CROSS-COUNTRY REVELATION
The Mach 4 is the first cross-country offering from MTB-design legend Chris Cocalis’s newly launched Pivot brand. It’s built around the same dw-link platform as the Gear of the Year–winning Ibis but tuned a bit firmer to stay active while eliminating energy-sapping pedal bob. The bike blasted up climbs and carved neat, efficient turns. The only hiccup was Shimano’s new low-profile XTR Shadow rear derailleur. We had two fail on us. Stick with the company’s outstanding old XTR derailleurs until they get the Shadow production right. 24.8 lbs, M; pivotcycles.com