Robert spent plenty of hours in the saddle for a review of the Pivot Shadowcat a couple of years ago. But with it still featuring in their lineup – and with the Brunch Ride spec currently carrying a more reasonable price tag than your typical premium Pivot mountain bike at just $3,999 – we wanted to see if it continued to offer a compelling ride.
If you are interested in learning more about all the ride qualities the Shadowcat brings to the stable, check out his review here.
When we started to plan for this project, the idea was to create a single video to showcase how I got along with the Shadowcat as a taller rider. Many people think that a full 27.5” wheeled bike is exclusively for shorter riders, so we wanted to see if they were right.
When we were out filming, we ended up spending so much time in the first zone that it became clear that this could form a three-part FUNduro video series, covering cornering, jumping, and general trail riding.
In this first episode, we dive into some rut tracks and steep loamers to push the limits of our own skill and try to scratch the surface of what the Shadowcat has to give. I brought in my friend Kyle, who had not been on a full 27.5” bike for 6 years. Meanwhile I had not been on a dual-275er for nearly 10!
How did the Pivot Shadowcat Brunch Ride Corner?
Cornering the Shadowcat took notably little effort, especially when compared to the 29” wheel Firebird. Coming from the wagon wheels, it took a few turns to readjust my muscle memory for body position, even leading to a crash. But once unlocked, it was wild just how effortlessly the Shadowcat navigated tight corners, while still providing plenty of grip. Getting the bike into the steeps was some of the most fun I have had on two wheels in recent memory! The “surf” like feel the bike provides is something I will continue to chase. 
Price: $3,999 ON SALE!
Website: Pivotcycles.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Cole’s den is in Spokane WA, where he relocated a few years back. Growing up in the lush, loamy playgrounds of the PNW, his soul is forever tied to steep, rooty descents and that unmistakable squish of perfect dirt. After 19 years of shredding, Cole’s been on every kind of rig out there. Once a die-hard fan of big travel bikes, he’s now on a quest for the mythical short-travel do-it-all machine. And yes, skids may be for kids, but this middle-aged manchild is here to prove they’re also for anyone who loves having a damn good time.
Rank: Professional Amateur
Size: 6’1” / 185cm | 170lbs / 77kg
Social: @adventuresbycole
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