Pivot Vault Team Force in Review

Pivot are known for their exclusive mountain bikes and as well as their years of accumulated carbon know-how. For their 2019 range, the Arizona-based company have introduced the progressive Pivot Vault Team Force gravel bike. Does it hit a hole in one? We’ve got the answer!

Click here for an overview of the best gravel bike 2020 group test.

**Pivot** Vault Team Force | 8.34 kg (size M) | € 8,049

The development priorities for the Vault put a particular focus on speed and versatility. In turn, this bike will take anything from 700 x 47C tires to 650 x 50B tires. Not stopping there, the carbon frame is also compatible with gravel suspension such as the FOX 32 Step-Cast AX or the Lauf Grit suspension fork. But even without, the frame is designed to offer a high level of comfort with its specially engineered ISO FLEX system. This comprises an elastomer insert in the seat tube which decouples the seatpost from the frame, offering a higher level of compliance. The ISO FLEX system is compatible with 27.2 and 30.9 mm seatposts, and even 30.9 mm dropper posts with internal routing. A further advantage of this system is that similar to the Trek Domane 9 SLR, it doesn’t impact on the torsional stiffness of the bottom bracket and head tube. The organic shaping of the frame matches current trends and the finish is of the highest quality. It’s only the loud decals that split opinions amongst our test team. Our test bike in size M weighed 8.34 kg and was equipped with a complete 1×12 SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset with a 36 t chainring, 10-33 t cassette, Reynolds ATRx 23 carbon wheels and 700 x 40C MAXXIS Rambler EXO TR tires. In this spec, the Pivot costs € 8,049. The frameset only option costs € 3,249.

**Helmet** Giro Aether MIPS | **Glasses** 100% S3 | **Jersey** Pas Normal Studios Logo Shirt | **Shorts** Second Hand | **Socks** FINGERSCROSSED BOYS DON’T CRY | **Shoes** Specialized S-Works Recon

The Pivot Vault Team Force in detail

Drivetrain SRAM Force eTap AXS
Gearing 36 t and 10-33 t, 1×12
Brakes SRAM Force HRD, 160/160 mm
Handlebar Easton EC70 AX, 440 mm
Stem Phoenix Team, 110 mm
Seatpost Phoenix Pro Carbon, 20 mm offset
Wheels Reynolds ATRx 23
Tires MAXXIS Rambler EXO TR 700 x 40C

**It all fits together**
The MAXXIS Rambler tires don’t just match the frame aesthetically, they also offer a high level of grip and good comfort.

**Bitter aftertaste**
The wireless SRAM Force eTAP AXS groupset means there are only two brakes hoses left to manage. Despite this, the internal routing rattled a lot on our test bike.

**Pretty**
The design language is consistent throughout the frameset. A front derailleur can be mounted if required.

**Not without rubber**
The ISO FLEX system offers comfort even with the inevitably stiff design of dropper posts. An excellent idea with excellent implementation!

Size	XS	SM	MD	LG	XL
Seat tube	445 mm	538 mm	548 mm	568 mm	588 mm
Top tube	515 mm	538 mm	565 mm	578 mm	590 mm
Head tube	105 mm	130 mm	155 mm	170 mm	195 mm
Head angle	70.0°	71.5°	72.0°	72.0°	72.0°
Seat angle	74.8°	74.0°	73.5°	73.0°	73.0°
Chainstays	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm
BB Drop	70 mm	70 mm	70 mm	70 mm	70 mm
Wheelbase	1,000 mm	1,002 mm	1,020 mm	1,028 mm	1,038 mm
Reach	374 mm	381 mm	395 mm	398 mm	400 mm
Stack	520 mm	549 mm	574 mm	589 mm	612 mm

The Pivot Vault Team Force in review

Accelerating, the Pivot is decidedly agile and converts your input willingly into forward motion. It generates speed efficiently whether you’re on the road or gravel. The small gear steps allow you to maintain a steady cadence and ride quickly. Indeed, the bike demands of you to ride it sportily, especially as the road starts pointing up. That’s where the limited gear range reaches its limits and just can’t keep up with the versatility of 2x drivetrains or 500% range cassettes. Overall the combination of 20 mm offset seatpost, effective seat tube angle of 73.5° and 110 mm stem results in a stretched out position, reflecting the sporty design that suits riding hard better than it does relaxed cruising.

**Tuning tip**
Bigger cassette for easier climbing

Heading out for some gravel fun? Then take the Pivot!

The playful and lively handling is well-balanced and will allow experienced riders to react quickly in tricky situations and hit tight corners at speed. However, gravel beginners should be aware of this trait when they approach technically demanding terrain. The Vault provides a calm and stable enough ride, but given its performance focus, it is less than some other bikes in the test. However, the level of comfort offered by the Pivot impressed our whole team! The ISO FLEX system was always effective, successfully damping bigger hits. This is also well matched by the carbon frame which absorbs vibrations effectively while maintaining its defined and precise handling. Given this positive impression, the rattling internally routed brake hoses leave a bitter aftertaste on what is an otherwise brilliant package.

Conclusion

The Pivot Vault Team Force generates lots of speed and convinced us with the clever ISO FLEX system and good vibration damping of the frameset itself. Experienced gravel riders will discover a lively and performance focussed premium bike. Gravel beginners will have to take into account the quick handling nature and relatively aggressive position. However, on a bike at this price point, rattling internal routing just shouldn’t be an issue anymore.

Tops

playful handling without being nervous
comfortable ride
integration and versatility of the ISO FLEX system

Flops

not the most stable ride
rattling internal routing
cassette is too small for steep ramps

Riding Characteristics

Agility

cumbersome
playful

Stability

nervous
confident

Handling

demanding
balanced

Fun factor

boring
lively

Value for money

terrible
very good

Technical Data

Pivot
Vault Team Force

Size: XS SM MD LG XL
Weight: 8.34 kg
Price: € 8,049

Indended Use

Smooth tarmac 1

Allroad/Gravel 2

Everyday/Commuting 3

For more info: pivotcycles.com