First Ride Pivot Shuttle AM 2026

"Since its initial presentation in 2017, Pivot Cycles has used the term 'Shuttle' to designate its e-MTBs. And because the singular original model has since evolved into an entire family, additional names like LT, SL, or SL/AM are now necessary.
The golden middle ground of this lineup, the Shuttle AM, was due for an update. After all, the motorized bike industry is rapidly advancing, and performance standards have recently been significantly elevated. Despite its excellent riding characteristics, the 150/160 mm carbon full-suspension bike was starting to look a bit dated.

Even with the Shuttle AM of the 2023 model year, there was talk of big shoes to fill. Various awards prove that the previous model was effortlessly improved back then. Accordingly, market expectations and the bar set by Pivot itself were even higher for the current Shuttle AM: it is described as "a next-generation e-MTB that redefines what’s possible in the all-mountain segment." This is how it’s stated in the press release.
To put this to the test, a Bikeboard representative, along with other journalists, was invited to Biberwier in Tyrol at the end of July — specifically to the Ausserfern region, which aligns with the political district of Reutte. There, you’ll find a well-designed bike park as well as natural trails, which are hiking paths adapted and approved for mountain biking. "The natural habitat of an all-mountain e-bike," as NoBrain observed, who gratefully accepted the invitation on behalf of Bikeboard."

Another detail, which is not new but worth mentioning, is the installed grips - Phoenix Factory Lock-On. Probably not noticeable at first glance, but all the more practical: Viewed from the side, the grips are not round but slightly oval. On one side, there is more rubber. If you turn this side towards the rider, the grip is better suited for long fingers; turned the other way around, the grip is more suitable for smaller, shorter fingers.

The Blindsee Trail is a moderately difficult natural path with numerous key sections in the S2 to S3 category – for me, definitely challenging segments. However, getting accustomed to the bike happened quickly and actually quite smoothly.
The Shuttle felt well-balanced on the trail, providing a sense of security. Smaller and larger steep sections, roots, or rocky passages were not a big problem for me with a bit of effort and the Shuttle under my seat. The suspension, along with the sensitively tuned dw-link, ensured that the bike always stayed firmly on the ground or landed safely after smaller jumps. Pivot swears by this rear suspension system for all their e-bikes due to its efficient power transfer when pedaling, and they credit it as the main factor for the precise riding feel during climbing and the high level of control on descents.

The RockShox Zeb Ultimate suspension fork and the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock installed on my test bike worked flawlessly, with sensitive responsiveness and robust performance against big impacts thanks to the kinematics. Colleagues who achieved airtime during jumps that made me dizzy said: "Better to put a little more air in the suspension fork." By doing so, they deliberately sacrificed some sensitivity at the beginning of the suspension travel in favor of more performance towards the end.

I felt particularly comfortable in muddy, slippery sections. The Shuttle moved confidently in the right direction over wet roots or stones and never gave me the feeling that something could go wrong, even in those moments. Because, as we all know: low center of gravity, fine responsiveness of the rear suspension and damping – and obviously also decent tires. The Shuttle AMs are consistently equipped with a Maxxis Minion combination of DHF and DHR II in the golden triple-compound MaxxTerra blend with the robust EXO+ casing.

For everyone who is not yet familiar with Pivot's E-All Mountain, here are the key features that remain unchanged even with the latest update, in a quick overview:
The carbon full-suspension bike, manufactured using Hollow-Core technology, comes standard with 29” wheels, but can also be ridden with a 27.5” rear wheel. The frame is designed for tires up to 2.5” wide, and for those opting for the mullet setup, the rear can accommodate up to 2.6” tires.
The (maximum) suspension travel is 160 mm at the front and 150 mm at the rear. The E-MTB is delivered with 200/203 mm brake rotors, and the front can be upgraded to 223 mm using an adapter.
As universal as the derailleur hanger standard (UDH) is, the rear thru-axle developed by Pivot is quite specific, featuring a 12 x 1.0 mm thread. However, the 157 mm UDH thru-axles from SRAM are also compatible, meaning the rear width corresponds to the Super Boost standard.

According to the manufacturer, the Pivot-developed and revised dw-link rear suspension system is crucial for the excellent riding characteristics of the Shuttle. Balanced anti-squat values enable effective use of motor power on one hand, and on the other, ensure high traction and very balanced performance of the suspension components.
Those who prefer to ride the Shuttle with a coil shock can confidently do so, according to Pivot, thanks to the progressive spring curve. The DHX-Live-Valve-Neo suspension system from Fox is explicitly recommended here.

Another unique feature of the US-American brand is that every frame size is specifically designed. So, an S is not just an undersized M. The smaller frame is thoughtfully engineered on its own. All the characteristics that I experienced, for example, with the size L must also be present in size S before it goes into production.
An independent analysis of stiffness-to-weight ratio for each frame size ensures consistent performance values. Individually tuned carbon layups further contribute to optimal riding characteristics across all body sizes. A friend of mine, who requires very small frame sizes, has been joyfully riding Pivot bikes for years and is convinced of the riding qualities of her Pivot MTB.

Geometry

… which brings us directly to the dimensions of the Shuttle AM. The geometry has seen little change. Why should it, if the predecessor already fulfilled all expectations in this regard?
With a head angle of 64.1°, a seat angle of 76.5°, 651 mm stack, and a reach of 476 mm (all measurements for size Large, Flip Chip setting low), I see the best prerequisites for loads of fun on the trail. The top tube is relatively long – for example, 649 mm in size Large. The chainstays measure an agility-promising 444 mm across all sizes.
According to the data sheets, the only thing that has changed is the standover height, which at first glance is surprising given that the other dimensions remain identical. Upon closer inspection (which we conducted only after the launch), it seems that both the top tube and seat stays now connect slightly lower on the seat tube compared to before. This retains the seamless line from the rear axle to the head tube while actually providing more freedom of movement. Depending on the size, the previously fixed standover height across all four variants has been reduced by 2.3 cm to 3.3 cm. However, this theory has yet to be confirmed, as Pivot has unfortunately not yet responded to my inquiry regarding this matter.

Like its predecessor, the new Shuttle AM also features an easy-to-use flip chip to adjust the suspension geometry according to personal preferences or terrain conditions.
In the "Low" position, the bottom bracket is slightly lowered, and the head angle becomes 0.4° slacker. I would choose this position for faster, steeper trails. If the trail becomes more technical and you need more ground clearance over roots and rocks, I would opt for the "High" position. Pivot also recommends this setting when switching to a mullet setup.
Personally, I felt more comfortable in the low position of the flip chip. In my opinion, the Shuttle feels even more planted on the trail in this setting, and I didn’t feel any lack of ground clearance either.