FSR rear suspension paired with Fox shocks front and rear guarantees the Expert equally excellent small bump performance and big hit absorption.
Custom Fox RP23-S shock features position-sensitive Boost Valve damping, low-speed compression damping with 3-way adjustable “open” and “climbing” settings - meaning, great bump performance and solid climbing efficiency
Buttery smooth Fox 36 Float R 160mm fork with 20mm thru-axle, tapered alloy steerer, and rebound adjust is stiff, super light, and strong for all-mountain madness
Newly revamped for increased stiffness, the Roval Traverse AL all-mountain wheelset, with DT Swiss internals and 20mm thru-axle, offers mountain-leveling durability and light weight
Super light, custom SRAM Carbon S-2200 10-speed double crankset with GXP spindle, Gamut shift guide and removable spider for stiffness, performance, and durability
Avid Elixir CR SL lightweight hydraulic disc brakes/levers with alloy backed semi-metallic pads and tool-free reach and pad contact adjustment for superb control and modulation
Specialized Command Post is a 3-position adjustable-height seatpost with remote lever for on-the-fly changes to riding position; 125mm travel
Submitted by
Tystevens
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC, Utah
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2012
Strengths: Geometry, strong component set, Command post, tubeless ready
Weaknesses: Carbon cranks?
Bottom Line:
This has been an awesome bike so far. Everyone's first question -- how does it climb? In my opinion, it climbs as well or better than should be expected from a bike this downhill-capable. No bobbing fromthe suspension, seat tube angle helps me get the right position when pedaling seated. Lots of suspension action when pedaling standing up, but that is to be expected. Climbs easily as well as my last bike, and doesn't deter me from riding where I want to ride, which is all I ask for.
But like all the reviews say, the downhill is where this bike really shines. After only 8 rides, I already have lots more confidence in riding where and how I want to ride. Geometry feels great, I'm in the perfect position to navigate the tough spots, and I feel comfortable really letting 'er rip. Nothing huge or crazy so far (can't wait for summer!), but the smaller stunts and drops that aren't under the snow yet have never been easier. And even as a Clydesdale rider, I feel confident that this bike will handle anything I have the guts to throw at it.
Comes with some nice odds and ends, too. Command Post is a great addition -- something I never knew I needed. Same with tubeless-ready wheels and tires, which are very easy to get set up and ride. The carbon cranks don't really make sense on a bike built to be burly like this one, and I'll have some concerns bashing them on a rocky ride like Porcupine, but I guess we'll see how they last.
Value might not be great at msrp compared to the other bikes out there, but I got mine as a end-year clearance, and got a great deal, so this bike's value is off the charts for what I paid for it.
Submitted by
pieroglif
a Weekend Warrior
from Poland
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2011
Strengths: dual geometry, weight, finish
Weaknesses: None found yet
Bottom Line:
Not being to compare the bike to others, it's extremely easy to say it's the best bike I have ridden. However, I have demo'ed a few more and honestly, Spec Enduro excels at what I need most - the ability to climb anything, not necessarily at the fastest pace, but effectively, and bomb down the track while going down hill. The custom setup is of course nothing close to the stock one, but the frame is one important part - the size M top tube is just fit for me - 5'10' long legs and arms, 170 lbs, and the bottom bracket sits high enough to go past the rocks on my trails. Also, its long wheel base gives me stability on descents.
Bike Setup: Lyrik 2-step, Elixir CR, I9 laced to Mavic 823's, DHX Coil 5.0, Truvativ Stylo, SRAM 9.0 shifters/rear, XT front, 991 chain, 990 cassette, Sun Ringle pedals, Sunline V1 handlebar, Gravity stem, Chris King headset, ODI grips, WTB Pure V seat, specialized post
Strengths: Very solid bike. Very light weight for an all mountain machine.
Weaknesses: Stock brakes.
Bottom Line:
This is the first bike I've owned that feels secure for me. I'm 6'2, 220 pounds, I ride mostly a mix of XC, Freeride and Downhill and generally put a lot of stress on things. I have not felt any signs of strain yet. It climbs really well and handles everything I've thrown at it.
Right out of the box the Avid brakes have needed bleeding after every ride. When bled right the Avid's worked great. My LBS has continued to work on them under warranty but I decided to swap them for some new XT's anyways. This doesn't hinder my thoughts about the bike and I still give it a 5 out of 5.
If you want a bike that can do almost everything this is the bike.
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
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Warren Hubbard
a Weekend Warrior
from Milford Mass
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2008
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.
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!
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.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from irvine, ca
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2008
Weaknesses: fox removed air valve on the piggy back so shock would fit on frame
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.
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from irvine,ca
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008
Strengths: still evaluating, talas fork seems ok, juicy 7 brakes are sweet.
Weaknesses: dhx 5 rear shock, low BB
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.
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.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for someone who tries to get all aspects of the mountain.
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.
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.
Favorite Trail: fast & flowy, bermed & gapped, old school techy too.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At: frame /online
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
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bonzo
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Strengths: Fox 36, Juicy 7's, frame seems pretty beefy and strong
Weaknesses: Questionable wheelset, Fox DHX shock
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.
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.
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.
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.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan Couper
a Downhiller
from Nelson,New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2006
Strengths: everything
Weaknesses: nothing
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.
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.
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.
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006
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
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!
Looking for a mint '11 Enduro Expert size medium?
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