Pivot Mach 6 Carbon “XXTR”

“Super light” and “long travel” are two attributes typically not used to describe the same bike. Given our reputation for the former, we wanted to see what we could do to change that. We considered this a special build; not one for the “oohs and aahs” of the showroom floor, but rather a bike built to be ridden with confidence (Could this be a new trend for FairWheel?). We wanted to see how light we could go without sacrificing the ride-ability or fun factor of a trail bike. The result of our efforts: a sub-23 pound Pivot Mach6 Carbon. At first glance, our Mach6 may not seem all that light, but consider that we started with a premium quality 2800 gram long-travel frame, made very little compromise with wheels and tires, and finished it all off with a dropper post and race-proven components. What we have here is All Mountain performance at Cross Country weight.We tried to be unique in our approach to weight savings, carefully combining lightweight and top-performing parts. A prime example of this can be seen in the “XXTR” drive train, a combination of SRAM’s XX1-style 1×11 system and Shimano’s flagship components. We used the brand new XTR M9000 11 speed shifter and derailleur, but mated these with the SRAM’s super lightweight XO cassette. An added benefit of using SRAM’s rear cluster is that it offers a wider gear range, allowing the use of a single front ring. The crank we chose was the RaceFace Next SL, equipped with a direct-mount Narrow/Wide chainring. To tie it all together, the color-matched KMC X11SL chain was an obvious choice. The shifter and derailleur were connected using Alligator Components’ Mini I-link housing and their ultra smooth 31-Strand cables.

The wheelset further demonstrates our creativity in component selection. We opted for the wider ENVE M60 Fourty rim rather than the lighter ENVE M50 Fifty. The Edition One hubs from French manufacturer Aivee are a new product for us, but we’re impressed by their excellent balance of weight-consciousness, durability, and precision construction; we’re excited to have these built into a wheelset and ready to have some miles put on them. To save some weight on a wheelset that was stacking up to be a little on the heavy side for this build, we looked to spoke selection. Using Pillar X-Tra Ti spokes, we were able to save more than 70 grams over lightweight steel spokes such as Sapim CX-Rays or DT Revolutions.

We opted for a super light, high end cockpit with an Extralite Hyperstem and custom Schmolke TLO Lowriser bar. A Tune Speedneedle saddle tops off the KS Lev Integra dropper post, from which we shaved a little weight by again using Mini-Ilink housing paired with a KCNC titanium cable. The Magura TS8 suspension fork was a simple choice for us because it’s a proven performer, and nearly a pound lighter than Fox’s 36mm Float.

All said and done, the bike came in at lightweight but healthy 22.6 pounds. We’ll note that replacing the dropper post with a standard seatpost would allow nearly a full pound drop in weight. As far as we’re aware, this is the lightest 6-inch travel bike with a dropper post that’s ever been built.

Build List

Frame / Fork	Pivot Mach6 Carbon
Hubs	Aivee Edition One
Rims	Enve M60-40 27.5
Spokes	Pillar Titanium
Skewers	Extralite Black Lock
Tires	Schwalbe Knobby Nick 2.35
Tubes	Tubeless
Crankset	Race Face Next SL
Bottom Bracket	Race Face Cinch
Chainrings	Race Face Direct Mount
Bars	Schmolke TLO Low Rise
Grips	KCNC EVA Foam
Shift Levers	Shimano XTR SL-M9000
Stem	Extralite Hyperstem
Headset	KCNC M1
Headset Spacers	Parts of Passion
Saddle	Tune Speedneedle Alcantara
Seatpost	KS Lev Integra
Seatpost Clamp	KCNC SC11
Rear Mech	Shimano XTR RD-M9000
Chain	KMC X11SL
Cassette	SRAM XO1 10-42
Brakes	Shimano XTR BL-M9000
Brake Rotors	Ashima AiNeon
Cable Set	Aican B-link