The Duality of the Design
Whether you're chasing endless elevation or sculpting lines on tight, technical singletrack, the Trailcat is your ultimate ride companion, tuned to take every hit, twist and climb. The Trailcat SL and LT share a heritage of high-performance handling and unmatched versatility but cater to two different sides of the same coin. The SL is the tool for those who crave swift, snappy efficiency, while the LT brings longer-travel confidence for those who seek bigger thrills and steeper trails. Whichever you choose, the Trailcat is engineered to be the ideal fit for your style of adventure, helping you go further, faster and bolder.
“At Pivot, we don’t just build bikes; we design experiences,” says Kevin Tisue, Director of Engineering at Pivot Cycles.
The Back Story
Pivot Cycles designed the new Trailcat SL and LT in the spirit of some of their favorite Pivot models to provide us with something more. From the moment that the lightweight 27.5" Shadowcat launched, Pivot Cycles and their customers felt that a 29" version of the Shadowcat would be awesome which is what the Switchblade was. But then the Switchblade became more capable, and a bit more enduro focused, leaving a golden opportunity for something new and exciting.
Simultaneously, Pivot Cycles was developing the Shuttle SL and it proved to hit a magical sweet spot. Anyone who gets on a Shuttle SL loves that bike (and it's not just because it has a motor). Even turned off there is something special about the way the Shuttle SL handles and feels - They knew we were onto something.
Fast forward to today when the time has come to update the venerable Trail 429 and Trail 429 Enduro models. Certainly, both are a hard act to follow, but in typical Pivot Cycles fashion, they knew they could do better and the Trailcat SL and Trailcat LT were born.
Two new models with an incredible pedigree, bringing the next level of Trail bike performance to the category.
“With the Trailcat SL and LT we set out to create the ultimate expressions of versatility and performance. Whether you’re pushing limits on the tech or putting in miles on an all-day adventure, there’s a Trailcat that’s perfect for your ride.”
Trailcat SL: Refined & Ready
The Trailcat SL was built to excel on every inch of the trail, this bike combines XC-inspired efficiency with confidence inspiring trail capability. Its 120mm of finely tuned dw-link suspension effortlessly converts pedaling power into forward momentum, letting you glide up climbs with unwavering traction and ease. Up front, a plush and lightweight Fox 34 with140mm of travel smooths out the trail, soaking up hits to keep you in control when the terrain turns unpredictable.
Trailcat LT: Rowdy & Refined
Striking the perfect balance of trail-taming composure and lively responsiveness, the Trailcat LT redefines what a trailbike can be, challenging expectations and setting a new benchmark for the trail category. The 135mm of masterfully tuned dw-link suspension maximizes traction and efficiency on every climb while maintaining a plush, bottomless feel when charging through rocky, root strewn descents. Nimble, planted and always in control, the LT encourages you to push harder and ride every trail like it was built just for you.
Toolshed™ In-Frame Storage
The new Pivot Toolshed™ in-frame storage system keeps your essentials securely tucked away, reducing clutter and providing quick, easy access for all your trail adventures, from short rides to longer excursions. Designed to be completely rattle-free, it ensures your gear stays silent and secure, even on the roughest terrain.
The Toolshed™ door is a work of engineering art with the easiest to use and most secure latching system on the market. An integrated magnet on the inside of the door holds quick links for fast and easy access. Strap your favorite tool or accessory to the inside of the door using the integrated strap loop (strap not included).
Each Trailcat includes two Toolshed™ bags, designed to carry a spare inner tube, essential tools and even a bit of extra space for a snack.
Pivot Dock Tool System
Pivot’s exclusive on-the-bike tool system created in collaboration with Topeak. Unweight hydration packs by strategically locating essential repair items under either the top tube or BB.
Available as Dock Ninja CO2, Dock Ninja Tool Box T16+, Dock Ninja Trifecta or Dock Ninja Tool Box Mini 20 Pro
New Cable Port Design
The dual cable port allows for two hoses to be routed through the same port, simplifying cable routing at the head tube both visually and practically. The larger opening provides an easier and more efficient routing process for your cables.
New integrated cable clips inside the Toolshed™ keep cables and housing secure, silent and hidden.
Flip Chip Adjustability
"Low" and "High" settings on the Pivot Flip Chip allow riders to easily configure geometry or adjust for different wheel sizes. The high BB setting will raise the bottom bracket and steepen the head angle by 0.5 degree or allow for the use of a 27.5" rear wheel making all sizes of both the Trailcat SL and Trailcat LT mixed wheel compatible.
dw-link
The dw-link suspension design maximizes traction and pedal efficiency on every climb, all while maintaining a plush, bottomless feel when charging through chunky descents. dw-link suspension enables the Trailcat SL to pedal like an XC bike and descend better than any 120mm bike has a right to while the Trailcat LT pedals like a short travel trailbike and descends with the capability of an enduro race bike.
Pivot Premier Lifetime Warranty
Pivot Cycles is proud to offer the Pivot Premier Lifetime Warranty, covering frames for the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty applies to bikes sold on or after January 1, 2024. To qualify, bikes must be registered within 30 days of purchase or by April 1, 2025, whichever comes later.
Additionally, Pivot is excited to offer lifetime bearing replacement as a part of their commitment to performance and durability. Complete details on the Pivot Premier Lifetime Warranty & Courtesy Bearing Replacement program can be found at pivotcycles.com/lifetime-warranty.