New Pivot Shuttle AM Is the Ultimate All Mountain Machine

Shop Shuttle AM

The latest bike in Pivot's lineup to get the vertical shock treatment, the Shuttle AM, is finally here. Filling the gap in their ebike segment, the new Shuttle AM sits nicely between the Shuttle SL and Shuttle LT, as their mid travel do-it-all emtb; the electrified version of the quiver-killing Switchblade. 

Photo: Sam James

Key Facts

The Shuttle AM fills the gap between the SL and LT - it's a full power bike, using Bosch's Performance CX motor, with the limited CX Race motor in the top spec. Rocking 148mm travel out back and 160mm up front on Fox suspension, rolling on 29" wheels and with mullet compatibility, it's the ideal all-around emtb for most people. Big travel ebikes can be cumbersome, and the Shuttle AM does a great job of combining mid-travel with full power and modern geometry to create a bike that's still surprisingly manoeuvrable.

Other important stats include a UDH derailleur hanger and Transmission drivetrain options, guided internal cabling, DW Link suspension, wireless handlebar remote, high/low flip chip, bottle cage mount, and a carbon only frame. Coming in four sizes S-XL there are two colours to choose from (Neptune Blue and Mojave) and three build specs to keep things relatively simple.

Photo: Sam James

Suspension

The Shuttle AM uses Pivot's trusted DW Link suspension platform, rotating the shock through 90º from the previous version, putting it in their new vertical orientation. The vertical orientation does a few things, the most obvious being that it cleans up the aesthetic of the bike. Combining this orientation with a shorter metric trunnion shock also means the design is more compact, allowing for a lower top tube and stand-over, as well as creating space in the front triangle for a bottle cage/range extender battery mount.

Finally, the vertical shock layout also allowed Pivot to fine-tune the leverage curve to provide more support, as well as dialing in more anti-squat, making for a ride that resists squatting into the travel under power. 

Photo: Sam James

Drive System

The Shuttle AM uses Bosch's tried and tested Performance Line CX motor, with 85Nm of torque and 340% assist, the Bosch unit is one of the most powerful yet natural feeling motors we've tried and has an great reputation for reliability. On the top spec Team build is the CX Race motor which is currently limited to 500 units worldwide per manufacturer. The race motor puts out the same peak power and torque but delivers it much instantaneously in Race Mode thanks to some internal tweaks, as well as dropping 160g over the regular motor thanks to a magnesium casing.

The Pro and Team specs come with a 750Wh Bosch PowerTube battery, and the Ride build spec comes with a 625Wh battery. All bikes are compatible with Bosch's PowerMore 250Wh ranger extender battery which takes the place of a bottle cage on the down tube. 

The design of the Shuttle AM is super clean, with no external wires to be seen whatsoever. The handlebar remote is wireless, using a coin cell battery, and the speed sensor is built into the motor with the magnet mounting onto the rim at the valve. Should the battery in the remote die, the top tube display can also be used to switch between power modes, as well as turning the bike on/off and displaying battery life.

Photo: Sam James

Geometry 

Geometry for the Shuttle AM is thoroughly modern, combining a slack head angle with steep seat tube angle for a comfortable climbing position, and a long front end and wheelbase for stability at speed. Key numbers include 64.1º/64.5º head tube angle, 76.4/76.8º seat tube angle and 444mm chainstays. Reach is 476/480mm in a size large and 1269/1270mm wheelbase. See the chart below for more comprehensive geo numbers.

Spec

The Shuttle AM comes in three spec levels: Ride, Pro and Team. All bikes come with a Fox Float X shock and 36 fork, Shimano 4-piston brakes and 12 speed drivetrain. The Ride build uses Performance level suspension, sports a Shimano SLX build kit and XT derailleur, and rolls on DT Swiss H1900 aluminum wheels. Powering the bike is the Bosch Performance Line CX motor paired with a 625Wh battery.

Photo: Sam James

The Pro build upgrades to Factory level suspension and dropper post, Sram's new XO Transmission drivetrain with Praxis cranks, Shimano XT brakes, carbon Pivot Phoenix Race handlebars, and DT Swiss Hybrid HX1501 wheels, with aluminum rims on 240 hubs. The Pro spec uses the CX Line motor but bumps up to a 750Wh battery.

Topping out the range, the Team build uses the limited Race motor with the 750Wh battery. It retains that Kashima Factory suspension and upgrades to the XX Transmission groupset with carbon Praxis cranks, Shimano XTR brakes, and DT Swiss HXC1501 carbon wheels on 240 hubs.

Photo: Sam James

Ride Impressions

Climbing

Climbing on an ebike is always going to be easier than an 'acoustic' bike, but not all ebikes are created equal. As I alluded to earlier, the high levels of anti squat mean the Shuttle AM lays down power easily and effectively, generating grip and putting power to the ground. The steep seat tube angle helps keep the front wheel weighted and stops it from wandering easily and makes for a nice seated position on the way up.

The Bosch motor is super quiet and easy to live with, putting out plenty of power and feels particularly natural in Tour+ and Emtb modes, measuring out the power relative to how much you put in. A lower cadence and less torque results in a slower climb, but put in some effort and it'll propel the bike up the climb with ease, while still giving a good workout. Turbo mode puts out peak power so long as the pedals are turning, perfect for the end of the ride when you're feeling tired or for those super steep and rough climbs.

Photo: Matt Jones

Descending

The Shuttle AM is an extremely well-rounded bike, and descends just as well as it climbs, if not better. While not a big hitter like the LT, it'll do almost anything asked of it. Extremely well balanced, the suspension does an excellent job of absorbing small chatter while offering excellent mid-stroke support - perfect for fending off bigger hits and riding high while pushing through corners. 

The slack head angle and long wheelbase makes for a stable ride at speed without feeling nervous, while the shortish chainstays and lower weight for a full power bike make the Shuttle AM surprisingly nimble. It's receptive to line changes, hops and jumps without too much body english, while feeling confident on technical sections without being easily deflected.

Photo: Matt Jones

Summary

The new Pivot Shuttle AM is an easy bike to get along with. With a quality fit and finish, well-engineered suspension and progressive yet comfortable geometry, it's every bit as good in real life as it is on paper. The ideal emtb for your every day trail rider, the Shuttle AM will get you into whatever scenario you care to, and comfortably get you out again. The option to mullet it makes it a good option for all types of riders and easy yet stable and confident handling means it's the perfect all-around bike for pretty much every type of riding. Filling Pivot's gap between big travel bruiser and featherweight trail emtb, the Shuttle AM hits the sweet spot of all-mountain capability.

As always, feel free to contact us if you don't see the bike you want available, or if you want to run through your options. We're always happy to chat!

Shop Pivot Shuttle AM

Photo: Matt Jones