Trailcat SL

To ensure the best sizing, we recommend that you visit your local Pivot dealer to get a professional fit and refer to our geometry chart to check your measurements. However, we can provide a rough guideline:
X-Small: 4'11" – 5'4" | 1,50 – 1,63 m
Small: 5'4" – 5'9" | 1,63 – 1,75 m
Medium: 5'8" – 5'11" | 1,73 – 1,80 m
Large: 5'10" – 6'2" | 1,78 – 1,88 m X-Large: 6'1" | 1,88 m
We suggest that you pick your Trailcat size based on your riding style. The Trailcat features progressive long reach geometry with both short seat tube and head tube measurements per size – this geometry means that most riders can go up or down a size and should base their choice on riding-style, reach and stem length preferences. Be sure to also consult our dropper post fit guide when making your selection. You can always reach out to us on Live Chat for additional guidance.

We make it easy to get the best ride out of your Pivot bike with a simple sag indicator already installed on your shock. Watch how we set up suspension with Pivot’s Pro Garage Videos https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/pivot-cycles-tech-video-hub/

For more information on how to set up your Trailcat’s suspension check out the suspension setup guide
found in Tech Specs.

We offer the versatile Trailcat frame in two configurations. The SL, Superlight, or the LT, Long Travel. The Trailcat SL is configured with 120mm of rear suspension travel and a 140mm travel fork. The Trailcat LT configuration has 135mm of rear suspension travel and a 150mm travel fork. Each configuration has a specific fork, shock and upper link. The lower shock mount orientation is also specific to each version.
The same Trailcat front and rear triangles are used for both the SL and LT. For the Trailcat, we created two separate upper links and the two-position lower shock mount along with two different rear shock lengths to offer these two distinct configurations. This gives you more specific options depending on where and how you like to ride.

The flip chip is a simple way to adjust the geometry on your Trailcat. It allows you to either adjust the
geometry for different trail conditions (using 29” wheels) or can allow for the use of 27.5” rear wheel for a mixed wheel setup as well. The chip comes set up in the low BB setting. This is perfect for riding fast, technical and steep terrain. However, if your preference is for a little more crank clearance and slightly quicker handling for tighter terrain with more climbing and/or roots and rocks, you may prefer the high BB setting. The high BB setting will raise the bottom bracket and steepen the head angle by .5° degree giving the bike faster turn in. The high setting is also a great starting point for running the Trailcat with mixed wheels.

The Trailcat’s flip chip geometry adjustment system is super easy to use. Simply loosen using a 6mm hex wrench (these are reverse, so you need to turn the wrench to the right to loosen). Partially back out the bolts – there is no need to completely remove the bolts. Then pull the chips out and rotate them to your desired position, tighten the bolts to 35 Nm and enjoy your bike’s new handling and feel. Please see the geometry chart for the numbers associated with the different settings.

The Trailcat can run 29” wheels with MAXXIS tires up to 2.6” wide. For other tires in the market, most will fit up to these dimensions. If you decide to change the tires or wheels that we have on our builds, we suggest you check the fit with your chosen rim and tire combination to make sure it has proper clearance. We recommend a minimum 8mm of clearance between the tire and frame to account for tire roll and mud clearance.

Yes, the Trailcat works great with a mixed wheel setup. You will just need a compatible Super Boost Plus rear wheel. We also recommend having the flip-chip in the high position to help offset the geometry changes from the smaller rear wheel.

Yes, the Trailcat will fit 27.5” wheels with a max size of 2.6” (Maxxis) tires. We also recommend having the flip-chip in the high position to raise the BB height in order to help offset the lowered overall BB height due to the smaller wheels. We also offer a 17mm lower headset cup that can be used to further raise the BB height if desired. If you are running the 17mm lower cup, then it needs to be run in conjunction with the Pivot headset. You cannot press another brand of zero stack headset into the 17mm cup as the 17mm cup is the lower headset cup.

The Tool Shed is Pivot’s internal storage and cable management system. This feature allows you to store all your ride essentials safely and cleanly inside the frame. Custom made storage bags are included with each frame. The tool shed also includes internal cable guides to keep your routing clean and quiet, even on the roughest surfaces. Check out the Toolshed and its features in the Pivot’s Pro Garage Video https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/pivot-cycles-tech-video-hub/
Trailcat SLs ship with the toolshed door oriented with the lever forward for more water bottle clearance. Trailcat LTs ship with the toolshed door oriented with the lever down for shock reservoir clearance.

The Trailcat uses a ZS (zero stack) 44mm top and (zero stack) 56mm bottom.

Yes, you can mount a water bottle cage inside the front triangle and put a large water bottle in it on all sizes - even the XS. There is also an additional water bottle cage mount under the base of the downtube to attach a second bottle for long rides, or a great location for a Pivot Dock Tool.

Yes. The Trailcat features ISCG05 mounts on the frame. Most upper guides on the market will fit but compatibility is dependent on the Q factor of the crank. Narrow 168mm Q Factor cranks will have clearance issues with some of the more popular guides on the market.

The Trailcat will fit 180mm rotors without an adapter. 200/203mm rotors will also fit with the proper adapter.
Trailcat SL builds with Shimano brakes have 180 rotors front and rear. Trailcat LT comes with Shimano brakes and have a 180 rear and 203 front. We spec both Trailcat SL and Trailcat LT builds with SRAM Maven brakes with 180 rotors front and rear to match the power of these brakes.

The Trailcat SL was designed for fork travel of 140mm. The Trailcat LT was designed for fork travel of 150mm. The maximum travel length that can be used on the Trailcat SL is 150mm. Maximum travel for the Trailcat LT is 160mm travel.

44mm

No, we do not recommend using a coil shock on either the Trailcat SL or Trailcat LT. The Trailcat was designed to work with the progressiveness of an air spring. However, take a look at the volume spacer information below on minimum spacers if you would like a more linear feel.

The Trailcat uses a trunnion style upper mount. The Trailcat SL uses a 165mm eye-to-eye length, and 45mm stroke. This is achieved with the Trailcat SL upper link and the lower shock mount in the rearward position. The Trailcat LT uses a 185mm eye-to-eye length and 55mm stroke. This is done with the Trailcat LT upper link and the lower shock mount in the forward position. Refer to the Tech Specs for assembly information and specifications.

The latest version of Fox Live Valve NEO was developed with the fastest wireless protocol. This allows the suspension to make adjustments faster than the rider can feel the terrain or switch a lever. You will always have the right support and traction when you need it. Pivot worked directly with Fox during the development process of Live Valve NEO. We tested various tunes and algorithms in different riding locations to get the tune perfected for each bike model. There are Live Valve Neo Versions available for both the Trailcat SL and Trailcat LT.
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Larger volume spacers will resist bottoming, allow the bike to ride higher in the stroke and generally make the bike feel more “poppy.” If a rider is not getting full stroke or they feel that the bike is riding too high in its stroke, even with sag set properly, then they should go to a smaller volume spacer.

The Trailcat SL builds with the Float shock uses a 0.5 cu in volume spacer. This Float shock will fit volume spacers from none up to 1.1cu in with 0.1cu inch increments. The Float uses a primary volume spacer that comes in 0.2cu inch increments like normal, and you can also “piggyback” a small 0.1cu in spacer to make smaller adjustments. The shock can handle larger spacers for a more progressive feel or smaller spacers for a more linear feel. The Fox part number for the volume spacer tuning kit for the Float shock is 803-01-938.
Trailcat SL Fox Live NEO shocks use a 0.4 cu in volume spacer. This shock will fit volume spacers from none up to 1.1cu in with 0.1cu inch increments.
The Trailcat LT builds with a Float X shock use a 0.4 cu in volume spacer. The Trailcat’s Float X will fit volume spacers from none up to 1.0cu in with 0.1cu inch increments. The Float X uses a primary volume spacer that comes in 0.2cu inch increments like normal, and you can also “piggyback” a small 0.1cu in spacer to make smaller adjustments. The shock can handle larger spacers for a more progressive feel or smaller spacers for a more linear feel. The Fox part number for the volume spacer tuning kit for the Float X shock is 803-01-725.
Trailcat LT Fox Live NEO shocks use a 0.4 cu in volume spacer. This shock will fit volume spacers from none up to 1.0cu in with 0.1cu inch increments.

The Trailcat SL FOX 34 140mm fork comes stock with 1 spacer and can handle a maximum of 5 spacers. P/N 234-04-953 / Volume Spacer, FLOAT 34, 10cc Green
The FOX 36 150mm fork comes stock with 2 spacers and can handle a maximum of 7 spacers. P/N 234-04-736 / Volume Spacer, FLOAT 36, 10cc Orange

The Trailcat frame uses a 31.6mm seatpost.

The Trailcat frame uses a 36.4mm or 36.5mm (as some manufacturers call it) seatpost clamp.

The Trailcat has short seat tube lengths and deep insertion depths for compatibility with long travel dropper seatposts. Please see the dropper seatpost guide for common dropper post model compatibility. You can check the maximum insertion depth of other seatposts per frame size below:
XS – 245 mm S – 275 mm M – 295 mm L – 330 mm XL – 360 mm

No, all sizes of the Trailcat use the same rear triangle design. The adjustments to chainstay length and pivot location optimization for each size are all handled in the front triangle so changing a rear triangle from one size bike to another will not result in any changes to the geometry or overall chainstay length.

Pressfit BB92 bottom bracket

The Trailcat uses the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) for drivetrains that require a hanger. SRAM transmission builds mount directly to the frame in place of the hanger. This derailleur hanger is compatible with all derailleurs on the market that require a derailleur hanger. We spec this hanger because it has some clever derailleur saving features and is more likely to be found at any shop and is also available in our webstore.

The Trailcat uses an axle for 157mm rear spacing designed for the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard. The rear axle supplied with the frame is a Pivot specific design using a 12mm X 1.0mm thread pitch. SRAM also makes compatible 157mm UDH axles. Pivot 157mm UDH compatible axles can be found in our webstore.

The Trailcat uses a 157mm rear hub spacing in a configuration called Super Boost Plus 157. Super Boost Plus 157 builds on the idea of wider flange spacing pioneered by Boost 148. Super Boost Plus spreads the flanges even wider (up to 14mm wider then a 142mm hub) and increases wheel side to side stiffness substantially (Approximately 30% stiffer than boost) without affecting vertical compliance, which is a huge benefit for wheel and frame strength, as well as chainring and tire clearance.

The Trailcat will accept cranks designed for 55-56.5mm chainlines and compatible with a press fit 92mm bottom bracket. The Super Boost Plus system is based on several standard cranks in the market. When you purchase your Trailcat complete from Pivot it comes with cranks and a chainring optimized for the correct chainline for its drivetrain. Super Boost Plus was designed around a 56.5mm chainline but new drivetrains such as SRAM Transmission are based on a 55mm chainline which was taken into account in all our bike designs.
The Trailcat will accept cranks with a standard Q factor measurement as low as 168mm and featuring a 55-57mm chainline.

The Trailcat was designed and optimized for 32t chainrings. You can go as large as 36t, but always check for frame clearance and proper chainline before hitting the trail with something that is not spec.

A detailed PDF including torque specs can be found under the "Tech Specs" tab in the small parts schematic.

The Trailcat frame weights start at 5.3lbs (2.43kg) and our complete Team XTR build for the Trailcat SL comes in around 27.75lbs (12.58kg) and the Team XTR Trailcat LT weighs under 28.75lbs (13.0kg). Pivot bicycles are among the lightest available, but the weight is only one of many factors that make a great bicycle. Other aspects such as frame stiffness, strength, durability, and ride quality are just as important as weight to our engineers when designing our Hollow Core Carbon and aluminum frames. Instead of comparing grams online, we suggest you visit your local Pivot dealer and see our attention to detail, smart, high value spec, and class leading features. Bring a scale if you’d like but take just one demo ride and you’ll feel why Pivot Cycles are the most well-rounded, highest performing bicycles on the market and in many cases, yes, it’s the lightest as well.

SRAM AXS Transmission has a unique installation process that you must follow to set up this drivetrain on your Trailcat properly. The compete installation instructions can be found at https://www.sram.com/en/service/browse-by-product
Refer to SRAM’s chain length calculator for the proper setup information and chain sizing
https://axs.sram.com/guides/chain/calculator

No. Any aftermarket linkage not approved by Pivot immediately voids the frame warranty for any issue that could occur related to these aftermarket parts.