Pivot Launches the Shuttle LT
01 September 2022
By Dan Duguid
“You’ll instantly recognise the balanced and planted feel you expect from a Pivot, yet without giving up the ‘pop’ we’ve bred into all our EWS-inspired bikes. We really pulled out all the stops with the Shuttle LT. This bike has the heart for enduro racing and is still the bike you’ll want to ride every day.” - Chris Cocalis
The brainchild of the Pivot engineering team behind the EWS-proven Firebird, the long travel Shuttle LT e-mountain bike was built using the blueprint of that successful EWS podium bike.
An excellent descender
With geometry akin to the Firebird, the Shuttle LT is an excellent descender with a touch more power, being taken one step further with the addition of a Shimano EP8 drive unit. Fed with a 756Wh battery, this unit ensures that climbs are less of a drag and will inspire you to take that ‘one last run’ you always talk about but sometimes just have to bail.
Pivot has used a lot of familiar design features in the Shuttle LT. The first is its proprietary Hollow Core Moulding technology. This construction method involves layering up the fibres against a foam core, rather than an inflatable bladder, so that each bit of accurately cut carbon fibre is held precisely in place. This lets the internals of the frame be smooth, without wrinkling, voids and resin pooling. The result is a stronger and lighter frame with built-in compliance that you can trust to handle almost anything.
DW-Link
The second significant familiar feature is the dw-link. Designed by Dave Weagle, the dw-link delivers both excellent pedalling efficiency and anti-squat, lending itself perfectly to the Shuttle LT with its increased e-mountain bike power. With 160mm of rear wheel travel, the suspension has enough progression to swallow up the roughest terrain and handle big drops, giving you optimal control.
Allowing you to fine-tune the geometry further, the Flip Chip in the upper mount makes it possible to raise or lower the Bottom Bracket to better suit the type of trails that you are riding.
The dw-ink gives excellent pedalling efficacy and anti-squat.
Vertical Shock layout
As with the analogue Firebird, the Shuttle LT uses a vertical shock layout. This makes for a compact frame design that uses less material, so that it is not only lighter but stiffer. The vertical positioning leads to increased shock rate progression and adds room for a water bottle. It also ensures a low stand over height, which delivers increased control by lowering the centre of gravity.
Pivot was fully committed with the Shuttle LT design, wanting to deliver Firebird speed in a e-mountain bike package. Matching the descending capabilities of the Firebird, as previously mentioned the Shuttle LT has been given something extra with its 756Wh Shimano-certified battery pack. These feed Shimano’s EP8 drive unit and help to ease you up any climb. The EP8 packs a huge amount of juice and power, fuelling up to six hours of riding – that is, if you can resist using Boost mode all the time! When it comes to charging the battery, the integrated USB-C charging port keeps things simple.
To keep the centre of gravity low, Pivot has positioned the EP8 drive unit between the cranks and lowered the battery placement. This positioning eases battery removal and, more importantly, enhances feel and handling.
Build Options
Available in two colourways, Northern Lights and Bass Boat Tri-Tone, the LT will also be made available in two build options. The Ride will be fitted with a Fox Performance 38 170mm e-tuned fork and a Performance Float X shock, while the Team build is equipped with a Fox Factory 38 170mm e-tuned fork and a Factory Float X rear shock.
The final Word
Pivot has set about designing the ultimate enduro e-mountain bike. By incorporating the blueprint of the Firebird and adding a powerful drive unit and battery, they have created the complete package. A true long travel all-rounder, the Shuttle LT will climb as well as it descends for that ‘one last run’.
View Shuttle LT Collection
