Pivot introduces the new Shuttle LT! For the latest iteration of their full-power eMTB, the American manufacturer has swapped the Shimano motor for a Bosch Performance Line CX Race drive. Can the Pivot strike the right balance between high-performance eMTB and comfortable touring bike, or is it all about performance? Read the full review to find out how the Pivot Shuttle LT fares on the trails!
American bike manufacturer Pivot, which has its headquarters in Arizona, is well-known for its top-tier, high-performance e-mountain bikes, like the Pivot Shuttle AM (160/148 mm f/r) and the light eMTB, the Pivot Shuttle SL (150/132 mm f/r). Positioned as a long-travel enduro, the Shuttle LT sits above both in Pivot’s product lineup, generating 170/160 mm of travel front and rear.
Pivot markets the Shuttle LT as the electric counterpart of the Firebird enduro bike, which now relies on the fourth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor. Unlike its predecessor, which still relied on a Shimano EP801 and 29″ wheels, the new version rolls on a mullet wheel setup and Bosch drive. According to Pivot, the new Shuttle is designed to conquer any trail, tackle long rides, and handle steep descents.
Read our in-depth review to find out how the Pivot Shuttle LT fares on the trail with all its updates! Stay tuned. Oh, and the variant we tested comes with a hefty price tag of €13,399.
2025 Pivot Shuttle LT: detailed overview of Pivot’s new long-travel enduro eBike
While the new 2025 Pivot Shuttle LT looks a lot like its predecessor, it rolls into the new season with some very significant upgrades: the most striking one is the new Bosch motor, which replaces the Shimano drive of its predecessor. And not just any Bosch motor, but the powerful Race model version of the Bosch Performance Line CX. Although this motor shares the same core specs as the standard version, with 600 watts of peak power and 85 Nm of torque, the Race variant takes assistance up a notch. While the regular CX version provides up to 340% assistance in Turbo mode, the Race version cranks it up to 400% in Race mode. For more details on the Bosch CX Race drive, click here!
The Bosch motor draws its power from a 750-Wh PowerTube battery, which is permanently integrated into the bike’s frame. This means that you’ll need a power socket in your basement or bike cave – or you could order a massive extension lead with the bike! If the battery capacity isn’t enough, you can buy the Bosch PowerMore Range Extender for an additional € 500, which attaches to a special rail on the bottle cage mount.
The motor is paired via a Bosch Mini Remote and Bosch System Controller, both of which offer intuitive operation and excellent ergonomics – perfectly suited to the bike’s sporty nature: no frills, just pure performance!
The cables of the Pivot Shuttle LT are routed internally, and disappear discreetly into the frame through cable ports on the head tube. They reappear briefly above the motor, only to disappear again into the chainstay.
For the Shuttle LT, Pivot’s developers still rely on the proven DW-Link rear suspension design, which is typical of the American brand. This design ensures that the Shuttle LT (and all other Shuttle models from Pivot) can fully maximize motor efficiency and performance.
The chainstay protector on the Shuttle LT is truly impressive – not only does it keep the bike quiet, but also covers most of the seat stay, offering extra protection when the going gets rough.
The specs of the new 2025 Pivot Shuttle LT Team
We tested the new Pivot Shuttle LT Team flagship model, which comes equipped with a 170 mm FOX 38 Factory fork and a matching FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock. The fork relies on the new GRIP X2 damper, which offers countless adjustment options and top trail performance. The shock is just as impressive.
Shimano XTR four-piston brakes with a 223 mm GALFER Wave rotor at the front and a 203 mm disc at the rear ensure reliable, powerful deceleration and excellent modulation, even on long, steep descents. Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which provides butter-smooth shifting and relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur .
FOX also supplies the Transfer Factory Kashima dropper post, which offers 200 mm of travel in size XL, providing plenty of freedom of movement on the trail. We’ve already reviewed FOX’s dropper extensively in our sister magazine ENDURO – you can find the review here.
Our test bike doesn’t come with the carbon HXC 1501 wheelset you get with the Team spec, but with XM 1700 aluminium wheels instead. The rims are paired with Continental Kryptotal tires front and rear, both in the Enduro casing and soft compound. At this price point, we would prefer an ultra-soft compound up front for better traction and a DH casing at the rear to protect the carbon wheels from impacts.
For the cockpit, Pivot rely on their in-house components, combining 800 mm Phoenix carbon handlebars (frame size XL) and a 45 mm Phoenix Team Enduro aluminium stem.
Tuning tip: Up front, consider a tire with an even softer compound, and for the rear, opt for a more durable DH casing to protect the carbon rims.
Spec variants for the new 2025 Pivot Shuttle LT
Alongside the Team build we tested, Pivot also offer two more specoptions called Ride and Pro. All versions rely on the same Bosch CX Race motor and 750-Wh battery, and all roll on the same Continental tires. The Ride build features a FOX Performance suspension, while both the Pro and Team models come with a fancy FOX Factory suspension.
The entry-level Ride relies on a very solid spec, including a FOX Performance FLOAT X shock and FOX Performance 38 GRIP fork, which offers fewer adjustment options and is slightly less sensitive than its top-tier counterpart. Shifting is taken care of by a reliable, cable-operated Shimano DEORE XT 12-speed drivetrain, while Shimano SLX four-piston brakes with GALFER Wave rotors (223 mm front, 203 mm rear), provide powerful, reliable deceleration. The standard SDG TELLIS dropper post offers between 130 and 170 mm of travel depending on the frame size, which might limit freedom of movement slightly. A robust DT Swiss Hybrid H1900 aluminium wheelset rounds off the overall consistent spec. The Ride build costs € 9,099.
Between the Ride and Team variants sits the Pro build. This relies on the same FOX Factory 38 GRIPX2 fork as the Team flagship model, but employs a FOX Factory FLOAT X shock, which offers fewer adjustment options but still provides excellent trail performance. A wireless SRAM X0 Eagle 12-speed Transmission delivers precise, reliable shifting but renounces carbon parts. The Shimano DEORE XT four-piston brakes deliver the same braking performance as their top-tier XTR counterparts, though they’re slightly heavier. Once again, the brakes are paired with GALFER Wave rotors (223 mm front, 203 mm rear). The FOX Transfer Factory dropper post provides up to 200 mm of travel in frame size XL, offering more freedom of movement than the dropper post of the Ride spec variant. DT Swiss supply the Hybrid HX1501 alloy wheelset. The price for the Pro build is € 11,399.
Additionally, both the Pro and Team builds can be upgraded to the recently released FOX Live Valve Neo system for an extra € 1,500. FOX’s electronic suspension system automatically locks and unlocks the shock, providing a new trail experience. For more details, check out the comprehensive review by our sister magazine ENDURO. There’s also the option to add carbon wheels to the Ride and Pro variants for an additional €1,000.
Pivot Shuttle LT Team
€ 13,999
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX Race 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Bosch System Controller
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 160 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 200 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR 223/203 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX AXS Eagle Transmission 1x12
Stem Phoenix Team Enduro/Trail 45 mm
Handlebar Phoenix Race Low Rise Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss XM 1700 29"/27.5"
Tires Continental Kryptotal FR Enduro Soft, Continental Kryptotal RE Enduro Soft 2.4"/2.6"
Technical Data
Size SM MD LG XL
Weight 22,3 kg in Größe SM (Herstellerangabe)
Specific Features
Flip chip
Toolmount
The geometry of the new 2025 Pivot Shuttle LT
The Pivot Shuttle LT 2025 is available in sizes SM/MD/LG/XL, offering a suitable option for riders between 1.60 m and 2.04 m tall, and for those taller than 2.04 m. Meanwhile, the chainstays remain consistent across all frame sizes. Our test bike in frame size XL has 510 mm reach, and is slightly shorter than the previous model (514 mm), while the stack height has increased slightly from 658 to 663 mm, raising the front end a little. With a seat tube length of 470 mm and a maximum insertion depth of 348 mm, combined with a 200 mm dropper post that can be fully inserted into the seat tube, the Pivot Shuttle LT offers plenty of freedom of movement.
A flip chip in the shock link allows you to use a bigger 29” rear wheel. With this, switching to the low setting results in a slacker head angle and lower bottom bracket. However, the bike can also be ridden in the high setting with a 29” rear wheel.
The flip chip shortens the reach, in the XL frame size we tested, from 510 mm in the high setting to 506 mm in the low setting, in combination with the 27.5” rear wheel. It also increases the stack height from 663 mm in the high setting to 666 mm. Alongside the slacker head angle, which changes from 64° to 63.6°, and the lower bottom bracket, these are the adjustments that most impact trail performance.
Additionally, it can accommodate a fork with up to 180 mm of travel. Installing a coil shock is also possible, though doing so would void the warranty.
The geometry of the Pivot Shuttle LT in the high setting.
Size | SM | MD | LG | XL |
---|---|---|---|---|
Top tube | 605 mm | 630 mm | 650 mm | 669 mm |
Seat tube | 370 mm | 400 mm | 430 mm | 470 mm |
Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
Head angle | 64° | 64° | 64° | 64° |
Seat angle | 76.5° | 76.5° | 77° | 77.5° |
Chainstay | 439 mm | 439 mm | 439 mm | 439 mm |
BB Height | 350 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,230 mm | 1,256 mm | 1,281 mm | 1,307 mm |
Reach | 445 mm | 468 mm | 488 mm | 510 mm |
Stack | 636 mm | 645 mm | 654 mm | 663 mm |
The new 2025 Pivot Shuttle LT Team on the trail
With its high front end, the Shuttle places you in a comfortable pedalling position, which gives you a rear-heavy, chopper-like vibe on level ground, making the Shuttle an enjoyable touring companion. When it comes to steep uphill sections, the Shuttle proves to be a true climbing machine, though the front end does have a tendency to lift slightly on very steep climbs. The motor’s Race mode, combined with the firm DW-Link rear suspension, ensures an efficient climbing performance and excellent traction on technical uphill tracks. The motor effortlessly pushes you over roots and rocks, while the Shuttle’s steering remains precise, implementing steering input very directly.
When gravity takes over, the Pivot puts you in a balanced riding position, and thanks to the short seat tube and 200 mm dropper post, you have plenty of room to move, even on steep descents. The firm rear suspension also shines here, as the Shuttle encourages you to pop off roots and edges, gliding through the air on flowy trails. At the same time, the suspension offers enough support with botched landings, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process.
With its direct, precise handling, the Pivot Shuttle LT’s is a true cornering machine, allowing you to fly from one corner into the next. For a bike in this travel category, this much agility is no joke – Pivot really nailed it. The bike is easy to handle for both beginners and advanced riders. The confidence it inspires on the trail makes it especially appealing for riders looking to continuously improve their skills, all while keeping the fun factor high.
Who should take a closer look at the 2025 Pivot Shuttle LT?
The Pivot Shuttle LT is the optimal choice for performance-oriented eMTBers looking for a versatile all-rounder. It caters to riders who want to enjoy long, comfortable rides while also conquering technical climbs and tackling demanding descents. For advanced riders, the bike provides precise feedback and composure, while beginners will appreciate its confident handling and high fun factor on flowy trails. Whether you’re a touring enthusiast, a trail newbie, or a dedicated enduro rider, the Pivot Shuttle LT has something for everyone.
Conclusions about the 2025 Pivot Shuttle LT
While the level of innovation might seem limited, the new Pivot Shuttle LT is still a versatile eMTB that fully harnesses the potential of the Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor. Riding uphill, the DW-Link rear suspension impresses with great traction, even in challenging terrain. With its large battery and comfortable riding position, it’s perfectly suitable for long tours. Downhill, the Pivot Shuttle shines with precise handling and a high level of security.
Tops
- Agile bike
- Balanced riding position that inspires confidence
Flops
- Non-removable battery
For more information, visit pivotcycles.com.
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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Mike Hunger