"Drop bars on mountain bikes aren't exactly new. People have been experimenting with curly bars on mountain bikes since the 1980s, but in 2025, they saw a major resurgence in popularity. With high-profile racers like Keegan Swenson - among many others - modifying XC race bikes with drop bars for events like Leadville, the drop-bar MTB became a much-hyped and frequently discussed topic for the first time in many years."
"While many brands are hustling to design new gravel frames with more tire clearance and/or front or rear suspension, Pivot saw an opportunity to make some simple changes to an existing cross-country model to create a production drop-bar MTB, monster-cross, or "gr-ountain" bike, if you will. Pivot's Les SL hardtail is among the lightest production mountain bike frames around, and now the brand is offering it with a drop bar build."
"I'm currently in Tempe, Arizona, visiting Pivot's HQ for some media camps and warm desert riding. I got the chance to check out the Les SL drop bar in person and take it for a few laps around the parking lot. While many people lament the mountain bike-ification of gravel bikes, this bike strikes me as perfect for those whose gravel rides often include frequent and regular detours on singletrack trails."
Drop bars on mountain bikes experienced a major resurgence in 2025, spurred by racers like Keegan Swenson fitting drop bars to XC race bikes for events such as Leadville. Pivot adapted its lightweight Les SL hardtail into a production drop-bar mountain/gravel hybrid by making simple changes to an existing cross-country model. The Les SL Drop Bar complements Pivot's Vault gravel bike while targeting riders who seek more aggressive, singletrack-capable gravel riding. The bike was previewed at Pivot's Tempe headquarters and sampled on short parking lot laps. Early impressions suggest strong suitability for gravel rides with frequent singletrack detours, though more riding is needed for full evaluation.
Read at Bikerumor
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