I’ve spent nearly two years pondering on whether to buy this bike and I’m finally doing it! You are badass btw, chatting away whilst shredding like a boss!
Really appreciate your review of a full 27.5 bike. I recently went back to 27.5 (Propain Tyee) from 29 and I'm 6'2". I'll never buy a 29 again, 27.5 is just more fun on any trail or in any bike park.
Lol it’s insane… I don’t think I’d have blinked or drew breath the whole way down but he’s just chatting away like he’s talking to his Mum about his first day at a new job or something. 🤯
Just demoed one yesterday. Currently on a '22 Firebird. It was so much fun riding the Shadowcat that I question if I need the Firebird for that 10% of my rides even though I love my Firebird. I found it pretty much how you described your ride. Very light, nimble and extremely responsive. Thanks for the great review.
This bike has been on my mind a lot lately. I demoed one a couple of years ago, but decided to go with a 29er. Over the past couple of years, I have started to think more about fun than speed when riding. So this bike along with the new Yeti SB135 have me thinking of selling my 2934 and going with one of these new 27.5 bikes. Great review as always.
Literally just bought one, had it a month now and it's the best bike I've ever owned and I'm not a short person as I'm just shy of 6'2". My local area is generally tight the acceleration of the 650b is far more fun than big old wagon wheels. I don't race I'm just in it for the fun of riding. But it's setting some quick times as it accelerates so fast and is so easy to pedal.
Picked up a used Pivot Mach5.5 Live Valve (the predecessor to this shadow cat) and I absolutely love everything about it. At 6'(M) & 200lbs; the 27.5" initially concerned me, but the price was too good to pass ~3k about 1.5yr ago. The bike rips and is insanely playful. Any small feature becomes a hip to jump, hill to pump, or berm to rail. Large features are handled with absolute confidence. It really is just the most fun bike I've ever ridden. I may be biased since my home trails are SoMo where Pivot is HQ'd... Taken anywhere else it is equally fun and capable. I feel lucky to have stumbled onto my dream bike.
I have been entertaining the idea of getting a 27.5 bike as a second bike. My cousin is a diehard 27.5 guy and he has talked me into it and this review certainly helped. The transition scout in the ibis mojo are the other two on my list.
2019 Mach 6. 155 rr, 170ft. Full carbon 11spd sram, w Fox X2 air. 27.5. 2.8ft Maxxis Minnion, 2.5 rr. 31.5 lbs. I built it years ago. Crushes everything. Just wore it out..But just got the new Mach 6 Mullet. Mote news at 11..💪🍺
I like a 76 degree ST angle. With long TT lengths, it is not cramped to just slide to the nose of the saddle on the super steep stuff. I like the weight slightly rear biased bc I ride trails with many log hops and features where manuals and punches are essential.
Yep sold my 29r over a year ago, went back to 27:5, all I’ll say is you feel more engaged with the trail. In Australian dollars the above bike goes for $16000 !…
0:05 it says Wheel Size: 29" That being said this seems to be a Switchblade just with smaller wheels. I own _that_ bike, and I'm thankful that someone finally dare to say that the rear end is rather slack and that you do feel it in the uphill. Seeing this review it could be something to swop wheels on mine which of course also will benefit you in the uphill. The Switchblade was definitely not designed for what I use it for the most(10km uphill just to get to any trails), so it will always be a compromise. The flipchip is in the high position though which did help, but I still wish the seat tube angle was 1 degree steeper.
@@KROY_FM Yup, this winter I'll be ordering 165mm cranks(stock is 175mm which is just wrong especially for my bike with low BB) and a Wolf Tooth 1 Degree GeoShift Performance Angle Headset. At least if I understand it correctly that angleset will also *_steepen_* the seat tube angle which means I might be able to pop the flip chip back into the low setting. We'll see. I just know I need to modify some things so it will be more usable for me and the terrain I use it for. Low BB is just hell for lots of techy and rocky sections, and literally all my trails are just boulderfields. I got a bashguard so no prob to just rail over some rocks, but smacking the cranks and pedals into every rock is just an annoyance, especially in the techy uphill parts.
I don’t get it. Since when did anyone NOT want to have a “fun” bike. I tried my best with 29; rode one for a year; also tried mullet. Went back to full 27.5 and I ain’t looking back. Unless you’re a competitor who wants full throttle stability there is just no need for 29. There is also the argument that 29’s suit newcomers to the sport. But when the bike does the work for you in inhibits skill progression; so I don’t think that makes sense either. 29’s; like an F1 car, have their place in the competitive world but not for 95% of us that just want to rip on a bike…go figure. Kudos to Pivot for sticking to reality.
Thanks for the awesome review, looks like a blast! A lot of mentions of weight -- what is the actual weight of the bike? I didn't see it in the written review either. It sounds like this is an amazing bike, you had a ton of positive things to say about it. Anything you didn't like, any cons?
very good video. I'm happy to see smaller wheel sizes. as a shorter rider, its interesting to hear your honest review on height and the right bike. can you review the Santa Cruz Bllur TR if its available?
I have an extra-small Mach 5.5. I'm so disappointed that Pivot made the Shadowcat extra-small the size of the Mach 5.5 small. Everything is up a size, and they don't make a bike small enough for me anymore. Woulda bought one!
*_This against the IBIS Mojo4 would be a great Head-to-Head, even with 10mm more on the Pivot. So I take it this is basically a 27.5" version of morphing of the T429 & Switchblade..?_*
I just bought the same bike but sometimes when i just ride around my neighborhood, i do a 5 stair drop (drop to flat on concrete) and it bottoms out… am i doing something wrong and is it ok for the bike?
@@troyesch6203YUP. FUCK 29. It was many years since I rode and when I did it was 26. I got on a 27.5+ not knowning by looking at a MB for 15 years and said something is wrong with tjis shit. I asked the guy and he said ya that's right you're used to a 26. It was immediately apparent even after that many years. I can deal with a 27.5 but FUCK A 29. Like the car industry they'll make you buy the something that's not necessary because it becomes you're only choice.
Doode. Due appreciation for your narrative just going along w the riding footage, rather than Having to watch a bunch of bearded lumberjack hipsters standing around jawjacking about a bike while wearing their 3/4 shell helmets like they had someone on belay at a climbing wall.
I’ve spent nearly two years pondering on whether to buy this bike and I’m finally doing it! You are badass btw, chatting away whilst shredding like a boss!
Really appreciate your review of a full 27.5 bike. I recently went back to 27.5 (Propain Tyee) from 29 and I'm 6'2". I'll never buy a 29 again, 27.5 is just more fun on any trail or in any bike park.
that is rad
*_YESSSSS!_*
I love the nonchalant chatting while bombing like an absolute boss!! Great review, hope to try one at a demo day sometime. Thanks
Lol it’s insane… I don’t think I’d have blinked or drew breath the whole way down but he’s just chatting away like he’s talking to his Mum about his first day at a new job or something. 🤯
Love watching these reviews.
The intro graphic threw me off, but like the commentary says, it has 27.5" wheels.
Same, says 29 on intro
27,5 are back. IIncredible bike! Looks like th ibis mojo 4, so fun too
100% different bikes, different feel and ride even on same trails, even more reason to have a pile of bikes to keep things interesting.
Still the best bike reviews on the net. One of the few pov vids going uphill, which is a part of everyday riding too.
How can he speak so easily and hit those trails so fast?! 😳
By the way: this trail is simply amazing!!
I'd like to get another 27.5 someday, they do feel great in 130-140 travel.
Pivot, yeti, Ibis and of course Transition (what were SC thinking?). 27.5 is back in vogue! Great review..🤘🤘😄
Just demoed one yesterday. Currently on a '22 Firebird. It was so much fun riding the Shadowcat that I question if I need the Firebird for that 10% of my rides even though I love my Firebird. I found it pretty much how you described your ride. Very light, nimble and extremely responsive. Thanks for the great review.
Best POV reviews anywhere. That was fun to watch 😊
This bike has been on my mind a lot lately. I demoed one a couple of years ago, but decided to go with a 29er. Over the past couple of years, I have started to think more about fun than speed when riding. So this bike along with the new Yeti SB135 have me thinking of selling my 2934 and going with one of these new 27.5 bikes. Great review as always.
Literally just bought one, had it a month now and it's the best bike I've ever owned and I'm not a short person as I'm just shy of 6'2". My local area is generally tight the acceleration of the 650b is far more fun than big old wagon wheels. I don't race I'm just in it for the fun of riding. But it's setting some quick times as it accelerates so fast and is so easy to pedal.
Hi Brian, how does the cockpit feels at 6,2'' ? hoping to demo one this spring but that's not guarantied. Thank you appreciated
Picked up a used Pivot Mach5.5 Live Valve (the predecessor to this shadow cat) and I absolutely love everything about it. At 6'(M) & 200lbs; the 27.5" initially concerned me, but the price was too good to pass ~3k about 1.5yr ago. The bike rips and is insanely playful. Any small feature becomes a hip to jump, hill to pump, or berm to rail. Large features are handled with absolute confidence. It really is just the most fun bike I've ever ridden. I may be biased since my home trails are SoMo where Pivot is HQ'd... Taken anywhere else it is equally fun and capable. I feel lucky to have stumbled onto my dream bike.
I have been entertaining the idea of getting a 27.5 bike as a second bike. My cousin is a diehard 27.5 guy and he has talked me into it and this review certainly helped. The transition scout in the ibis mojo are the other two on my list.
transition scout all the way.
Yo be fair freehub reviews make every single bike look like “the bike”.
Lightweight, mid-travel 27.5 with modern geo... Such a fun combination!
2019 Mach 6. 155 rr, 170ft. Full carbon 11spd sram, w Fox X2 air. 27.5. 2.8ft Maxxis Minnion, 2.5 rr.
31.5 lbs. I built it years ago. Crushes everything. Just wore it out..But just got the new Mach 6 Mullet. Mote news at 11..💪🍺
I like a 76 degree ST angle. With long TT lengths, it is not cramped to just slide to the nose of the saddle on the super steep stuff. I like the weight slightly rear biased bc I ride trails with many log hops and features where manuals and punches are essential.
That thing looks like it loves to change direction, exactly the kind of riding I love.
Your POV riding is the best out of all the UA-camrs I've seen.
Yep sold my 29r over a year ago, went back to 27:5, all I’ll say is you feel more engaged with the trail. In Australian dollars the above bike goes for $16000 !…
Pretty much my dream bike. Awesome paint too.
Very cool to see this. I just bought a Mach 6 and it seems like it shares some of the same playful but plush qualities.
0:05 it says Wheel Size: 29"
That being said this seems to be a Switchblade just with smaller wheels. I own _that_ bike, and I'm thankful that someone finally dare to say that the rear end is rather slack and that you do feel it in the uphill. Seeing this review it could be something to swop wheels on mine which of course also will benefit you in the uphill.
The Switchblade was definitely not designed for what I use it for the most(10km uphill just to get to any trails), so it will always be a compromise. The flipchip is in the high position though which did help, but I still wish the seat tube angle was 1 degree steeper.
Angleset?
@@KROY_FM Yup, this winter I'll be ordering 165mm cranks(stock is 175mm which is just wrong especially for my bike with low BB)
and a Wolf Tooth 1 Degree GeoShift Performance Angle Headset. At least if I understand it correctly that angleset will also *_steepen_* the seat tube angle which means I might be able to pop the flip chip back into the low setting. We'll see. I just know I need to modify some things so it will be more usable for me and the terrain I use it for. Low BB is just hell for lots of techy and rocky sections, and literally all my trails are just boulderfields. I got a bashguard so no prob to just rail over some rocks, but smacking the cranks and pedals into every rock is just an annoyance, especially in the techy uphill parts.
I don’t get it. Since when did anyone NOT want to have a “fun” bike. I tried my best with 29; rode one for a year; also tried mullet. Went back to full 27.5 and I ain’t looking back. Unless you’re a competitor who wants full throttle stability there is just no need for 29. There is also the argument that 29’s suit newcomers to the sport. But when the bike does the work for you in inhibits skill progression; so I don’t think that makes sense either. 29’s; like an F1 car, have their place in the competitive world but not for 95% of us that just want to rip on a bike…go figure. Kudos to Pivot for sticking to reality.
Sold! I want it 🤤... Also this trail looks SICK
Thanks for the awesome review, looks like a blast! A lot of mentions of weight -- what is the actual weight of the bike? I didn't see it in the written review either.
It sounds like this is an amazing bike, you had a ton of positive things to say about it. Anything you didn't like, any cons?
I believe the full xtr is 26.5lbs
What do you typically run your front Lo speed rebound? Also it looks like you are riding with no pants? No judgment on that.
Own this bike and love it! Great review 🔥
yes how does it compare to the mojo? The mojo had a different tire setup with no slide outs.
I could see this becoming a cult bike. Very unique proposition in today's market. Hopefully it finds a popular niche.
Need the Druid v2 review!!!
very good video.
I'm happy to see smaller wheel sizes.
as a shorter rider, its interesting to hear your honest review on height and the right bike.
can you review the Santa Cruz Bllur TR if its available?
Those reviews always look amazing😮 Great content, awesome bike and riding! What settings are you using with a gopro while riding?
Why does the first graphic that you see in this video say Wheel Size: 29" when it's a 27.5?
Would love to see you on the new Forbidden Druid!
What trails are featured in this video?
Galbraith
*_I'm torn - this or the IBIS Mojo-4 to replace my 1994 Bridgestone MB-1?!?_*
I have an extra-small Mach 5.5. I'm so disappointed that Pivot made the Shadowcat extra-small the size of the Mach 5.5 small. Everything is up a size, and they don't make a bike small enough for me anymore. Woulda bought one!
What trails are you riding here?
does this bike sit a little more upright?
*_This against the IBIS Mojo4 would be a great Head-to-Head, even with 10mm more on the Pivot. So I take it this is basically a 27.5" version of morphing of the T429 & Switchblade..?_*
What would you think of making a mullet out of it? Swap the front fork out from the 160 to a 140 and put a 29er wheel up front.
I saw another person do that exact thing in a differnt review and he said it was amazing you can prolly find the video by looking at more reviews
I just bought the same bike but sometimes when i just ride around my neighborhood, i do a 5 stair drop (drop to flat on concrete) and it bottoms out… am i doing something wrong and is it ok for the bike?
Can you please review the new propain tyee?
I bought a trail 429 a few months ago. Feeling like I should have got the shadowcat.
Why? I am on the market for a 429
@@diorite81 I don’t like the 29” wheels. My last bike was 26”. I think my riding style is more suited for 27.5”.
@@troyesch6203This one does look faster & silkier than the Ibis and at least equal with Spencer's latest wild T429 ride.
@@diorite81 I’m adjusting more and more with every ride. Starting to like the 29’s
@@troyesch6203YUP. FUCK 29. It was many years since I rode and when I did it was 26. I got on a 27.5+ not knowning by looking at a MB for 15 years and said something is wrong with tjis shit. I asked the guy and he said ya that's right you're used to a 26. It was immediately apparent even after that many years. I can deal with a 27.5 but FUCK A 29. Like the car industry they'll make you buy the something that's not necessary because it becomes you're only choice.
Insane skill level
Why does it say 29 wheels at the start?
You seemed to be hauling a little more than usual. Just my imagination or did the bike help with the speed?
Great reviews btw. Love the channel. Thanks!
what was this filmed on ?
Damn son! Excellent riding while in review! I think this bike as a 150mm mullet and fox float x could be “THE ONE”
No
Love this!
Here for the excellent review. No interest in this bike at all.
The best reviews. I watch them all regardless of the bike.
@@stevehalleym same
Same, esp with the name Shadowcat 😂
I demoed this the other day. Didn't like it. I like a 29er. Pivots trail 429 was awesome in comparison.
If a 29 had never been developed would you say you didn't like the 27.5?
@@RobJackmehoff I went from 26 to 29. Skipped 27.5 entirely.
27.5 come back
Awesome epik bike
Pivot needs to offer this *NOT* in _"HOT PINK"_ - lol - but in Trail 429 Silver or, preferably, *_20 Tacoma TRD Pro Army Green 4._*
To each their own. I think the pink is sick.
Love the “danger fruit” color
Doode. Due appreciation for your narrative just going along w the riding footage, rather than
Having to watch a bunch of bearded lumberjack hipsters standing around jawjacking about a bike while wearing their 3/4 shell helmets like they had someone on belay at a climbing wall.
Are you clipped in?
yes
#pedalforhealth
Great review but that sure is a noisy bike!
I thought this was more of a women’s oriented bike?
Why because you can't ride?
@@RobJackmehoff At the time, I was only seeing primarily female ytubers reviewing them. Cheer up! I hope your day gets better…