This bike rides SO GOOD! Knowing what I do now, I wish I would have figured out the Angleset, 160 fork, and better shock sooner! The taller bars and shorter stem also help with the fit. I'm very thankful to Pivot for letting me ride this bike for so long, as once I figured out the easy part swaps, the bike ABSOLUTELY CAME ALIVE!!!
It's crazy that a few millimeters different in stem length and bar rise can affect a bike so much. You should do a video on bike fit for those of us that need tips. Might not need a new bike, might just need a different stem and maybe a handlebar. Would also like to know what seat rims tires+pressure and grips are your preference. I know you did a pedal video. Love your content it is so much more relatable and practical.
I have had my SL for almost 2 years now. I put a 160 fork on it also with high bars and short stem. The bike really came alive and is a very fun bike to ride.
@@jkostans YES they are! They intended the Shuttle SL to be a light duty Trail 429 with a motor- they had no idea folks like me would do this. But they are DEFINITELY listening!
@@jason-dy5ou Right on Jason! When it's time to rebuild the rear shock, consider going aftermarket, I really like the non-OEM shocks on this bike. The more open Float X I put on there recently has been pretty good as well. Wish it weren't so hard to find 185 trunion X2 shocks!
I appreciate you take the time to swap out components and set up a bike how you like because when I shop for a bike I'm looking more at frames than components.
Yeah, a frame is a pretty long term item to have, the parts will come and go. And I'd rather take the time to dial it in, because if I bought a bike, I sure would dial it in!
I love that you give every bike you review the best chance for it perform at its best. I vastly prefer your style of reviews vs the big bike magazine style reviews, it’s much more inline with how most people will end up with their bikes. I don’t think most people are still riding a bike that is bone stock from factory.
Thanks Hanson! If I spent thousands on- well- anything, I'd certainly spend a few extra bucks to get it working its best. This makes upgrading a test bike feel more realistic than simply changing nothing- no one is gonna do nothing!
I am 5‘8“ tall and glad that I sized down to a small on my Shuttle LT. It is a heavy beast, but the range and versatility are impressive. Now I want an SL - with crank arm brakes. Thank you for the clever and insightful review.
Excellent review! For me, got a 160 Zeb and mullet with some knobbier tires, shorter stem and riser bars. Loving it. I do wish they had an extender for those longer days. FYI - Ride 60 has a major creak issue with motor mounts - there is a service bulletin available for on how to reapply anti-seize.
Maybe one day that extender will finally exist! The Zeb is also a fantastic fork choice. I really enjoyed mine. It might be good to try the Shuttle SL as a mullet like you have- that would certainly help the head tube angle. But at this point the bike ride so incredibly well I don’t wanna mess with it! I’m super happy with the headset and the dual 29 inch wheels.
Wow I’m impressed that you managed to get 1,000 miles out of the ride 60. For many I have heard that they experience motor failure before the 500 mile mark. Definitely makes me feel hopefully for my Relay. Great video as always!
I've heard primarily of Transition Relay owners as the main folks who have had trouble with Fazua motors! That was among the first bikes in the USA to use Fazua, and unfortunately, that first batch seems to have had some issues. But this motor has been rock solid for 1000 miles now on this Shuttle SL. The only issue was that dumb speed sensor- a minor thing to swap. I'm optimistic for ya, Chris!
I have almost 3,000 miles on my Shuttle Sl, with the original motor, and still love it as much as the first ride. Mine actually shipped with a 160mm (Non ebike) fork, due to supply challenges. I would'nt consider changing it. I have considered a different shock, but really want Cascade to come out with a link for it. But, no worries. Running my Berd wheels really make it a perfect ride, for me. Great update to your first review of the bike. Keep riding.
Wow 3k miles, that's awesome!!! I have never tracked mileage like this before, as I mostly ride analog, but am somewhat surprised at how much I've been riding the Shuttle SL. It's SUCH a good bike for me and my locale. I love how torsionally stiff it is, and the short-ish (but not too short!) back end is AWESOME with the weight of the eMTB. Big fan! So when the X2 went down, I tossed a Float X on there- the OEM one from the Haro Daley. It's tuned much more open on the LSC than the stock Float X, and feels nicely supportive on the bigger hits. I did try some larger volume reducers in the stock shock (see my original first look video from Jan/Feb), but am surprised at still how much better these other two shocks have been. Go figure! If you want to try a cheap, used 185 trunion air shock, it's pretty easy to change the stroke length.
So happy you mentioned the reach in this review. As someone who just begrudgingly sold their medium Firebird - I am convinced that Pivot do not know how to make a medium-sized bike anymore. It's frustrating, because they make excellent bikes. The reach on the Firebird is a bit longer again than on the Shuttle SL, and after six months of trying everything (including a 35mm stem and higher bars, too), I gave up, sold it and swapped for a Megatower. It's amazing how much better you ride when a bike fits right. I hope that Pivot fix this 'error' for future models, they are otherwise a fantastic brand.
Yeah I agree a nice reach would be around 460 for a medium. The 468 or whatever is fine, but shorter would be better for me. That said, I get along better with the Firebird reach - likely due to the lighter bike weight and the crazy short chainstays on the FB.
They are similar! Heckler SL suffers from the smaller rear wheel (less efficient, skids more easily) but otherwise looks awesome. It would be great to try a Heckler and see how the torsional stiffness is- Pivot absolutely nailed that!
Some really sporty narration going on in here. Some really clever phrases! Nice review👍 I'm pushing 7,000 Mi on my 2019 specialized Turbo Levo Expert. My non e-bike is my Pivot Mach 429.
Thanks Jeff it's a treat watching your videos after a day of work. I have a few questions regarding the SL: Did you feel like the short rear travel limited you on gnarlier trails ? What's the biggest difference you felt while riding between a normal MTB and the SL on the negative side of things? Also I'd like to ask if you could review the specialized levo SL .that would be great if you could compare between them. Thanks buddy keep it up
A really engaging and enjoyable review. Would be great if Santa Cruz handed you a Heckler SL for a similar working over. The original with its under sprung and RS chocked rear end also comes alive with some suspension replacement
Thanks Em! I would LOVE to try a heckler SL- or a Vala! Multiple folks here have commented about the need for a better shock on Heckler. Thanks for the note.
Minor things, but frustrating to deal with... If I was gonna buy a new bike, and came in expecting to deal with a few little things, I'd be a lot less frustrated if I was able to anticipate it tho! Galfer rotors are OK, but the centerlock adapter life isn't ideal.
I still want an SL motor, 170mm of rear travel, an 800wh battery, and full 29r. The new DJI motor and battery shows great promise to meat that, just need ibis to do a Ripmo-E LT version.
It'll be interesting to see if DJI can crack the sales/distribution nut, along with a permanent fix to make it legal in the USA (1000 watts is beyond our 750 limit). So they are an unknown at this point, and not a realistic option. The Orbea Rise LT can be set up with a 630 battery in the downtube, plus a 210 range extender, so that's 840 bat. It's a 160/150 bike, and isn;t the stoutest bike, so it;s not a DH smasher, more of a light trail rider.
@ see I want an All Mountain enduro monster, but an SL motor. And at 230lbs I NEED the full size battery Maybe DJI will de-tune their motor to get it passed
@@ttengineer404they should have just not posted the stat lol. It's a bike... bikes shouldn't have rules. Or they should make a legal version and just sell the upgraded motor separate. Bikes could be so crazy if there weren't regulations. We are severely hindered technology wise.
I knew i shoulda bought the XL size onsale last year...drats Fox Factory build about 1/2 price last xmas would have been nice and perfect E for my needs of still having fun on a lightweight bike/no DH compromises.
Ahhhh dang HALF OFF is a great deal! I'm blown away at how well the shuttle sl is doing. there's not much i'd ever want to change- outside of a little more rear travel, and maybe 2-5mm of reach, but seriously, that's it!
Thanks garrett! these are some deity grips, rather thick ones, and they've been great. I use the ODI elite pro on a few other bikes, and they've been great too.
I have no need for more power. DJI system seems heavier than Fazua, and DJI system is both not proven and not legal in USA (it's over the 750 watt limit). Fazua has been out for a few years, and the problems have been ironed out at this point. A range extender is the only thing I'd like to add to the bike.
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks for reply. I think US law is 750W continuous power, and DJI motor is 250W continuous w/ 850 or 1000W Peak. They are selling in EU and EU has 250W continous legal limit. Not 100% sure on the law though, just researching as I go. Love the vids, keep em coming.
@@JeffKendallWeed Exactly right. From DJI press release "The integrated DJI Avinox electric power assist system leverages DJI's cutting-edge technologies in both software and hardware design, offering 850 W of peak power (250 W nominal power) in an ultra-light body of 19.2kg[1]. " You should reach out and request a review unit. I'd love to hear your impressions.
Amazong video jeff! I bought a Switchblade a few months back and fell in love! I ended up selling my other bikes to fund an ebike! I'm 6ft2in tall and ride an XL. I want to buy the Shuttle SL, but I'm not able to try one where I am located. I've found a few size LG within 3 hours from me and wanted to get your opinion on if that would make a good fit or if you think it would be too small? The XL size feels great, and I wish the reach was a tad shorter, but after putting the PNW loam bars on, it's perfect.
I am really confused and yet somehow intrigued by the idea that peanut butter and pickle sandwiches "just work". Love the review. I have been eyeing an ebike but still in that debate mode if I want to make that switch both to an ebike and a full sus bike at the same time. Have you found any worthwhile hardtails that fal into the hcht category yet? I am not seeing any real options on that end yet and would really rather stick with hardtails.
Thanks Puff! Hahaha!!! Anyhow, I'd say NEVER own only an e-MTB. Always have a meat powered bike in the quiver too! I loved my chromag hardtail, and did many videos on it. Just wish it were a size M/L with dual 29! I need to get a Rootdown!
Thanks for the suggestion! Lapierre was the VERY FIRST brand to do an SL e-MTB, and I bet they are absolutely dialed now. Lapierre is hugely under appreciated in the USA. They might be a little too French - specific for teh US, but their bikes are often among the best in the world. Thanks for the note!!!
Awesome review. I wonder how the Transition Relay and Ari Nebo Peak would compare, being Fazua units. From everything I’ve heard those bikes sound pretty sorted as well.
Good vid. Have you had the chance to ride the AM, or even the new LT on more Firebird worthy terrain? You talked about weight placement, but the 7-8 lbs weight penalty for the very burly new LT may be worth it in the right setting.
Nope, i've turned down the AM and LT both due to their weight... I'm rarely able to ride more than 2-3 hours, so I have very little need for a heavy ebike. the fun part of the ride is the descent, not climbing at 8 mph (instead of 6 mph on the SL). i don't want to dilute my descending with a heavy rig!
@ I get it. Putting the SL in eco, you really do get the pedal bike experience, but get just enough assist that you aren’t smoked after the climb and are fresh for the descent. I hear you on the time constraints tho! There is also something to be said for keeping that full-power LT in turbo and getting in an extra lap or three. Thanks for the feedback!
@JeffKendallWeed tons of them near me, pretty mixed bag honestly. Couple guys love theirs but a few other guys have had continuous issues with theirs. I'm not big on the fuel or the rail that ive ridden.
Users of Orbea notice issues due to lack of frame stiffeners and strut-mount suspension design. Issues with shock leaking, fast shaft wear, snapped screws. So beter buy pivot with good stiffness ☺️
They are pretty different bikes tho! The Rise LT with the 630 bat and 210 range extender is better for towing a friend, and better for long distance. But the Pivot is better for anything that's man-made. The extra frame stiffness is such a bonus on the Pivot. I do get frustrated with the annoyingly low BB on the rise, as well as the less progressive suspension.
I am hearing a lot of Fazua horror stories. Any gremlins? Maybe don’t pour water on its back after midnight? 😂 Curious to know if it’s given you any trouble besides what you mentioned.
I love my shuttle sl. Even though it's had problems. The motor went bad after 10 miles and the cranks also had to be replaced. Once everything was sorted it's been great. The way this bike handles is fantastic. The power delivered from the motor is all I need. I have a levo and honestly it's just overpowered. I think full powered ebikes are for long days on the trail.. over 25 miles. These new bikes with close to 100 NM. Of power is completely unnecessary. But that's just my opinion.
Was it one of the very first generations? I'm hearing that the earlier Fazua units had some issues. Mine has been rock solid though- but I didn't get it until ~January of 2024. Yeah, I don't get the fanfare about more power. Even after nailing tech moves with the more powerful Rocky Mtn Instinct Power Play, I would think back to the downhill shenanigans MUCH more than the low speed motorized stuff. Bicycling is about fun, and while the slow tech climbs are cool, the DH is still cooler. And good DH is often faster than 20 mph!
It might have been one of the first units. I think the bike had been sitting on the showroom floor for a while . It didn't totally fail. It just sounded like a locomotive and you could feel it through the pedals.
that would be fun to try. But it's not going to be a game changer like many say. in a few years, i hope we do see it used on more bikes- but i'm still more of a fan of light eMTB.
Rise, with the 630 battery (and 210 extender) is better for towing or for longer days in the backcountry. Rise is very much suited for traditional trails- less so for jumps or berms or man made stuff. Shuttle SL is lighter and MUCH more robust, so it does better on mountain bike specific trails. Heavier riders will like orbea's power, but they'll not like how soft the frame feels.
Heckler SL has all the joys of the Pivot but better geo/fit if you’re around 5’9”. Its also undersprung and with a bigger and burlier fork and throw the rock shox rear shock away for a float X and the bike is fantastic fun and lively and very capable!
hmm. I usually am all for the bring-your-own components style of review, but overforking and an angleset strikes me as a touch more than a bike review (though advice on what bikes overforking in particular improves is always welcome ie: the ripmo and lunch ride ver. yetis). I've personally overforked my main bike, and wish I'd've gone with a -2 degree instead, but that feels more up to my refusal to buy another bike than "just what I needed to do to make it mine". comments on the "trail ready geometry" and "kudos to pivot" on the frame just don't quite land.
I had a lot more fun on the shuttle SL with the 160 fork and angle set… just saying! And now the shuttle SL is 100% the eMTB id be most likely to buy on my own. If I had never tried those parts swaps, I would never be anywhere close to the stoked on the bike.
Late to what party? It takes multiple years to just develop a frame. DJI didn't tell anyone about their motor, so it'll be late 2025 at the soonest if we see anyone else use it, and likely 2026 before any bikes sell to consumers with it.
@@JeffKendallWeed I'm sure it's a great bike for most people but when you have changed nearly every component on the bike like you have it's not a very strong endorsement of the bike Jeff.
@@AndreaCampaner88 Add in the short chainstays, and the bike feels VERY light on the trail. it's a couple pounds lighter than the Orbea Rise that's here now.
I have had great experiences with Shimano EMTBs. And FAZUA. I prefer both those over Bosch Performance SX. Bosch is clunky, loud, not as intuitive, and overpowered for the needs of SL bikes.
@@JeffKendallWeedI also enjoyed the shimano motor the way it rides, but continued issues by everyone I know that has one turned me off. The Bosch stuff seems to be pretty stout but me and a buddy were just talking today about how neither of us like the way the motor feels. I'm big on the rocky mountain ride feel, super super natural feeling motor and tons of power if you can pedal
Meat powered bikes sounds way better and cooler than people calling them acoustic or Amish bikes. Can we get this changed to be the new colloquial description of a regular pedal bike?
I personally don't like when Jeff swaps out at the heart and soul of a bike before doing a review...I want to know, when they ask me to part with many thousands of dollars, how good a manufacturer is at delivering the complete package... Few people ride as well as Jeff, despite how fat he's become. His favorites work for him and him alone. Plus, because he never experiments with new set ups for long, he's caught in a stagnant time-warp even as bike geo evolves. I'd prefer if he just says: this is the ensemble that Pivot (in this case) are selling - and here's what I like and dislike when used in a very special way. For normal riders, Jeff's reviews are irrelevant because he has the time and money to take a new bike, throwaway 70% of the costed parts, and then give his opinion on why this bike isn't quite as good as a bike that is 100% bespoke to his unique style.
@@ashanderson3788 I agree, I love watching Jeff dance through the mountains in a way I could only dream of. All I'm saying is that when he changes a bike by 70% from stock, it makes his review meaningless from the perspective of any potential buyer thereof. I also recognize that it's good business sense by him, because while getting paid to advertise bike 'X', he can also advertise all the additional parts that he recommends swapping out (Shimano gears, wheels, tires etc) and even where to buy them (Jensons, his main sponsor). I would prefer he takes his skills and experience and says, this is the product, let's see how it performs out of the box, stock. That way it would be helpful as well as great viewing to the 90%+ of us who just want to purchase the best bike without ALSO having to purchasing 70% of another bike to use as a surrogate... I recently was in the market for a Specialzed EVO or perhaps Orbea Occam. I started watching Jeff's reviews in the hope of learning something that would assist in my final decision. I quickly realized that I was wasting my time, as both of the bikes he was riding were so customized (to him, and him alone), and now 50% more expensive than what my budget would all (when you take into account the add-ons), that any real-life comparison with what I could buy was no-longer pertinent. Again, I'd prefer if he just said this is the Stumpy Evo, if you push it to the max, as I do, these are the strengths and weaknesses that you'll encounter.
@@Trainnotstrain Conversely, you could read into the reviews as saying " Wait until the bike is on closeout so you can make it into what it should've been in the first place.". I don't care much for eebs, just watched for the dry humor and dad jokz.
@@Trainnotstrain What country are you located in? Your opinion is very common with many international viewers! I appreciate the feedback, thanks for the comment!
This bike rides SO GOOD! Knowing what I do now, I wish I would have figured out the Angleset, 160 fork, and better shock sooner! The taller bars and shorter stem also help with the fit. I'm very thankful to Pivot for letting me ride this bike for so long, as once I figured out the easy part swaps, the bike ABSOLUTELY CAME ALIVE!!!
Hopefully pivot is paying attention!
It's crazy that a few millimeters different in stem length and bar rise can affect a bike so much. You should do a video on bike fit for those of us that need tips. Might not need a new bike, might just need a different stem and maybe a handlebar. Would also like to know what seat rims tires+pressure and grips are your preference. I know you did a pedal video. Love your content it is so much more relatable and practical.
I have had my SL for almost 2 years now. I put a 160 fork on it also with high bars and short stem. The bike really came alive and is a very fun bike to ride.
@@jkostans YES they are! They intended the Shuttle SL to be a light duty Trail 429 with a motor- they had no idea folks like me would do this. But they are DEFINITELY listening!
@@jason-dy5ou Right on Jason! When it's time to rebuild the rear shock, consider going aftermarket, I really like the non-OEM shocks on this bike. The more open Float X I put on there recently has been pretty good as well. Wish it weren't so hard to find 185 trunion X2 shocks!
I appreciate you take the time to swap out components and set up a bike how you like because when I shop for a bike I'm looking more at frames than components.
Yeah, a frame is a pretty long term item to have, the parts will come and go. And I'd rather take the time to dial it in, because if I bought a bike, I sure would dial it in!
I love that you give every bike you review the best chance for it perform at its best. I vastly prefer your style of reviews vs the big bike magazine style reviews, it’s much more inline with how most people will end up with their bikes. I don’t think most people are still riding a bike that is bone stock from factory.
Thanks Hanson! If I spent thousands on- well- anything, I'd certainly spend a few extra bucks to get it working its best. This makes upgrading a test bike feel more realistic than simply changing nothing- no one is gonna do nothing!
Especially the OEM finish kit parts. 90% of my friends bikes don’t have the stock bars, stem, grips, or pedals.
I think your love for bikes is only surpassed by your love for glues :) great review btw
Hit 1500 miles on shuttle sl recently. By far my favorite bike to ride amongst my collection……next to my Propain rage.
NICE Drew! Sounds like a great quiver in your garage. Thanks for the note!
I am 5‘8“ tall and glad that I sized down to a small on my Shuttle LT. It is a heavy beast, but the range and versatility are impressive. Now I want an SL - with crank arm brakes. Thank you for the clever and insightful review.
Thanks to you I bought this bike and I love it. Thank you for showing me what this bike is capable of doing 🙏
Glad to hear you're really enjoying your Shuttle SL, Arena! Thanks for the note.
Excellent review! For me, got a 160 Zeb and mullet with some knobbier tires, shorter stem and riser bars. Loving it. I do wish they had an extender for those longer days. FYI - Ride 60 has a major creak issue with motor mounts - there is a service bulletin available for on how to reapply anti-seize.
Maybe one day that extender will finally exist! The Zeb is also a fantastic fork choice. I really enjoyed mine. It might be good to try the Shuttle SL as a mullet like you have- that would certainly help the head tube angle. But at this point the bike ride so incredibly well I don’t wanna mess with it! I’m super happy with the headset and the dual 29 inch wheels.
Wow I’m impressed that you managed to get 1,000 miles out of the ride 60. For many I have heard that they experience motor failure before the 500 mile mark. Definitely makes me feel hopefully for my Relay. Great video as always!
I've heard primarily of Transition Relay owners as the main folks who have had trouble with Fazua motors! That was among the first bikes in the USA to use Fazua, and unfortunately, that first batch seems to have had some issues. But this motor has been rock solid for 1000 miles now on this Shuttle SL. The only issue was that dumb speed sensor- a minor thing to swap. I'm optimistic for ya, Chris!
@@pebbleinspector Thanks for the info! I did do a firmware upgrade back in the spring time, was easy with that simple USB C port in the top tube.
Really wish you'd get a hold of a Heckler SL or the new YT Decoy SN!
Both of those bikes look rad! I'm very curious about the Decoy SN, as well as the Transition Relay.
@@JeffKendallWeedvideo for the Relay would be awesome ❤
Man these videos make me want to ride so bad more than anything else!
Thanks for the note, Andrew!!!! Honored that you find my stuff inspiring! Cheers!
I have almost 3,000 miles on my Shuttle Sl, with the original motor, and still love it as much as the first ride. Mine actually shipped with a 160mm (Non ebike) fork, due to supply challenges. I would'nt consider changing it. I have considered a different shock, but really want Cascade to come out with a link for it. But, no worries. Running my Berd wheels really make it a perfect ride, for me. Great update to your first review of the bike. Keep riding.
Wow 3k miles, that's awesome!!! I have never tracked mileage like this before, as I mostly ride analog, but am somewhat surprised at how much I've been riding the Shuttle SL. It's SUCH a good bike for me and my locale. I love how torsionally stiff it is, and the short-ish (but not too short!) back end is AWESOME with the weight of the eMTB. Big fan! So when the X2 went down, I tossed a Float X on there- the OEM one from the Haro Daley. It's tuned much more open on the LSC than the stock Float X, and feels nicely supportive on the bigger hits. I did try some larger volume reducers in the stock shock (see my original first look video from Jan/Feb), but am surprised at still how much better these other two shocks have been. Go figure! If you want to try a cheap, used 185 trunion air shock, it's pretty easy to change the stroke length.
Come for the bike review, stay for the b-roll… great video as always, Jeff!
Thanks, I appreciate it!
So happy you mentioned the reach in this review. As someone who just begrudgingly sold their medium Firebird - I am convinced that Pivot do not know how to make a medium-sized bike anymore. It's frustrating, because they make excellent bikes.
The reach on the Firebird is a bit longer again than on the Shuttle SL, and after six months of trying everything (including a 35mm stem and higher bars, too), I gave up, sold it and swapped for a Megatower. It's amazing how much better you ride when a bike fits right. I hope that Pivot fix this 'error' for future models, they are otherwise a fantastic brand.
Yeah I agree a nice reach would be around 460 for a medium. The 468 or whatever is fine, but shorter would be better for me. That said, I get along better with the Firebird reach - likely due to the lighter bike weight and the crazy short chainstays on the FB.
Metaphors are killing me on this one 😅😅 on a serious note, very informative video! Makes me want to change a few things up on my fuel exe!
Thanks! My sister helped with a bunch of those! Thanks for the note.
Dude, love your reviews. I would love to see this against the heckler sl.
They are similar! Heckler SL suffers from the smaller rear wheel (less efficient, skids more easily) but otherwise looks awesome. It would be great to try a Heckler and see how the torsional stiffness is- Pivot absolutely nailed that!
Some really sporty narration going on in here. Some really clever phrases! Nice review👍
I'm pushing 7,000 Mi on my 2019 specialized Turbo Levo Expert. My non e-bike is my Pivot Mach 429.
@@JeffKendallWeedit doesn’t suffer Jeff! It’s “better” 😂.
Nice man!!!
Try the Heckler SL. Think you’d really love it. Mine is amazing but added a Vivid to really make it shine
I wait for this all week 😂
Thanks tanner!
Mushy middle brownies are for the kids, give me those crispy delicious corners any day 👍
I did a demo in phoenix on a pivot shuttle SL and it was such a damn good bike
Glad you enjoyed it! Would be a great SoMo bike!
Your my favourite bike man.. Amazing technically masters
hahaha thanks man!
Man I would LOVE to watch you ride the Amflow. Any chance of this happening? Seems like they’re coming to the US too.
Thanks Jeff it's a treat watching your videos after a day of work.
I have a few questions regarding the SL:
Did you feel like the short rear travel limited you on gnarlier trails ?
What's the biggest difference you felt while riding between a normal MTB and the SL on the negative side of things?
Also I'd like to ask if you could review the specialized levo SL .that would be great if you could compare between them.
Thanks buddy keep it up
A really engaging and enjoyable review. Would be great if Santa Cruz handed you a Heckler SL for a similar working over. The original with its under sprung and RS chocked rear end also comes alive with some suspension replacement
Thanks Em! I would LOVE to try a heckler SL- or a Vala! Multiple folks here have commented about the need for a better shock on Heckler. Thanks for the note.
I had the same issue with the cranks and the brake rotors
Minor things, but frustrating to deal with... If I was gonna buy a new bike, and came in expecting to deal with a few little things, I'd be a lot less frustrated if I was able to anticipate it tho! Galfer rotors are OK, but the centerlock adapter life isn't ideal.
Great video! Have you had a chance to throw a leg over the Heckler SL?
I still want an SL motor, 170mm of rear travel, an 800wh battery, and full 29r. The new DJI motor and battery shows great promise to meat that, just need ibis to do a Ripmo-E LT version.
It'll be interesting to see if DJI can crack the sales/distribution nut, along with a permanent fix to make it legal in the USA (1000 watts is beyond our 750 limit). So they are an unknown at this point, and not a realistic option. The Orbea Rise LT can be set up with a 630 battery in the downtube, plus a 210 range extender, so that's 840 bat. It's a 160/150 bike, and isn;t the stoutest bike, so it;s not a DH smasher, more of a light trail rider.
@ see I want an All Mountain enduro monster, but an SL motor. And at 230lbs I NEED the full size battery
Maybe DJI will de-tune their motor to get it passed
@@ttengineer404they should have just not posted the stat lol. It's a bike... bikes shouldn't have rules. Or they should make a legal version and just sell the upgraded motor separate. Bikes could be so crazy if there weren't regulations. We are severely hindered technology wise.
@@JeffKendallWeed Forbidden is coming out with a DJI dreadnought... and whatever their trial version is too.
I knew i shoulda bought the XL size onsale last year...drats
Fox Factory build about 1/2 price last xmas would have been nice and perfect E for my needs of still having fun on a lightweight bike/no DH compromises.
Ahhhh dang HALF OFF is a great deal! I'm blown away at how well the shuttle sl is doing. there's not much i'd ever want to change- outside of a little more rear travel, and maybe 2-5mm of reach, but seriously, that's it!
I’d love to see your take on the very similar Fazua equipped Transition Relay
I'd love to try out a Relay! Been too busy to hit up those guys in a while, but I did bump into their marketing manager the other day at the jumps!
@@JeffKendallWeed I find I'm hopping over everything like you do (well, sort of!) on my Relay - it's a lively emtb.
Love your reviews. Your riding style is very inspiring. I’m curious what kind of grips you’re using.
Thanks garrett! these are some deity grips, rather thick ones, and they've been great. I use the ODI elite pro on a few other bikes, and they've been great too.
@ Sweet. I haven’t tried deity’s yet but I’m tempted to order a pair.
I really hope Pivot will update their line of e-bikes with DJI or ZF motors. smaller, lighter and way more power.
I have no need for more power. DJI system seems heavier than Fazua, and DJI system is both not proven and not legal in USA (it's over the 750 watt limit). Fazua has been out for a few years, and the problems have been ironed out at this point. A range extender is the only thing I'd like to add to the bike.
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks for reply. I think US law is 750W continuous power, and DJI motor is 250W continuous w/ 850 or 1000W Peak. They are selling in EU and EU has 250W continous legal limit. Not 100% sure on the law though, just researching as I go. Love the vids, keep em coming.
The nominal watt limit for a Class 1 electric mountain bike (eMTB) is 750 watts.
@@JeffKendallWeed100%
@@JeffKendallWeed Exactly right. From DJI press release "The integrated DJI Avinox electric power assist system leverages DJI's cutting-edge technologies in both software and hardware design, offering 850 W of peak power (250 W nominal power) in an ultra-light body of 19.2kg[1]. " You should reach out and request a review unit. I'd love to hear your impressions.
Amazong video jeff! I bought a Switchblade a few months back and fell in love! I ended up selling my other bikes to fund an ebike! I'm 6ft2in tall and ride an XL. I want to buy the Shuttle SL, but I'm not able to try one where I am located. I've found a few size LG within 3 hours from me and wanted to get your opinion on if that would make a good fit or if you think it would be too small? The XL size feels great, and I wish the reach was a tad shorter, but after putting the PNW loam bars on, it's perfect.
I am really confused and yet somehow intrigued by the idea that peanut butter and pickle sandwiches "just work".
Love the review. I have been eyeing an ebike but still in that debate mode if I want to make that switch both to an ebike and a full sus bike at the same time. Have you found any worthwhile hardtails that fal into the hcht category yet? I am not seeing any real options on that end yet and would really rather stick with hardtails.
Thanks Puff! Hahaha!!! Anyhow, I'd say NEVER own only an e-MTB. Always have a meat powered bike in the quiver too! I loved my chromag hardtail, and did many videos on it. Just wish it were a size M/L with dual 29! I need to get a Rootdown!
Check the lapierre e zesty am. It has a little shorter reach. Maybe the perfect geo for you. Nice Video! Thanks for these high quality content.
Thanks for the suggestion! Lapierre was the VERY FIRST brand to do an SL e-MTB, and I bet they are absolutely dialed now. Lapierre is hugely under appreciated in the USA. They might be a little too French - specific for teh US, but their bikes are often among the best in the world. Thanks for the note!!!
Jeff any chance to review Transition Relay?
I would love to see a comparison between the Shuttle SL and the new specialized levo SL. Anything in the works for getting the Levo SL?
Awesome review. I wonder how the Transition Relay and Ari Nebo Peak would compare, being Fazua units. From everything I’ve heard those bikes sound pretty sorted as well.
I know nothing about the new Fazzari, but the relay looks sick and i can't wait to try one eventually!!!
Awesome if you can side by side them with a heckler sl and ari nebo.
that would be neat! Thanks for the note.
Lol the glues
I had to take a break from sniffin in order to film this! hahaha just kidding!
Good vid. Have you had the chance to ride the AM, or even the new LT on more Firebird worthy terrain? You talked about weight placement, but the 7-8 lbs weight penalty for the very burly new LT may be worth it in the right setting.
Nope, i've turned down the AM and LT both due to their weight... I'm rarely able to ride more than 2-3 hours, so I have very little need for a heavy ebike. the fun part of the ride is the descent, not climbing at 8 mph (instead of 6 mph on the SL). i don't want to dilute my descending with a heavy rig!
@ I get it. Putting the SL in eco, you really do get the pedal bike experience, but get just enough assist that you aren’t smoked after the climb and are fresh for the descent. I hear you on the time constraints tho! There is also something to be said for keeping that full-power LT in turbo and getting in an extra lap or three. Thanks for the feedback!
Do you think Trek would ever set you up with a Fuel EXE or Slash+ to try? (The TQ motor)
I dunno! I don't see many Trek bikes in my area, and don't really know anyone at Trek, so I have to admit I haven't really considered it much!
@JeffKendallWeed tons of them near me, pretty mixed bag honestly. Couple guys love theirs but a few other guys have had continuous issues with theirs. I'm not big on the fuel or the rail that ive ridden.
Users of Orbea notice issues due to lack of frame stiffeners and strut-mount suspension design. Issues with shock leaking, fast shaft wear, snapped screws. So beter buy pivot with good stiffness ☺️
They are pretty different bikes tho! The Rise LT with the 630 bat and 210 range extender is better for towing a friend, and better for long distance. But the Pivot is better for anything that's man-made. The extra frame stiffness is such a bonus on the Pivot. I do get frustrated with the annoyingly low BB on the rise, as well as the less progressive suspension.
I am hearing a lot of Fazua horror stories. Any gremlins? Maybe don’t pour water on its back after midnight? 😂
Curious to know if it’s given you any trouble besides what you mentioned.
Id like to see the new rocky mountain instinct sl
Stay tuned!!!!
Jeff, you should do a review on the Forbidden Druid V2!
Working on making that happen! I have too many bikes right now tho- more videos to come soon!
@ Cool. Thanks for the great content. You’re one of my favs to watch.
do a review of the rocky mtn sl ebike
You need to do more nose wheelies to save battery range
Good idea, thanks for that! Hahahaha!
I love my shuttle sl. Even though it's had problems. The motor went bad after 10 miles and the cranks also had to be replaced. Once everything was sorted it's been great. The way this bike handles is fantastic. The power delivered from the motor is all I need. I have a levo and honestly it's just overpowered. I think full powered ebikes are for long days on the trail.. over 25 miles. These new bikes with close to 100 NM. Of power is completely unnecessary. But that's just my opinion.
Was it one of the very first generations? I'm hearing that the earlier Fazua units had some issues. Mine has been rock solid though- but I didn't get it until ~January of 2024. Yeah, I don't get the fanfare about more power. Even after nailing tech moves with the more powerful Rocky Mtn Instinct Power Play, I would think back to the downhill shenanigans MUCH more than the low speed motorized stuff. Bicycling is about fun, and while the slow tech climbs are cool, the DH is still cooler. And good DH is often faster than 20 mph!
It might have been one of the first units. I think the bike had been sitting on the showroom floor for a while . It didn't totally fail. It just sounded like a locomotive and you could feel it through the pedals.
So this bike costing around 11.000 bucks it felt great when you changed the suspension that cost around 2500 bucks? It f**king better be!
You have a point! But it sounds like my use was not the target use for this bike, so I'm glad I can show how to get it most dialed in.
I am waiting for these bikes to have the DJI Avinox motor.
that would be fun to try. But it's not going to be a game changer like many say. in a few years, i hope we do see it used on more bikes- but i'm still more of a fan of light eMTB.
@JeffKendallWeed what is your opinion on Shuttle vs the new Rise?
Rise, with the 630 battery (and 210 extender) is better for towing or for longer days in the backcountry. Rise is very much suited for traditional trails- less so for jumps or berms or man made stuff. Shuttle SL is lighter and MUCH more robust, so it does better on mountain bike specific trails. Heavier riders will like orbea's power, but they'll not like how soft the frame feels.
Get your hands on an Ari Nebo and compare? 🙏🏻
Never ridden a Fezzari!
Have you tested the Santa Cruz Heckler SL yet? How does it compare? :-)
Not yet!
@ 👍 Thanks! Will look out for a future review.. hopefully. Pivot is not available here where I live, but Santa Cruz is. 🙂
Heckler SL has all the joys of the Pivot but better geo/fit if you’re around 5’9”. Its also undersprung and with a bigger and burlier fork and throw the rock shox rear shock away for a float X and the bike is fantastic fun and lively and very capable!
Ps: ignore Santa Cruz fit charts and don’t upsize
hmm. I usually am all for the bring-your-own components style of review, but overforking and an angleset strikes me as a touch more than a bike review (though advice on what bikes overforking in particular improves is always welcome ie: the ripmo and lunch ride ver. yetis). I've personally overforked my main bike, and wish I'd've gone with a -2 degree instead, but that feels more up to my refusal to buy another bike than "just what I needed to do to make it mine". comments on the "trail ready geometry" and "kudos to pivot" on the frame just don't quite land.
I had a lot more fun on the shuttle SL with the 160 fork and angle set… just saying! And now the shuttle SL is 100% the eMTB id be most likely to buy on my own. If I had never tried those parts swaps, I would never be anywhere close to the stoked on the bike.
Being late to the party for the DJI Avinox motor is going to kill the brand.
Late to what party? It takes multiple years to just develop a frame. DJI didn't tell anyone about their motor, so it'll be late 2025 at the soonest if we see anyone else use it, and likely 2026 before any bikes sell to consumers with it.
@@JeffKendallWeed I'm sure it's a great bike for most people but when you have changed nearly every component on the bike like you have it's not a very strong endorsement of the bike Jeff.
What?? 43pounds?? Both front and rear DD??
Yea. Real Maxxis double down tires front and rear. It's a light bike.
@JeffKendallWeed gee my Stumpy Evo feels fat 🤣🤣
@@AndreaCampaner88 Add in the short chainstays, and the bike feels VERY light on the trail. it's a couple pounds lighter than the Orbea Rise that's here now.
Blue bell granite n’ cream…
Never had that! I just had a little chocolate peanut butter chunk that was awesome tho!
Send me one.. santa cruz bro
fazua and shimano ... no thank you :) Im wondering why all good bikes have shimano motors. I guess bcs of lobby
I have had great experiences with Shimano EMTBs. And FAZUA. I prefer both those over Bosch Performance SX. Bosch is clunky, loud, not as intuitive, and overpowered for the needs of SL bikes.
@@JeffKendallWeedI also enjoyed the shimano motor the way it rides, but continued issues by everyone I know that has one turned me off. The Bosch stuff seems to be pretty stout but me and a buddy were just talking today about how neither of us like the way the motor feels. I'm big on the rocky mountain ride feel, super super natural feeling motor and tons of power if you can pedal
Meat powered bikes sounds way better and cooler than people calling them acoustic or Amish bikes. Can we get this changed to be the new colloquial description of a regular pedal bike?
I also LOL at the sarcastic term of "peasant bike," but yes, "meat powered" needs normalized!
6500 on my haibike in 2 and half years...
Nice! If I didn’t ride a dozen plus bikes a year, I have no idea how many miles I’d do!
I personally don't like when Jeff swaps out at the heart and soul of a bike before doing a review...I want to know, when they ask me to part with many thousands of dollars, how good a manufacturer is at delivering the complete package... Few people ride as well as Jeff, despite how fat he's become. His favorites work for him and him alone. Plus, because he never experiments with new set ups for long, he's caught in a stagnant time-warp even as bike geo evolves. I'd prefer if he just says: this is the ensemble that Pivot (in this case) are selling - and here's what I like and dislike when used in a very special way. For normal riders, Jeff's reviews are irrelevant because he has the time and money to take a new bike, throwaway 70% of the costed parts, and then give his opinion on why this bike isn't quite as good as a bike that is 100% bespoke to his unique style.
😂
Then go and watch a pinkbike review. That’s literally what every other media outlet does. Jeff is doing his thing.
@@ashanderson3788 I agree, I love watching Jeff dance through the mountains in a way I could only dream of. All I'm saying is that when he changes a bike by 70% from stock, it makes his review meaningless from the perspective of any potential buyer thereof. I also recognize that it's good business sense by him, because while getting paid to advertise bike 'X', he can also advertise all the additional parts that he recommends swapping out (Shimano gears, wheels, tires etc) and even where to buy them (Jensons, his main sponsor). I would prefer he takes his skills and experience and says, this is the product, let's see how it performs out of the box, stock. That way it would be helpful as well as great viewing to the 90%+ of us who just want to purchase the best bike without ALSO having to purchasing 70% of another bike to use as a surrogate... I recently was in the market for a Specialzed EVO or perhaps Orbea Occam. I started watching Jeff's reviews in the hope of learning something that would assist in my final decision. I quickly realized that I was wasting my time, as both of the bikes he was riding were so customized (to him, and him alone), and now 50% more expensive than what my budget would all (when you take into account the add-ons), that any real-life comparison with what I could buy was no-longer pertinent. Again, I'd prefer if he just said this is the Stumpy Evo, if you push it to the max, as I do, these are the strengths and weaknesses that you'll encounter.
@@Trainnotstrain Conversely, you could read into the reviews as saying " Wait until the bike is on closeout so you can make it into what it should've been in the first place.". I don't care much for eebs, just watched for the dry humor and dad jokz.
@@Trainnotstrain What country are you located in? Your opinion is very common with many international viewers! I appreciate the feedback, thanks for the comment!
Awesome if you can side by side them with a heckler sl and ari nebo.