Feeling

With the Pivot Shuttle equipped with 2.8 Maxxis tyres, the lack of travel seems to be no issue at all. Big volume tyres on low pressures have no problem soaking up trail chatter.

The Shuttle uses a Shimano motor and the smooth delivery of power is obvious from the get go. Pop the bike into Boost mode on tough climbs and there is no issue with getting the Pivot up there – the shape and size of the Shuttle helps get the body position correct to keep things moving.

Pivot have really got the Shuttle dialled in with a geometry setup that not only compliments the climb but allows for some real purpose on the descent. The 65.8° head angle and 437mm rear chainstays give more than enough stability when things get out of hand. The length of the stays also helps keep the wheels on the ground when on a technical climb.

With the lack of fatigue on the climbs and the comfort of the plus-sized tyres, I can guarantee if you are fit you will run out of battery before you want to get off this thing. These tyres seem to cancel out the stiffness that the chassis has from the full carbon construction and the wider rear wheel spacing. 

One thing that has got my brain thinking is getting a set of 29” wheels on this bike. Will this bring some more harshness to the ride or more precision? I think things could get interesting when the chance comes about and more details will be shared when it happens.

Limitations

There are only a small collection of things that I can see so far limitations wise with the Shuttle. The first one is unavoidable – price. £9000 is a huge figure in anyone’s book. Now don’t get me wrong it’s a beautiful piece of equipment, but it is still something that’s going to get ranted down a track and sustain damage.

The other is the brake choice. The Shimano XT brake is a more than adequate stopper on a lighter trail bike but with the extra weight of an E-bike there really is need for some serious power. Maybe the 4 piston version would be a better choice, or a Shimano Saint?

Verdict

There are only a few brands that compare to the quality that has been shown with the Shuttle and really it’s a three horse race between this, the Rocky Mountain and Merida‘s offering. Clean looks, lightweight construction and a parts list that only needs tweaking. After getting as much riding in in 45 minutes as I would have on a non assisted bike in two hours it is a no brainer.

With 50 miles in a charge and no need to have it on when descending, a day’s riding is just fun without the effort of having to winch a bike up a climb. Fun is definitely the word I would use. Don’t knock it till you try it. 

PRICE: £8999

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