The standard build (SLX/XT) of the Pivot comes with the Bosch Performance Line CX. Let’s start here before diving into the CX Performance Race motor of our Pro model test bike.
We’ve tested several eMTBs that use the Bosch Performance Line CX (like in our Orbea Wild review). The reputation that often precedes it is warranted; It’s one of the best-performing motors you’ll find on an e-bike. At a mere 6.4 lbs, it gives you up to a 340% assist level to your efforts at the cranks, making speeds up to 20 mph easily accessible, and with 85Nm of torque, it powers you up sharp climbs or long drawn-out ones. It all flows seamlessly with your pedaling, too.
One of the features that makes Bosch so attractive in the eMTB scene is the motor overrun. It powers you a moment or so beyond when you stop pedaling. It makes it effective for getting up and over technical sections, especially if you need to hoist the front of the bike up and over that final rock or root on your way toward the crest. I’ve always found it noticeable yet intuitive to use effectively, helping me get the most out of my rides.
The CX Race motor adds more to the CX’s features in a slightly lighter package. The boost goes to 400%, the weight drops by 0.3 lbs, and the motor power doesn’t taper as much as you approach the 20 mph mark. The overrun goes on just a little longer, too.
As the name implies, it was initially built for racing, but the applications extended beyond. The motor is excellent for charging hard, making it choice for ramping up speed into a jump, or for a larger rider wanting to know they have that needed extra power when tackling hills.
The motor has four modes you can cycle through: Sport, eMTB, Turbo, and Race.. eMTB is an adaptive mode that tries to best sync with how hard or lightly you’re riding, with access to the full spectrum of the motor’s capabilities. The remaining modes are more traditional low, medium, and high functions. The out-of-the-box settings are fairly intuitive to use, but they can be adjusted to your preference in the app (more on that in a moment).
The SLX/XT builds get a 625Wh battery, while the Pro and Team builds get a 750Wh one. The Bosh ecosystem is efficient (more on that in the range test section), so you’ll get good mileage off that battery size. Either configuration is compatible with a range extender, though, which will add another 250Wh if you want to get the most range possible. Just note that it takes your bottle cage spot on the downtube, so bring a hip pack for water.