This is the Ultimate Guide to the Pivot Les. The Les and all of its versions deserved an entire page for all the details.
When looking for the ideal Single Speed frame I discovered the Pivot’s hardtail option. Not only could this frame be a fantastic geared hardtail, it can be coverted to a Single Speed with sliding dropouts but also a Fat bike that will take almost any tire size.
In addition to the above bike styles it can also be fitted with 29 inch wheels, 27.5 inch, and 27.5 inch plus wheels.
As you will learn with all of its versatility this there is nothing less about this frame except the name.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Pivot Cycles was established in 2007 by Chris Cocalis in Tempe, Arizona, and the Les is their hardtail mountain bike offering. The name is a play on words pivot and less since it is not a full suspension.
Originally announced and sold in late 2012/early 2013. The frame geometry and build have remained almost unchanged, which means they pretty much got it right from its introduction.
V2 of the Frame
In late 2016 a 2nd version announced. This update increased the wheel/hub spacing from 142mm to 148mm (boost) spacing. In addtion, some of the carbon layup changed and support for Di2 shifting was added. This updated frame is referred as V2.
Currently (as of 2020) the Les is available in three frame types, the Les, Les 27.5 and Les Fat.
- Les = Geared or Single Speed, 29″/27.5+ wheels
- Les 27.5 = Race Version, 27.5″ wheels, super light
- Les Fat = Fat Bike Version
Les
The Les is the original and was designed to be a versitle. 29″ or 27.5 plus bike. Using a patented rear dropout system the frame can be converted to a single speed.
Highlights
- 27.5+” / 29″ wheels
- Referred to as “The Les”
- Can be configured as a Single Speed
Les SL
This is the newest addition to the family. Released in 2019 the SL focuses on being super light. It is available October 1, 2019
Highlights
- 29″ Wheels (not 27.5+ capable, I think)
- Designed for Racing
- Frame weight of 2.3 pounds or 1045 grams
- 3/4 pound or 300 grams lighter than the Les
- NOT Single Speed Compatible
Les 27.5
- Built for 27.5 wheels.
- Can not be converted to a Single Speed.
- Designed to be the lightest most nimble race bike
Les Fat
- Set to take almost any size wheel
- Can be converted to a Single Speed
- Can be set up with Fat Tires
Geometry & Specs
Les Frame Details
Frame first released in 2012
Internal Cable Routing
Direct Mount Front Deraileur
Pressfit BB92 bottom bracket
The Pressfit 92 allows the frame to be wider on the bottom tube, wider on the down tube, wider stance on the chainstays. This really stiffens the bottom bracket area so that the frame will absorb more of the bumps without having to resort to a stiffer carbon layup.
Wheel Spacing (Boost)
V1 of the frame is shipped with a full carbon 142mm by 12 carbon thru axle design.
V2 of the frame has 148mm by 12 boost spacing
Convertible to Single Speed
The frame is convertible from geared setup to a single speed sing the swinger dropout system.
The swinger system comes with quick index adjust system so that you can easily adjust both sides identically. Keeping the wheel centered. The system does not allow the wheel to slide forward under chain tension. The conversion kit also comes with all the caps needed to cover all of the cable ports. The entire kit is a well thought out thourogh process to convert the bike to a single speed.
Rider Sizes
Rider Size can go down to the 5’5″ / 5’6″ with the small size
Les SL Frame Details
Frame Sizes: Small Medium Large Extra Large
Designed to be Super Light.
Integrated Headset
1x and 2x compatible (front derailleur)
Les SL Announcement Video https://youtu.be/Sb44jo9j60E
Les 27.5 Frame Details
Direct mount front deraileur
Internal Cable Routing
There is an extra small size that can fit riders all the way down to a 4’11”
Features 16 3/4 inch Chainstays
69 1/4 head tube angle
Very fast race bike that can handle more aggresive terain.
142 by 12 thru axle
Pressfit 92 bottom bracket
Dedicated Axel system so it can not convert to single speed, this saves about 100g on the weight of the frame. Les 27 was meant to be as light as possible
Les Fat Frame Details
The Les Fat is intended as fat tire specific. It was originally released early 2016 in a black (raw carbon) with blue accents color. It was then re-released in 2019 in a light blue color.
The only difference between the two different versions was color and components.
The frame geometry is the same between the two releases.
The Les Fat has 197mm x 12mm rear hub/wheel spacing. The front hub/wheel spacing is 150mm x 15mm.
Les and Les 27.5 Differences
Key Differences between Les and Les 27.5
Les converts to single speed
Les 27.5 no conversion to single speed
V1 and V2 Frames Differences
V2 has boost spacing
V2 has slightly different carbon layup
V2 has different colorways
v2 can handle Di2 cable routing (need to find out if v1 can)
Colorways
Pivot has kept colors clean and straight forward for the Les. There are just two colors for each size and each version
Les – v1
- Sold between late 2012 and late 2016
- Black with white/red accents
- Orange with white/black accents
Les v1 – Black with white/red accents
Les v1 – Orange with white/black accents
Les – v2
- Sold between late 2016 to Present (currently fall of 2019)
- Black with Blue Accents. This is also referred to as “Team Blue”
- Black with Red Accents. This is referred to as “Matte Black”
Les v2 – Black with Blue Accents
Les v2 – Black with Red Accents
Les SL
- Sold between late 2019 to present
- Black with Blue Accents
- Black with Red
Les SL Black with Blue Accents
Les SL Black with Red Accents
Les 27.5 – v1
- Sold between late 2012 and late 2016
- Black with red/white accents
- Lime Green with Black/White accents
Les 27.5 v1 – Black with Red/White Accents
Les 27.5 v1 – Lime Green with Black/White Accents
Les 27.5 – v2
Les 27.5 V2 Notes
- Sold from late 2016 to Present (currently Fall 2019)
- Black with Blue Accents. This is also referred to as “Team Blue”
- Red with Black Accents
- the Team Blue colorway looks the same on the Les and Les 27.5
- The name on the bike size is different also the Les 27.5 says Les 27.5 on it. Makes sense to me.
Les 27.5 v2 – Black with Blue Accents
Les 27.5 v2 – Red with Black Accents
Les Fat
Les Notes Notes
- Originally Release in 2016 (Black with Blue Accents)
- 2nd Release 2019 (Light Blue)
- Only Difference Color and Components
- Frame Geometry Identical between two Fat releases
Les Fat – Original Release
Les Fat – 2nd Release
Les Reviews & Posts
Over the years there have been some great write ups and reviews. Here are some that I have found. If you know of any others please let me know.
I have tried to group them based on the frame, wheel setup or drive train. Some posts cross over so bear with me and be sure to check out any post that looks interesting
Les 29″ Posts
This is the big update year for the Pivot Les.
Pivot Les Version 2 https://bikerumor.com/2016/04/15/soc16-pivot-les-29-gets-lighter-stiffer-can-get-fatter/
Les 27.5″ Posts
27.5 Posts to go here
Les Single Speed Posts
Mountain Biker: 2014 Pivot Les Single Speed Review
Dirt Rag Mag: 2017 Review of the Pivot Les built as a Single Speed
Post about a 2015 Pivot Les Single Speed buildup http://twentynineinches.com/pivot-les-project-singlespeed-15/
Posts about the 2018 Pivot Les
twentynineinches.com: Les Single Speed Review using an enve rigid carbon front fork
Les Fat Reviews & Posts
Riding Feels good: Mark Landry’s Review after two seasons on the Les Fat
Pivot Cycles Posts
Pink Bike: Interview with Chris Cocalis
Pivot Les on the Pivot Cycles site
Conclusion
If you made it this far, congratulations! The more I learned about the Les and its related frames the more I like it.
Questions? Comments? If I missed anything or you think something should be added let me know below.
Thanks! — Steven
Interested in Cycling, Running, Web Design, and reading reviews of products I will never buy. If you see me looking at my phone I am probably playing Pokemon Go.
To the person who stole my Fitbit, let’s keep it up. We had a great July, now is not the time to lose momentum.
