Bike maker Pivot Cycles has released details of two new models for 2018: a completely revamped version of the Mach 4 Carbon DW-link suspension bike and a 27.5-inch-wheeled version of the LES hardtail.

Intended for general trail riding and cross-country racing, the new Mach 4 carbon claims a frame weight from 5.1lb (2.3kg) and complete bike weights starting under 22lb (10kg). It’ll take tyres up to 2.6in wide and features 115mm of travel from a Fox Float DPS Kashima shock.

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Pivot says the rear triangle has been completely redesigned to increase stiffness and tyre clearance; it uses the 148mm Boost standard rear hub.

The new Mach 4 Carbon comes in five sizes and it sounds like Pivot designer Chris Cocalis has worked hard to offer a better-fitting bike to riders at the extremes of the common size range. Pivot claims the extra-small frame has the lowest standover height of any 27.5in bike, and so will fit riders from 4ft 10in tall, but still has room for a large water bottle.

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At the other end of the scale, the large (long) is intended for riders from 5ft 10in to 6ft 3in who want the extra front centre length and consequent stability that comes from a long top tube . Pivot says, “With the Mach 4’s very low stand-over height … many riders are stepping up a frame size to get a longer front centre which works well for more technical terrain with a shorter stem. This meant that even some riders just under 6ft were left without a perfect option so we added this additional size.”

LES is more

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Cocalis says the 27.5in version of the LES is a very different beast from the established 29er big brother. “The new LES 27.5 shares the LES 29’s carbon frame features and shaping but has the super nimble handling of 27.5in wheels and really short chainstays, giving it an entirely different personality,” he says.

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Like the Mach 4, the LES uses Boost 148mm rear hub spacing and comes in an extra-small size that’s dialled for diminutive riders. It’ll fit riders down to 4ft 10in and Cocalis says: “Our top XC racer, Chloe Woodruff, is just 5ft 1in, and making a bike that can take her to the front of the pack is a huge priority for us. She has been racing and winning on the prototype for almost a year in both World Cups and in National XC and short track events.”

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Pivot doesn’t give a frame weight for the new LES, but claims it can be built into complete bikes that weigh under 19.4lbs (8.79kg). It will accommodate tyres up to 2.6in wide and is designed to work with forks from 100-130mm travel.

The new Mach 4 Carbon frame will cost £2,195.83 through importer Upgrade Bikes and is expected to be available in July. A LES 27.5 frame will set you back £2,200.

Pivot's website has lots more information about the new Mach 4 Carbon and the 27.5 version of the LES.