With so many good bikes on the market it can be hard to narrow down the options when shopping for your next trail bike. Bikes have come a long way in the last five years, so much so that it's hard to find one that actually rides poorly. That's why we like to look for qualities that help a bike stand above its peers, and after spending some time on the new Pivot Switchblade we're convinced it has a leg up over the competition. Masterful suspension performance, an industry-leading carbon frame, dialed geometry, and eye-catching looks describe this versatile steed. 142mm of rear travel paired with a 160mm fork place it in the aggressive trail/all-mountain category, meaning everything from all-day trail rides to enduro racing and even lift-assisted bike park laps are within your realm. And with Pivot's unrivaled commitment to quality and meticulous attention to detail, you can expect to get the best possible experience out of every ride. Not to mention this particular bike comes with a race-worthy component spec, including Fox Factory suspension, Reynolds carbon wheels laced to Industry Nine Hydra hubs, and a mix of Shimano's venerable XT and XTR drivetrain. At first glance you'll notice that the new Switchblade looks very different than the previous generation. The clean lines and fresh colorways are aesthetically pleasing and are sure to draw looks when you're unloading the bike at the trailhead. You'll also notice that the shock is now positioned vertically and driven by a rocker-style upper link rather than the previous generation's horizontal clevis design. This allows for a stiffer, lighter, and more compact frame while freeing up room for a full-size water bottle on all frame sizes. The rocker-style linkage also decreases the load on the shock and offers a more progressive leverage curve along with coil shock compatibility. Rear travel is boosted from 135 to 142mm for a little more forgiveness when the going gets rough, and every build kit comes with a 160mm...