If we were to try to summarize the 2018 Pivot Mach 5. 5 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame with Factory Float X2 shock, we'd say it's little bit free-form, a little wild, and a whole lot of fun. It finds its playfulness by pushing the design envelope with progressive geometry that's longer, slacker, and lower than ever. It handles everything the trail throws your way, from chunky, blistering climbs, to long and wily descents, littered with rocks and square-edge hits, sudden drops, and rock rolls just begging for action. Pivot places it firmly into the enduro category, with a secondary focus on all-mountain exploration. To be blunt, we just call it "damn capable" and "stupid fun," making it a worthy rig for the aggressive rider demanding their bike to climb like a goat and descend with unflappable composure. The slack head tube and surprisingly deep-feeling travel reward aggression in chunky stuff, but our favorite part of the bike may be the rear triangle. Or rather, it's what's happening between the rear and front triangles; DW-Link may never have shined brighter than on the Mach 5. 5. It combines the same pivot cartridge bearing featured on models like the Phoenix, but it ditches the clevis altogether. That makes for less weight, a tighter back end, and a light-off-the-top feel that stays glued to the trail--a trait only enhanced by the addition of mid-plus tires and a steep seat tube. This plush feel is combined with an upgraded Fox Float X2 rear shock, which features Evol technology, increasing sensitivity of the shock when you're pedaling over small roots and rocks for a smoother feel, without compromising on the get-up and go when you're putting down the power. We expect a bike with such a long cockpit and a 66. 5-degree head tube angle to leave us stoked on descents, but the traction on loose and rocky climbs from the suspension and tire clearance mean that it makes us just as happy while earning our laps.