Roll it off the shop floor, slap on some pedals, strap on a helmet, and ride the whole mountain on an Enduro Comp.
Fully manipulated M5 alloy FSR frame with ORE tubing is the centerpiece of this incredibly versatile 160mm-travel design with sealed cartridge bearing pivots, ISCG mount, and replaceable derailleur hanger
Custom Fox RP2 rear shock features external ProPedal and rebound damping control in a design that combines high performance with low weight
RockShox Lyrik 20mm Maxle thru-axle fork with 160mm of travel, tapered steerer tube, external rebound adjust for dialed-in descents, and Solo Air cartridge for combined negative/positive air spring adjustability
2Bliss ready Clutch Control 2.3" dual compound front tire with plenty of traction for superb braking and cornering and rear Purgatory Control 2.2" tire for lightweight grip in intermediate conditions
Custom SRAM S-1250 9-speed double crankset with GXP spindle and shift guide for smooth, durable performance in rough conditions
Avid Elixir R SL lightweight hydraulic disc brakes/levers with alloy backed semi-metallic pads and tool-less reach adjust for superb control and modulation
Strengths: Climbs as good as my 4" 2004 stumpjumper. Wide grins on the descent. Buttery rear travel with negligible bob when seated. Long wheel base is great for high speed stability as it the slack head angle. Feels very responsive when on the trails.
Weaknesses: Not a weight weenie contender, but hey it's a 6" AM build. Long and slack not so great on switchbacks.
Bottom Line:
Just got a blazing deal off a local bike swap...paid about 60% off retail!
The 2010 frame is setup with Xfusion Vector shock, Vengence HLR fork, Hammerschmidt AM, and three position 100mm Command Post.
Had a few rides already at the local trails. Here's are my impressions. I'll compare my experiences against a 2004 Stumpjumper FSR. I do acknowledge that it's an older geometry, but that's all I can really compare against. Also, this is my first long travel bike, so bear with me. BTW, I've only tried the new stumpy in the parking lot, so no comparative data there.
WEIGHT:
It's quite a bit heavier than my 2004 4" Stumpjumper. This is readily apparent when climbing in the saddle. Interestingly, when out of saddle, it doesn't feel that much heavier. Maybe I got better recently or maybe the stable geometry, but I can bunny hop just as high as 4 pound heavier Enduro as my Stumpy. Weird. Anyway, moving along on the trail, it's surprisingly flickable. The only time when the weight is really annoy is when loading/unloading the bike.
CLIMBING:
The slack angle definitely feels more downhilly. On climbs, I get the sense I'm pushing the wheel through the trail instead of rolling over it visually. In checking my GPS stats later, it doesn't seem to have caused any noticeable slow down...again, perhaps I've gotten better since last I logged data. Interestingly, because of the long wheelbase, the bike doesn't have the tendency to wheelie when climbing at the limit in saddle...and that's with a 55mm stem to boot. By contrast, my 100mm stumpy with a 90mm stem still wanted to wheelie. The enduro does however want to wander the front end in steep ups when seated. I also found that the longer wheelbase did help with out of saddle weight adjustment. The sweet spot between wheelie and loss of rear grip is much bigger than my old stumpy. The 6" travel does bounce significantly out of saddle. I've started to modify my pedaling stroke to compensate, but suspect this is where the lockout in the rear would help. Unfortunately, mine was set up more for going down than up, so no lockout on the rear. Where the long wheelbase and slack head angle is a bit more of an issue is in tight switchbacks in steep baby-head-strewn trails. This, I believe, can be overcomed by more skill and experience though...and/or adjustable travel fork.
DESCENT:
Woo hoo! Very compliant suspension keeping the rubber on the dirt. The bike goes exactly where you point the bars. There's no tentativeness as with the old stumpy on the steep descents. With the slack angle, I can pick up the front end pretty much effortlessly when hoping around wheel catcher ruts or last minute decisions to do a wheelie drop off instead of rolling a ledge--even on the brakes. As far as rolling off ledges, 1 to 1.5 footers feel like rolling a curb--as long as you clear your chainrings. In my case, with the Hammerschmidt, I've yet to make contact with the drive train coming off a ledge that I'm comfortable with. Dropping off a picnic table is pretty uneventful. The bike just drops, absorbs, and keeps on moving. At speed I can now roll through features whereas I had to bunny hop previously. Only thing to watch which is probably true of all other long travel bikes is to be aware of crank position when descending. I briefly caught a pedal a few times pedaling through on the downhill. The 100mm command post when dropped all the way down is enough to make the seat disappear in full attack position.
JUMPING:
I haven't had a chance to take it on any kind of real jumps yet, but small dirt kickers seem promising and plenty forgiving. I've over rotated and landed on the front end a few times, and the slack 6" front end just took it without complaint or drama. On the stumpy I would've surely scropioned. Still trying to get used to the timing. The preload to take off timing is slower than I'm used to. I'm not looking to clear 20 foot doubles or manual through a dozen whoopadies, but sometimes the need to launch is useful on the trail. Will post after I've taken the bike through more of those kinds of paces.
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Submitted by
championp
a Weekend Warrior
from Clinton, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2011
Strengths: lot's of travel, good brakes, and excellent shifting.
Weaknesses: Slow climbing makes you fight the front wheel
Bottom Line:
This bike rules on the trails. Best mountain bike I've ever ridden. The rear brake vibrated like crazy for the first 60 days, but went away on it's own and is nice and quiet now and stops and slows really well. Descends like riding a magic carpet on a roller coaster. The rear shock never seems to bottom out, and the lyrik solo air is the same. I found myself having a hard time climbing slow (to rest and conserve energy) because of the slack head angle of 66 degrees. I had my local bike shop install a 2 step air spring in the same fork and in the lowered setting it has 68 degrees head angle and is easier to creep uphill. The 2step mod doesn't work perfect but it does work. It essentially makes the lyrik a 125/155mm fork. The drivetrain work flawlessly! I haven't missed a shift all year and it shifts instantly and precisely. I really like 2 chainrings over 3. The seatpost was also a good upgrade for the trails I ride. This is one bike that can ride anything. I like having the propedal, seatpost, and fork with climbing modes, and then downhill mode I couldn't ask for more. It gets five chili's on value. I got the 2010 at a closeout price. 4 out of 5 chilis overall because it should come stock with a dropper post for this kind of bike.
Similar Products Used: Reign/Reign x, meta5, nerve am
Bike Setup: singlering, dropperpost, bigger reartire, saint/xt otw std.
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Submitted by
Threesixtwofiveone
a Weekend Warrior
from British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2011
Strengths: Dialed Geometry
Fox Float 32 RL (150mm)
Avid R SL brakes
Solid out of box feel
Climbs extremely well
Great seat
Impeccable drivetrain, even for the cost
Descends like a mother
Weaknesses: Squeaky Linkage
Cable Routing (not so good)
2 Faulty Specialized AFR rear shocks (great dealership service though)
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike and its a blast to ride!
After the first 3 days of riding it though, the rear linkage started to creak, short story is that I took it to 2 different shops, first the one that was closer then to my dealer and after 4 times in and out of the shop it was fixed (kinda). Also the rear shock failed twice, both times there was no decrease in performance, they were just making squeaking noises and excess air noises. Needless to say I was fed up with the whole AFR shock thing, so I ordered a 2012 Kashima coat Fox rp23, fantastic shock, the pro pedal on and off switch is dialed.
Now for the good:
1. The bike is extremely composed on the downhill, the geometry is absolutely perfect (for me), everyone has their own preference but this is a well balanced bike. The new enduros have slacker geo but this year/ model is plenty fine for descending.
2. Fox Float 32 RL. Extremely light and great bump compliance makes the front end the star of this bike. Thank god I didn't buy an enduro with one of those Specialized E series forks on it, this fox fork is great. It also has a 15mm axle, witch provides stability.
3. Avid Elixer R SL brakes, not the all out braking power that an xtr set up will give you, but you gain all that back in modulation, sweet sweet modulation, top notch, has saved my proverbial bacon many times.
4. Drivetrain, you do NOT need expensive XX or XTR stuff for your bike to enjoy reliable and responsive shifting. This is set up with X-9 rear, and X-7 shifters, haven't had to adjust them in 6 months and never had a gear slip, crisp shifts and quiet system all together.
The no so good.
1. While the Fox fork up front is a great fork, it needs a little more stability, something like a Float 36 would be nice. I am not saying this because I abuse the thing, Im just saying that a 6 and 6 bike will generally be thrown off some small drops and pushed through some rocky stuff and you can feel the slight flex in the front end. Not enough to spoil the bike.
2. AFR rear shock is unreliable and you can get two identical shocks with different feeling tuning. The first was stiff and did not pick up trail chatter, second was softer but squeaky.
3. Cable routing is horrendous. So many other bike companies have figured it out. The cables rubbed against the front fork and headset and dug holes in them before I put clear laminate tape on them. Also on the rear swing arm where the hydro cable wraps around the arm underneath (where by the way you cannot see unless lifting or turning the bike over) it rubbed a substantial amount of precious M5 aluminum off the frame, kinda pissed about that, covered it up with the same tape.
Conclusion, if you happen to come across one of these bikes, left over on clearence or well maintained and not abused, they are a great buy! If you are looking to get away from a cross country bike or want something that will eat up all the single track you can feed it this is your bike. If you are a really big guy or girl or want to throw something off a huge drop, this is not for you. Will not dissapoint! Pro's far out weigh the cons. Cheers!
Similar Products Used: 2003 Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc
Bike Setup: 2009 Specialized Enduro Comp, with 2012 Fox RP23 Kashima coat.
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Submitted by
jordenkl
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2011
Strengths: The Specialized Enduro M5 is one of the most badass bike I've even seen. Most of the components are very tough and reliable. The Enduro are easy to use and easy to adjust.
Weaknesses: As I said, only most of the components are reliable, but the rims and the rear avid and fox got screwed up and sent to get fixed up. The rims got pretty bent on 5 footers drop (In to a flat). the rear shock expload and fixed, the problem passed away. and the rear break stoped working and got fixed and bleed.
Bottom Line:
After one year with the enduro I must say the impressed me for good. The feeling on the bike is that you're capable of any thing you would like to do. from long XC rides up to DH (yes I mean like the big bikes do) and even in to some FR and drop off. The bike will treat you well and will listen to your passion to ride and ride well, on trail, they will "swallow" under their wheels rocks and roots.
/but howeven, I would like to recommand this bike only to someone that know how to use them properly. If you've got even the tiniest skill of Trail riding, you are able to ride well with the Enduro.
Submitted by
ihockey100
a Weekend Warrior
from France
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2011
Strengths: Great bike handles well on everything
took a little while to get the shocks adjusted just right but after I got it right the bike was perfect
Works great with specialized command post
you can punish this bike in a bike park all week and then go ride your favorite xc track the next day
Weaknesses: rear derailleur must be adjusted perfectly
Bottom Line:
Great bike, and in my opinion the best all mountain bike available.
Similar Products Used: Giant Reign, and Cannondale Jekyll
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Submitted by
Paulz1265
a Weekend Warrior
from Goodyear, AZ
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2010
Strengths: I love the Specialized Enduro! This bike can be light weight and handles great. It also rides like a cadillac on rough trails and lets you bomb down the nastiest downhills with no worries.
Weaknesses: The '04 Enduro frame has some front derailleur issues. The ONLY derailleur that works right is the Shimano XTR, and you must have it aligned perfectly. The Enduro likes to not shift into the small chainring, and let the chain fall off if the derailleur is just a little bit off. The steering is very sloppy if you select the 69.5 degree headtube angle. With 70.5 degrees it's awesome.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, I love it. Make sure you select the steeper head tube angle and have an XTR front derailleur. The suspension bearings wear out quickly - get a new set if yours creaks, and the rear suspension will be silky smooth! I bought my bike on eBay for $600 in perfect rideable condition, then spent about $1,400 on upgrades (wheels, brakes, components). The Enduro is a bad-ass bike.
Strengths: Comfort, confidence inspiring, descending, snappy for a comfy trail bike, active suspension, traction in loose stuff, can ride it around on the back wheel like a unicycle!
Weaknesses: When it rains! Original rear V brake cable gets gritty and stops working, lotsa mud around shock. no lockout/platform at either end so rides like a waterbed uphill
Bottom Line:
This bike always leaves me smiling at the end of a ride. I've done over 50,000km on it, lots of all-day all-mountain outings, raced everything from short track XC to 24hrs, even podiumed in a couple of Kona 24s in elite pairs, and done some road miles on slicks! It's not an XC racer by any stretch, but for long days in the saddle it's been fantastic.
I had to choose one of four bikes to take on a round-the-world trip this year, and this was it. I'm not a great rider, but I love to ride, and I love this bike. If you find a 2nd hander in good condition buy it cheap, put an RP on the back, something with lockout on the front, and some decent discs to slow you down. 4 chilis overall just 'cos it's got a few years on it now.
For reference I'm 6'2", skinny 72.5kg, now 38yrs, like to ride fast and don't do road gaps!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Epic, Stumpy, Giant Trance, Anthem, Kona The King, Hei Hei, Kikapu
Bike Setup: Pretty much stock 2001 with Float R, Marzocchi Bomber 3, avid SD5s, except tyres (Pythons for racing in dry), saddle (WTB Rocket V Ti), cut bars down with YETI lockons, XTR pads, cables, chain & cassette, XT pedals & chainrings
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Submitted by
DudeVF1
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2006
Strengths: Frame fit, FSR is very plush, bike rolls over most everything, going over nasty stuff the bike keeps me from getting tired.
Weaknesses: bike could climb much better if you have a compression lockout fork--I do not and as a result the front end is too high on steeper climbs and wanders all over the place. It has issues with climbing. Fork is harsh when set at the suggested weight for me and does not track well. Lateral flex in the rear end on fast bumpy stuff when pedaling so it doesn't track great. Pedal bob when climbing--even with the sag and air set right when you stand up (if you need to) on a climb it's terrible. The cheapest piece of crap seat clamp that can't hold, really pissed me off for a bike like this when my post kept slipping. If you are 185 lbs+ then get another post clamp ASAP.
Bottom Line:
The bike really takes the edge off and helps me ride longer, especially on rocky descents and this is a huge value for me. The negatives are that it has issues climbing. I expect this because of the weight, 32 lbs., but my cirtique is more of a lesson learned, i.e., get a fork with compression lockout if you want to climb well. I amy upgrade the fork or I I'll just remember this when I buy my next FS bike.
The seat post clamp really pissed me off because it's a stupid change in design for "weight savings", the real reason is in mass manufacturing they save money by putting on a P.O.S. seat post clamp. For a heavy rider like me it's an issue.
Overall, it's a very sturdy bike, wanders some, fails to track at times, but I am not racing, I am 43 and love to still MTB ride and I ride several times a week, so the comfort issue is huge and this bike provides comfort for my lower back. But other than going over stuff really well, it doesn't do anything else well and climbs poorly. I got a great deal on it so I can't complain too much.
Similar Products Used: My first Full Suspension. Previous bikes include Gunnar Rockhound, Cannondale F-900, Giant Rincon, Specialized Rockhopper.
Bike Setup: Fox Float RL Fork, Fox in the rear, avid juicy 5s, Lx front, Xt rear, all other stuff as stock specs, ntohing special here.
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Submitted by
Sacke K
a Weekend Warrior
from Helsinki, Finland
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2005
Strengths: Same as before
Weaknesses: Rear derailleur
Bottom Line:
In the beginning I was a little unsatisfied with the fork (Marzochhi EXR Supra), but after setting it up correctly and riding with it for a while... it works just fine.
I have been really pleased with the bike. The bike-geometry is very, very good. The handling is blameless in city-traffic, when avoiding cars with short notice, and on forest trails with a lot of curves and tight turns. The handling is also very good in DH-riding, but feels a little sketchy due to the fairly short fork (130mm) which contributes to less "leaning-back-posture".
In fast speeds around 40-60 km/h the bike feels safe and doesn't have any indications of suffering from the fairly high center of gravity.
I have been very, very pleased with the bike. Mostly because of it's cameleon-like qualities of fitting in almost anywhere. Regardless of whether I ride it on plain asphalt roads or on rough forest trails... regardless of whether I am going fast or trying to do trial-like tricks at no speed at all.
I recommend it after a few months without reservations...
Favorite Trail: Central Park (Helsinki) --> Serena. (Luukka 2000 trail)
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At: www.bestbrakes.net
Bike Setup: Everything is original apart from the new pedals. (Shimano PD-535)
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Michael No Name
a Weekend Warrior
from Marquette
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Bottom Line:
In relationship to my last post, not that anyone every reads old stuff, but my LSB put me on a Marzocchi MX Pro ETA instead of the Black POS that came with the bike. Man, for me, what a difference.
If I could only get that crank noise to come when at the LSB. Wife and I did a 15 mile ride this evening and it started to make the same noise. Wife said it sounded like it was in the back of the bike, I heard the crank area. Oh, well, the new fork makes a world of difference for my level of rider!
Submitted by
Michael Everett
a Weekend Warrior
from Marquette
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2005
Strengths: This bike had rave reviews and a 'can't beat price' from one of my LBS. I am failry new to mountain biking and still prefer two-tracks. This bike had a good set-up off the shelf for what I needed.
Weaknesses: The front shocks and the front derailer
Bottom Line:
I have only rode this bike a handful of times since I bought it, and worked my a$$ of each time I rode it. I kept hearing a terrible metal grinding sound in my crank area. Brought it into my LSB and was told they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Because it is intermittent, I have not been able to 'show' them the problem, although they found out that the front disc brake makes noise during a turn.
Also, found out that my front shock is leaking fluid and has never worked properly from the start. I am still waiting for the parts and am concerned since the mechanic at the shop told me today 'I have never taken a shock apart, but they are sending me the directions.' NOT VERY COMFORTING!
So, cannot really say if this bike is good or not since I have never had a good working model to try!
Bike Setup: ork: Answer Manitou Black Platinum, 90 - 120mm adjustable travel Rear Shock: Fox Float RL, 100mm travel Brake Levers: Shimano Deore M555 hydraulic Handlebar: Specialized MidRise Stem: aluminum threadless Headset: 1 1/8" threadless aluminum Front Der: Shimano Deore LX, bottom-pull/clamp-on 34.9mm Crankset: Shimano Deore XT, 22/32/44 teeth Rear Der: Shimano Deore XT SGS Pedals: Shimano PD-M515 SPD Tires: 26 x 2.20" Specialized Enduro Pro
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Submitted by
Sacke
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005
Strengths: Good handling, feels stable when going fast, easy to handle in rough conditions. Reasonably light despite frame design. Good geometry for quick trails with a lot of small corners. Rear suspension Fox Float with proPedal works very well.
Weaknesses: Urban riding sucks with this bike. It is partly due to the 2,20" stock tyres with a rough pattern, partly due to the fact that the front suspension is too soft. I should white a follow -up review when I've played around with the settings a while, but right now I hate riding on asphalt.
Bottom Line:
I do like the bike and after having spent all of last saturday out in rough terrain, I cant but like the bike. Climbing is not easy though. Had to get off the bike and lead it more than I would have expected. The fork dips all the time and eats a lot of the momentum when going up-hill. It could be a matter of setting it right, but I did have day-dreams about a nice Manitou SPV fork when cursing my OEM fork to the deepest pits of ****... After having spent almost 2500€ on the bike, I don't exactly want to spend another 300-600€ on a new fork. It feels like I paid way too much for the frame. On the other hand, I don't know yet how it will handle a fast trail with more jumps. We will find out soon though. :)
If it wasn't for the OEM fork, I would give this bike 4/5 points...
Similar Products Used: Limited experience... Just got intrested in XC and all terrain riding.
Bike Setup: Specialized Enduro 04 (UK-model). Some differences from the Enduro Comp. Front Derailleur LX, back XT, fork Marzocchi EXR-SUPRA (OEM).
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Submitted by
Caleb
a Cross Country Rider
from Kempton, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2005
Strengths: it's hot! i love the frame. the rear shock (fox float r) is good, with ant ITch switch, and pretty nice 115mm (or 120mm they claim) rockshox psylo xc's wih u-turn
Weaknesses: but when pumping hard (e.g. on roads) the psylo is WAY WAY too plush. every pedal stroke, my toe clips hit the ground. when riding "normally" however, this bike rocks! (i'm planning on getting a kit to stiffen it. i weight 160).
Bottom Line:
this bike is a really really nice bike. since it's a 2003 model, i got it discounted. but it is new. i just got it a few weeks ago, and the day i got it, it snowed, so i havnet rode it much. some in the snow, and around the house. haha. i can't wait! but i did ride it before it snowed, it was an awsome bike! the overall suspension is wonderful. the hayes hfx-9 hydraulic breaks are so sweet. i was gonna stoop to avid mechanical breaks on the cannondale jekyll (same price) but i found this, and snatched it. anyway, i love this bike. buy it. if may need to get a new spring kit for the psylos, but o well. this assclown get 5 flamin' chilis all around!
Bike Setup: factory set up, with new wellgo pedals w/ toe clips
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Submitted by
Eddie Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Gardendale, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005
Strengths: Everything about this bike works together with everything else. Everything works in harmony.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
My kids got me this bike for Christmas to upgrade me from my beloved Super V. I am a heavier rider (275lbs) and for me this bike is perfect. Even the Specialized parts are outstanding. It has taken everything that I have put it through without complaint. The Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes are a true sleeper in the brake world. The modulation is outstanding. The Enduro Pro 2.2 tires hook up on anything as long as the pressure is right.(I run 42lbs in the rear and 38lbs in the front.) For the money I don' think that there is a better deal to be had.
