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Specialized
Enduro Expert
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Submitted by
stompeinator
a Racer
from Novato, ca
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Stinkfist | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay, frame | | Strengths: | Strong, light enough to climb, with dhx5 air pumped up climbs like a champ | | Weaknesses: | none whatsoever if you ride it like i do | | Similar Products Used: | Used to ride a 2003 enduro pro | | Bike Setup: | '07 enduro expert test bike, '09 Lyrik solo-air, '08 dhx5 air, hone cranks, xt deraillers, lasterdisc trails | | Bottom Line: | Best bike i have ever owned. You can pick up one of these frames cheap , although you can only buy used now =/(RIP true enduros), and they are bomb-proof while still practical. I climb this bike right up with 21 lb. cross country racers and ride down faster than guys on 8inch DH rigs. Best all-mountain bike you can purchase on a budget, because nomad=ridiculously expensive. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren Hubbard
a Weekend Warrior
from Milford Mass
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Milford Bike | | Strengths: | This is one tough bike. It's only seen the shop for a winter tune-up. The brakes are impressive, rolling, corners, drops(on the smaller side, I wouldn't go over 5'). This whole bike is it's strength. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals will hit rocks! Low clearance is the only problem I've had with this bike. After being used to it, you'll learn what it'll clear. | | Similar Products Used: | GT lts2 | | Bike Setup: | Mine came with a Fox Float R and Marzocci EXR Race fork so didn't need to change anything. Avid's are awesome. Went with a Specialized saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I am very satisfied with this bike. It's taken a beating. I've wrecked and thought "It's going in the shop this time" and the bike is fine. It rolls through "Nam" like some of the $3000 to $5000 bike you see up there, though I wouldn't hit some of the nastier stuff there with it, the bike could probablly take it. I'll stick with Specialized Enduro's when this one's had enough. My GT was nothing but problems. I've found that this bike is capable of ripping through single track and tackling some nasty stuff in "Nam". Worth my hard earned money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from irvine, ca
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | rock nroad | | Weaknesses: | fox removed air valve on the piggy back so shock would fit on frame | | Bike Setup: | x.o shifters, x.9 rd, juicy 7 brakes, talas 36 r, dhx 5a | | Bottom Line: | ok...got my shock back from fox after they fixed the pro-pedal. also did a shock mod on the dhx 5a 9added insert to outter air sleeve) and had fox increase air in piggy back to 170psi (ships at 150psi). i ride it on the high bb for less pedal-smack. still tuning it in but it climbed very well (as well as my xc bike) and the downhill was incredible...super fast and rolls over everything...good jumper too. the brakes are very responsive..still have to get used to them. for me it was a toss up to get this bike ('07 enduro expert sx) or an'08 GT sanction. the gt seems easier to work on if your doing your own repairs/maintenance...then again....may be that i just need to get accustomed to this bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from irvine,ca
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | aliso woods canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | rock&road | | Strengths: | still evaluating, talas fork seems ok, juicy 7 brakes are sweet. | | Weaknesses: | dhx 5 rear shock, low BB | | Bike Setup: | sram x.0 shifters (upgrade), sram 9 rd, juicy 7 brakes, fox dhx 5 air, fox talas 36 | | Bottom Line: | still getting used to the bike. previously rode xc bike (gt i-drive 5, which i like very much). geometry of this bike is quite different. have read lots of complaints about banging pedals on rocks due to the low BB. i experienced that on my first ride, very disappointing, but could be a result of the crappy fox dhx 5 air rear shock. the bb height is only 7mm lower than my gt (thats less than 1/4 inch) so it's not drastically lower. i'm having the shop look at the shock, maybe replace the can with a float can, read that has helped. i'm 230lbs so i need a rear shock that's gonna support my a**. hopefully will be more giddy about this bike with a better performing rear shock. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davo
a Downhiller
from tulsa
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | I have the 2006 model enduro expert with brake,shifter lever,and other small item upgrades. Besides that, this bike is perfect for an agressive all mountaineer. Not really made for doing anything too big, but my fox 36 has not bottomed out yet nor have i had any problems with the DHX 5.0 air. Once you get the adjustments correct on the suspension, this bike will do anything if you know what you are doing. The only weakness i see is in the wheelset and bottom bracket. Although neither has busted, but i plan on upgrading those once they meet there maker. | | Weaknesses: | like i said, i haven't broken anything yet, but i can see a new wheelset and cranks eventually. I have done 9 - 12 ft. drops onto transitions and nothing yet. | | Similar Products Used: | first bike that handles like this | | Bike Setup: | 2006 enduro expert frame, fox talas 36, dh pro pig headset, truvativ hussefelt stem, custom sos rims, juicy 7 brake system, x-9 shifters and derailleur, stylo cranks, brooklyn machine works platforms, FSA xc280 bars, dhx 50 air | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for someone who tries to get all aspects of the mountain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Durnizll
a
from planet earth
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | fast & flowy, bermed & gapped, old school techy too. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | frame /online | | Strengths: | stable, fast, plush. snappy acceleration, good braking, mean traction. | | Weaknesses: | rear shock size& stroke is custom for frame. hard to find replacement the same size. 5th element air is.. alright i guess, probaly better ones out there. | | Similar Products Used: | 05specialized xc pro , 05 banshee chaparral, demo 8 | | Bike Setup: | 06 test bike frame w/5th element air, 05 marzocchi z1 III, singletrack & rhinolite wheelsets, raceface evolve dh double ring, sram x7, 8' avid bb7 , maxxis minion | | Bottom Line: | 2006 enduro expert frame with a frankenstien build works pretty sick to me. bought the frame from ebay. swapped parts from banshee for all mtn use. banshee was too heavy. have demo 8 for dh so i stuck w/ specialized for all mtn. sick bike that can handle lots. has its dh speed limit. also has its uphill limits. handles wide veriety of terrain, fast, smooth, bermed out trails, its like a slingshot. front end can get light in the air over bigger, high speed gaps. gnarlier compression on those landings too. demo 8 better for that. steep, rugged, techy sections it pretty much plows over or through w/minimal reckless abandon. 5th element air could be swapped out but works {especially after rebuid by GarageWorks}. parts is parts though. thrash what you got, get more later. over all stoked, gonna try coil over and 66 for the more progressive trails when traveling. works good with the build it has on it though. decent weight goin' right now for all mtn. can be tough for longer xc climbs. makes every dh section super short cuz you can just bomb. that alone is worth it to me.
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Submitted by
Bonzo
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | Fox 36, Juicy 7's, frame seems pretty beefy and strong | | Weaknesses: | Questionable wheelset, Fox DHX shock | | Similar Products Used: | '03 Enduro, Santa Cruz Heckler, RM Slayer | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Raceface bashie and a 34 middle ring | | Bottom Line: | Had the bike for two weeks and on the 4th ride the shock decided to drop 20 k's into the mountains with a lotta sweet downhilling left to go. Not impressed, but we'll see what the lbs can do. This is the third bike with a Fox shock and the third Fox shock I've had problems with. I'm starting to miss my heckler with the 5th element.
Regardless, if I can get the shock working right (and if it lasts) the bike should make me happy. It's not light, but who enjoys climbing anyway? The 36 fork is amazing (hope it holds up) and the Juicy 7's are THE brakes, nothing compares. Wheelset is a bit chinsy...whacked out of true after first ride and the component list is nothing to get a boner about, but gets the job done. The bike does the DH side of things very nicely, and can be lugged all over hell's creation with a little more effort...just hope the reliability is there...if not I'll go back to SC. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from alpine,ca,us
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anderson trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | so far it feels like a motorcycle it climbs smooth and easy and downhill is perfect | | Weaknesses: | not found one yet | | Similar Products Used: | i was on a 98 homegrown full xtr and i thought i was in heaven now i know what heaven feels like | | Bike Setup: | i am a old xtr fan this also full xtr | | Bottom Line: | so far this 2006 enduro expert feels perfect if you see me on the trail stop and say hi | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tomi
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Strengths: | Strudy. Monster on descends. Fine components. Nice all-around bike. Enough travel for more technical and agressive trail riding. | | Weaknesses: | Fox migh have some compatibility/quality issues with Specialized. Chain ring must be adjusted carefully to avoid really nasty chain sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, Yeti AS-X, Turnet Fivespot, Banshee Chaparral. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 model: talas 36, DHX 5 air, Avid Juicy7, SRAM 7. Chainguide. This given because the Enduro setup has changed a lot between 2005 and 2006. | | Bottom Line: | After ~1000 km I'm starting to have an idea about this bike. Had to play around with the suspension adjustments for a while to get it fit. The fork has never bottomed out even when keeping a really deep sag and slow rebound. The rear, on the other hand, seems to be bottoming more easily - the shock seems to use most of it's suspension range in all conditions. As heard from some people, the 36 talas seems to be having some problems, mine too: I have to lift the suspension up with my hand when extending it back to max length, after which it's OK. Also, DHX 5 had a loose cylinder seal which had to be assembled back in the shop. Now when all seems to be functioning correctly, this bike climbs fairly and when it comes to descending this bike is a monster: can basically bash into anything. Let's just say I wouldn't ride similarly with an cross country bike :) One point should be made however: this is really more descent-oriented bike than an XC or trail bike. If only riding trails, this bike is a bit too heavy and has too much travel for effective pedaling. Go for Stumpjumper or other lighter types if you're not intending to bash downhill, ride mountains or punish trails really agressively. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Couper
a Downhiller
from Nelson,New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | devils tail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4200.00 | | Purchased At: | village cycles | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Similar Products Used: | kona stab ,scott nitros | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks,none of the suspension problems others talk about, I have thrashed this beast down some wicked trails around N.Z and not a miss, The 36's are bottomless the dhx air 5 is mint, can't see what all the noise is about this is one hot bike 10/10. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
You make no sense
a Cross Country Rider
from Mars
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | The guy below me is typical of what is wrong with these reviews...WTF does your experience with a bum shock have to do with the overall assesment of the bike?!?! Man that is annoying. You are giving a bike a bad review because you don't like the experience you have ad w/ a 5th Element? That makes a lot of sense! | | Weaknesses: | Sometimes ridden by irrational folks. | | Similar Products Used: | VT1 | | Bottom Line: | This is a great ride until it exceeds a certain pricepoint. It's good to see they are getting away from the current design of the Enduro - seemed impractical imo. The current price of some of their bikes is a joke. If you are going to start hitting 3K or more look at a Titus, Turner or Ventana. They are worth that kind of money. If you can get an nice Enduro or Stumpy in the 2K range then you have a good bike at a good price. I rode my Enduro hard for a couple of years and loved it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger, Galbraith | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Good component mix of XTR & XT parts, Fox 36 Talas, very sturdy, corners well and is relatively light for the amount of travel involved. I really enjoyed riding it while it lasted! | | Weaknesses: | 5th Element Shock is a piece of junk!! They are sending me another one, which I hope doesn't break too soon | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode 2006 Rocky Mountain Slayer & Enduro, 2005 Jamis XLT 1.0 | | Bottom Line: | I thought I'd take my chances with 2005 Enduro, given all of the feedback that I had seen on the shock failure on this model!! I took great care of the shock making sure that it was pumped up well before every ride and didn't really take it off anything more than about 2 feet high. But it died on me after only a couple of months of riding (I purchased it in November and then broke a finger in the spring which had me sidelined for 2 months)I called Specialized to see if they could replace the shock with a Fox DHX Air 5.0. He told that they could replace the Progressive 5th element, but that, in essence, it would probably fail again, so I am better off just purchasing a DHX Air at full price. He said that they had run out of replacement DHX Airs for this year!! They were unable to give me a discounted rate for a replacement shock!! There is now one brand of bike who will not be on my list next time I purchase a bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Motorhead at Keystone | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Lee's | | Strengths: | Avid Juicy Seven brakes, the rear suspension and new frame design | | Weaknesses: | front end a little tall for climbing, TALAS system on fork needs a little more time in R&D I think, handelbars too narrow | | Similar Products Used: | Gaint AC2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the handelbars replaced with 710mm bontragers. | | Bottom Line: | This is for the 2006 enduro. Mine was a test ride bike that the shop sold of for the new 2007 stuff coming out, so it is a cool rust color that they dont normally make (I think). I think for the full $3500 MSRP you might be able to do a little better, but for the $2600 I paid, I am extremely happy with this bike.
I ride every kind of trail from XC fireroads to full on DH with this bike. It climbs ok, if it had a fork that would adjust even farther down it would help keep the front end down on climbs. (perhaps a nixon with the infinite travel adjust?) The descent is where this bike is really fun. It soaks it the drops quite well and seems very stable at high speeds. I know it will be a while before I can push this bike past its limits (keeping in mind I am not the best rider).
I did replace the handelbars before leaving the shop, I do like abnormally wide bars but the stock ones just didnt give enough control.
Maybe it is because my old hayes with 6" rotors sucked, but these Avids are awesome! On-the-fly lever adjustments and great power with the 8/7" rotors, I love them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stickmana
a Cross Country Rider
from Northish Shore
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Rusty Nail | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | 6" of super plush travel front and back. Fox 36 performs flawlessy and balances nicely with the Fox DHX. Pedals relatively well. | | Weaknesses: | This bike is trying to be everything to everyone and comes up a little short. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, Bighit, Stinky, Dawg, Bullit, Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I took this bike out on local All Mountain trails that have a mix of XC and freeride conditions. I've ridden these same mix of trails on an older BigHit with 24" rear as well as a lighter Stumpjumper. I figured this bike would split the difference and be the compromise to get the most out of the trails.
The bike is specd well, relatively light and pedals ok. It handles the flatter rooty sections very well but doesn't climb great and isn't setup right to handle the freeride end of things with the longer XC stem.
This bike was designed to bridge the gap between XC and freeride style riding and it feels compromised in all arenas. It does everything ok but nothing great. If you're looking for a bike that does it all ok then this is the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nathan lenehan
a Weekend Warrior
from uk
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | cwm carn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | noahs | | Strengths: | Excellent geometry (downhill capability). Solid flex free design. Fox shocks (rear and front). Excellent brakes. You can change the head angle for xc or downhill. Light but strong.Good value high performing bike. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres. Short bar and grips. Cant get a good seatpost range (short to tall). Chain guide. Clipping the peddles on flat ground when suspension compressed. | | Bike Setup: | Continental vertical Pro-tection 2.3 for general xc use. Maxxis minions super tacky 2.5 for downhill use. | | Bottom Line: | This is for a 2006 Enduro Expert review.
I have owned this for a month and so far the signs are good. I have used it for the xc loop at cwm carn and the downhll course at cwm carn. I am taking it to Morzine in 3 weeks so I might have to update this review after that.
This bike really is about an 'all mountain bike' as you can get -period. Change the bracket on the shock and put on some light tyres and go xc or change the bracket again and put some fat tyres on and go downhill-simple! The geometry on this bike is spot on. I am already doing times faster and going bigger on jumps than I did before on my Patriot Freeride -this bike really does bring the best out of your ability and makes you ride better and with less effort. The reliability of this bike is a bit early to say. However the bike performs outstandingly so far. The shocks and brakes are excellent -installing yet more confidence in your riding. I am beating mates with dedicated downhill rigs and this bikes ability for serious downhill should not be disputed. MBR and Dirt have given this bike 10/10 and after riding it isn't hard to see why. This bike is not perfect (see weaknesses above) but what bike will be. Given the good value of this bike and its outstanding performance I would have to give it a 10/10 too. I hope this score remains after the Alps!
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Submitted by
phil bacall
a Racer
from slc, ut
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anything that is challanging | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Versitile. Set it up how you want it and ride. | | Weaknesses: | PIA pivots, loose rear shock pivots that never go away, need to upgrade many parts. | | Similar Products Used: | tons | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ Mavic 721's, Minion's, Time pedals, Azonic shorty stem, SRAM chain, slack HA. | | Bottom Line: | The ability to change HA made me happy. I am a pretty light rider (140) but the bike needed some beefin up. Changed out some parts, now it can decend a lot better. Climbing is OK now, but so much more fun goin down. I've been pounding this poor bike for over 3 years (long rides, lift access to the gnarliest trails, DH trails, just really putting it to the test). No cracks or any major problems. Stay away form the 5th El. Spend some time adjusting the bike, and you will be so happy.
It really does tear azz. Few bikes handle as well, certainly none in the price range.
Lower value rating for the cheaper parts it comes with.
Lower overall rating because it NEEDS beffin up (unless you XC) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Martincic
a Weekend Warrior
from Beaver, PA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Bradys Run North & South | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Snigters Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This is for the 2005 Enduro Expert. Very Beefy and stout, it will take anything you give and just keep on going, yet fast light enough that i can keep up with my buddies on their Stumpjumper's and Epic's (we all ride specialized around here) on the XC loops, and i dont miss a beat climbing either. IT COMES WITH A FOX 36 FORK!! You cant ask for much more than that, this fork RULES! Now going down hills and high speeds.....thats a different story, they cant even think of keeping up with me! And trust me, its not the rider, its the bike! | | Weaknesses: | Why did the put the Progressive shock on this thing?! Luckily my dealer upgraded my shock to a Fox DHX 5.0 from the beginning, no problems at all, i love it, super plush, and not one bit of bob.
They should have put a bash guard on this bike, but it looks like the did on the '06 model. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Big Hit, Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | All stock with S-Works Carbon bars, The Fox DHX 5.0 shock, and an E-13 bash guard. | | Bottom Line: | Ok, so i own a alot of Specialized bikes (S-Works Stumpjumper, Big Hit, Demo 8 II, This Enduro Expert, Enduro SX, Epic Comp, and a Roubaix) This bike and my stumpy get the most action, i am actually planning on cutting down my arsenal to just the Expert, the Stumpy and the Demo, that covers all of my areas. I had to only keep one, it would be this enduro. Its not quite as fast as my stumpy, but it can handle much more for those days that i feel "daring" and i can keep up with the riding group just fine. For the price I got on this bike with the upgraded rear shock, it was worth every penny! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellensburg, WA USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Recycle Shop | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, Great Fox 36 Front shox, Its a great all mountain bike! | | Weaknesses: | The rear shock, which is a 5th element. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Big Hit, Specialezed Rockhopper. | | Bottom Line: | Overall I think this bike is great. It can do cross country runs as well as some steep downhill. Drops are no problems, and the bike is built great, with a few exceptions.
The 5th element air is garbage. It held air for the first few days. Then one of the chambers would not hold any air. The next day it decided to, but after a hard long ride both chambers went to crap and stopped working. Another thing that I personally didnt like were the tires. They seemed to flex a lot but thats my own personal preference.
So to sum it up its a great bike if you can get it for around 2,000 dollars. The rear shock is crap and specialezed should have never used it. They did know that it was bad because they offered me a 125 dollar upgrade that I could not afford at the time. Now I'm stuck with a crappy shock thats been away for repair for 3 weeks now. I hope they make good with me. Hopefully. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Fielding
a
from England
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Les Gets 2 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Fox 36 fork, all day riding | | Weaknesses: | Rear Shock, tyres, BB height | | Similar Products Used: | Intense 6.6, Intense Uzzi, Trek Session 77 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Hope stem, Mavic rims, Michelin tyres, Easton bars & seat post, Lock on grips | | Bottom Line: | I enjoyed most of my time with the Enduro but the progressive 5th element was it's major let down. I had to pump it up before every ride and some times during a ride. If only it was as good as the front forks!!! My other problems were with the Specialized Pro tyres which flexed too much (replaced after 1 ride) and the low BB height.
This bike is great for all day trail riding and even some fast flowing DH runs (It survived Les Gets) but over the really rough stuff the rear shock just couldn't cope. I've heard people calling it a FR/DH bike, if this is what you expect you'll be disappointed. Most of the guys I ride with are on Uzzi's & VP Free's etc and the Enduro just doesn't compare. If you're riding places like the Marin Trail or Coed Y Brenin then this is the bike for you, anything rougher, save your money and get something with rear suspension that actually works. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eammon
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford, MA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Landry's Natick | | Strengths: | This bike is a tank, it rolls over anything you put in its path. Construction is solid, good component selection. | | Weaknesses: | Factory grips too soft, wore out quickly but replaced with Lizard Skins Logo lock-ons. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is the first full suspension bike I've owned. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the big ring with a bash ring, the rest is stock. The factory Enduro Pro tires lasted about a year and gripped very well on a variety of terrain. | | Bottom Line: | Good trailbike for the money. I feel confident taking this bike just about anywhere, it'll go cross-country, freeride or lock out the rear shock and cruise a rail trail with my wife. If you only have room in your stable for one bike, give the Enduro a good hard look. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew West
a Downhiller
from Fredericksburg, VA ,USA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | "The Land" Finger Lakes ,NY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | shhhhhhhhhhh | | Strengths: | great fork, good geometry for me, DHX air shock, drivetrain, breaks | | Weaknesses: | grips, no shock pump with purchase, tires need thicker walls for and all mountain bike, chain guide | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Rampage, Kona's, whatever | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | My last bike is a beefy FR hardtail, so this was a transition for me. Keep in mind I have a FR liking as I say the following: There are noticeable changes in the 2005 line to the 2006 line. (Oh, this is for the 2006 Expert). The chainguide was a great thought, but come on, pick a better one. It's cheesy and flimsy and doesn't stay in place if you knock it which results in me shaving off some aluminum off my frame. I will probably monkey with it more so that it never moves. Specialized gives you 2 attachment pieces for the placement of the upper eyelet of the shock. that's cool, I guess. The idea is it raises the BB height. With the llower one on I was rubbing the pedals on corners and just not getting enough clearance. With the higher one, I haave had no problem. I was really torn between this and the trail series for my ride as I really like FR/DH. I decided to go with the Expert due to the adjustable fork which the trail doesn't have. However, I have a new problem the Fox DHX 5.0 air shock. Don't get me wrong this is a great shock. I have taken it off only 4-5 jumps/drops so far and it's fine and it is great hugging the ground. What I do not like is the way it sucks all my energy away when I want to take it off any vertical jumps (as opposed to ones that send you straight ahead). I usually end up nose down and have crashed a few times. I don't have the finesse of a XC rider and don't care to change my style, so I am replacing the air with a coilover, one that has a strong coil to like 500-550 (I weigh 200lbs) so I can get up to 10ft. drops. All in all great bike, but since I lean towards FR some adjustments needed to be made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason McAvoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Clear | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4950.00 | | Purchased At: | Mitchell Bike Superstore | | Strengths: | Ability to ride it all.
This bike can be ridden to the top of the trail with ease, and it can decend the other side as well as my Giant DH Comp downhill rig.
The suspension package on this rig is great on paper, but on the trails you really find out just how awesome the Fox 36 Fork and DHX 5.0 Shock are... they are phenominal. Plusher than anything I've ridden, and the bottom out control ensures it never bottoms out. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tyres have good grip, but weak walls that flex. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT, Canondale Prophet | | Bike Setup: | Stock '06 Expert (Fox 36 Fork, DHX 5.0 rear and SRAM X7 drivetrain), but changed tyres out for Maxxis Minions after 4 or 5 rides due to flex on heavy landings and hard cornering. | | Bottom Line: | Having had seperate XC and DH rigs, I have found they can be combined without compromising. This bike can do XC trails as fast as an XC rig, then it can descend and rail corners like a downhill bike, this bike has replaced my other two bikes.
Nothing beats riding to the top of a DH run, then ripping it up on the way down... previously I would have to walk and push my DH rig up (cursing it all the way there), or ride my XC bike up, then nurse it all the way down, unable to have fun.
Only downside is the tyres, they grip great, but flex a lot, easily fixed with $100 of tyres that suit you (for me, Maxxis Minions). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Downhiller
from Campbell,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | SDF | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Everything! | | Weaknesses: | NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept Pro, Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/Fox 36R, Fox DHX Air, Avid Juicy's, etc | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I've ever ridden. Rails turns, excellent geometry, great linkage (FSR). Overall, I can't believe what a terrific, and well engineered bike this is. The guy below is being rediculous. I cannot believe that he is blowing out all of his 5th Elements, and now all of his Fox shocks. User error. Probably one of those customers that you never want to have to deal with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Redding CA USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sims cycle and fitness | | Strengths: | This is for the 05 model. The fox 36 fork excellent along with the brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale jeckyll | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock except for XT cranks and FSA bars | | Bottom Line: | This bike I bought brand new in Feb of 2005. I have had three of the progressive 5th element air shocks all failed right off the get. They would rebuild them and they would fail again within two rides. Then Specialized sent me a brand new Fox dhx air 5.0 shock that lasted for three rides on mediocre terain. I have absolutely no confidence in this bike what so ever. I have had nothing but problems with this bike so far. Fox is going to rebuild this new shock which I am sure will fail like all the others so far. I believe that Specialized has a problem with this bike and they should recall them. Save your 3000 and buy a bike that works. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OzRider
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Inspires confidence over rough single track and smaller jumps (eg. <1m). Quicker over rough/airy sections than other bikes I have (GT,Avanti both XC) and friends XC rigs (VT1, other similar). Quite a rigid platform up steep hills. | | Weaknesses: | -Heavy compared to typical XC 4"-5" (2kg heavier than VT1, though more travel and more robust fork).
-Chain suck occasionally on steep hills in lower and middle rings.
-Chain slaps chainstay badly and occas. jumps betw gears on v.rough terrain at speed. Adjustment may yet reduce these probs.
-no shock pump provided with bike! Mean attitude - it's a must have item so should be included. CF Giant. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Trek, Avanti. | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Not comparing like with like here - just confirming what I expected to be true. That a 6" rig, specifically the enduro, is a good option for the rider who more enjoys jumps and bumps at speed rather than generic firetrails, and who is willing to trade off a couple of kg to better enjoy those conditions. This bike does come into its own where 4" XC offerings are beginning to get out of shape - on rougher terrain at speed or bigger landings.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Chang
a
from Buena park, CA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Gets you full suspension bike at a reasonable price. Some decent components -- brakes are nice. FSR is nice, but I've felt much more active suspensions on other bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap frame. Welds and build are terrible. Frame looks like it was hurried together by some factory worker who has never ridden a bike in his life. Pivots squeak after awhile and it won't go away no matter what I try. | | Bottom Line: | If you have this kind of dough, take a look at your other options for a frame. Go demo a Turner 5 Spot, you may be saving your money a little longer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cole
a
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Big T to Winsor | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike N' Sport | | Strengths: | Continued strength of componentry and frame. Asymmetrical chainstays are awesome for rigidity too! | | Weaknesses: | Still none to mention! | | Similar Products Used: | After riding this bike for three months, I can't remember anything else. | | Bike Setup: | Same as before except for ODI lock on grips and a new WTB Motoraptor 2.4 front tire. I found that the Enduro front tire was cumbersome and slow to turn. Don't get me wrong, it is a perfectfly good tire for the back. | | Bottom Line: | Three months in the saddle and my admiration has only grown. I have discovered two minor things, however, I don't consider them a weakness. The first, as mentioned above was the front tire needs to be changed to bring out the real potential in this bike. The second, the Fox 36 does not get a full 6" of travel, it is closer to 5 3/4" in its standard configuration. In addition, I have read others' reviews that state an issue with the custom 5th Element shock. I have had no issues whatsoever to date. With that said, this is still the best All Mountain bike I have yet to ride. The Nomad looks like a close contender, but it ain't no FSR. I guess you can tell I am becoming a devout fan of Specialized. This bike is perfect for that particular niche between Trail and Gravity...the agro group who only climbs because they know of the reward to follow. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil dowdey
a Cross Country Rider
from mukilteo, wa
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | devils gulch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | greggs greenlake | | Strengths: | Time proven FSR design, nice shock and fork, good breaks | | Weaknesses: | Made in Taiwan, throw away LX components, crap wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, superlight...not the same but I also ride moots. seratta, spot SS | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for King head set | | Bottom Line: | You get what you pay for...I bought this bike because I was tired of banging my pedals on the superlight (12” BB height). Couldn’t justify dropping the $$ on a Ellsworth, Turner etc. I feel a bit misled as I spent some time on the specialized web site before I bought it. One of the things I ran across on their FAQ section was a question about where the enduro is made. It said they are “hand welded and assembled in Salt Lake City” When I get the bike home and carefully look; it says , in 1mm lettering, “designed in the USA made in Taiwan”. Upon even closer inspection I see that the rear shock, where it splits the seat tube, is .050” closer to one side than the other. Not sure where the misalignment occurs but it does tell me something about build quality. I also noticed that the rear wheel is out of round by about 3/8 of an inch…well like I said you get what you pay for.
It did come with a nice 5th element shock, Fox 36er fork, and super powerful juicy seven breaks. The 36er works great but is NOT a 150mm fork as it claims. So for $2500 it’s an OK deal, but not at all worth the $3500 msrp!
The bike does ride very nicely. The FSR works WAY better as an all around trail bike compared to my single pivot santa cruz. I think it’s a great design, just wish it had been executed a bit better. It has zero bling factor, but for a bike you intend to beat the snot out of that may not be a bad thing as I wont be too upset when it starts getting dinged up. Just to clarify this review is for the 2005 Enduro expert 150.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Mann
a Weekend Warrior
from Murrieta, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | BLT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | IE Bikes | | Strengths: | Fork is very stable, everything seems really stout. Suspension is plush and forgiving and has lots of adjustability. | | Weaknesses: | I havn't really found a weakness yet. I have bent the XTR derailuer slightly which works fine after being tweaked back. | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike. Previous MTB was 92 Haro Extreme AL Frame, full XT components. | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock: FSA Stem, Answer Pro-Taper 1" carbon riser bar, 05 XT Cranks, some Ti and Al hardware, BG Ti railed saddle, Crank Bros. Egg-beaters 2xTi | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really a great compromise between long travel, heavy DH bikes and light XC FS bikes. The Stumpy (bought one for my wife) seems like a play thing under my 5'11" 210 lbs frame, the Enduro feels solid (not much flex in the fork, not much flex in near the BB/pivots) yet plush. This bike makes the fun downhills, well, funner. It makes the scary stuff fun too! With 100 miles of singletrack (with some inevitable fireroads) I feel like I still have yet to get to where i am pushing the BIKE to it's limits. If you like to earn the right to bomb the down hill, this bike might be for you. If you are a XC only guy, you probably want something lighter with less travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Laurent
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Solid construction, excellent shock and fork, riding position is neutral. | | Weaknesses: | way too heavy to consider as an all-around trailbike. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Specialized Enduro Expert, 2005 Specialized Stumpjumper expert 120. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I used this bike for a day as a demo, and was very surprised by what the Enduro has become. I had a 200 enduro expert and it was a classic trailbike, easy to pedal up and reasonably good on descents. Now the new enduro is a beast to pedal (big tires and 32lbs!), which makes it more a freeride bike than a trailbike. So if you are looking for a bike which allows you to earn your descents, this is it! It descends extremely well, is very confidence-inspiring, and very fast! Too bad it cannot climb as good, so I turned to the new 2005 Stumpjumper 120, with 5" front and rear travel, and am not disappointed. This bike is perfect for downhill-minded riders (which is the current market trend these days), everybody else look somewhere else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Smith
a Downhiller
from Mission Viejo
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | cracker Jack Taiwan Bikes | | Strengths: | NONE, oh wait it has pedals | | Weaknesses: | heavy, sluggish, typical bike from TAIWAN, the bike spikes. Spiking is when you get a very quick response from the rear shock. Yes, I have tried dialing in the shock, the problem is its just a lousy frame. | | Similar Products Used: | none, all my bikes are CUSTOM high end, for Ex. Turner, ellsworth, Santa Cruz, Intense. | | Bike Setup: | Bling Bling Turner 5 Spot, Sram XO and Marzocchi, King or santa Cruz Nomad, all SRAM XO, King, Marzocchi, etc | | Bottom Line: | If you want to be like everyone else and not be a serious rider then SPECIALGUYSED is the bike for you. They are cheap, out of the country made frames that are usually sold by knuckleheads that don't know bikes. The bottom line is that mass production bikes just don't work as good as the customs. Zero flamin chilis, and since this is a 5 dollar frame, (some poor taiwanese worker built this being paid 02. cents a day) plus shipping to the US, zero flamin chilis for the value rating. oh I have to give it 1, so undeservingly it gets a 1 flamin chili rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Winchester,Ma
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle loft | | Strengths: | 2005 Frame, front and rear shock. This bike rocks. It climbs better then my Gary Fischer Sugar and there is no comparison on the decents. This bike eats up the technical trails that the east coast has to offer. 32 lb with 6 and 6 of travel. | | Weaknesses: | LX componets. I broke the LX free hub the first ride. To reach the $3000 price point they had to skimp somewhere. The ISCG mount catches the chain when it comes off the front ring. I put 2 5mm bolts in to prevent this. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fischer Sugar, Trek Liquid | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to Hadley rear hub with 823 Mavic rim and XT cassette. Changed to the 69.5 triangle for the 12mm increase in bottom bracket height. | | Bottom Line: | If you have the $ and love to ride buy this bike. I am 6'4' 225 and have broken many frames. So far this is holding up. Great all around bike that can keep up on the cross country rides and can pound the downhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Stamford
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Center of Stamford | | Strengths: | WOW! what a bike.. its a 2005 Enduro Expert.
For being a stock bike (minus the pedals) it is incredibly strong. The site says it's an all mountain bike, but i've taken this baby down hillin and it was amazingly smooth. It has a progressive 5th element shock made spicifically for this frame ( i know that 5th elements had some bad rep but to survive some DH... this one is different) it has 6inches of travel (front and rear) and can be adjusted to a lower front end from 150mm to 100mm if wished, the Fox Float 36 fork is super tough and will not bend. This bike has had a few high bails and falls and one would simply have to pick it back up and continue riding. The bars did go crooked but thats due to loose stem.. | | Weaknesses: | NONE! i was having doubts about the shock but damn! i was Downhillin with this thing and it survived the 12 desents at about 135 psi inside. that was my only concern everything is awesome.. for a stock bike
eventually i will expect the cranks to go but they all die sooner or later | | Bike Setup: | Stock with sun ringle pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perfect for the person who wants to go cross country (might be overkill but still works great in that field too) and also have a bike to go DH but dont want to deal with some heavier down hill frames. Specialized is right when they said this bike is all mountain. YOU CAN EVEN GO OFF JUMPS WITH THIS THING!
now if youre going off 10ft drops or want to set a new record at a regular mtb race this isnt the bike for you... its for the person who wants do it all with respectable limitations | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cole Knappen
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Coyote Trail, Winsor, Rio Media | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike N' Sport in Santa Fe, NM | | Strengths: | Handling, craftsmanship, weight, Fox 36R, custom Progressive 5th Element shock, Avid Juicy 7's, and innovation of course. | | Weaknesses: | The bike will cause excessive staring, lust, and envy from your girlfriend because you spend more time with it than with her. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Ruckus I-Drive 2.0, 2002 Enduro, Cannondale Jekyl, and various Kona bikes. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for a WTB Speed saddle and Shimano M646 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | During my shopping experience, I read numerous reviews on copious bikes, all had strengths and all had weaknesses. If you call 32 pounds a weakness for a 6" travel bike that can handle 6'+ drops, then you should stick with your overly tight spandex and sunny Sunday rides. This bike has no weaknesses, period. This bike is a bit pricey with an MSRP of $3500, but the guys at Bike N' Sport hooked up a killer deal and provide stellar service. I have ridden this bike on various terrains, and it just gets better and better. It climbs like the tires and trail were Velcro, it rails corners like a roller coaster, and it hits the descents like a well mannered 8" travel pig. I have never felt so balanced in the air, nor have I felt so confident sending it. What I wanted was a true All Mountain bike that would allow me to earn the descent. I have never smiled so much, I am so grateful to have the opportunity of owning such a wonderful piece of machinery. This truly is the most versatile bike I have ever ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lots | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Ken's bicycle warehouse | | Strengths: | Horst link suspension--nothing rides better. Remarkable pedaling efficiency for 5" of travel. Fox forx. Value--bought an 04 at a deep discount. | | Weaknesses: | Creaking in the linkage--others have blamed it on the bottom bracket, though I fixed mine by putting a little grease on the bolt that holds the shock onto the front triangle (if you still call it a "triangle" on this frame). | | Similar Products Used: | Epic, Cake, Stumpjumper (100&120), Yeti 575 | | Bike Setup: | 2004 stock with eggbeaters and 70mm stem | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because it was such a blast to ride downhill. I like the crisp handling of the high BB/steep head tube and haven't even tried the slack setting yet. FSR suspension is amazingly responsive, and the 5" of travel is like having automatic repentance because it is so forgiving on the technical stuff. This bike feels more plush to me in back than the longer-travel Yeti. The brakes modulate well, which makes up for weaker stopping power than other hydros.
I used to ride an Epic and decided that I wanted a little more travel for the technical stuff and downhilling. The Epic was an amazing climber, so I was surprised that I am not much slower on the Enduro. I think when I remove the slime tubes and replace them with Stan's no-tubes (should shave 200 grams from each wheel), the climbing will only get better.
I also considered the Rocky Mountain Slayer, but yesterday while riding had a guy get off of his Slayer 50 and ask if he could ride the Enduro around. He loved it. That was a nice affirmation that I made a good decision. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Bottom Line: | In response to the creaking noise you hear while riding - I notice that too. I have always figured it was the crankset but has never affected the performance and every bike makes some noise right? I have had a few different guys take a look at it and I think the overall opinion is that the bottom bracket that came stock on the bike is a bit too long, and I think the creaking is coming from there. I plan on swapping mine out soon. Also I am having problems with the rebound cartridge in the rear shock and both shocks need to be serviced now (to be expected after 1+ year of hard riding a few times a week).
All that aside - I still took this bike on a 26.5 mile ride this weekend in Dupont State Forest this weekend where there is everything from solid rock climbs descents/ classic single track with steep climbing and tight steep switchback downhills, creekcrossings, drops, etc. I had one pinch flat but the bike ate everything up easily (we clocked 30+ mph in some spots on my friends computer). He has a KHS 904r and is faster in the short XC races we do every week. For longer rides like the one this weekend, or endurance racing, my bike is much better suited.
Despite the fact that one guy had a bad experience so he felt the need to label a great bike design as inferior, I think it's obvious for most that this bike is worth holding onto. I'm glad I got all my internet dreaming/scheming out of my system and settled on a bike that is a true jack of all trades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Haywood
a Weekend Warrior
from Bozeman, Montana, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | pipestone area and cottonwood! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bangtail Bike and Ski | | Strengths: | Bomb proof design! Equally at home in the steeps and peddling to them. Well worth every last penny! There are similar bikes out there, however you will pay about a thousand dollars more too match what you get here. | | Weaknesses: | Weeird creak in the bike during break-in. Kinda feels like bottom bracket/crank creak? <-everything looks fine though. Specialized's design change is a bad move from the 04 model keep this a freeride platform. More travel isn't necessary, you can always go buy a true DH long-travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona coiler and GT I-drive <---NO CONTEST | | Bike Setup: | Factory except put kona platform pedals. Haven't broke anything yet to replace<----not for lack of trying. | | Bottom Line: | Best freeride bike for the money. I guess i coul,ve gone cheaper on componetry. But 5 and 5 with full lock out thats rarely used fully adjustable maybe a touch lite. Could always make it heavier lol. I hate advertising for Specialized but I believe this is a superior product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta - Canada
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | pinkbike.com - private sale | | Strengths: | Fairly low weight with bomber stability and durability. Incrediblly strong performance uphill, downhill and off the chairlift (i.e. light to medium freeriding or downhill). Being able to decrease front travel and the rear lockout are paramount. Shrink & lock going up; open, un-lock and freakin' BOMB down. Brilliant spec's all around. 8" front and 6" rear rotors are genius. I can testify for FSR and pro pedal. I am a believer. | | Weaknesses: | It wasn't free, I can't ride it every single day, and the finish seems suceptible to scratching and blemishes from whipping by close to bushes, etc. The stock saddle was crap - it was uncomfortable (too thick and wide) and the top-material got air bubbles underneath it after it's first damp ride. | | Similar Products Used: | A buddies 5" & 5" 2003 Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | I changed the saddle, went for a shorter stem and have been messing mostly with platform pedals. I'm trying the Nokian NBX 2.3's (folding) because I've been dying too. No problems with the Enduro Pro 2.2's however. I was hankering for a touch more width for rock country. Where I go, the terrain can be extremely mixed over the course of a ride. | | Bottom Line: | Extremely quality ride. I suspect the cheaper Enduro's are also pretty solid. I'm 5'8" 153lbs and the bike mates me and my riding style phenominaly. I dig everything from a day at the local mtb resort/park to 30 - 80km backcountry days in the Alberta/BC rockies.
I've been riding since '86 and have no regrets with throwing the dice and buying this bike last fall. It's easy to get a handle on setting up & maintaining the disc brakes & front and rear suspension. All this, and there is plenty of bike left for me to grow into. Whatever bike you're considering, do LOTS of test-riding and your research! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C Springs
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Horst link and basic geometry like standover reasonable weight and ride charasterisics of (once again ) Horst Link. | | Weaknesses: | Unacceptable specialized quality control (lack thereof), failure to be considerate of their end customers who keep them in business, unacceptable customer service, poor manufacturing process - despite all the marketing hype. | | Similar Products Used: | KONA << EXCELLENT PRODUCT, QUALITY CUSTOMER SUPPORT, GREAT QUALITY CONTROL AND SUPPORT, AND VERY GOOD VALUE. | | Bottom Line: | Please search for CSPRINGS to see my earlier posts I wrote during my first season on this bike - I was as pleased as most of the posts above.
Despite my first year of love I see that love was misplaced, after learning MORE about Specialized (see weaknesses above) and fighting for my rights, I would not buy another bike with their name on it!
Spec has admitted to all their failures of quality control (lack thereof), warranty promises, and customer service. All the claims of defective welds and defective derailleur hanger design are true. The enduros have suffered from broken disk brake brace welds, cracked seatstay and chainstay welds, broken seat tube welds, and cracked seatmast/shock mount welds. The only welds I have not personally seen fail are the headtube and that beautiful horizontal toptube weld.
I must own two bikes if I keep the Specialized.
Their really hype the ORE technology and tube forming techniques which is no different from the technology of nearly all the other manufacturers. If you can't ensure a quality weld your bikes will break as mine have, ie more than one broken enduro and multiple broken part replacements. Some replacements were themselves defective.
If you want the Horst Leitner Link look elsewhere. I would not consider Ellsworth as an option due to similar problems with Tony Ellsworth products.
If you consider Specialized - good luck. If you ride hard you will remember my post and have your work cut out for yourself - especially if you purchase an Enduro. If you are purchasing one for your Great Grandmother the Enduro is fine but that's way too much money in my opinion plus I want my Granny on a bike that she will not break. You can save a bundle by shopping at KMART.
I have kept this post a little humorous cause having been burned by Specialized I plan to keep on smiling. Life is too short to cry and wast money on an Un-Specialized Enduro
PS: I ride smooth, I use the travel they advertise, my bikes are kept in immaculate condition, I do not abuse my equipment, I use them as they were designed and sold.
Good Luck, I posted this so others might avoid all the hassles I have had, personally seen, and have read about. I work hard for my money and do not appreciate being ripped off.
PEACE
OUT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | THIS IS A FOLLOW UP REVIEW. *solid all-purpose bike. gets the job done in any type of terrain. very plush suspension. stable feel. moderately fast with some upgrades. If being the fastest guy in your group is low on your list then you don't need to change a thing just buy it and ride it for years. | | Weaknesses: | luckily the tires are the main weakness bc they are cheap/easy to replace. the stock tires are very slow and hinder the performance of the bike. the creaking sound I heard when I first bought the bike was just spoke tension so I tightened it up a bit - problem solved. Also the rear link came loose and rattled a little so I had to remove the crank in order to tighten it back up. Other than a few minor maintenance issues there really is no weakness besides the tires and maybe the seat (I know a lot of people like them). The bike is slow if you are coming from a shorter travel XC bike. I made a few upgrades and lightened the bike up considerably. It is a catch 22 bc looking back I might have been better off with a lighter more XC oriented bike since I ride a lot of singletrack and climb a lot. But if you have this bike you will jump it, do bridge drops and light freeride, plow through rock gardens, etc. I may not have learned (felt confident enough) to ride like that with a less beefy bike- who knows? These are just my personal pros and cons. | | Similar Products Used: | VT1, Eli | | Bike Setup: | DT Swiss 4.1D rims, red :) Hope hubs- bulb in the rear and XC in the front, red hope skewers and seat clamp (yep it's blingin') wheelsmith steel spokes, Fire XC pro tires, Candy Ti pedals, Thomson seat post, Terry fly saddle Ti rails, Weyless carbon bars, SRAM PC 990 rear cassette. Red King headset on the way. | | Bottom Line: | Great all around bike but don't be fooled into thinking that this is your holy grail of XC bikes with freeride suspension. The bike does have plenty of plush suspension to take you through technical stuff, off drops, jumps, and light stunts but if you buy this bike stock and expect to fly through your single track trails think again. If most of what you do is cross country and climbs then go for the stumpy. If many of your local trails are "rough" and include jumps, drops, rock gardens, etc. This bike fits the bill perfectly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Okerholm
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek, RHR, Muleshoe | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shotp | | Strengths: | Great Bike, if you're smaller.
Great entry bike for big guys. I'm 6'6", 260, so this was my first full squishy. Loved it. I "had" great confidence in the bike which allowed me to try new things and improve skills.
Wonderful warranty service (but be bepared to use it)
| | Weaknesses: | Frame Failures (I have photos and lists for places to look at if interested). I wish I had that information before purchasing. (But then again the $2300 sticker price was easier to swallow than something like a Titus at $4K.+
But then again, Austin is MURDER on bike frames. Lots of problems with Rear Derailuer.
| | Similar Products Used: | None, I'm too big and this was the beefiest thing the LBS had to offer and recommended. | | Bike Setup: | Factory OEM, Upgrades, Thomson seatpost, MTB Seat, XT Cassette Upgrade, new grips. Otherwise stock. Loved it! | | Bottom Line: | I did a TON of research before buying this frame. It was great for awhile but Buyer BEWARE.
I'm 6'6" 260 and just had a major frame failure this week
check it out http://www.bikemojo.com/speak/showthread.php?t=39749
Loved the bike, but you need to be careful. Bigger guys like me neeed a better frame.
I'm upgrading to a Titus SuperMoto that won't break.
Tons of others in my bike forum have been experts at breaking this frame, over and over. Read my post above and you'll see.
I also have way more info on the enduro (pictures with places with look for buddy's failures, breaks, etc) Feel Free to email me and I'll share. I wish I had that information before purchasing.
Still overall, great bike, great intro to MTB, just not for me and my size.
Erik
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Chaz
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicester, UK.
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere sick. Bradgate park is immense. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3162.00 | | Purchased At: | Guisborough Cycles, Middlesborough, UK | | Strengths: | Wow, I mean, this is a GOOD bike, what an awesome ride. Im about 79kg's (175ish lbs for you american dudes) and a bit more with kit, and it takes everything i give it, and begs for more. The forks and rear shock, also, the on-the-fly adjustment is wicked. You can sort it out while riding. Couple that with a good strong frame, (I've done 3ft. drop-offs with ease-I never felt like i was stretching the frames performance. | | Weaknesses: | Stupidly big tires, 2.2 is too big on this bike, 2.1 at most, and the racing bike valves. Why presta valves specialized??? And little mud clearance, where I ride, there is alot of clay mud with leaves, this bikes worst nightmare. These arent really weaknesses tho, there just niggles, tires and tubes are easy enough to sort out, but the mud clearance is ample with smaller tires. So no serious weaknesses here! | | Similar Products Used: | I had a 2001 Schwinn Rocket 3 (what a joke). Ive demo'd a couple others, but none as good as this. What a corker. | | Bike Setup: | Stock-Specialized in house controls, Fox Talas RL 80-125mm XT-XTR drive-train. | | Bottom Line: | Where do i start? The tires me thinks, the stock ones are a bit too big and bouncy for anything that isnt towards the more extreme end of the xc end. To make the most of them, youd need to be doing Freeride-lite. The wheels on mine have stayed as true as many more expensive ones, and feel as they will last many many moons... The hubs are good and strong, no noticeable flex, even when nailing 30mph+ rocky corners and 4 foot drop-offs. That is another testiment to the great frame designers and the R&D guys from specialised. No sideways flex, great looks and smooth curves. Brilliant. Onto the fork, the Talas RL 80-125mm on-the-fly adjustable suspension makes for a buttery smooth ride, even on the first. Just make sure to lubricate every day, with a light oil, WD40 or equivilent to keep runnig smooth, as with the rear shock, that got a bit 'sticky' but to be fair, I was riding wet muddy conditions in the rain, so the next day, wasnt going to be the sweetest handling day me thinks. A drop of oil every ride really is no hardship for people in the game for this bike though. The rear shock is amazing, with the 100-135mm 'itch switch' adjustment, coupled with lockout, is everything and more youll need, and plenty of rebound damping to play with also. My only gripe is that the stock pedals (in the UK at least) are a touch flexy, but maybe that problem is isolated to mine only. The absolute bottom line on this bike is that if you want a bike to carry you comfortably for endless hours, and NOT make the experiance of riding dull and dampened (like some of the longer travel bikes) THIS IS FOR YOU. If you are interested in progressing your Free-ride skills, look else where, like the silly '05 model. It has far too much travel for its 'enduro' name tag. The adjustability, price, handling, and overall quality of this bike is second to none. This WILL improve your riding at least 10 times, and make you so much better and confident. 'Stunning' | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan King
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | UCSC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2390.00 | | Purchased At: | Trail Head | | Strengths: | FOX TALAS, ITCH switch on shock, brakes, seat (best one I have sat on), Mavic 223s, XTR rear derailer
I can climb most anything on this bike. | | Weaknesses: | pedals (yes, let us choose what we want and save a few bucks)
chain-suck several times
water bottle cage location | | Similar Products Used: | none, this is my first full suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Thompson stem
Heim 3 chain guide(cured my chain-suck problems)
New seatpost to push the seat further back
Kenda Nevegals get here tomorrow | | Bottom Line: | I'm ~6'1" 200lbs and got the Large frame size
"I feel safer going faster on the same trails" was my first quote after riding this bike for the first time. And that was before the disks got broken in and the suspension got dialed in right. I continue to go even faster on it every ride. I have complete faith in it's abilities, and it has made riding so much more enjoyable.
I usually ride with the rear shock in the short travel setting, switching it to long travel only when I know I will be hitting some jumps or hauling butt down hill. The fork I leave at 4 clicks turned down from max travel (about 113mm). This helps improve steering for me, and still has ample travel.
There was one time when I went off a 4 foot drop too slow and off balance. I wound up landing hard on the front wheel and eating a facefull of dirt. All I could think of was "Damn, I'm gonna have to walk home with a bent front rim". When I got up, there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with anything on the bike. I inspected the front wheel to find that dirt and leaves had worked their way in between the rim and tire, yet even with that much force, the rim did not bend.
I would recommend this bike to anyone.
Because of the Enduro, I got a huge pay raise and promotion at work, I have more friends, and women are throwing themselves at me... ;) Well, I guess it can't do everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roland forbes
a
from boise ID
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | as long as its on dirt, i dont care | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | georges cycles and fitness | | Strengths: | fox talas fork, 223 rims- their nice and beefy!, the super wide handlebars | | Weaknesses: | let me think... | | Similar Products Used: | i didn't need to try anything else | | Bike Setup: | red selle italia flite seat, 2.5 hot S tires- front and back, red big cheese grips, everything else is stock | | Bottom Line: | get this bike!!! i took it off of a 12 foot drop, 3 times, and it worked as smooth as when i bought it. The XTR deurailler is great.
This bike climbs like a litespeed and descends like a karpiel. If you love to downhill and none of your friends will shuttle you, this is the bike for you!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simen TOMORI
a Weekend Warrior
from Ljubljana
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Elan | | Strengths: | Lock-out, travel adjust, great geometry, Fox Talas | | Weaknesses: | Low BB, mushy seat, slow tires | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V | | Bike Setup: | Chris King headset, Monkey lite carbon handlebar, larger Braking rotor (185) front, Selle Italia Flite, Stratos ID cartridge for Talas | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. Clibs great and I can climb things I never managed before. I use shorter travel for climbing, lockout for asphalt and long travel (front and rear) for downhill. Brakes (555) are ok for my 74 kgs, original Enduro tires are really slow on the asphalt, soft too. I changed the seat that was too soft. Enduro is superb for my use- 4-5hr rides, long climbs, fast descents. I use slack geometry which sets bb really low and it slows down low speed handling but it all pays off on downhills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes Palo Alto | | Strengths: | Suspension. | | Weaknesses: | No brake lever reach adjust. | | Bike Setup: | Platform clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I've been on the bike four times and I think I made one of the best purchases in my life. I've been riding bikes and motorcycles 30 years and the Enduro is the paramount of technology. The suspension is easy to set up and I leave it in long travel, fast rebound. I climb in the saddle and descend standing. I've read about complaints on the seat but I'm getting used to it. I'm not decided on the tires because the conditions of the trails are pretty bad right now (need rain).I weigh 200lbs+ with advanced skills. Who should buy it? Those who climb what they descend. Who should not? Huckers and weight weenies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim, CA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | JAX in Yorba Linda | | Strengths: | Frame, Parts, Fork, and Value | | Weaknesses: | The chain, I always switch my chains to SRAM because shimano chains never last | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Custom Hardtail, and everything else | | Bike Setup: | King Headset, King Rear Hub, and XT hollowtech II crank | | Bottom Line: | working in a bike shop gives me the chance to buy any bike at a great price, and this was the best bike for the buck, the parts are great, the ride is the best I've ever had (both up and down), and after several customers came back with great reviews I had to get one and now I have no regrets | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
s kau
a Cross Country Rider
from bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | blackmore mt. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | bangtail bikes | | Strengths: | frame strength, fork, rear shock, bike geometry | | Weaknesses: | seat, pedals (they should save us the money and let us choose our own) | | Similar Products Used: | ellsworth truth, Gary Fisher sugar 2+, specialized stumpjumper full susp. | | Bike Setup: | stock except crank bros pedals. Soon to change to Italia seat | | Bottom Line: | Bozeman MT has a great diversity of trails so i've had a summer to experment in almost all different situations. this bike can climb forever, and has performed beautifully on all different terrain. Slightly longer wheelbase takes a while to get the tight swithbacks down, but creates a stable plateform on the rough stuff. I have yet to take it off a 6ft+ jump. 5ft was nothing though.
I'm highly satisfied with the manoverablity of this bike for its length of travel offered. Brakes are the only important thing i'm not completely satisfied with. they're not bad, but could be better.
Overall: I love this bike, it is the perfect bike for taking in the backcountry and beating up. It goes up strong, and comes down stronger. It's pretty good at the cross country stuff too.
5 chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Hawley
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodland Hills, California, USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo (Ventura, CA) | | Strengths: | Adjustable travel forks (3" - 5") w/lock-out, air spring/shock with "ITch switch" instant travel adjust (3"- 5"), incredible hydraulic brakes, top quality fit and finish | | Weaknesses: | OEM grips chewed up my gloves, replaced with Body Geometry 3-density grips the first week. Seat will probably be the next thing to go... | | Similar Products Used: | No comparison to previous MB (no suspension). I looked at the Cannondale Jekyll 600 and the Giant NRS in the same price range. | | Bike Setup: | No changes to drivetrain or tires. Suspension set at recommended pressures for my weight (220), with rebound set about 3/4 slow. Tire pressure set to 55 psi for pavement and hardpack rides, 45 psi for gravel and loose trails. | | Bottom Line: | This bike offers incredible performance, adjustability, and quality for the price. To top it off...I got a super (lucky) deal on the price (thanks, Supergo). Making adjustments from the saddle is simple ( and relatively safe), particularly with the ITch switch...go from comfy long-travel mode to grippy climbing mode with a simple flick of the switch! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Overall design of the bike. Versatility. It really is a go-anywhere type of bike so you are not likely to regret buying one. The components on the bike are great- both the front and rear shock are awesome and the suspension feels better than any bike I have ridden (I also have an NRS2 and a Gary Fisher). | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major....I think the seat is weak. I already bent the rails so I replaced the seat. I hear a creaking sound that I hope is the crank. I guess I will find out soon enough :) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT1, Tomac Eli | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the seat (WTB SST 2K saddle I got for 29 dollars online). | | Bottom Line: | The more I ride the bike the more I like it. More relaxed (laid back) riding position than other bikes in the same category. I also seriously considered a Giant VT1 but the riding position is now too upright for me. It felt a little like my NRS2. I wanted to be sitting back a little and have an XC/freeride kind of feel on the bike which is what the Enduro gives you. This bike feels very stable on the ground and in the air. Plenty of travel, easy to bomb down steep terrain, carries me over bigger more technical terrain with ease. The bike does what I hoped for when I bought it.
If you are used to a lighter XC full suspension bike expect to huff and puff a little while climbing. I have begun to adjust and the bike really does climb well, and unless you are hardcore XC there is nothing about this bike that is going to hold you back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a
from SLC, UT
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | the "b" and all the fun stuff there | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | bike center | | Strengths: | Smooth suspension travel, easy to set-up, great free-ride potential, good climber, much better decender, great braking modulation and power, ability to change geometry, great fork (TALAS), pro-pedal, VERSATILITY | | Weaknesses: | squeaky pivots (use motor oil), bottoms out too easy (correctable), crappy grips, pedals, tires, and wheels. Dumbass quick release in front | | Similar Products Used: | lotsa | | Bike Setup: | 04 comp, slack head angle, 2.5 IRC Trailbear front, 2.35 Maxxis Minion rear, time ATAC, ODI grips, SUN singletrack rims w/xt hubs, SRAM chain | | Bottom Line: | This is an update after more than 1000 miles, very hard miles. This was my first FS and it makes you push limits. If you want to ride more tech and rough DH, do the above (bike set-up) and you will be very happy. With that set-up I can ride ANY trail with speed and confidence. This bike is FUN!! Makes you want to jump over scary stuff, ride faster than you think is reasonable, then ride back up and do it over again.
This bike is a great handler, good jumper, easily manipulated, and loves to go down the mountain fast.
The only real problem is that it made me want to get a downhill rig now.
Ride it, love it, kill the trails.
The only reason I gave it 4 on value is that I needed to swap so much out to beef it up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2050.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Warehouse | | Strengths: | Where do I begin?? This bike is awesome. Fox TALAS is the best. Climbs well and descends like it's possessed. Handles well. Not very important, but the Carbon frame color is cool. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT, Spec Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except tires switched to Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1's | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome!! It is my first FS bike. It took me 4 months to save the $$, so I did lots of research and test riding before I made my decision. I couldn't be happier.
It climbs very well--almost as good as my old HT. I only lock out the suspension on paved roads. It climbs great with the suspension active. It eats up downhills so well, sometimes I almost don't realize what I just rolled over. My local ride has a gnarly downhill rock garden that is at least 100 yards long. I used to slowly pick my way through on my old HT. Now I just hang on and fly through at insanely high speeds and the suspension just goes to work and smoothly carries me through it. All my buds on their XC bikes make me go first on downhills because they can't keep up and don't want to slow me down.
It performs very well on technical singletrack as well. My local trail is 80% singletrack, and I haven't had any problems.
DO yourself a favor and get this bike!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Bowen
a Weekend Warrior
from Somerset
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Quantocks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Kings Cycles Taunton | | Strengths: | Totally good fun. | | Weaknesses: | Front tyre. | | Similar Products Used: | Epic, Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except IRC trailbear front tire, longer stem and different saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update on my 2003 Enduro Expert review (). I have been riding the bike for a year now and felt obliged to add to my initial review so that you may get an idea of how the bike is shaping up. I have ridden over 1000 miles in the last year, and have come to know the Enduro well. Firstly let me say that considering my riding distance I have had no significant problems what so ever. I have done about 50/50 road/off road, as I have a good road hill climb up onto the Mendip hills where I have notched up most of my off road miles. The bike is great for long rides. I am looking forward to doing an Enduro event at the back end of this summer and the Enduro will be perfect for it.
I have tried 2 different sets of tires on the Enduro, a set of Panaracer FR 2.4's and my current set up which is the stock Specialized Enduro Pro on the back and a IRC Trailbear 2.25 on the front. This is a great set up. 2.2" The Enduro Pro was never that good on the front and slipped out a bit on tight downhill corners. The Trailbear is great on the front and with the Enduro Pro on the back still enables me to have a bit of fun with the rear end round tight trails......
Something to watch out for is the gradual loosening of the two little Allen headed screws that hold the rear mech onto the frame. Somewhere along the line I lost one of mine and it hasn't done the drop out any favours. Keep a check on them and you will be fine.
The Psylo's are getting a bit dated in the adjustable long travel fork field now. The newer Enduro's come with the Manitou Black's (Comp) or the Fox TALAS (Expert), and expect these are better than the Psylo, but there is nothing wrong with the Psylo. You can wind it up and down all day and it is reliable (spring compared to the TALAS air fork). The only issue with the Psylo is the flex, which isn't that big an issue. Generally the bike goes where I point it! Personally I think a Marzocchi Drop Off II would be perfect for the Enduro. When my Psylo bites the dust and the drop off's are a bit cheaper I might upgrade.
The Itch switch is handy, but not as handy as I thought it would be. I don't notice pedal bob on the Enduro. I suppose that's down to my riding style though. I hardly ever pedal out of the saddle. To be honest I don't notice that much difference between short and long travel mode.
The frame has been good to me, and so have Kings Cycles where I got the bike. They did me an unbelievable deal on the bike, and considering that, they have looked after me incredibly well since! The bushing that connects the rear shock to the seat stay's was a bit slack and started knocking. They changed it for me free gratis that day. They helped me sort out my rear mech hanger after loosing the grub screw this lunchtime. Again, free gratis. They invite me along to BBQ test days. They have to be the best bike shop in Somerset! In return I will be buying a Specialized Allez off them next year (they don't know that yet).
All in all, I am really happy with the Enduro. I have often had to wait by the trail side while people either catch up or have to fix their bikes. I can climb the steep Mendip/Quantocks hills alongside most short travel XC machines. Across the top or down the sides of those hills though the Enduro is quicker. But to simply look at speed round a course would be missing the point, which is that the Enduro is simply more fun that those bikes. I can take silly lines and jumps. I can use the suspension's compression to help me bunny hop over ridiculous lengths of boulders on downhill sections. I can bounce out of ruts that would have the wheels of an XC bike worried. It is just fun. I'm 34 now and this bike still makes me feel like a 20 year old!
Again, doesn't get 4 flamin' chilis cos bikes are really expensive in the UK. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garreth
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Woodhill Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Burkes Cycles, Wellington | | Strengths: | Fab suspension, especially with the lockouts in operation. Brakes (don't know how I could ever go back to V-brakes. Surblime bike balance at all speeds, and ease of climbing especially for a freeride bike. | | Weaknesses: | Noisy pivot point sealed bearings, but a bit of oil kills the noise. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except have Talas RLC, will be fitting longer stem and better pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Tried a friends bike a Enduro Pro and loved that and got around to finding a Expert in New Zealand, only 4 large frame 04's were inported so found the last one in Wellington. And the best bike purchase ever.
You can ride some very straight lines over some pretty horid trails and the suspension just says "give it too me baby". And you are never tired ater long trial rides even if your buds are on lighter XC dedicated cycles, the frame is so well set up. You will kill them on any downhill, technical section.:-)
Will up grade to the 200mm front rotor as I'm a heavy weight well 6'3' and 2230lbs, got the large frame as they don't import the XL into New Zealand but love the size.
Bike looks excellent in carbon and after every ride I know that I made the right decision of buying a really sorted bike straight out of the box. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Browns Camp, McKenzie River, St. Helens, Whistler Bike Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bikes | | Strengths: | Suspension, talas, pro-pedal, looks, breaks, component group, VALUE, VERSATILITY | | Weaknesses: | Front tire skewer comes loose often. Seems to stay put if I have it just right. Sometimes hard to put front tire on as break needs to be pried open. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Bike: Trek Fuel 98. Demoed Rocky Mountian Slayer, Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Crank Brothers Candy pedals | | Bottom Line: | I love my Enduro! This bike makes me a much more confident rider. I am mostly a XC rider, but try to take small to moderate hits, drops and harder, more technical lines for added fun. This bike may be a little more geared to free ride than my riding style needs, as I'm 31 now and try to preserve my health and not get too crazy on drops and jumps, but I love the fact that this bike is ready to go anywhere I want it. I don't mind the extra pound or two weight for this benefit, as I need to lose more than that on my body anyway. It belongs anywhere from technical single track trails to a light day in the mtn bike park. I'm able to handle rooty/rocky descents easier, and handle about any technical situation better than my Fuel. I always felt top heavy and lacked confidence on my Fuel. I started resenting my fuel as my lack of confidence ended up costing me in medical bills. I can handle more technical rides better, and last longer now. I have much more fun on this bike than I ever thought possible on a bike, and now ride even more often. I've logged about 150 miles in the two months that I've had it and have thanked myself every ride for the purchase. It is an incredible value! I was a bit aprehensive about downgrading to the LX component group from the XT on my 2002 Trek Fuel 98. Let me say that the LX shifts much smoother than my older bike ever did. The breaks stop the bike on a dime, also lending to more confidence. I think this bike is perfect for more agressive XC riders who try to add extra fun to their ride by adding drops or jumps into the mix. I'm 6'2, 185lbs and XL frame fits perfectly. I mostly stay in the short (4") travel mode, and use the lockout often as I ride on a few long hills from my door to the trail head near my home. When on the trail, it's always in pro pedal mode.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a
from slc, ut US
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | crest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | FSR linkage, itch swith, talas, pro-pedal, brakes, VERSATILITY | | Weaknesses: | cranks, pedals, stupid front quick-release always loosens, tires | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | time atac, trail bears 2.5 - 2.35, sram chain, | | Bottom Line: | creaky links (lube with motor oil), breaking chans (replace with sram), scetchy pedals (get time atacs), fast wearing scetchy tires (get some trailbears).
Now you got yourself a sweet machine. I love this bike, pedals better than my old hardtail, decends like a demon. Best value for the $$. period. Ride this bike before you buy any thing else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Honister Pass, Lake District, UK | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bone Shakers, Harrogate - Great Shop | | Strengths: | Fully adjustable suspension. Relatively light weight for a fully loaded bike. Looks wicked! | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock can bottom out and 'fart' but that could be my 200lb frame!! | | Similar Products Used: | Various Trek and Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock + rear mudguard | | Bottom Line: | Every time I ride this bike I have a grin on my face.
I have used it on a daily basis for around six months now, and its reliability has been excellent. Slight problem with disc pads catching on the rotors but this was sorted out by the excellent team at Bone Shakers in Harrogate.
Specialized seem to have got the balance of components and performance just about right with this bike. It's useful to be able to tweak the suspension setup, or lock it out at the back end and annoy your mates by overtaking them on an uphill! Altering the suspension setup changes the whole geometry of the bike which can produce some excellent (and weird) riding results - top quality entertainment!
The brakes are good (except the minor fault detailed above) but its my first bike with discs, so not much to compare them against.
In summary a good all-round bike. You can comfortably down-hill or throw this bike around and it won't let you down. Conversely, I've also used it for commuting and its still fast on tarmac and I've lost count of the number of times I've come back to unlock it in town to find a group of people (young and old alike) gathered around it, pointing and going 'ooooh! look at that' :D | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lew
a Weekend Warrior
from The O.C.
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Orange Cycle | | Strengths: | Fox forks and shock. XTR derailluer. Disk brakes. Nice stealth paint job. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Specialized Enduro Expert | | Bike Setup: | Stock but upgraded to XTR shifters (Rapid Fire Pods) and 120mm Easton EA70 stem | | Bottom Line: | After about a half a dozen rides I am thoroughly pleased with this ride. The Fox fork is very stiff and has very little flex when braking. The lockout feature on both the fork and the shock is awesome for climbing and technical. Just flip the switch and it feels like your back on your old hard tail. I haven't hit anything too crazy in the way of drops, but the bumps I have hit were taken with ease - very comfortable ride. The LX shifters it came with worked fine, but the extra $130 for XTR pods was just too irresistable. As I am 6'1" I felt slightly cramped on the Large size frame so I put a 120mm Easton stem on it and it feels perfect. I'll be heading up to Snow Summit in Big Bear real soon for a true test, but for now I would would recommend this highly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, California
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | North Burma | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Peddler | | Strengths: | FSR set up, Talas fork and Fox shock | | Weaknesses: | Frame shape makes it a bit awkward when you have to carry it or put it on some bike racks. Cables routed under the frame--potential weakness, but I haven't had any problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Cake, Trek Fuel, Trek Liquid, Marin Wolf Ridge | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I did lots and lots of research before getting this bike. I'd been riding a Trek Fuel, so I really needed to justify (to my wife) why I need to spend $2k for 3 more inches of travel.
I love it. It's great. It does everything I expected, only better. I expected to float down hills that used to scare me on my Fuel, but I didn't expect to be able to climb better than my old xc bike. The rocks that used to stop my Fuel on the trail are no big deal to my Enduro. It's actually 2.5 pounds lighter than my Fuel!
I realize that on this website you usually get people who gush about their new bike, but I really did try out a lot of bikes and this is far superior. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Eppensteiner
a Cross Country Rider
from Marquette, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Flow | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Lakeshore Bike | | Strengths: | Talas fork, FSR linkage, deore disk brakes. This bike is very smooth. I am wailing down hills i used to creep. It is making me a much more confident rider. | | Weaknesses: | I had to send the rear shock (Fox Float RL) back within two days of riding. The seals were leaking air big time. | | Similar Products Used: | none- first dual suspension | | Bike Setup: | stock except for bash ring and flats. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike. I just got it a month ago but I am already used to how fast I can go on this bike. Not only can I whip downhill, it also climbs like a champ. The lockout and itch switches help adjust the bike a lot for what you're doing. The only thing I didn't like was having a brand new shock fail right away, but that was more of a problem with fox than specialized. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross Country Rider
from Marquette, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bareback | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Lakeshore Bike | | Strengths: | Very smooth suspension yet easy to climb. Itch switch, lockout. Talus Fork!! FSR suspension design is the best out there, in my opinion. | | Weaknesses: | I picked this bike up last fall when they first came out and it came with an 8" front rotor which rocked, unfortunately Fox forced Specialized to recall and install a 6" rotor or it would void warranty, but that's pretty minor. | | Similar Products Used: | last bike was a Giant AC1, and a schwinn homegrown pro w/ a Marzocchi Z3 100mm | | Bike Setup: | Time Z pedals, King Headset, MonkeyLite Bars, Raceface bashring, Panaracer Fire DH 2.3 rear, 2.4 Freeride up front. | | Bottom Line: | I've had quite a few bikes and this is by far my favorite. The AC1 was my first full suspension bike and was great, but just too much work to push up hills. I've ridden the Enduro down every trail I used to do with the AC1 and I'm just as confident. True, the air spring is not quite as supple on the small bumps as the coil over spring, but it's pretty close and much easier to pedal. Not only does it go downhill well, I've actually made it up a few really technical hills that I never did conquer on my hardtail (not using lockout, I only use lockout for really long non technical uphills). I've got about 300 very hard trail miles on this bike now and haven't had to do a thing to it aside from lubing the chain and keeping air in the shocks and tires. If you're a cross country rider with freeride tendancies this is the perfect bike, actually, I'm sure this bike is light enough for most cross country riders as well. By the way, I'm about 6', 200lbs, and the Large fits perfect. This was my first review, hope it helps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Nelson , New Zealand
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Nelson is good | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Enduro frame is so stable and flex free . Combined with the Fox talas forks and itch switch rear shock this bike just feels like it's floating on air . Can be adjusted easly for any riding conditions on the fly . Very little need to use lockouts except on the steepest of climbs . | | Weaknesses: | Front brakes are a bit on the week side on the steepest of down hills . That was fixed with the 200mm rotor upgrade .
Apart from that this bike dose what they said would . | | Similar Products Used: | Marin alpine trail , Giant VT1 , Santacruze Heckler | | Bike Setup: | 75mm stem , XT Hollow tec cranks , 200mm front disc rotor , DH clip in pedals | | Bottom Line: | Due to the shortage in supply of this bike at the time of purchase Specialized (NZ LTD) did a fantastic job of building a bike for me . They imported a small size bike from australia and swapped the parts onto a large size frame . This came with a few small problems , crank legnth ,steerer tube legnth . I ended up getting a frame up grade to a pro frame and a set of XT cranks and a new set of talas forks . My LBS did a fantastic job of organising all this , and he isn't a specialized agent ! The agent in my area didn't even want to know about me , his answer was it can't be done and that was that . If i had to do it all over again i would the bike is worth it. If you want a bike to do a wide range of tasks or only have one bike you should not go past the Enduro . it's definitely worth taking a very close look at . Cheers Specialized and LBS . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Henry
a Weekend Warrior
from West Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Box | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Super-Go | | Strengths: | Front ForX from fox (TALAS RL w/Pro pedal...) I love it!!!, Shimano XTR rear Derailer,FSR,Shimano 555 Disk brakes, and the rear shock is great too (Fox Float RL with itch switch. | | Weaknesses: | The Chain Broke on me Shimano HG-73, I don't know it it was a bad link or what, when I am in the 22 (front) and 11 (rear) the Chain hits the bottom sproket of the XTR,and since the chain broke I Tried it minus a link (on the Trail) and the chain was to short in the 44(front) and 34 (rear But the XTR shifts GREAT!!!!!! So I hope I can fix the prob... Any suggestions? | | Similar Products Used: | I tried a Kona Stinky and it was just to heavy, for the up hill climbs. | | Bike Setup: | It is all stock, I did change the tires to Panaracer FireXCpro. And I bought a new chain, the same one but now I have a lot of spare links!! That I keep with me at all times. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, it is light and durable, good for the climb and even better for the ride Down!! Inspect the chain before a major ride and have a spare link, I know, I Know, I had to learn that the hard way. I should have listend to my friend... This is way more than I wanted to spend on a bike but I am happy! If I had to do it over again I would have got the 03, nagh, I would have go the new one!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gez mason
a Cross Country Rider
from hampshire england
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | golden birdies,leith hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | freeborn uk | | Strengths: | four bar linkage gives smooth rear end,brand name,colour(04'),fox suspension. | | Weaknesses: | forks feel wooden for the money,some components feel cheap,tyres. | | Similar Products Used: | marin frs,turner 5 spot. | | Bike Setup: | standard/fire xc tyres | | Bottom Line: | I spent a lot of time & research before i bought the 'expert'& to be honest feel i've wasted my money.My old bike is a Marin Rift Zone 97'& it has never let me down in 7 years apart from a worn rear rim.I went for the enduro as it had an extra inch of travel over the marin & because it came 1st in many reviews as the best 'trail-bike'.my riding has always been cross country based & more recently merging into more extreme single track/freride type riding so the expert seemed an ideal next choice.The reality is that it feels slower through single track/hard work on the flat(possibly the huge ballon tyres),but the biggest shock are the forks(fox float rl £600, compared to my budget coil Marzocchis £160 on my Marin,they have a good feel & adjust excelently but for the money they feel very wooden & no better at all which is a shame.The other low point has been the Specialized warranty, my rear derailier was yanked off the other day whilst i was on a slow section of single track,not only did it rip off the rear hanger but also a piece off the frame.I was told that the seat stay would not be replaced under warranty but eventually they agreed to replace it as a gesture of good will, what made it worse was the dealer said that they couldn't even get a drop out for 2 weeks!!(back on the old faithfull marin) on the plus side though i think the bike is good for the money & has given me more confidence on the downhill sections although with the rear 'link' flipped over the bottom bracket is very low.It's my first bike with disc brakes, so these are excellent coming from good V-brakes.This bike would suit a beginer or a first full suspension bike but not someone who has years of riding & wants to get to the next level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tate Owen
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Its a lightwieght (29.5 lb, large frame) 5" travel bike. | | Weaknesses: | No Shock Boots
Intermitent Creak in Linkage | | Similar Products Used: | American Eagle Durango (23lb hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Time Atac Pedals | | Bottom Line: | So far the bike is beautiful. The rear shock (Fox RL)easily switches between 3" and 5", which has so far been very practical. I'm in 3" mode on everything but downhills. The lockout on the rear shock is nice too, it reduces feedback considerably, but will activate the shock if you forget to turn it off and hit something big.
The Fox TALAS up front has been good to me too. Takes awhile to screw the fork down to 3" travel mode, but it saves you from wheelieing on uphill switchbacks. It seems like the front fork has lost a bit of air pressure since I bought the bike 3 weeks ago though.. need to buy a shock pump.
Only weaknesses are a seldomly occuring creak/pop noise the linkage of the rear suspension makes when cranking super hard up steep grades. I'll write a pissed off follow up review if this problem persists/gets worse/cannot be lubed away. Also, like all shocks nowadays, they don't come with the old rubber boots that keep grit from getting on the shock stanchions. It seems rubber boots would be a worth while measure of prevention for a shock that has to remain air tight. While I'm whining the XTR rear derraleaiour is, like always, a waste of money, they should have put an XT on there and saved me $50.
Last comment, I bought this bike cause I wanted to get more into jumping. If it wasn't for that I'd have gone for a Specialized Stumpjumper (or maybe an Epic) cause I do miss the acceleration of a lighter bike.
If I could I'd give it 4.8 Chilis cause of the creak in the linkage and lack of shock boots, but mtbreview forces me to round up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | $2,300 | | Strengths: | FOX TALAS fork, FSR suspension, Fully adjustable, PRICE!!!
| | Weaknesses: | Stout hubs, Specialized tires, not much else.. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper, Intense Uzzi | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Chris King Headset, Shimano 959 pedals, ODI lock-on, and E-thirteen ring guard. | | Bottom Line: | The Enduro is the ultimate trail bike. Unless you're going to spend much more than $2K you really can beat the value and performance of a Specialized. After riding for over 10yrs and owning multiple bikes, that's one thing I'm sure of.
The FSR suspension is the all-around best design. Some other are better in certain areas but always at a significant cost to other areas.
For agressive trail riding, the Enduro is excellent. Light and efficient enough to pedal around and up hill, strong to huck and downhill.
Price to Performance: I couldn't find a bike to beat this.
If you have money to burn, you could build a better bike for more money. On a budget or multi-sport/hobby? Get this bike and upgrade the lower quality component as you go along. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel Orth
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | morning glory | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Art's Cyclery | | Strengths: | The adjustability is even better than advertised. The price is affordable for TALAS front and adjustable rear. Very ruggedly built, but not overly heavy. Longish toptube. | | Weaknesses: | Some shifting issues with middle ring in front and suspension movement. Probably I'll get it ajusted out, but so far it's a minor annoyance | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V, Giant NRS, various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for NoTubes (a great addition) | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden mountainbikes since the mid-1980s. I was one of the first people locally to own front suspension. I was early into the FS game. My riding skills are nothing to brag about, but I have spent some time on bikes. And I can honestly say, I'm very happy and impressed with my Enduro Expert so far. I expected the bike to be a serious improvement over my previous FS, but it has exceeded my expectations in every way. And I'm picky!
So what really works on this bike:
The travel adjustment really is all that. I can climb on this bike FAR better than I could on my Cannondale FS. That's saying alot. The travel adjust allows this bike to go around switchbacks that other 5" bike will not. Sorry to bag on other trail bike riders, but high bottom bracket tall bikes may climb OK up rocky trails, or steep hills with a little practice, but they do not make tight uphill switch backs well. The Enduro can with two simple switches: roll the dial on the TALAS (takes about 10 sec while riding, about 5 stopped) and flip the adjust on the Float RL (takes about 1 sec while riding).
People say all sorts of things about the FSR rear suspension. IMO the front of the bike is the most important suspension, however, a rear suspension that does not work right can drag down an otherwise great bike. The Horst-Link'ed FSR rear suspension on the Enduro is a great system. This bike climbs, decends, and brakes better than any bike I've ever ridden. I'm well aware that some of this is self-justification on my part, after all, I shelled out over $2k for this bike, but it isn't ALL self-justification. Having spent some time on both a Blur and a Spyder, I can say I'd take my FSR design.
The bike is very stable and smooth downhill. So far I run mine in the high bottom bracket, sharp headangle setting. Mostly because I hit pedals on some of my knarlier rock garden climbs and don't want a lower bottom bracket, but the option is there if one wants the bike to handle even better downhill. The only bad thing I've had happen is that I tend to get goign a bit too fast! The only result has been one pinch flat and a dented rim so far, but if you are moving from a shorttravel bike to an Enduro, you better buy some pads and a good helmet too.
Others have covered the parts selection well. So far, I agree with their thoughts. The brakes are better than expected (dare I say better than most XTR rigs I ride with?), the other parts are servicable, if a bit heavy. The shifters and front mech are nothing to get excited about, but work OK.
There are a lot of good bikes out there at this price. I'm very happy I chose this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Wheel Sports | | Strengths: | The Talas Fork, Pro-Pedal shock, frame, value! | | Weaknesses: | Would prefer lighter seatpost, bars and stem. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the pedals | | Bottom Line: | Had a long shopping period as I eagerly awaited the manufacturers' 2004 product info. I waited to get the anti-bob shocks that I knew were coming on many of the bikes I was interested in from Jamis and Specialized. I also spent a lot of time trying to decide between 4" and 5" of travel.
Boy am I happy I got the Enduro! This is my first full suspension bike (having retired a hardtail cross-country bike) and it rocks! Many of the technical sections and tough downhills that used to be tough or downright scary are pure joy on the Enduro. I ride with the bike in the full travel position on the fork and shock all the time. The only thing I ever do is lower the seat when hucking around.
The bike took about 6 rides to get truly accustomed to. I bought a large that weighs 29 lbs flat. Once I got accustomed to the weight and the feel of this rig, I found that this bike can handle just about anything with only a small tradeoff in acceleration.
If you're looking to get a great all-around bike, this is one you need to go ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Apex, NC
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2140.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Rack | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Really happy with the purchase so far. Went it the bike shop just to browse, the Expert just looked killer, and the shop dude said $2K plus tax, so I jumped on it. Rode a Stumpy hardtail for almost seven years so this is my first full suspension bike. It just makes riding more fun. Usually ride the trails at 4" travel front and rear and fully extended riding urban. The thing handles great on tight singletrack, rips on the downhills, climbs great on technical uphills. I can't accelerate as explosively as I could on the hardtail, but that is the tradeoff. I'm not going to be doing any xc racing anyway. Pretty happy with the component selection, especially the suspension. Would have been nice to get a wheel upgrade from the Comp to the Expert, but I guess the fork upgrade is the big thing. I'll upgrade the cassette and BB to save some weight when the OEM stuff wears out, and maybe get a second lightweight wheelset for riding xc, and use the stock wheels for urban riding. Glad I waited for the 04 model. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jayson
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasanton, CA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Alameda Bicycle | | Strengths: | Fox Float RL Talas Fork and RL Shock, Design, XTR Rear Derailleur | | Weaknesses: | LX Front Derrailleur and LX Shifters | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi SLX, Giant VT-1, KHS Pro ST, Trek Y-3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Crank Bros Mallet C Pedals | | Bottom Line: | The Specialized Enduro climbs great and descends even greater. The Fox RL fork and shock complement each other on tough climbs & on the descends, the bike handles well on tight switch-backs all the way down, or should I say up, when catching a little bit of air.
The shifting on the cassette is great with the XTR rear derailleur, but by the crank, it may get a little annoying if the LX derailleur isn't in sync. Make sure to adjust accordingly to cable stretch. On the other hand, the Deore brake lever + XT rotor are a great combo. They surprisingly have a decent amount of stopping power.
If you're looking for an all-in-wonder bike, you can't go wrong with an Enduro! I've tested other bikes when initially in the market for a new bike, but for the money, the production Specialized Enduro was a much better buy.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Chichester, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Fox float RL, Fox Talus RL, FSR technology, | | Weaknesses: | Some components are weak | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for egg beater chrome pedals and yeti hardcore grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing. This is my first full suspension bike and I can't believe how great this bike climbs. My last bike was a 23-pound Cannondale hardtail that I thought was a great climber until I got this bike. I have climbed hills with the Enduro that I could not get up with my Cannondale. Going down hill is amazing also. The suspension on this bike soaks up everything. The Fox Talas RL fork on this bike is a huge upgrade from last years Rock shox. I was going to buy a 2003 in September but instead I held out for the 2004 so I could get the Talas. I usually find myself leaving the Talas in the 5" mode and leaving the itch switch on 5.25". With the right gearing and a smooth pedal stroke you can climb anything without turning down the suspension. I have a medium and the bike weighs 28.8 pounds.
If I had to complain about anything I would start with the drive train. The Lx shifters work great but they are not as smooth as xt. I would have preferred for the bike to come with a full xt drivetrain instead of lx with an xtr rear derailleur. The extra cost for the xtr rear derailleur could have paid for the money difference between lx and xt.
The shimano 555's with xt rotors work better then I thought they would. At first I thought they were weak until I put about 10 miles on them and then they broke in. What a difference. So far the mavic wheels are holding true and the specialized tires are some of the best that I have ever ridden on. I am also impressed with the seat. I read some really horrible reviews about the seat on 2003 enduro's. This seat is more comfortable then the 80-dollar WTB rocket on my Cannondale and if I rip it I can buy another for $35.
Right now I only have about 75 miles on the bike, but I am looking forward to spring so I can put more on it.
This is a great all around trail bike. You can ride it all day long and never get tired. I am around 5’8” and with the stock stem and bars I am in a very relaxed position. If you are looking for an xc race bike then look at the new stump jumpers and not the enduro. Anyone looking for a great all around bike that is not concerned about a few extra pounds should buy the enduro. Spend the extra money and get the expert instead of the comp. The shock alone is worth it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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