Pivot Trailcat SL: suspension setup & specs
The Pivot Trailcat SL is a downcountry bike with 140 mm of fork travel. Here you will find all 6 current builds with fork, plus matching SAG and tyre pressure starting values.
Calculate the setup for your Pivot Trailcat SL →
All builds
Fork, weight and price according to the manufacturer. Wheel size: 29.
| Build | Fork | Weight | RRP | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert XT Di2 | Fox Performance 36SL (140 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
| Pro X0 Eagle Transmission | Fox Factory 36SL (140 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
| Pro X0 Eagle Transmission | NEO | Fox Factory 36SL (140 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
| Ride Eagle 70/90 | Fox Performance 36 SL (140 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
| Team XX Eagle Transmission | Fox Factory 36SL (140 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
| Team XX Eagle Transmission | NEO | Fox Factory 36SL (140 mm) | – | – | Setup → |
How it compares
Up front the Pivot Trailcat SL runs 140 mm – 10 mm more than the 130 mm median we calculated from 13 bikes in the “downcountry bike” category. On travel, it slots in between the Pivot Mach 4 SL and the Pivot Trailcat LT in the Pivot range. The frame is made of carbon.
Up front, all builds get a FOX fork. In total, 3 different forks are used, from the Fox Performance 36SL to the Fox Performance 36 SL.
Setup notes for this spec
- Fork (Fox Performance 36SL): air goes in through the valve on top of the left leg. After every change, compress the fork firmly a few times before measuring SAG.
- Rebound: turn the red FOX adjuster fully closed first and count clicks from there – that way you can note settings and restore them later.
- Hardtail: only the fork needs setting up. With no rear suspension, rear tyre pressure is the key adjustment for comfort and grip.
Target SAG for the Pivot Trailcat SL
SAG is the share of travel your weight already uses in the riding position. The table gives it straight in millimetres – read the O-ring on the stanchion and adjust the air pressure until it matches. Any figures from Pivot take priority.
140 mm fork (all builds)
| Riding style | Fork SAG |
|---|---|
| XC / touring | 17 % = 24 mm |
| Trail | 20 % = 28 mm |
| Enduro / rough | 22 % = 31 mm |
| Bike park | 20 % = 28 mm |
How to measure SAG is explained in our guide SAG setup.
Tyre pressure starting values
The values apply to 2.40″ wide tubeless tyres with a trail casing. With an inner tube add about 0.2 bar (2.9 psi), with an insert take off about 0.1 bar (1.5 psi). Stock tyres: Maxxis Minion DHRII 29" x 2.4" WT, TR, 3C, EXO+, MAXXTERRA Maxxis Dissector 29" x 2.4" WT, TR, 3C, EXO, MAXXTERRA.
| Ready-to-ride weight | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 1.43 bar (21 psi) | 1.63 bar (24 psi) |
| 70 kg | 1.55 bar (22 psi) | 1.75 bar (25 psi) |
| 80 kg | 1.67 bar (24 psi) | 1.87 bar (27 psi) |
| 90 kg | 1.79 bar (26 psi) | 1.99 bar (29 psi) |
| 100 kg | 1.91 bar (28 psi) | 2.11 bar (31 psi) |
| 110 kg | 2.03 bar (29 psi) | 2.23 bar (32 psi) |
| 120 kg | 2.15 bar (31 psi) | 2.35 bar (34 psi) |
Air pressure in the fork
The sticker on the fork and the manufacturers’ setup charts give you a first pressure. Our calculator is more precise and suggests rebound too – always check the result via SAG.
Sources
- Trailcat SL Expert XT Di2
- Trailcat SL Pro X0 Eagle Transmission
- Trailcat SL Pro X0 Eagle Transmission | NEO
- Trailcat SL Ride Eagle 70/90
- Trailcat SL Team XX Eagle Transmission
- Trailcat SL Team XX Eagle Transmission | NEO