2021 Trail Bike of The Year | MTB yumyum's Top Pick! 

Please join me here on RU-vid for a live stream on Tuesday, January 18th at 8:00 PM MST where we can better answer your questions in the comment section below and really just talk more about this incredible Pivot Trail 429. The live stream is an excellent place to dive deeper into this bike and talk more about the other bikes I'm riding right now and what we have planned for 2022. See you on Tuesday evening!

Happy to see this! I picked one up last November (XT/XTR Pro build) and couldn’t be happier with the bike. I immediately felt at home on it. Great review.

GREAT review! Thanks for giving all of us feedback we can use. With the number of bikes, you test you have a wealth of firsthand knowledge that needs to be shared, because not all of us "simple folk" get the opportunity to ride all the of these really cool bikes. Even though all of them are really cool they all handle different and have different characteristics and we need a "everyday guy " to ride them and be honest with us on how they ride and feel. Thanks again for making these videos and I always look forward to your next one.

Got a 429 based on your recommendation, Jason, and have absolutely loved it. My favorite bike I've ever been on. Thanks again for your recommendation.

Every time I get on this bike I’m still excited to ride it. So much fun climbing and descending 🤙

I just got my hip pack in the mail a couple weeks ago and it's awesome. You really forget it's around your waist when you're riding. 🤘

I purchased this bike based on your reviews…..must have watched them 20 times! Lol I did deviate a little bit from your recommendation and went with the Enduro version. If you ever wanna review it, it’s all yours! Thanks for all your hard work and the time you spend reviewing these bikes.

Another great episode Jason. I’ve been watching your reviews for a few years now and they informed my purchase of the previous trail 429 and yeti sb100 for my wife. It’s refreshing to get an independent opinion on these incredible bikes across many brands. It would be great to see some reviews on wheels in the future - possibly the most important purchase after the bike / frame. Keep up the awesome work - we appreciate it!

I took up mountain biking late in life. I am 65 and have been mountain biking for 2 years. Started with a XL Stumpjumper. Nice bike but never felt comfortable on it. After much research and testing what I could find I settled on the Pivot Trail 429 in L. Absolutely love this bike!!! It instills confidence in me on every ride. I now feel I have a bike I can really learn and advance on. Awesome bike. Great review. Thanks!!

The Enduro Build is the quiver killer. Glad you came around (you doubted me). I've had mine since mid March.....still loving it, and happy to see it win trail bike of the year.

Another great video! Appreciate all the effort you put into these reviews for everyone.

Thanks for the multiple reviews of the Trail 429. It was helpful in making my decision to purchase it. Got it yesterday- two rides already and am really digging it. Hopefully will get the suspension dialed in this week. I’m 5’6” on a small and the reach is perfect! As a bonus there is ample stand over room. Enjoy yours and keep up the great reviews!

I bought mine in June and love it! Thanks for the review and great review!!

Great review!! I bought my 429 XTR Team back in June 2021 based on your first review of this bike. The thing is a rocket both climbing and descending. I changed out my tires to Recon’s both front and rear, on the Reynolds carbon wheels. Keep up the great reviews!!!

One of the best bike reviewers out there! But I still miss the famous line "bombing down Jacobs ladder". Great review as always!

Per your recommendation I picked up that hip pack. It IS amazing. For 95% of my riding, it is perfect. No room for a jacket or big lunch. But other than that it is perfect.

Pivot makes some really great all around bikes. I'm still riding my 2013 429c and I love it. I've ridden so many other bikes and I always come back to my Pivot, it feels like it's almost part of my body, just so comfortable and confidence inspiring. I'd imagine their new bikes are even better but haven't felt the need to upgrade the entire bike. Have had to replace the shocks, rims and other parts but the frame is solid. I put a slightly shorter stem on mine when I got it.

You have a soft spot for the 429, such an awesome bike. Great choice!

You made mention of the enduro version of the 429 and questioned who might need it. I think Pivot realized that the bigger riders (I’m 220) might need a bit more stiffness and travel to get the full potential out of this wonderful bike. Great video!

I rented one of these for a week in St George...I liked it a lot! Great climber. Good enough for the small jumps I make. Best part was the stand over height for people with short legs!

You pretty much mentioned everything that I like about pivot bikes in general… they climb great without having to lockout the rear yet can handle descending great.

After your initial review, I bought this bike, I’m 6’1” and I bought a large. I did add the Renthal FatBar Lite 35, added the upgraded engagement hub, set the sag and suspension to factory recommendations. Other than that it’s pretty stock, I took it to Granby Ranch and WinterPark this Summer, it could have used the 140mm Pike or Fox 36, but it worked pretty well as is. I live in southeast Michigan, and for my local trails this bike is perfect, very happy with it.

I’d love to see you review the 2022 Santa Cruz Bronson. I really value the reviews and I put you share about all the bikes you ride. Keep the videos coming!!👊

I agree with YumYum 99% of the time but I demoed the XTR Pro and my 2022 Stumpy Pro is the best trail bike on the market in my opinion. What little you give up on the pedaling you get SO MUCH more everywhere else. Love your reviews man. You helped me choose several of my bikes.

I own the 2022 enduro version and it is an amazing setup. it further makes it a go to for everything you want to ride. It is the only have 1 bike type of bike.

Love it. I also bought one after your first review.

Bought my at Salt Cycles as well. Put a 140mm Fox on it. Makes is just right. Bought it after you first reviewed. Loving it ever since. Also loving the carbon fiber wheels and hub upgrade. I too grab this bike first for almost every ride. Stable but still fun to toss around.

Rob Drew placed first at an Enduro race on the Trail 429! I haven’t ridden it yet, but currently on a Switchblade with an X2 and love it.

I got the enduro version mid summer and according to my strava this bike not only was the fastest trail rig I have ever ridden on ups or downs but was also the most fun. The 36 grip 2 felt very smooth and the tune was spot on. Rear end will need a larger spacer on the dpx2 to prevent as many bottom outs. Unfortunately I cracked the rear triangle just by riding, not a crash. Pivot and my local bike shop are helping me out with warranty.

The Lab Austere pack is great. I struggle with hip packs as a smaller rider. This one is perfect. .. Trail 429 is great no doubt, My pick SB130 TLR1

Spot on 💯. I owned a Ripley for several months but one demo on the T429 changed that. It does so many things so well. It’s hard to believe a bike that climbs and turns like this also descends like a much bigger bike. Really an amazing bike. I also only ride with the flip chip in Lower and increased the fork to 140mm when I couldn’t find a Pike. I don’t feel a need for the Pike any longer. 6’1 on a size L.

My 429 Enduro came with a Float X. Bought it last summer. It's been a great bike for the Boise foothills.

Great bike and great review. Demo’d along with the ranger and ultimately went with the ranger with a 130 fork. Was holding out hope you would release the ranger review despite the audio issues :).

Also, def do a review on those Berd wheels!

I have the v2 version and best bike I've ridden. Solid stiff and more stable than many bikes I've ridden. Recons are great but wear quickly. Would buy another pivot fo sure.

My 2 cents (which nobody asked for) A. Push seat forward to 76 seat angle equivalent. B. Install an angleset or similar to slacken head angle. I did that to my v4 Ripley along with a 140mm fork. I like these tweaks for what I like to ride. I'm still pondering the last video about the new Firebird and choosing a smaller frame. That advice was ingenious.

Hey man, I really love your videos. I'd love to see more Tallboy content, since I recently bought one :D cheers from Germany! :)

I used to only buy Santa Cruz, now I ride Orbea and I’m actually surprised that there are other brands out there that are just as good 👍 I was gonna buy a Revel Rascal but I tried the Orbea and I love it 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾

Great review! I am loving mine. The climbing traction is incredible and it stays nice and high. I would say it feels at least as good descending as my old OG Hightower.

Great video, Jason. Yes, I know I'm waaaay late on this video. Based on your recommendation I picked up a Switchblade a few years ago, a V1. I'm curious your thoughts on the newer Pivot Shadowcat? I've heard that it's like an XC side of a trail bike. I'm looking for something for my 5'2" wife.

Good to see this bike being gushed over. From a larger 220# rider, I am curious on recommendations for rear shock set up. (spacers and psi and sag)

Great bike!! Heaven trail

Beautiful build bud! Really like seeing the dpx on it for the weight. 24lbs is insane to think about. Bet it does climb like a goat. Way cool.

Great discussion of the 429. I also bought one of these this summer. It's been such a great bike...climbs so well and descends pretty damn fast. I'm looking at getting a new wheelset for mine so I would definitely be interested in hearing more about those Berd wheels. I am currently on the stock wheels, DT Swiss 30mm 1900's and they are pretty heavy. What dropper are you using? The fox one that came on mine is always getting stuck.

Love my Dentist bike sb130 lunch ride. Riding and choosing a good mtb is subjective. I suggest renting each brand that interests you, make up your own mind. Ride what you like. They all are using the same brands forks, shocks, seat post. Dentist or not they cost thousands of dollars now. Take out a loan like a car or a house. Buy nice or buy twice.

Last weekend the Pivot demo train pulled into town. I rode the medium Trail 429 with XTR components. It does handle very well in turns however the wheel set and the matte blue was meh. I didn't feel that I needed to trade in my 2021 Giant Pro 1.

I bought a Trail 429 last summer too, largely based on your initial review. I agree with everything you said about it's feel and capabilities. The climbing is mind blowing in techy sections. I'm not a fan of the recons, they are ok in my terrain, not great compared to similar. Your geo is a little off, your 140mm Pike is upforked from the stock Fox 34, which is 130mm. That makes the HTA and STA .5 degree slacker, so 65.5 HTA. I love your feedback on the Pike, I've been thinking of upforking too, but didn't want the Enduro build for my "XC" bike.

I’m putting a Cane Creek angleset on my Pivot Shuttle, I think it will fit on the 429 to slacken the head tube angle.

Awesome review! Love your content!! I'm looking to upgrade my 2020 Giant Trance and have gone back and forth between the Ripley and Trail 429. Most of your reviews suggest the Pivot is slightly more robust which has me slighlty leaning towards the (large) Trail 429 as I'm 200 lbs.... Whats your opinion on this? ..... Lastly wondering if the extra $1400 for the Pro XT version of the Trail 429 is worthwhile over the Race XT entry level kit? Never have had Fox Factory suspension so not sure if the difference would be worth it. Thanks!!!

Tallboy FTW … not gonna lie though the pivot is a sick bike. Looking forward to your h2h vid

I haven't ridden the Pivot 429 but I have recently bought the RM Element, would love to see a comparison video between the two. To me the Element is a do it all trail bike it's easy to climb, stable at high speed, controlled thru the chatter, easy to huck, it's just such a fun bike. That being said the difficulty for me is finding the right position on the ride 4 system, do you go with the slack more progressive setting or the linear steep setting, I love the progressiveness of the shock in the slack setting so much control on the descents and the steep setting is great for those flatter trail rides and climbs. Compromises :) as you say it's a great time to be a mountain biker. Love the channel.

Thank you for the awesome content! By far the most helpful reviews I've found. Can you help me understand the pros/cons in putting a 140 fork on the trail option vs going with the enduro build?

I would love to see you test the Niner Jet RDO to compare to your Ripley and Trail 429

Very nice review Jason! Weight of bike is a damn good with 140mm Pike , DW link and capability of this machine, could you post here complete list of parts? I guess the wheels has about 1000g :-D

I'm looking forward to the live stream! I've been looking up info on those Berd wheels, they are sweet! Did you get your built with Berd's rims as well or did you use something else?

move that seat in the rails forward by say ..1/8-1/4"..that will fix your reach/seat tube angle in no time flat

Great review! How does this bike stack up vs. the Revel Rascal?

Damn, I've ordered a Ripley based on your excitement for this bike in the 15 other videos I watched from you Jason haha. That's fine, not a bad choice anyways I think. Send people to Pivot and my Ripley will arrive sooner haha cheers

Sounds like an awesome bike. My only hangup is that I do prefer a 76+ STA and I don't care for superboost. Right now, the new Element is at the top of my next bike list.

Jason, I'm definitely looking forward to hearing about those Bird wheels and spokes. I've been eyeing them since worldwidecycle did a vid on them and would like to hear your opinion.

Great review as it shows that modern trail bikes can indeed keep up with the big boys! I'm currently having the chance of buying a showroom 2020 Pivot T429 V2 (the bike you've tested against the Switchblade some time back) at a very good sales price. I'm 5'10'' so L should fit ok if I prefer a more stable ride in the descents, correct? Do you think this is still a capable bike according to 2023 standards and how does it compare to the New Pivot Trail 429, which seems to be quite different and fully redesigned. I'm primarily riding mountain trails in my region (Pfälzerwald in Germany, comparable more to the US East Coast with lots of roots and rocks, technical bumpy descents, rock gardens) but also the Swiss Alps, also like longer rides of about 40 miles and with fast and bumpy descents. Is the 2019 T429 V2 still very capable of doing this? Thanks a lot and Happy Riding to Utah!!

What about the Norco Optic on the down? It's the "tallboy killer" down hill?! Great clip! I love all the bikes on list and they are all great! It's a good time to be a MTB biker, pricy but good!

Got my 429 XT/XTR pro in July. Your first review of the bike helped me choose. Almost made a huge mistake of upsizing to a large based on some xc race bikes I owned in medium that I felt cramped on. I am 5'-9" and the medium fits like a glove. Best fit ever, and I have been mountain biking for 35 years. Mine weighs 29 lbs and I would like to get it lighter. I think carbon wheels, lighter tires, mine came with Dissectors, XTR cassette. What else? Would like the details of your wheels.

Jason, thanks again for great reviews. Was between Ripley and T429. Son in law had 429 ordered and pushing that. Between you two I went Trail 429 couple months ago and is best bike have ever ridden. Basically stock, full XT and Reynolds wheels, XR4 tires f&r. Took my riding to a new level; bike is amazing. Now the question; you and I almost same size and you mentioned linking all your settings. Probably my ineptitude, but can't find. Can you please post or redirect me. I am fine tuning suspension. Have removed all vol spacers from Fox 34 and dropped dps to the 0.6 spacer. Sag set per instructions. Am older rider (75) and theses days more chicken than Mach chicken, but still like to move smartly up and down. Ride mostly in GA, typical roots and bumpy to flow. Not much air time... Any suspension suggestions appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Interesting review. I initially dismissed it because of how slack the seat tube is. Seemed like it has géo from 5 years ago.

Super boost has entered the chat…😁 Really wish they hadn’t done that just because I’m so invested in standard boost wheels (can swap between entire stable)

OK just as a follow up form my comment below. Bikes I've had this year: 2021 Santa Cruz Tallboy (CS build), Yeti SB115 (C2 build), Pivot Trail 429 Pro XT build. I'm old and fat at 43 Y.O and 210LBS. I used to race Motocross, so I'm pretty handy on a mountain bike. I ride in AZ where there is lots of loose rock climbs and hard pack trails. Climbing nasty stuff-loose rocks (long climbs) is my weakness. My goal is to simply improve my lap and climb times while getting in shape... Here is my opinion after owning all 3. Again...my opinion. The Tallboy was too slack for me and a real struggle on long (loose) uphill climbs. Great "trail" bike and great on the downhills. I really didn't care for it and sold it shortly after I bought it. Nothing negative about it...but for the price range there was lots of other options in that area (Definitely number 3 on the list). Next up...the Yeti SB115. IMO (to this day) is the best climbing bike and extremely capable on all types of terrain. It just makes the overall ride so much easier, and the bike is so light and nimble. Corners on a dime, but requires your attention on nasty downhills. Overall...I absolutely loved this bike for my type of riding. Next up... The Pivot Trail 429. I had to drink the Kool-aid and try it. The fit and finish coming out of the box was beautiful and the DW link does not disappoint. The Pivot 429 does everything "well." The Pivot 429 does NOT (again IMO) climb NEARLY as good as the SB115, but is an EXCELLENT all around trail bike that does everything 'well' and has the best resale value without a doubt. People trip over themselves to buy these used in Arizona. I think its a great bike and would recommend it to anyone. Today while on a nasty uphill (loose rock) climb with my heart and legs pounding I decided it was my last ride on the Pivot Trail 429. I had memories of my Yeti and how much easier (and faster) I was on it. According to Strava I was 2-4 minutes slower on the Pivot in a lot of the nasty uphill climbs, and it simply does not 'blow' the Yeti away on the downhills. I was working too hard getting up hills compared to the Yeti SB115. So (thankfully) competitive cyclist has a 30 day guarantee on their bikes for in store credit towards a new one. As you guessed...I made the call. I absolutely loved the Yeti (for my XC) type riding conditions in Arizona with loose nasty rock climbs and hard pack. I don't know why I sold it other than I drank the Pivot Kool-aid and had to try it. Again, this is not a knock on Pivot (or YUM YUM for that matter). The 429 is an awesome bike and extremely well rounded. I splurged and got the Yeti T1 build with the $1,000 DT Swiss carbon wheel upgrade. Significantly better than the Yeti C2 build I had, so I'm looking forward to smooth sailing again. Hope this helps anyone reading and I would be happy to share my experience with anyone interested in comments!

Hey bro, LOVE your page! Got a question. I just sold my switchblade looking for something a bit lighter and more fun/fast on my flat central NC trails. I typically only climb 1,000 feet over the course of 10 miles of riding. I noticed the other day while riding behind a guy on a HeiHei and noticed him jumping over the smallest things that I typically ride right over (small roots, side of tree trunks, etc) and it looked so much more fun lol. I also started racing XC lately so looking for something to pedal through 30-40 mile XC races. I'm 40 and my back hurts so a hard tail isn't for me lol. I'm looking at three options. The 429, the Spur, and the sb120 (Also the Mach 4 SL) . I nearly bought the Spur the other day but then came across a used 429 with reynolds rims and that got me thinking. I'm worried though that if I get a 429 it will feel the same as my switchblade and not noticed enough of a difference. But at the same time, I don't want to get beat up on a ride. What are your thoughts?

Geometry looks almost identical to the new Trek Top Fuel. Would be a great comparison with the Tallboy and Trail 429

Which one is more efficient on steady climbs? Sb115 or 429? Also would be awesome to hear any weight differences.. Awesome review!!

Been riding my 429 for about 4 months and absolutely love it. I'll be riding True Grit in St. George in March. I know you've ridden those trails. Would you recommend those Rekon tires for an event like that. For context, I'm not trying to win, just finish.

What is your second and third place as the price point on Pivot is high for the spec? I remember you saying the stumpy was really nice/close which has good price points for specs

This bike is such a beauty and the geo numbers look absolutely spot on! I just cant bring myself to spend the money on it. The spec for the price on builds just isn't that great so after I bought the bike and made some upgrades id be out of my mental budget to spend on a bike. The numbers on this bike is kinda what I'm hoping for when they release the Ripley v5... Pivot sure makes a beautiful frame though!

I think I've seen you say that you've since sold your 429 and moved on. I'm wondering what changed. Your experience is appreciated.

Have you thought of doing an angleset to slacken it to 65 degrees? You mentioned you would have preferred that head angle.

I'm not sure if you have ever experimented with angle headsets but that could be one way to achieve the geo you're looking for. I put the cane creek angleset (adjustments of .5, 1 and 1.5 degree) in my ripmo and it's amazing what a small adjust can do. I understand that you are slightly slackening the sta when you slacken the hta however its very marginal to me. I mentioned it before but you have to get out on the following if you can. The sta is super steep and its not a very slack bike overall but you don't seem to notice it as much (esp with an angleset and a 130-140mm fork). I think the bike should be set up with a pike 130-140mm fork, it begs to be ridden with a longer fork. I can confidently say it's the best cornering and the most lively, poppy and playfull of all the 120 trail bikes out there, however Id say the 429 is a better bike overall.

I was thinking about getting the SL mach 4. Had the 429 med slightly to big for me I think. Any reviews on the 4?

If you ever get your hands on the new Scott Spark, I'd love to hear your thoughts vs this Trail 429.

I Have A 150Pike On My RM Best Trail Fork . Its Awesome

Nice review. What is the travel and offset on that Pike?

Yo yumyum. Im curious I like efficient, plush bikes. Would you recommend the 429?

Itching to hear your thoughts on the Evil Offering V2 for the all mountain category!

Nice video! How does it compare to the new stumpy? Thanks in advance!

How did you get that bike spec to 24 lbs? On the competitive cyclist, it says weight is 29 lbs for that model? Just curious as I would like a lighter weight if I look to buy that particular model of the 429, really enjoy your videos, very informative, I am currently riding a 2018 Santa Cruz Tallboy 27.5 plus carbon R model, love the bike, just would like something in the weight range of your bike

I was getting close to getting a Ripley in part because you kept riding one for 3 years. But now you are on a Pivot 429?

Evil Following please. The lab austere is best I ever tried. Thanks!

Thinking of trading in my 21 Stumpy Evo for 429 Enduro. Think my Evo is over biked for me, but it’s so smooth on the downhill. How much better will the climbing be and how much will I lose on descending? I usually climb 30-40 minutes(300m vertical) for a 10 minute downhill.

Sounds like the Evil Following with a -1 degree angleset on might be exactly what you're looking for.

24 lbs…dang! Nice job Jason! Killer bike. I would run Pike, too. What hoops do you have with those Berd spokes…Enve?

I have been trying to hold on for the 2022 Instinct, but man, you are not making it easy. If this thing had 130-135 in the rear, I think it would be bye bye Instinct. Great review as always.

Stumpjumper seems like the closest bike to the 429 with maybe a little more progressive geo. 429 better rear suspension.

Great review and channel - You’ve got a subscriber!! I’m looking at the 429 and I’m having trouble finding a demo near me to try so I’ve got a question on sizing. I’m 6’ 1/2” with a 34 1/2” inseam. It sounds like this bike runs a little big? Would a L or XL be better? Obviously I’d like to test ride first but haven’t found a shop with any. Thanks in advance for any insight!

24lbs sounds and 120mm full suss sounds dare i say .... perfect

Hi, excellent channel. I'm also 5.8' and looking into purchasing a trail 429. I see you a ride M and learned in your video that you would like a shorter reach on your bike. Do you think a size S would fit you better? I’m not 100% sure what size is best for me. Also would like to know what’s your opinion on having a 120mm (RS ZID) travel front fork on this bike. The original setting is with a Fox 130mm and yours is on 140mm (it’s almost the Enduro built.

Hi!! Out of curiosity how tall are you? and what size bike are you riding? I'm 5'10, 32 inch inseam. I'm thinking Large.It's not so different from the medium that i can't shorten the stem 10 or so mm or adjust the bars to sweep back. What are your thoughts? Thanks, Mark

This review makes me wanna order one, but i'm between the sizes 5'8" what should y i go, there are not much jumps but too many fire road climbs and single tracks. Was thinking of the large but it might be a little large i think. Thanks ! Grreat video

Are you riding the Berd rims with the PolyLight Spokes? if yes what's your thoughts on the wheelset. Thinking of buying that wheelset.

@MTB yumyum Do you think yeti will release a new short travel trail bike this year? Something to compete with the ripley and trail429

I still own a Pivot, although it is old and not modern geometry. My Ripley AF seems pretty planted with 2.6 tires on it. How would you compare this Trail 429 to the Ripley AF?

At 5’10”, my medium switchblade was perfect. On a medium revel rascal now, feels a touch small but enjoying it immensely. Would love to get on a T429 soon