Pivot Trailcat

87/100
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Users (0 ratings)
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Experts (3 reviews)
83
Pivot Trailcat
Where to buy
$5,999.99 Mike's Bikes See it $6,799.00 Back­country See it $6,799.00 Comp­etitive Cyclist See it $7,499.00 Jenson USA See it
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Facts

Gender
Men, Women
Type
Mountain, Trail, Non-Electric
Release Year
2025
Brand
Pivot
Wheel Size
29”
Number of Gears
12 (1x12)
Gearing Type
External Derailleur
Weight
27.75, 28.75, 29.26, 30.14 lb
Suspension
Full
Brake Type
Disc: Hydraulic
Frame Material
Carbon Fiber

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Pivot Trailcat. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

10 reasons to buy

  • Pivot offers the Trailcat as an SL (140mm front travel/120mm rear) and an LT (150mm/135mm), each in 14 builds spanning a range of price points up to top-tier.
  • Reviewers applaud the pedaling efficiency, thanks to the bike's low weight and firm, supportive DW-link suspension.
  • Testers savor the lively, nimble feel created by the stiff carbon frame and short chainstays.
  • Experts relish how the responsive, precise handling and overall stability (despite the short chain stays) inspire confidence on descents.
  • Testers praise the rear suspension platform’s traction and small-bump sensitivity over trail chatter.
  • Reviewers easily maintain momentum, hitting small jumps and berms with speed.
  • Testers say lifting the rear wheel over obstacles is effortless on the LT.
  • The Trailcat comes as a 29er, with a geometry flip chip allowing it to set up mullet or with 27.5” wheels at both ends.
  • Attention to detail and thoughtful features such as the semi-internal cable management, bottle mount, multiple tool mounts, and internal storage impress experts.
  • Pivot offers registered owners a lifetime frame warranty and courtesy linkage-bearing replacements.

7 reasons not to buy

  • Several reviewers find the slack seat-tube angle and long stem make the reach too long.
  • One tester of the SL finds the overly firm rear end results in the "stapler effect" when descending over repeated steps or small drop-offs. This is mitigated by a smaller volume spacer in the rear shock.
  • Experts complain that rider weight is shifted too far forward when standing on the SL, robbing the rear end of traction.
  • Testers are disappointed by the short travel of the RockShox Reverb AXS droppers (Team XX Eagle Transmission builds.)
  • The Trailcat's stiff chassis makes it sensitive to lateral hits, according to experts.
  • Some experts feel the LT's rear end is too stiff, even after adjustments.
  • Testers have to weight the LT's front wheel to keep it tracking over steep climbs.

Bottom line

Pivot's Trailcat is a 29er carbon trail bike offered as an SL (120mm rear suspension) and LT (135mm). The flip chip allows mullet and full 27.5 setups. The crisp steering, agile handling, pedaling efficiency, and acceleration win praise, as do the ability to maintain speed and handle descents. A few testers find the reach too long. Some say the ride lacks cushion, the rear end is too firm, and overall compliance could be better, but performance in all areas is generally applauded as excellent. Overall, the Trailcats are recommended as highly efficient trail machines for those who can afford them.

Expert Reviews

83/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
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82
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This review has been given a score. Read more here
Flow Mountain Bike
Level 5 expert

First Ride Review | The 2025 Pivot Trailcat Is Two New Trail Bikes-In-One

Level 5 expert

They’re both very responsive under power thanks to the efficient DW-link suspension platform, and the taut carbon frame ensures accurate steering and a solid feel when pushing the limits.

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83
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Pinkbike
Level 5 expert

First Ride: 2025 Pivot Trailcat SL and LT

Level 5 expert

Overall, these are two well-packaged short-travel trail bikes that are sure to stir up comments with their specifications, geometry, and pricing. They’ll best suit the type of rider looking for a snappy, energetic ride versus a stable and docile alternative.

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85
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine
Level 5 expert

New 2025 Pivot Trailcat on Review – Double Trouble

Level 5 expert

The SL is perfect for those who love to push hard on climbs and seek a highly responsive and efficient ride feel… The LT is the right choice for riders who want more reserves for steeper and more demanding trails.

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The Loam Wolf
Level 5 expert

Pivot Trailcat SL & LT 29

Level 5 expert

While the Trailcat LT is the bike that most suits our riding style and intentions, honestly, it was the Trailcat SL that impressed me most… I was genuinely stoked at how comfortable the SL is.

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Jeff Kendall-Weed
Level 1 expert

Not Your Average Feline: The Pivot Trail Cat Scratches Where Other Bikes Can’t Reach

Level 1 expert

Yes, the SL pedals with efficiency, and it can go down some rocks, but it’s not the bike for me. … in reality, the LT version was designed for the riding I love.

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Mo and Hannah Awesome MTB
Level 1 expert

Should You Buy the Pivot Cycles Trailcat SL or LT? (First Impressions)

Level 1 expert

Between the two, I favor the SL model, as that short travel approach and confident geo lead to a perfect blend of both worlds. You can rip it like an XC bike, but still hit all of the fun stuff!

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Vital MTB
Level 5 expert

First Ride: Pivot’s All-New Trailcat SL & Trailcat LT

Level 5 expert

Both configurations cover each end of the trail category without losing sight of what a trail bike should do by pairing geometry with the travel numbers to create an efficient all-around package.

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The Radavist
Level 5 expert

Pivot Trailcat SL and Trailcat LT First-Ride Review: Meow

Level 5 expert

The Trailcat SL is right on the edge between an accessible all-rounder and a precision downcountry racer… If you want to shred a lot more comfortably, you could have skipped this whole section and just read about the Trailcat LT.

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off-road.cc
Level 5 expert

Pivot Trailcat LT Pro X0 First Ride Review

Level 5 expert

It might be a pricey bike, but it’s looking like the Pivot Trailcat LT Pro X0 can put its money where its mouth is. It does rustle up that easy-going pedalling… and might be improved with minor changes.

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Velomotion
Level 5 expert

Pivot Trailcat LT & SL – Trailcat in a Double Pack

Level 5 expert

The agile, light-footed characteristics of the two bikes delight fans of the playful instinct and can almost be the one bike for everything for active riders… The big catch remains the price.

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MTB-News.de
Level 5 expert

Pivot Trailcat Review Two New Trail Bikes Built for Speed [German]

Level 5 expert

The right choice for the two Trailcats depends on the uphill/downhill balance. As is typical for Pivot, however, these carbon-powered bikes unfortunately come with a hefty price tag.

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User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#53 Best Mountain Bike
Top 50%
#29 Best Trail Bike
Top 50%
#5 Best Pivot Bike
Bottom 50%
#280 Best of All Bikes
Top 40%

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Bike Comparison

Pivot Trailcat in comparison to averages
Pivot Trailcat
87
Average All Bikes
84
Average Pivot Bike
89
Average Mountain Bike
86

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