Pivot Shuttle SL Review

The Pivot Shuttle SL hits the scales at 17.93 kg. We’ve tested it to see if this lightweight machine can handle rugged terrain and aggressive rides.

The name “Shuttle” conjures up associations among mountain bikers of places like Finale Ligure or the Vinschgau—synonymous with downhill fun on repeat. However, contrary to what the name might suggest, the model name Shuttle SL doesn’t hide a hefty enduro bike, but rather a nimble trail bike with a modest 132 mm of rear travel. Nevertheless, Pivot has equipped the Shuttle SL with a robust setup that promises durability.

Up front, there’s a Fox 36 Factory Grip2 fork providing 150 mm of travel. The Float X shock with its reservoir and adjustable low-speed compression hints at more potential than what you usually expect from trail bikes with inline shocks. To ensure the bike rolls smoothly through terrain, it’s equipped with large 29-inch wheels. In the case of our test bike, these are the high-end and particularly lightweight Reynolds Blacklabel 309/289 XC carbon wheels. Despite its bomb-proof equipment, this Light Assist E-Bike weighs in at just 17.93 kg – thanks to the lightweight wheels.

The American luxury item is powered by German engineering. Discreetly hidden and seamlessly integrated into the high-quality carbon frame, the compact drive unit sits almost invisibly behind the chainring. Installed is a Ride60 motor from the Upper Bavarian manufacturer Fazua. Behind the brand is the young parent company “Porsche eBike Performance GmbH,” which acquired the up-and-coming start-up Fazua in 2022. As the name of the motor suggests, the e-machine delivers 60 Nm of torque. The maximum output is 450 watts. The system offers three riding modes, which can be customized to personal preference via the app.

The strength of the Fazua Ride 60 lies less in raw power and more in a natural riding feel. Compared to more powerful motors like the Bosch SX or the Dyname 4.0 SL, it may offer less power, but for riders who value a riding experience akin to a traditional bike, it is ideal.

The lowest support mode, aptly named “Breeze,” already provides noticeable assistance, which is particularly pleasant for mountain bikers transitioning to an e-bike. The motor operates quietly and blends seamlessly into the ambient noise. Riders pedaling up rough gravel to the summit will barely hear anything from the motor over the tire noise.

In rough terrain, the “Rocket” mode showcases its strengths. With 60 Nm of torque, it confidently conquers challenging climbs. However, one should not expect explosive thrust; the motor prefers a consistent power delivery. It lacks the immediate punch for spontaneous sprints or overcoming obstacles.

A positive highlight is that the Shuttle SL can be ridden efficiently even without motor assistance – a plus for purists and everyone who, despite an e-bike, still enjoys challenging and shaping their own body’s capabilities.

Uphill, the Shuttle SL impresses with natural assistance. On tarmac and well-maintained forest paths, the “Breeze” mode provides a feeling as if you are not being propelled by a motor. You can feel your own exertion and look forward to that satisfying sense of earned fatigue in the evening.

The riding position is rather sporty by today’s standards. The strength of the DW-link suspension is its pedaling neutrality. Due to the anti-squat, which remains consistently over 100% for up to 100 mm of travel, the chain tension prevents the rear suspension from compressing due to pedaling movements. What you feel is a pleasant resistance that ensures the pedaling energy is transmitted directly to the ground without annoying bobbing of the rear suspension.

Once you leave paved trails, you benefit from the active and equally well-defined rear end of the Shuttle SL. Thanks to the aforementioned anti-squat, the rear end stays high in the travel, preventing it from sagging even on steep ramps. Thus, the Pivot maintains a balanced axle load distribution, keeping the front wheel firmly on the ground even on steep climbs.

Despite this, the rear suspension can still absorb ground impacts under pedal load, providing the rear wheel with excellent ground contact. And ground contact equals traction. The forward energy from pedal power and motor power is thus optimally transferred to the track.

The bike climbs confidently and very controlled in off-road terrain. Another plus for such riding situations is the moderate head angle. With the fork sitting at a 65° angle to the ground, the bike allows for pleasantly lively and direct steering. This keeps the bike highly maneuverable even on technical uphills.

Let’s quickly highlight the facts behind the riding feel of the Shuttle SL. Pivot is known for its “DW” linkage. The name is nothing more than the initials of its developer – suspension guru Dave Weagle. Weagle is known for his exceptionally well-balanced suspensions. He achieves the balance between pedaling neutrality, responsiveness, and suspension feedback for a defined riding feel like no other.

We analyzed the DW linkage of the Shuttle SL and gained the following insights:

The Pivot rides just as you would expect from a Pivot: confident, precise, and forgiving. The Shuttle SL is brimming with life, as it oozes playfulness. It accomplishes what few bikes can: it instills a sense of security in its rider, allowing one to indulge in playful maneuvers with a hefty dose of confidence. This is pure riding fun. All components blend seamlessly into the overall picture – even the suspension fork harmonizes well with the rear.

The mantra for both the front and rear is: as much as necessary, as little as possible. The Shuttle uses its travel efficiently and has nothing to waste. A true sports machine indeed. It feels direct and translates the rider’s inputs precisely onto the trail. You can carry plenty of momentum out of turns and over undulations. Ideal for pushing with determination over the trail.

However, this direct handling is met with a narrow margin for error. Just holding on and sending a prayer is not an option. The Pivot wants to be guided with clear commands. Those looking for a bike with an autopilot mode will need to search elsewhere.

Speed junkies and full-throttle riders will quickly push the rear suspension to its limits. In full-gas mode, the downside of the lively rear suspension becomes evident: the progression, from which the rear draws its pop, makes it unsettled during fast, hard impact staccatos. 132 mm is not endless. When you hammer the rear into progression, it struggles to keep up with the hits. Flat-pedal riders, in particular, will then have trouble maintaining a secure grip on the pedals.

On the other hand, if you enjoy racking up air miles even on an e-bike and seek airtime, you will appreciate the progression at the rear. Whether it’s a botched landing or just a huck-to-flat, the shock provides enough resistance at the end stroke to avoid harsh bottom-outs.

The Shuttle SL is a trail bike and should be ridden in corresponding terrain. For truly gnarly trails, we recommend the Pivot Shuttle LT.

The geometry of the Shuttle SL significantly contributes to its agile ride quality. With a head angle of 65° and short chainstays of 432 mm (size L), the bike offers a balanced blend of stability and agility. This geometry enables precise handling, especially on flowy trails, and aids the rider in effortlessly navigating tight corners. Descending on the Shuttle SL feels secure without sacrificing the playfulness of a trail bike.

When comparing the Shuttle SL Team XTR with other light-assist e-MTBs in its class, it’s noticeable that Pivot opts for an exclusive setup. However, the XTR groupset by Shimano feels a bit outdated compared to Sram’s offerings in 2025.

Competitor models like the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9, the Orbea Rise M-LTD, or the Specialized Levo SL also offer a blend of lightweight construction and electric assistance. While the Trek features a TQ-HPR50 motor and the Orbea comes with the Shimano EP801-RS weighing slightly less, the Shuttle SL scores with its harmonious Fazua drive and well-thought-out geometry.

In terms of suspension, the Pivot stands on par with the Specialized Levo SL, although the latter offers more travel. In terms of price, the Shuttle SL is in the upper segment. Bikes like the Canyon Spectral On:fly are much more customer-friendly in this regard.