Pivot Updates the Trail 429

The Pivot Trail 429 (formerly the Mach 429) has long been on our shortlist of versatile trail mountain bikes that can double as a full-suspension bikepacking rig. For the likes of the Colorado Trail or other such singletrack-heavy routes, these short-travel 29ers are perfect. Virginia became an owner back in 2018 after deliberating over several short-travel bikes. Today, Pivot updated this classic with similar adjustments to what we’ve seen in other trail bikes we’ve seen recently. Generally speaking, that means a longer reach, slacker headtube (66.5°), and steeper seat tube (75.5°) across the size range.

Like the aggressive bikes in their lineup, Pivot also widened the new Trail 429 rear end to 157mm Super Boost spacing. This allows clearance for up to 29 x 2.6″ or 27.5 x 2.8″ tires (the older model stopped at 29 x 2.4″). Similar to the former model, the new Trail 429 stuck with 120mm of rear travel DW-Link suspension and 130 up front, although they changed the linkage to a more progressive design that Pivot claims adds more capability on the aggressive side of the spectrum. In addition, Pivot introduced a flip chip in the upper rocker linkage, allowing riders to adjust the bottom bracket height and tailor the geometry between the normal all-around handling or a more progressive feel—it basically drops the BB 6mm, slackens the headtube angle 0.5° (to 66°), and slackens the seat tube to 75°.

The new Trail 429 also has three pairs of mounts (two in the triangle and one under the downtube), which is a nice touch. The 2021 Pivot Trail 429 comes in Pacific Blue or Silver in sizes XS-XL. Completes start at $5,900 or you can get the frame with carbon cranks for 3,949. Watch the launch video below and find more details over at PivotCycles.com.

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