As you know, I recently purchased a Pivot Vault cyclocross bike. I got this bike on a killer deal after my initial purchase of a Niner RLT fell through. I have to say, I can't complain one bit. This bike is my new favorite ride!
I
was looking for a bike to ride in crappy weather, especially in the
winter, so disc brakes was a big deal to me. And I knew that I wanted
something that I could ride both on the road and on the many gravel
trails and single track around my house. The Pivot Vault is one heck
of a bike for that.
The
carbon frameset is nicely complimented by Shimano Ultegra 11 drive
train, some TRP hybrid hydro disc brakes, and a very sturdy 386EVO
bottom bracket. For what I paid for this bike, I got a steal. I did
make some changes right off the bat. I replaced the Kenda small bloc
tires with Schwalbe Sammy Slicks which are better in muddier
conditions. I also replaced the saddle with my favorite Fizik Arione.
I used an older, lighter alu handlebar as well, although I might
switch back to the FSA compact bar that was supplied with the bike.
I also replaced the crank with a matching Ultegra crankset for
purposes of consistency and some small weight savings.
The
bike is not the lightest bike, despite the fact that it is carbon. I
haven't officially weighed it yet, but I would guess around 18lbs. As
a trainer bike, this is all fine with me. Plus, once I add the bike
lights, the tail light, my heavier mountain bike shoes and pedals and
all my winter clothes, does it really matter anyway. I'm not going to
be feathery light on this bike much of the time. So it serves me well
for my training purposes.
The
first thing I noticed about the ride is how stable it is as compared
to my road bike. I mean, it was quick and responsive but as stable as
a barge. You are not slipping out anywhere on this bike. You can also
tell that it is made for bumps and bruises and to be ridden hard.
This bike is no prima donna meant only for the roads. I've now taken
it on single track, over roots, mud, gravel and I've even done some
bunny hops on it...it just keeps on tickin'.
The
adjustability of the bike can't be beat. You can set it up with
either disc brakes or cantilever brakes. How many bikes can say that?
The
Stan's wheels supplied come with tubes and tires but are tubeless
ready. I purchased the sealant but have not installed it yet. I think
running tubeless will be a game changer on the bike. I was bouncing
all around on my ride today. I am anxious to see the changes that
come from the switch to tubeless.
The
bike is nimble and quick, although I expect to be much more response
and quick once summer comes and I don't add another 5 pounds to the
bike.
I
am still getting used to the Ultegra 11 drive train. I've been riding
SRAM red for years now and I am used to the confirmatory click that
comes when you change gears. The Shimano shifters give you no such
direct feedback leaving me wonder whether the gears actually changed.
Again, this is in part due to the fact that I've been riding with
heavy winter gloves. Perhaps when those come off I'll feel the click
a bit better. I will say that the shifters are buttery smooth and
take absolutely no effort to switch from gear to gear or multiple
gears at one time. This is my first shot at an 11 speed system as
well. I can't say that it is an end all be all, but I'm sure that
extra gear is a nice addition even if it is not in the front of my
mind while I ride. At no point did I say to myself, wow it is nice to
have that extra gear.
I
have to say that this is, by far, the most fun bike in my stable.
It's ability to ride smooth on the roads and trails provides an
incredible amount of versatility during a ride and makes riding so
much more fun and interesting. There is no where you can't go. And
you don't have to endure the penalty of thick nobbies on the road or
the fear of riding of slicks on rough terrain. This bikes
provides the ability to ride both. It is unbelievably well equipped
right out of the box and rides extremely well. Additionally, its
ability to convert to a canti system from disc brakes is unmatched in
the industry.
If
you are looking for a fun ride, I highly recommend the Pivot Vault.
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