All new Pivot Shuttle SL barely looks like an eBike, weighs as little as 36.25lbs!

What do MTB riders really want from an eBike? More power? Longer range? Or how about a bike that blurs the line between assisted steering with the responsiveness you expect from a mountain bike, only with less weight than most electric bikes? Sound intriguing? Then you’ll probably love the new Pivot Shuttle SL.

While Pivot has been electrifying its customers with the Shuttle eMTB for about five years now, the Shuttle SL is a different beast altogether and looks set to give the new Trek Fuel EXe some competition. The Shuttle was made more recently with a Shimano EP8 motor and a massive 726Wh battery. Compare that to the new Shuttle SL, which is based on the new Fazua Ride 60 system with “only” a 430Wh battery, and you start to get a sense of the difference in frame construction.

Fazua Ride 60 transmission system

More than just capturing the look of a traditional mountain bike, the Fazua Ride 60 system aims to increase the new bike’s ride quality in ways that heavier, more powerful motors simply can’t match. The most obvious is probably weight. A motor weight of 1.96kg and a 430Wh battery weight of 2.2kg gave Pivot a starting point to build an electric bike under 37lbs.

Pivot claims the 430Wh battery provides more than enough power for 3-4 hour rides with 3000+ feet of climbing, though range will depend on rider weight, mode, etc. If you want more range, the bike will be compatible with the Fazua 210Wh range extender which should be available sometime in 2023.

Compared to other ebike motor systems, the Ride 60 drive unit is small, although it seems not as small as the Tq motor. . It also shuts off when not in use for a quiet, drag-free ride. The Shuttle SL is rated as a Class 1 electric bike and will cut off pedal assist at 20 mph.

While the torque figure is capped at 60Nm, it looks like it could be a good trade-off for the weight. Peak power is claimed at 450w, which can be delivered via the new Boost feature that offers 4- or 12-second boosts from the full 450w at the push of the Ring control.

While it may seem a bit like a throttle, Ring Control is a multi-function remote that allows you to change assist modes while activating Boost or Walk mode. The simple LED panel on the top tube gives you an indication of what mode you’re in (Breeze, River, or Rocket) and how much battery life is left.

You can even open the panel to find a USB-C charging port to charge other electronic devices if needed.

The bike is ready to ride as is, but additional controls and updates can be managed by connecting your smartphone to the bike using the Fazua app. The bike offers Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, and the app dashboard will let you adjust settings for power, support, and acceleration, among other details.

To charge the battery, you’ll find a charging port in front of the bottom bracket, and charging a fully depleted battery is said to take just 3.5 hours.

In that regard, both the cabling and cable routing are routed internally using the pivot cable port system. In typically excellent Pivot fashion, the Owner’s Manual provides incredible detail on how to set up and maintain your bike.

frame details

After all that, it’s almost easy to forget that we haven’t talked about the framework yet. Built around a 135mm-travel dw-link platform, builds will include the option of a 140mm Fox 34 fork and DPS rear shock for World Cup spec (lighter), or a Fox 36 fork 150mm and Float X rear shocks on Team, Pro, and Ride-level builds.

The Shuttle SL will roll on 29” wheels and tires, with 157 x 12mm Super Boost spacing in the rear. Tire clearance is listed at 2.4″ and all complete builds ship with 29 x 2.4″ Maxxis tires.

One of the most notable details of the frame is the integrated battery design. This means that you will have to remove the motor from the frame before you can remove the battery. According to Pivot founder Chris Cocalis, the fixed battery position “allowed us to build the frame with similar wall thickness to our analog bikes (Switchblade) and also identical stiffness numbers. We estimate we saved over a pound (about 0.6kg) with this and got better frame stiffness without the removable battery. It is also quieter than the battery with the release mechanism because there is no rattling or movement. Finally, it allows the bike to have a very traditional look (not like an electric bike), which was important to us.”

Geometry

With a slightly slacker head tube angle than the Trail 429, the Shuttle SL offers specific chainstay lengths for all four frame sizes. A twist chip allows riders to raise the bottom bracket and increase the angle of the head tube on the tall setting.

As usual, the frames have been optimized for the use of dropper posts. How long can a dropper run? Pivot put together the excellent chart above that provides the lowest and maximum saddle height, taking the guesswork out.

Additional frame details include a SRAM universal derailleur hanger and an integrated upper chain guide.

models and prices

Offered in Ride, Pro, Team and Team WC versions, each will be available in Desert Sage Green or Blue Denium. Pricing starts at $8,299 for the Ride version and tops out at $11,999 for the Team WC. Available now at key Pivot dealers.

pivotcycles.com