Pivot Mach 429 XT
Trail
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We know what you’re thinking: With full suspension and heavier 29-inch wheels, this must be a beast going uphill. Amazingly, it isn’t. The Mach 429 eliminates bob with a design that uses linkage geometry to push the rear wheel down—the harder you pedal, the firmer it gets. And the low front end moves rider weight forward for a more efficient pedaling position. For the rolling Arizona trails where we tested, it was the perfect choice. “The tires stayed glued to the ground on climbs, and it handled the drops with ease,” said one tester. “It’s the best full-suspension 29er I’ve been on.” $4,579; 27.8 lbs (medium); pivotcycles.com