Pemberton is a loop trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and is used for a few races locally. In addition to the 15 mile Pemberton loop, McDowell is home to a competitive track that includes multiple loops and a technical section.

I went out there today with the intention of clearing the course in 1:30. I didn’t quite make it - came in at 1:36. The course, shown below, is just over 1,000ft of climbing over 15.36 miles. The Pivot handled it particularly well. Mike at lacemine29.com has repeatedly told me that my wheel/tire combo will be the best for desert riding (glad to see someone stand behind their work), and while Pemberton is really tame desert riding, I still think this set up is a keeper. The fat contact patch provides for significant traction, and while it wasn’t quite as soft as it has been in the past, Pemberton does have some decent sandy sections that the Gordos float right through.

I kept the ProPedal turned off the whole time - the only time I felt any real bob was when I was climbing out of the saddle. Outside of that it was a pretty smooth ride and I felt like power transfer was at or near 100%. The suspension and 29″ wheels make it very easy to pedal over small rocks - quick switchbacks seem to be the challenge, and while part of that is due to wheel size, I think more is due to necessary improvements in skill.

Pemberton Loop

Took a few more pics of the new Pivot Mach 429 before its initial ride.

Mach 429 Trail View

Mach 429 Stem

Mach 429 Seat Post

Mach 429 Rear Tread

Mach 429 Left Pod

Mach 429 Headset

Mach 429 Rear Graphics

Mach 429 Graphics

Mach 429 Gordo

Mach 429 Front Brake

Mach 429 Crankset

Mach 429 Rear Suspension

Mach 429 Rear Shock

Mach 429 Rear Brake

It has arrived! I have a new rig for training, racing, and riding around in general.

I am keeping my Raleigh, which is a 33.9lb hardtail. The new FS Pivot is nearly 2lbs lighter at 32.2lbs. And, I’ve got weight to shave down the road, if I so desire.

So, on to the specs.

Pivot Mach 429

The bike is a Pivot Mach 429 size XL. It is equipped with a Fox F29 front fork. I have added a Truvativ Stylo Race bar and a Thomson stem. The shifters and brake levers are both Shimano Saint. For grips, I went with Ergons. I haven’t tried them before, but I think the concept is promising. If for some reason they don’t work, I’ve got some decent lock-ons I’ll switch out.

Pivot Mach 429 Front Fork

Pivot Mach 429 Front

For the drivetrain, I stuck with the Shimano XT front derailleur that came with the frameset. The crankset is Race Face Deus XC. This connects to a SRAM rear cassette and a Shimano Saint rear derailleur. I’ve been urged to upgrade to a solid gold chain that happens to be a bit lighter. Still not sure about that.

Pivot Mach 429 Rear

Pivot Mach 429 Rear Der

Pivot Mach 429 Rear Top View

At the top, I’ve got the Bontrager Big Earl saddle - one I’ve ridden for a while and really like. I may change this out for something lighter if it is more comfortable. I currently have a Ritchey seat post that is on loan from my LBS. This will be replaced by a Thomson Elite.

The other parts scheduled for replacement are the front and rear skewer. I’ve got red Salsa skewers on order that I should be able to switch out in a week or so. I may also switch out the seat post clamp, but I’m undecided on that.

I’ve stuck with the Time ATAC pedals. They have served me well. In addition to the saddle, the pedals are an area for potential weight savings going forward; the current ATACs may be replaced by their carbon counterparts.

Another potential carbon replacement would the handlebar - I may switch to the Monkey Lite DH bar at some point in the future.

Weight savings potential is obviously available in the wheels, but Mike at Big Wheels Colorado set me up with the Salsa Gordos wrapped with a WTB Stout in the back and a WTB Prowler up front, and I can’t see myself replacing this set up.

And speaking of wheels, the massive size of the 29″ Gordos and the fat rubber somewhat hide the rotors. I’ve got a 203 on the front and a 185 on the rear. I ran 185s both front and rear on the Raleigh and I just didn’t get the stopping power I wanted, so I’m going to see if this set up improves that - along with the four piston Saint brakes.

Now that I’ve got it, its time to ride it. And that is motivation enough. I have to justify the spend!