My new toy...the Pivot Vault Cyclocross Bike

Yeah, I know, I just got a new ride like a couple of months ago, but it is holiday time and I've been a pretty good boy.  On a whim, I started looking around at gravel grinders.  I fell in love with the Niner RLT.  It was on a very good end of year special and I locked it in on a moment's notice out of fear that it would sell out fast, which it did.

I was pretty excited for the bike to come.  I purchased it from an online site.  Sadly, I received a call from the store a few days after I locked in the purchase during which they told me that they checked the frame before shipping and it was deformed.  They were out of Niner frames, so no replacements in my size.  That was it.

They continued, though, that there were some alternatives.  My ears and eyebrows raised..."oh"?  I was just waiting for the bait and switch speech.  The nice representative continued.  He reviewed this potential bike and that potential bike...none of them fell in line with what I wanted.  Then he said, we do have a left over Pivot Vault.  You can have it on a super clearance price, which, from looking around, I can confirm was a ridiculously good price.  It was just about the same as the Niner but it comes fully stocked with the following:

* Ultegra 11 drive train
* TRP hydro shifters for mechanical brakes
* beatiful carbon frame that can accept both disc and canti breaks and up to 38c tires
* Stans Iron Cross wheels upgradeable to tubless

This is regularly a $3500 cyclocross machine! Sure, I know I was looking for a jeep and this is a Ferrari and I probably won't ever ride it like it should but I have a steed that offers more than I'll ever need.

I plan on using the bike as a bad weather bike, gravel bike and on smooth single track just so I can go on the road and trail in the same ride.  It should be fun as hell.  I'll be sure to get back with my review.  Here's a few pics: