Sea Otter 2016: Pivot updates LES carbon hardtail

For 2016, the Pivot Cycles LES carbon cross-country hardtail received a few notable updates that were announced today at Sea Otter. The frame dropped more than 50 grams, with complete geared bikes available under 20 pounds. The frame features Boost 110 mm front and 148 mm rear spacing, full Di2 integration via the Pivot Cable Port system and a wheelsize of either 29 or 27plus (with up to a 2.8-inch tire for the latter). We also noted house-branded carbon seatpost and bars.

All LES models (except the 27plus version) will come stock with Fox’s new 29er Step-Cast fork (which we detailed and are currently testing), and can accept forks with 100-130 mm of travel. The frame is ready for either 1x or 2x gearing and will be available is sizes small through extra-large for rider heights of 5’4″ to 6’7″.

The patented Swinger II dropout not only makes switching between geared and singlespeed set ups easy, it also allows users to adjust chainstay length to accommodate the widest range of tire sizes while maximizing mud clearance. The adjustment happens with the simple turning of screws that click with each turn, so you are easily able to keep the wheel properly aligned and know exactly what adjustments you have made.

We got to spend only a brief moment turning the pedals on this bike, and not on anything other than smooth trail. It certainly feels like a racer: light, nimble, very fast and sure-footed on climbs. The rear dropout adjustments are pretty nifty. Though the LES won’t be sold complete as a singlespeed, it would certainly make a formidable weapon if utilized as such.

(Geometry chart is in inches.)