Pivot LES 27.5 Review

The Pivot LES 27.5 Mountain Bike was engineered with cross country riding in mind. This XC bike was designed to get your rider across the finish line. The LES 27.5 is perfect for someone entering into NICA’s junior development program or a high schooler who is already deep into their racing career. Without a doubt, it would be good for a weekend rider too! The Pivot LES 27.5 is an excellent bike for kids starting to race because of its lightweight build and accommodating sizes. Equally important, many MTB experts claim hard-tail bikes are the best for learning valuable techniques.

We demo’d an extra-small Pivot LES 27.5 Team XTR. This bike was kitted with a Fox Factory Stepcast 32 fork, Shimano XTR rear derailleur, shifter, and brakes. Additionally, a Race Face Next SL 34T Crankset, Pivot’s Phoenix Team Flat Carbon handlebars (30.75 in), an 11-speed cassette with a 46t big ring, center lock disc brakes. Lastly, we had a WTB saddle, DT Swiss XMC 1200 Wheels, and Maxxis Ardent Race tires 27.5 x 2.35. With this in mind, this bike was built to rip.

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Our test rider was 12 years old, 60 inches tall, and 80lbs with all his gear on. According to Pivot, the bike fits riders between 4’10’’ (58 inches) and 6’1’’ (73 inches). Based on average heights, the LES 27.5 would be great for some 11 year old kids but mostly kids who are 12 and up. Hardtail bikes are lightweight for easy climbing and tight handling, making it perfect for a new or experienced rider.

The Pivot LES 27.5’s setup helps riders in many ways. For example, the exclusion of a front derailleur allows a clean handlebar situation. With the result that a young rider can focus on the trail – keeping their hands ready when needed.

Our demo came kitted with Shimano XTR M9100 brakes. Young riders can learn the proper braking techniques with these stoppers. Our rider found it easy to practice one finger braking and was successfully moderating speed.

The Pivot LES 27.5 comes ready for the tough XC terrain. We tested in a desert landscape fully stocked with sharp rocks and pointy plants. One fear of riding on a hardtail is that the wheels and tires get put under immense pressure. Our LES 27.5 didn’t buckle under the pressure. In contrast, it rose to the occasion to provide an amazing ride! The DT Swiss XMC 1200 wheels are some of the lightest, yet most reliable wheels available. These wheels shave almost a pound off from DT Swiss’ entry level M1700 wheels. Coupled with a set of Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5 x 2.35 tires, this bike is ready to climb or descend.

This chart is just a general overview. You should always get assistance from a professional who can perform a proper bike fit.

Coming in at 12 years old and 80 pounds with his gear, our rider looked experienced and fast on the LES 27.5. To test the bike, we took it out in St. George, Utah which is a typical desert riding environment. This type of terrain can be very difficult. Steep drops, sharp rocks, and sandy corners are frequent, yet our rider and bike handled it very well.

Pedaling this bike is fun and less of a chore. Most important, our test rider loved how well the bike climbed. If your rider is used to a heavy full-suspension bike, their first time on this bike will feel almost weightless. For the same reason, this bike would be ideal for a new cross country racer. It is great for building strength while also allowing the rider to climb technical ascents without getting discouraged.

“This bike only weighed about 20lbs and the gearing made it super easy to pedal and climb steep hills.”

Mountain Biking With Kids Test Rider

Now the fun part, the descent! With a bike like the LES 27.5, young riders can drop in with confidence. Because of the short chainstay, smaller riders are not over encumbered by a long bike. Consequently, smaller riders can get their butt behind the saddle when needed. With the result that a rider will feel more comfortable descending technical and steep drops.