The Vault is probably not on the radar of many bikers who are interested in a new gravel bike - and wrongly so! But first things first. In the mountain bike world, Pivot is known for its prestigious full-suspension bikes for big spenders. With the Vault, the label from the US state of Arizona wants to bring its off-road expertise to the gravel sector. Of course, the bike is approved for suspension forks and dropper posts, but only rigid but lightweight carbon parts are fitted ex works. The slim fork even dispenses with threads for luggage mounts. As a result, the mid-range Vault has the second-lightest overall weight in the test field.
Pivot Vault Team Force XPLR AXS: mechanic-friendly gravel bike
Nevertheless, the maximum permitted system weight of 140 kilos is at a good level. Mechanics will be pleased with the option of routing the cables either through the headset or classically through the frame and a service hatch in the bottom bracket area. Up to four water bottles fit on the frame triangle without the need for a special solution. As if the package with down tube storage compartment, mudguard mount and lifetime guarantee wasn't interesting enough, Pivot has integrated a special comfort element into the transition from seat tube to seat post. The so-called "Iso-Flex" technology uses a rubber element to isolate the seatpost from disturbing vibrations and increase comfort on long rides.
Carbon support could be longer
Due to the short seat tube, the Pivot requires a long seatpost extension. In our opinion, the carbon seat post itself could be longer, as it is just about the right seat height for a 190 centimetre tall rider and frame size XL. Thanks to the long lever and the flex insert, the American is de facto very comfortable to sit on. This is confirmed by our test bench as well as our impressions in practice. Even the Zipp handlebars, which offer ergonomic grips with their flattened profile, are not short on comfortable compliance under laboratory conditions.
However, our test bike not only comes with the narrowest tyres in the field, the rim width of the all-road rims is also small at 22 millimetres. Unfortunately, this means that the rubber can't spread far. The reduced damping compared to wider models limits comfort at the front. So while your bum is comfortably bedded in, your wrists quickly ache over rough gravel. However, the asphalt cutter tyres also have something good: the Vault effortlessly achieves very good acceleration values and plays in a different league compared to the bikepacking specialist from Salsa. During many acceleration phases and sprints on undulating terrain, the forward momentum boosts the fun factor. The riding position is pleasantly balanced. Unfortunately, the Pivot still has to make do with an older drivetrain and a maximum of 44 teeth on the cassette. Even compared to the Alutech or Marin, steep ramps become a feat of strength.
Traction under load is in short supply on the narrow WTB tyres with an almost closed centre bar. In terms of handling, on the other hand, the bike leaves nothing to be desired and has no real weaknesses. The developers have hit the bull's eye with the geometry. In technically demanding sections, the Vault benefits from the safety reserves of the long main frame and sits well on the course. At the same time, a short stem implements steering impulses in an exemplary manner and the chainstays, which are only 420 millimetres short, maintain the bike's manoeuvrability. There is plenty of room to manoeuvre in the air space above the top tube. This gives experienced riders the chance to perform radical manoeuvres even without a dropper post. The downhill potential is again limited by the lack of reserves in the wheel/tyre combination. Tuning tip: fit 50mm tubeless tyres. The chassis would be approved for this.
Pivot Vault Team Force XPLR AXS: price, geometry, spec, measured values, pros and cons
- Price: 5499 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.8 kilos
- Frame sizes: XXS, XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Geometry
- STR/STR+: 1,58/1,21
- Stack+/Reach+: 703/580 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Pivot Carbon
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force XPLR AXS (1x12; 40, 10-44 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Force (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: WTB Vulpine TCS Light Fast Roll 40 mm (eff.: 40 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ER 1600
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 8750 g
- Weight of wheels: 3597 g
- Impeller inertia: 2377 kg x cm²
Pivot Vault Team Force XPLR AXS: Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
High seating comfort thanks to "Iso-Flex", fast acceleration, convincing handling on any terrain
Disadvantages
Narrow rims and tyres limit comfort and riding characteristics, equipment not quite up-to-date
Jan Timmermann
Editor
