Shadowcat

To ensure the best sizing, we recommend that you visit your local Pivot dealer to get a professional fit. However, we can provide a rough guideline. These recommendations are based on our experience, athlete preference, and customer feedback: XS: 4’11” – 5’4” Small: 5‘1“ – 5‘8” Medium: 5‘5” – 6’ Large: 5‘8” – 6‘2” Your riding style and body size matters to us. We want to ensure that you can pick your Shadowcat in the size which fits perfectly to your needs. The Shadowcat features very progressive long reach geometry with both short seat tube and head tube measurements per size. This means you have more space on the bike to move around. Our geometry is designed to enable riders to go up or down a size, depending 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.

The Shadowcat can run 27.5“ tires up to 2.4” Maxxis tires. 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.

For the Shadowcat, we use an integrated style headset. The upper bearing measures 1-1/8” with 45/45 ACB and has an OD of 41.8mm. The lower bearing measures 1-1/2” with 45/45 ACB and has an OD of 51.9mm. You can find these in our webstore or at your local Pivot dealer.

It has never been easier for you to get the perfect suspension setup. We make it easy with our simple sag indicator already installed on your shock. Just sit on your bike and you can tell right away if you are good to go. You can watch and follow-along with this video featuring our own Bernard Kerr Please refer to our suspension setup guide, for our recommended settings for your compression and rebound adjustments to dial in your ride.

Though it is possible, we designed the Shadowcat to be as snappy and capable as possible. We found the feeling best with 27.5” wheels. If you really want to set it up with mixed wheels, you will need to buy a 130mm travel 29” fork and a 29” front wheel. This would keep the handling similar to as designed.

Yes. The Shadowcat 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. Check for proper clearance between your cranks and chainguide before riding.

The Shadowcat is built with 180mm rotors front and rear. The Shadowcat will fit 203mm rotors with post mount adapters on the frame and fork.

Yes, you can mount a water bottle cage inside the front triangle and put a large water (20oz.) bottle in it on all sizes - even the XS. There is also an additional water bottle cage mount under the base of the downtube for a second bottle for long rides, or a great location for a Pivot Dock Tool.

44mm

The Shadowcat’s metric shock has a trunnion style upper mount, 185mm eye-to-eye length, and 55mm stroke.

You can use volume spacers to fine tune the Shadowcat to your personal style. A larger volume spacers will resist bottoming on harder landings and allows the bike to ride higher in the stroke. Generally you get a bike which is more “poppy” and playful. If you are not getting full travel or feel the need for a plusher ride even with sag set properly, then they should go to a smaller volume spacer.

The Shadowcat frame uses a 31.6mm seatpost. Depending on the frame size we use different lengths and travel. These can be found in our dropper fit guide

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

The Shadowcat uses the new universal rear derailleur hanger (UDH) standard developed by SRAM. This derailleur hanger is compatible with all derailleurs on the market – not just SRAM. We spec this hanger because it has some clever derailleur saving features and is more likely to be found at any shop.

The Shadowcat uses an axle for a 148mm rear spacing designed for the new 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 148mm UDH axles. These can be found in our webstore. (link to webstore)

The Shadow cat uses a Pressfit BB92 bottom bracket. f you need to replace it someday the best option is to contact your local Pivot dealer.

The Shadowcat uses Boost 148mm X 12mm rear hub/wheel spacing.

Super Boost Plus 157 provides great attributes for many of our bikes like plus compatibility, tire clearance, short chainstays, and wheel stiffness. The Shadowcat, like the Mach 4 SL, is designed to be with Boost 148mm rear spacing. These models are focused on lightweight performance and are able to achieve their ride characterstics and weight targets with Boost 148mm spacing.

The Shadowcat will accept all cranks designed for the BOOST system and are compatible with a press fit 92 bottom bracket. Any cranks with a 52mm chainline should be compatible.

No, the Shadowcat is only 1x drivetrain compatible. To achieve the stiffness goals that make this a class-leading all mountain bike, we designed a new wider lower link that’s leaving no room for a front derailleur.

No, the Shadowcat is not Di2 compatible. It is possible to externally route the wire to the rear derailleur but it will not have the same level of integration as some of our other models. The frame does not feature the Di2 wiring holes between the front triangle and swingarm. Pivot does not endorse drilling holes in your frame.

A detailed PDF of the torque specs can be found under the "Tech Specs" tab in the small parts schematic.(link to schematic)

You not only want the lightest bike, but the best riding bike. Variables in frame size, discrepancies in scale calibrations, and method of weighing (with or without pedals and such) all lead to inaccurate comparisons, so we choose not to publish our bike weights. 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.

Have some questions about using Fox Live Valve on your Shadowcat? We are here to help. Check out our All About Bikes Podcast episode about Fox Live Valve. If you still have questions we are happy to talk to you on Live Chat.

Most people think of Fox Live Valve for XC racing. Having the suspension track the terrain for the most efficient power transfer and pedaling without fussing with flipping levers. On the Shadowcat the approach is to make the system cover the full spectrum of riding terrain that a modern trail bike should handle. The custom valving for the Shadowcat allows for agile handling and instant acceleration for climbing and sprinting when live valve is closed. When the valve is open, push your limits decending with plush suspension opening up all the lines to you when decending.

Battery life is highly dependent on Live Valve settings and terrain. Average life ranges between 16 and 26 hours. For most riders, that covers several weeks of riding.

Charge times range between 1.5-2 hours depending on the power source. If you forget to charge the system before a ride it only takes 15 minutes to get enough power for a 2-hour ride.

When the system detects a low battery it goes into open mode and shuts down.

Yes. Riding Live Valve powered off is just like riding your bike with the suspension in the open mode. Both the front and rear shock feature a full range off compression adjustability which enables you to adjust the suspension the same as you would for a non-Live Valve equipped bike. Additionally Pivot’s awesome dw-link suspension always offers class-leading pedalling performance with the system on or off.

No, the Live Valve system requires an accelerometer integrated near the rear axle, system mounting, and suspension tuning specific to the bike design.

Yes, within reason. Things like washing your bike, riding in the rain or normal puddles and small water crossings are fine. We do not recommend total submersion or a direct blast of water from a pressure washer – both could push water past seals and compromise the electronic system.

The Live battery can be charged on or off the bike and is charged using a standard micro-USB cable.

If you forget to turn the system off, Live Valve shuts off automatically if motion is not sensed for 1.5 hours. However, it is best to turn it off manually for battery charge preservation.

Yes you can, all Shadowcat frames are fully compatible, and Fox offers a complete preprogrammed system that is specific to the Shadowcat. However, the system would need to replace your current Fork and Shock and is far more cost effective when purchased as part of a Shadowcat complete bike. Please see your authorized Pivot dealer for information.

You set sag just as you would on regular suspension, but with the Live Valve system turned off so you get accurate readings. We make it easy to get the best ride out of your Pivot bike with a simple sag indicator already installed on your bike, and this follow-along video featuring our own Bernard Kerr: https://vimeo.com/pivotcycles/sag

The Shadowcat was designed for a 160mm travel fork. With the geometery being optimized for 160mm, we do not recommend using any other fork travel than 160mm. Note: If you choose to set up your Shadowcat with mixed wheels you will want to use a 130mm 29” fork only.

Yes, you can run some coil-shock on the Shadowcat. We use a rising rate design in this bike that functions well with them. We recommend the Fox DHX2 for its best in class performance, reliability and adjustability – if you are fancy this kind of ride feel. The Shadowcat runs with a M/M tune. *Please check all clearances prior to using any shock other than those spec’d or specifically recommended by Pivot. Your Shadowcat will not be covered under warranty if damage occurs due to shock incompatibility.

The Shadowcat features a trunnion mounted shock with M8 through bolt hardware on the bottom mount. Shock spacer dimensions are 30mm wide on the bottom mount. We run medium valving on the compression side (depending on rider weight) and medium rebound damping. While we wish we could, we can’t test every shock on the market and therefore we cannot guarantee that they will all fit our frames. If you decide to use a different shock than the original specification, please ensure that you have proper clearance as it moves through the travel as well as the appropriate amount of damping and bottom out control. Frame damage caused by an unsupported model or brand of suspension will not be warrantable.

The Shadowcat builds with a Float X shock use a .6 cu in volume spacer. The Shadowcat’s Float X will fit volume spacers from 0.1 - 0.8cu in in 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. For a more linear feel, a .1-.5 cu in volume spacer can be installed. For a more progressive feel, a .7-.8 cu in volume spacer can be installed. Please see the chart below for spacer P/N’s. P/N Description 803-01-725 Float X Air Volume Tuning Kit The Shadowcat DPS shock comes with a .6 cu in volume spacers installed. The maximum size volume spacer that can be run in this shock is a 0.95 cu in. The shock can handle larger spacers for a more progressive feel or a smaller spacer for a more linear feel. Please see the chart below for spacer P/N’s. P/N Description 233-00-350 Volume Spacer: Float DPS 0.2in^3 Plastic, Pink 233-00-351 Volume Spacer: Float DPS 0.4in^3 Plastic, Green 233-00-352 Volume Spacer: Float DPS 0.6in^3 Plastic, Yellow 233-00-353 Volume Spacer: Float DPS 0.8in^3 Plastic, Orange 233-00-354 Volume Spacer: Float DPS 0.95in^3 Plastic, Red The Shadowcat LIVE shock uses a .6 cu in volume spacer. The maximum size volume spacer for this shock is 0.86 cu in. The shock can handle larger spacers for a more progressive feel or a smaller spacer for a more linear feel. Please see the chart below for spacer P/N’s. P/N Description 233-00-340 Float DPX2 0.20in^3 Plastic, Purple 233-00-341 Float DPX2 0.40in^3 Plastic, Grey 233-00-342 Float DPX2 0.60in^3 Plastic, Light Blue 233-00-343 Float DPX2 0.86in^3 Plastic, Medium Blue