New Pivot Shuttle AMPD On Test – The most powerful all-rounder in the Shuttle lineup with Avinox M2S power?

The new Pivot Shuttle AMPD wears its ambition right in its name: not to replace, not to imitate, but to amplify. Armed with the Avinox M2S motor, an 800 Wh battery, a new RockShox suspension setup, and 160/150 mm of travel, Pivot’s goal is clear – a distinctive full-power eMTB that delivers serious punch without tipping the scales. But does it actually deliver where it counts, out on the trail?

With the Shuttle AMPD, Pivot takes its already extensive Shuttle family one step further. Alongside the still fairly fresh Shuttle LT as an electric enduro weapon, the Shuttle AM as an all-round eMTB, and the lighter SL and SL/AM models, the Americans are now positioning a bike designed to slot neatly between the LT and the AM.

That’s exactly why Pivot have equipped the Shuttle AMPD with the Avinox M2S motor system, an 800 Wh battery, 160/150 mm of travel, and a mullet wheel configuration. Rounding things out is the DW-Link rear suspension, which, as on almost every Pivot, is designed not only to deliver sensitive traction, but also to channel the Avinox motor’s output into forward momentum as efficiently as possible. Even the name gives it away: with “AMPD,” Pivot nods to the amplifier from the world of audio, a fitting metaphor for what this bike is built to do.

What makes it particularly interesting is the numbers on paper. At just 21.5 kg in size L (manufacturer’s specifications), the Shuttle AMPD stands out as one of the lighter bikes in its class despite its full-power motor system. At the same time, the €11,999 price tag makes it clear that Pivot are positioning the new model with anything but restraint. That leaves one key question: does the Shuttle AMPD manage to push the Shuttle promise forward in a credible way with even more power – and what is it actually like to ride on the trail?

What clever details does the new Pivot Shuttle AMPD feature?

The Shuttle AMPD impresses with a level of detail and finish that feels genuinely considered. The full carbon frame is well protected where it matters most, and the overall build quality leaves little to complain about. One standout touch is the derailleur cable, which draws power directly from the main battery and sits neatly behind a small cover, keeping it safe from trail debris and accidental impacts. Nice!

The rear triangle is equally convincing, with generously sized plastic protectors keeping chain slap firmly in check. Cable routing is just as tidy: the lines enter the frame cleanly through bolted ports behind the head tube and stay pleasantly quiet on the trail. A rubber downtube protector and a robust motor cover do a reliable job of shielding the frame and drive unit from impacts and flying rocks. Everyday practicality hasn’t been overlooked either, with a tool mount on the underside of the top tube and mounts for a bottle cage. A neatly integrated chain guide rounds things off nicely.

What is the new Avinox M2S motor of the Pivot Shuttle AMPD capable of?

Staying true to the Shuttle AMPD’s sporty ambitions, Pivot rely on the most powerful system in Avinox’s product range – and currently one of the most potent on the market. The new Avinox M2S doesn’t just deliver massive output figures; it also integrates seamlessly into the bike’s overall concept. The motor produces up to 1,300 watts of peak power and a maximum of 150 Nm of torque in Boost mode, while the remaining modes still offer up to 130 Nm.

The permanently integrated 800 Wh battery sits remarkably low in the frame, positioned directly in front of the motor rather than above it, which benefits the bike’s overall weight distribution. Charging is handled by a 12 A fast charger with 508 watts of charging power, bringing the battery to full capacity in just 2 hours and 20 minutes, though this charger is only included with the Pro and Team builds.

Control feels intuitive throughout, with the high-quality OLED touchscreen integrated into the top tube working seamlessly alongside the familiar dual remotes. The Avinox Ride app is equally impressive, offering extensive customization options that put it among the best in the business. One detail worth highlighting: rather than going with Avinox’s standard charging port cover, Pivot opt for their own magnetically closing solution positioned directly above the motor, and it works flawlessly in testing.

Another practical feature: the Shuttle AMPD supports Avinox’s fully integrated headlight. It’s available as an optional upgrade rather than standard spec, but can be powered directly by the bike’s main battery and controlled via the display. Thanks to internal cable routing, the cockpit remains clean even with the light installed, while a dedicated stem mount ensures tidy integration. In practice, retrofitting requires routing the cable through the frame’s cable ports, using the separately available kit.

At a glance: Avinox M2S motor system

• Max. power: 1,300 W
• Max. torque: 150 Nm
• Battery: 800 Wh
• Drive unit weight: 2.63 kg

What is the spec of the new Pivot Shuttle AMPD?

With the Shuttle AMPD Pro X0 Eagle Transmission, Pivot have gone for a spec that’s both high-end and built to take a beating. Suspension duties are handled by RockShox’s latest components. Up front, the new RockShox ZEB Ultimate generates 160 mm of travel and runs the updated Charger 3.2 damper, whose more progressive tune is designed to counterbalance the rather linear spring curve of the new air spring. At the rear, the new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock controls 150 mm of travel. Both suspension elements offer plenty of adjustment, deliver a very sensitive yet controlled response, and suit the bike well with a ride character that feels linear, but still poppy enough on the trail.

Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which is wired directly into the main battery. This does away with the need to regularly charge separate AXS batteries while also unlocking practical features like Smooth Shift and the motor’s brief power reduction during gear changes. Both make a real difference on the trail and can help reduce drivetrain wear over time. Up front, the chainring is protected by an effective bash guard, though its look takes some getting used to.

Braking is taken care of by SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes paired with 200 mm HS2 rotors front and rear. While this bike still uses the older A1 version, which doesn’t yet feature the new SwingLink, revised lever, or updated piston sizing, that does little to change the MAVEN’s famously brutal stopping power.

A OneUp V3 dropper post with 210 mm of travel provides plenty of freedom of movement, proving an excellent fit for a frame size L. For the wheels, Pivot rely on the DT Swiss HX1501 Hybrid in a mullet configuration, paired with the brand’s familiar Super Boost+ standard. This primarily increases wheel stiffness without noticeably compromising compliance, though it can make sourcing replacement parts a bit more difficult.

The Shuttle AMPD rolls on Continental Kryptotals with Enduro casing, including a 2.6″ rear tire. Pivot pair a SuperSoft compound up front with the slightly firmer Soft version at the rear. In principle, both the tread pattern and rubber compounds suit the bike’s character well, but the single-ply Enduro casing, particularly at the rear, proved too thin for the job and caused a puncture early in our test. As a temporary fix, we swapped it for a far more robust Maxxis Minion DHR II with DoubleDown casing. Rounding off the build is a Phoenix Team carbon handlebar with a 35 mm rise and a comfortable 780 mm width.

Tuning tip: at the very least, swap the rear tire for a Continental model with a dual-ply Downhill casing.

The Geometry of the Pivot Shuttle AMPD: simple but effective

The Pivot Shuttle AMPD is available in five sizes, XS to XL, and according to the manufacturer is designed to cover riders from 1.50 m to 2.00 m tall. A nice touch: Pivot adapt the carbon layup for each frame size to strike the right balance between stiffness and compliance across the size range.

As standard, the Shuttle AMPD comes in a mullet setup with a 29″ front wheel and 27.5″ rear wheel. In sizes S to XL, however, the bike can also be run as a full 29er. In size L, both the 471 mm reach and the 443 mm chainstays are on the shorter side. The 76.1° seat angle is modern without being excessively steep, while the 63.3° head angle is clearly geared toward descending. With a wheelbase of 1,267.2 mm, the Shuttle AMPD remains on the more compact side overall.

The flip chip itself is a smart solution, allowing you to raise or lower the bottom bracket by 5 mm (340 mm or 335 mm respectively), while also changing the head angle by 0.5°. In the high setting, the bike sits a little steeper at 63.7°, and the seat angle also becomes 0.4° steeper, increasing to 76.5°. Practical too: the adjustment is comparatively easy and quick to do on the trail, so it doesn’t feel like an overly complicated setup playground, making it a bit more versatile than on the LT.

All values shown in the MX low setting:

Other build variants of the new Pivot Shuttle AMPD

The new Pivot Shuttle AMPD is available in three build variants which, as is typical for Pivot, are named after their respective drivetrains. At the top of the range sits the Team XX Eagle Transmission as the flagship model, followed by the Pro X0 Eagle Transmission version we tested, while the Ride GX Eagle Transmission marks the entry point into the lineup. In terms of colour options, the bike is available either in our test bike’s “Burgundy Berry Freeze” finish or in the far more understated “Black Metallic Stone” paint finish.

The Avinox M2S motor system, 800 Wh battery, and Continental tire spec remain unchanged across all three variants.

Priced at €13,999, the Team XX Eagle Transmission comes equipped with a FOX Factory suspension package, featuring the new FOX 38 Factory fork with GRIP X2 damper up front and the revised FOX FLOAT X Factory shock at the rear. It also gets a SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, SRAM MAVEN Ultimate brakes – still in the older A1 version for now – the electronic RockShox Reverb V2 dropper post with 200 mm travel in size L, and DT Swiss HXC 1501 Hybrid carbon wheels.

The Pro X0 Eagle Transmission that we tested positions itself as the sweet spot in the lineup.

The most affordable option, the Ride GX Eagle Transmission, costs €9,699 and comes with a FOX Performance suspension, consisting of a FOX 38 fork with the simpler GRIP damper and a FOX FLOAT X Performance shock. As a result, adjustment options are noticeably more limited here. Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, while SRAM MAVEN Base brakes with CenterLine 2.0 rotors do stopping duties. It also comes with the lower-output 168-watt Avinox charger and DT Swiss E532 aluminium wheels.

How does the new Pivot Shuttle AMPD perform on the trail?

What about uphill performance?

From the very first pedal strokes uphill, the Pivot Shuttle AMPD impresses with a well-balanced riding position. The weight is evenly distributed between the handlebars and the saddle, places you centrally between the front and rear wheels, thus creating a solid foundation for long climbs as well as technical ascents.

On fire roads, the DW-Link rear suspension barely bobs and remains pleasantly firm. As a result, there’s rarely any need to reach for the climb switch, even though it noticeably stiffens the rear end further. The Shuttle AMPD climbs efficiently, translating pedalling input neatly into forward propulsion. This fits perfectly with the bike’s character: uphill, the Pivot feels lively and direct, which is largely due to the powerful Avinox M2S motor. The Shuttle AMPD accelerates quickly to the 25 km/h limit, and builds speed effortlessly while maintaining an energetic feel, especially on fire roads and steep climbs.

However, the Shuttle AMPD truly shines on technical climbs. Here, the Avinox M2S delivers its power with authority, and yet remains surprisingly easy to control. The drive unit responds instantly to pedal input, delivers its power very directly, but never feels nervous or unpredictable. Under moderate loads, the motor stays pleasantly quiet and restrained; only under full load does the characteristic electric whirr become more noticeable – though it matches the surge in power.

What’s particularly striking is how much the motor output changes your uphill riding style. Instead of riding right at the limit between balance, traction, and a lifting front wheel, many technical climbs can now be tackled at significantly higher base speeds. This added speed stabilises the bike. Loose rock slabs, technical rock gardens, or steep root sections can often be cleared more smoothly and with consistent pedal pressure. The Shuttle AMPD almost carries you over challenging sections, making technical climbs noticeably easier.

This also pushes the boundaries of what’s rideable uphill. While traction remains important, it’s less often the limiting factor, as the motor delivers consistent, predictable thrust. The sheer power of the Avinox M2S can certainly be questioned on principle, but in practice, it remains surprisingly controlled and clearly expands what’s possible on the climbs.

Only on extremely steep sections does the bike’s relatively tall front end become noticeable. Here, you’ll need to stay active to keep the front wheel planted. That said, by the time you reach terrain this steep, most riders – and bikes without an Avinox motor – have long been left behind. In typical to demanding technical climbs, the Shuttle AMPD remains a highly capable climber, combining efficiency, powerful support, and a well-balanced ride feel.

How does the new Pivot Shuttle AMPD perform on descents?

Point it downhill, and the Pivot Shuttle AMPD immediately makes one thing clear: this isn’t a bike that demands a long learning curve. From the first few meters, the handling feels intuitive, accessible, and confidence-inspiring. Especially in our preferred low setting, the bike sits planted on the trail, combining a tall front end with a low centre of gravity to deliver a strong sense of security. You don’t feel perched on top of the bike, instead, you’re nicely integrated into the frame.

On the trail, the Shuttle AMPD benefits from a very controlled ride feel. A big part of that comes from the RockShox suspension, which offers sensitive response and generates tons of grip without ever feeling sluggish. Despite its stable and confidence-inspiring character, the Pivot never feels dull. Thanks to its relatively low overall weight and compact dimensions, it’s surprisingly easy to pop off features and actively manoeuvre the bike over obstacles.

Downhill, the Shuttle AMPD leans more towards a playful character rather than being purely tuned for maximum composure, yet it remains impressively composed. It encourages an active riding style, changes direction quickly, and can be pushed through corners with minimal input, all without ever feeling nervous. Pivot strikes a strong balance here: the bike blends agility and tracking stability in a way that delivers both high levels of fun and serious trail performance.

At the same time, its lively character doesn’t come at the expense of reserves. When the trail gets rough or bigger hits come into play, the Shuttle AMPD handles them with confidence. It never feels overwhelmed and maintains a calm, predictable nature even in demanding terrain. That fits the overall picture: it’s not a no-compromise bulldozer, but a highly capable trail bike with a broad range of use and a high comfort factor on descents. Another standout feature is the low noise level. Even on rough trails, the Shuttle AMPD remains impressively quiet, no rattling, no distractions, further reinforcing the bike’s premium feel.

Who is the new Pivot Shuttle AMPD for?

The Pivot Shuttle AMPD is aimed squarely at riders looking for a modern, exceptionally well-balanced eMTB, one that climbs with authority and delivers confidence, grip, and agility on the descents. What sets it apart is how accessible it makes that performance, appealing to a broad range of riders. For us, the Shuttle AMPD currently stands out as the strongest all-rounder in Pivot’s eMTB Shuttle lineup.

Conclusions about the new Pivot Shuttle AMPD

The Pivot Shuttle AMPD is an exceptionally well-rounded eMTB that nails the balance between strong uphill performance and serious fun on the descents. It climbs efficiently, feels well balanced, and delivers plenty of power, while downhill it combines agility, huge amounts of grip, and a high level of confidence. What stands out most is the successful blend of playfulness and composure. The pleasantly quiet ride and robust spec only add to the strong overall impression. All in all, the Shuttle AMPD is a highly capable all-rounder with a broad range of use and a correspondingly confident price tag.

Tops

• Loads of confidence and grip on the descents
• Very successful mix of playfulness and composure
• Quiet on the trail
• Extremely high, consistently available motor output
• Strong climbing performance

Flops

• Confident price tag
• Continental Enduro casing is too flimsy

For more information about the Pivot Shuttle AMPD, head over to Pivot.

Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Lars Engmann