Pivot Bike Tech Talk

Frame Stiffness:

Frame stiffness is one of the most important aspects to a suspension frame performing at the highest level, so every detail on every Pivot was designed with this in mind. The 92mm wide BB shell allows for a larger down tube contributing to the frame's overall rigidity. The dw-link features oversize pivot axles rotating on 8 cartridge bearings. Combined, with our upper carbon link and one piece rear triangle, the reliability and smoothness of our zero flex design is unmatched. The results are ultra precise handling, perfect stability and the overall excellent feel and durability all Pivot models are known for.
Integrated Bottom Bracket:
Pivot is the first frame manufacturer of its kind to feature a 92mm wide bottom bracket shell with internal Shimano XTR bearings. There are no external washers or threads in the shell. The bearings are housed in light composite resin cups with a full sealed sleeve to keep out the elements. This design allows for easy crank installation with no frame facing or special spacers required. Chain line is perfectly optimized and as an added plus, the bearings are extremely easy to replace and install and have a 3 year warranty from Shimano. The system works with Shimano, FSA and Race Face cranks.
Direct Mount Front Derailleur:
The front derailleur of the Mach 4, 5 and 429 mount directly to the hollow bottom bracket forging. This locates the front derailleur perfectly to the crank and provides the most solid and accurate front shifting possible. The Firebird uses a floating derailleur mount that follows the suspension through its travel for the most accurate shifting of any long travel bike, plus it can be removed to accommodate a single ring IS chain guide system. Our systems, all use readily available Shimano front derailleurs.
Headset:
The Mach 4, 5 and 429 use a zero stack headset that takes normal cups like an external 1.125 headset, but the entire headset cup fits inside. As forks get longer and tires grow bigger, front end heights continue to skyrocket. This is not such a problem for a 6 foot tall person, but for just about everyone else (particularly the under 5’ 8” crowd), this reduces the front end height by over 1 inch. In addition to the reduced front end height, the big diameter head tube is stronger and allows more surface area to weld to. The cups press in and/or remove just like a traditional headset. The zero stack design is available from Cane Creek, Ritchey, FSA, and a Chris King model is coming soon!

DW-Link Advantages

Efficiency

Simultaneously engineered anti-squat and wheel rate curves are the mathematical formulas that make dw-link the world’s most efficient and traction-aiding suspension system.
Anti-Squat Design
Newton's 3rd law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When a vehicle accelerates, the reaction is that its mass is transferred rearward. dw-link's patented position sensitive anti-squat perfectly balances this rearward mass transfer, increasing efficiency, traction, and bump sensitivity, and eliminating pedal feedback.
Ultimate Bump Absorption and Traction
Each dw-link frame is engineered for an optimum wheel rate and to work for a specific use with a specific spring and damper. Unlike other suspension systems, dw-link's does not rely on pedaling platform type dampers, giving the best bump absorption and traction of any suspension available today. Advanced riders use these traits to pump terrain in the trail and add momentum.
Balanced Braking
The dw-link suspension projects its instant center to an ideal location, achieving a balance of traction and stability under hard braking that is unmatched by other suspensions.
Minimal Pedal Feedback
Perception of pedal feedback on a bicycle is a manifestation of rapid chainstay length change and gearing effects. dw-link uses a smooth and positive chainstay lengthening effect to offset negative gearing effects. This results in a smooth ride with imperceptible pedal feedback over entire gear range.
Best Traction
As your suspension reacts to obstacles, the position sensitive dw-link axle path intelligently changes to meet the demands of the trail. In the beginning of the travel, its rearward profile gives incredible small bump absorption and traction on the climbs. In the middle of the travel, the dw-link axle path works with the front suspension to provide a balanced feel for amazing cornering confidence and jumping ability. The end of the travel provides an increase in compression damping for bottomless suspension feel and big hit absorption.
Structural Superiority
Dw-link uses short, stiff links, aligned in the direction of incoming forces, and a triangulated rear swingarm. This unique layout aligns suspension forces in the most efficient layouts possible to enable frame designs with industry leading strength-to-weight ratios and stiffness. This structural advantage lets dw-link riders put down power more efficiently and track straight in the bumps where others veer off course.