses an e-type Shimano side-swing style front derailleur only. Shimano produces the new e-type side-swing front derailleur in Deore and SLX for 10 speed drivetrains and XT and XTR for 11 speed drivetrains.

What travel fork can I use on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon was designed for either a 150mm or 160mm fork. The maximum travel length that can be used on the Mach 5.5 Carbon is 160mm travel.

What is the fork offset on the Mach 5.5 Carbon?
The fork offset on the Mach 5.5 Carbon is 51mm.

New Pivot bars use the WTB Pad-Loc system.

New Pivot bars use the WTB Pad-Loc system.​

How wide of a tire can I run on the Mach 5.5 Carbon?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon can run 27.5" tires up to 2.6" inches.

How large of a rotor will fit on the Mach 5.5 Carbon?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon was designed for a 180mm rotor and features a 180mm post mount design so you cannot fit a 160mm rotor on the Mach 5.5 Carbon.

What type of rear brake adapter do I need?
No brake adapter is needed for a 180mm rotor. However, many manufacturers make adapters for larger rotor sizes, in which case you would need a 180mm direct mount/post to post adapter.

What cranks will the Mach 5.5 Carbon accept?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon will accept all cranks designed for the BOOST system and compatible with a press fit 92mm bottom bracket. BOOST system means that the rear hub spacing is 148mm and the chain-rings have been shifted out approximately 3mm from where a tradition crank designed for a 142mm rear hub would be so that the chainrings will line up properly with the new position of the cassette on the 148mm rear hub.

Pivot pad-loc grips feature soft durometer ends and an assortment of color

Pivot pad-loc grips feature soft durometer ends and an assortment of color​

Can I run non-Boost™ cranks on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?
In some cases you can run a conventional non-BOOST 1X or 2X crank. The Race Face NEXT 1X and other Cinch system 1X cranks are dual compatible between standard 142mm and 148mm Boost rear ends. Some smaller chainring combination 1X (30 and 32T) Shimano XT and XTR 11 will also work. In some cases 2X standard cranks may also work with 24/34, 26/36 and 22/36 combinations. Shimano's new 11 Speed XTR and XT standard cranks feature both 24/34 and 26/36 chainring options which work perfectly with the Mach 5.5 Carbon frame as Shimano's chainline dimensions already tend to run wider than others in the market. There may be other 2X non- boost cranks available that will work although it is dependent on specific chainline and chainring size. If the chainline is not out far enough, the front derailleur clearance may be tight when shifting into the small ring as the front derailleur mount on the Mach 5.5 Carbon is also shifted outwards to accommodate the BOOST design.

Additionally, you cannot run cranks designed specifically with a narrower Q Factor such as XTR Race 158mm Q factor crank and the SRAM XX1 156Q crank (In fact, for any SRAM 1X cranks, you need to run their specific BOOST version of the crank).

Bernard Kerr playing in rolly terrain

Bernard Kerr playing in rolly terrain​

What is the narrowest Q factor crank that the Mach 5.5 Carbon will accept?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon will accept cranks with a standard Q factor measurement as low as 163mm. You cannot run cranks designed specifically with a narrower Q Factor such as XTR Race 158mm Q factor crank and the SRAM XX1 156Q crank

What bottom bracket is used on the Mach 5.5 Carbon?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon uses a Press Fit 92mm BB. Some bottom bracket manufacturers may refer to it as BB92 of PF92 as well. Every crank manufacture offers Press Fit 92mm BB options.

What is the eye-to- eye shock length and stroke length on the Mach 5.5 Carbon?
The eye-to- eye shock length is 7.875 inches (200mm) and the stroke length is 2 inches (50.8mm).

Pivot now has line of stems extending down to  35mm

Pivot now has line of stems extending down to 35mm​

If I want to run a different brand of shock on my Mach 5.5 Carbon, what else do I need to know?
The Mach 5.5 Carbon shock uses M8 through bolt hardware on the front and no hardware on the rear. Shock spacer dimensions are 36mm wide front. On the rear of the shock, the spacer hardware and bushing will need to be removed as the rocker mounts directly to the shock body. Some shocks may have a different spec then the Fox shock (that the Mach 5.5 Carbon is designed for) and may not fit properly. Also, as we cannot test every shock on the market, riders assume some risk if they choose a shock that does not fit properly or is not tuned correctly for the bike. The frame is designed around a large volume air can. We run medium compression valving and medium rebound damping.

Can I run a Cane Creek Double Barrel Air shock on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?
Yes, as long as you order the correct eyelet size (15mm eyelet).

Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Fox Float DPS rear shock. Photo by Jens Staudt​

Can I put a coil-over shock on my Mach 5.5 Carbon?
You cannot run a coil-over on your Mach 5.5 Carbon! The Mach 5.5 Carbon was designed to work with the progressiveness of an air spring. A coil-over shock (even one with separate bottoming control) does not offer the progressive spring curve that the Mach 5.5 Carbon requires. Running a coil-over shock on the Mach 5.5 Carbon will result in hard bottoming and damage to the frame.

For more information visit www.pivotcycles.com.