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Specialized
Enduro SL Expert FSR
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Submitted by
camarosam
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Pinos | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Incylce | | Strengths: | e150 fork, frame geometry, components, weight. Just being able to ride this thing anywhere. Ride it for 4 hours at a time, awesome comfortable geometry. Singletrack, downhill, this bike does it all. | | Weaknesses: | Not as freeride worthy as I wanted it to be. Nothing really. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper elite | | Bike Setup: | ODI grips, wellgo b54 platforms, cateye enduro 8. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does everything, the e150 fork is just amazing gowing dh. It tracks so straight and will plow through anything you throw at it. It took me awhile to get the shock pressure and the spike valve pressure set, but once I got it it works awesome. The bike is light enough to take up any hill, and plow down doing 30mph going over jumps and whatnot. The highest Ive taken it off a jump is 3ft, but from what Ive seen, you can exceed that very easily. Awesome bike and lovin it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hairysemi
a Weekend Warrior
from Sequim, Wa
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Olympic Adventure Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes | | Strengths: | Climbs almost as well as my 08 Stumpy Expert, and descends way better. Fairly light. Good value for what you get. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found much yet. The front end feels a little heavier than an 07 I've been riding with an E150 on it. | | Similar Products Used: | 08 Stumpy Expert, 07 Enduro SL Pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus bar ends (I know, no one uses bar ends on rise bars, but I like to ride xc, and feel I need the extra hand position). | | Bottom Line: | Great bike that does just about everything I ask of it well. It climbs strongly, descends incredibly well, and eats up the bumpy sections of trail. It is not a great out of saddle climber, but I rarely do that regardless. The wheels have held up well to my 240 pounds, so far, and the whole bike seems solid. I still can't believe you can get a 6" travel trail bike under 30 pounds! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
catnash
a Weekend Warrior
from Carmarthen
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Brechfa Llanddowror | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes Chelte | | Strengths: | Weight, strength, speed, Ability. e150 fork. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing, though lusted after a Carbon one. | | Similar Products Used: | 07 SL Pro, 06 S-works Enduro 04 S-works Enduro, 575, Heckler,Gemini. All owned. | | Bike Setup: | Changed the post bars saddle chainset as soon as I had them | | Bottom Line: | This was my second SL enduro, after my 07 Pro went and got a heckler but the suspension of the Enduro had me back within a year. Picked up an end of line Expert in Ti Silver, because the 09's didnt have the e150 fork that I missed sooo much. I was then lucky to get an S-works frame as I though I'd try one of those. I loved the aluminium one and really fitted my type of rideing-Covering fast singletrack, steep rocky climbs with some very technical DH's rocky and some berms, tabletops in Brechfa. I am hooked on these bikes. Of course I havent tried many other bikes, but I have only one life and want to be out there where I and this bike belongs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
swantekkie
a Downhiller
from gloucester
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | bruce and toms | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | seaside cycles manch | | Strengths: | like others, really like the climbing ability, also enjoy the adjustable fork. rear linkage is very stable, and bike has nice balance. i like the built in stem, but i can see how some one with other preferences to height and length might not enjoy it. handles like a dream, and eats up single track. Definate all mountain bike. love the avid juicy 7s | | Weaknesses: | rims a little weak, had to replace rear rim. although was hitting some good size drops. also from fork near axle cracked, but was replaced by specialized, no questions asked. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler, kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | mainly stock, new mavvic rear rim, crankbro 50/50s, upgrading to hope pro 2 rear hub and new headset, both anodized red to match front hub | | Bottom Line: | if your going to buy one bike, buy this one!
best all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kiwisteve
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that's not tarmac | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light weight; great balance; comfortable without being too soft; great steering front fork; great spec for the price paid. Climbs really well (if you stay seated) and stays controllable when you come down again really fast... | | Weaknesses: | E150 front fork was faulty first ride out... but was fixed within 24 hours with new latest spec LH leg internals. Basic set-up guidelines are OK and give you a stable, forgiving bike to ride but it's taking a bit more time, trial & error to find my own sweet spot. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR 06: great bike; owned for 3 years but started to place too many demands on my ageing body for the riding I like to do (enthusiastic XC and AM - no jumps or apparatus!). | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far except for lock-on grips, Eskars, Keywin flats (great NZ-made pedals!). Upgrades planned: carbon bars; Gravity Dropper seatpost; Hope ProII rear hub in red ano! | | Bottom Line: | With less than 80km under my belt and, despite the episode with the fork, this bike already does everything that I wanted: my rides are now longer, much more rapid, somewhat more adventurous and much more comfortable.
However I suspect I have only scratched the surface... Neither brakes nor suspension are fully bedded in and I'm not sure I have even got the seat height quite right.
This is not a particularly complicated bike but getting it set up so it delivers MORE than expected and then figuring out how far it'll go (with me on board...) will take some more time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint Burke
a Racer
from Monterey, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Another Bike Shop, S | | Strengths: | Bombproof, great climber, smooth suspension, extremely tunable, home mechanic friendly. | | Weaknesses: | 2007 cartridges and rear shock, Upgraded to 2008 and have had no problems. I have rebuilt them myself and customized the oil-weight and grease in both front and rear suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit, Bighit, stunpjumper, SGS Team Freeride, Gemini | | Bike Setup: | XL Spec Enduro SL, Stock except, 2.3 and 2.1 Nevegals, Gravit dropper, Easton DG Carbon Handlebar, Lockon grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a bit of a headache when I first got it. I blew out the front cartridges twice and the rear shock once, but since I got the 2008 upgrades, the bike has been awesome. I rebuild the front and rear every two months and put fresh slick-honey and 5 wt oil in them and they feels super plush. I'm 6'5" and weight about 240lbs in gear and this bike is perfect for my size and handles my abuse. I have raced this bike in everything from local CCCX crosscountry and downhill races to 24hrs of adrenaline to Downieville. It does everything! I'm not a big dropper, I've done two 10fters on this bike and it survived, but its not meant for that. Where it excels is long flowy singletrack. It makes the ground disappear. Additionally, Specialized has been awesome for customer service. They have responded quickly and generously to any issue I have had. You can't beat their 5 year warranty on suspension components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ob1Hoagie
a Weekend Warrior
from DGO,CO
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | All singletrack is GOOD ! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | LBS in AZ - I bought | | Strengths: | - Suspension integration. The Front fork. Yes, I know that a lot of you guys out there have had issues with this fork but when I bought my bike my LBS replaced the '07 internals with '08 internals and I haven't had ANY issues. I weigh ~210 pds and with this fork's lack of weight, stiffness and incredible tracking ability I don't see myself EVER going back to a singlecrown fork.
- Balance. For a bike with "6 of travel the balance is incredible. The ONLY thing limiting my ability to climb over something is my fat _ss.
- Frame stiffness. The rear end linkage has NO flex and the Horst link does it's job. The front end with the e150 fork has virtually NO flex and tracks exactly where you point it.
- Light weight. For a bike with "6 of travel this bike goes uphill just as well as it goes downhill. This is TRUELY a do-it-all trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | - The cable routing under the bottom bracket scares me.
- The Eskar tires _uck. The sidewalls are too thin and if you run them tubeless in a rocky environment you ARE asking for trouble. I put on a pair of Maxxis Highrollers(UST) w/Stan's and haven't messed with my tires since then. | | Similar Products Used: | Turner 5 Spot. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a Kore seatpost w/SDG I-beam saddle and a Dave Thomas (www.speeddream.com) custom built rear wheel with 12mm thru axle and an Easton carbon handlebar.... that's it... | | Bottom Line: | My prior bike "was" a Turner 5 Spot so you know when I say that this is a great bike you know I'm not talking B.S.
Due to the suspension integration on this bike and the bike's incredible balance, lack of weight and stiffness, I'd have to say this is the best all-around trail bike that I have ever owned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dvklco@msn.com
a Weekend Warrior
from dvklco@msn.com
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Walker Ranch, Boulder Colorado | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Great front fork...handles well on the descent! Climbs well even in 160mm front suspension mode. Beafy frame, comfortable riding position and descent components. Brakes are awesome! | | Weaknesses: | Somewhat heavy...can be made lighter I guess with some changing of parts. No problems with the 2008 suspension so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR, Trek Liquid 25 2005, Gary Fisher Mt. Tam 29er | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except chanaged rear cassette to SRAM 990 and to SRAM chain...will likely change to carbon bars and XO trigger shifter from the X9. Oh, and I changed seat to WTB laser V. Cut 2-3 inches off seat post too and added stans no-tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike...I took it and the downhill mountain trail at Sol Vista Colorado yeasterday and it performed well. Still not a downhill bike and I'll probably have to get one but works well as all mountain. Doubt would last long taking the downhill beating I gave it. Suspension is great for aggressive trail riding and the bike will definitley increase your riding game. Very stable on the descent...somewhat heavy for the epic ride if you ask me but overall a great ride for the price, but wonder if Ibis Mojo SL would be the better all mountain rig for the epic rides. Huhh | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
16driver
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington State
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Suspension, Geometry, Product Support, Durability | | Weaknesses: | Replaced blown fork | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mtn, Stumpy FSR Expert 120 | | Bike Setup: | 08' Green XL Stock...except running the Control Eskars tubeless instead of the S-Works Eskars. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Debated whether to get it since I enjoy my 05' Stumpy FSR 120 Expert but being a 240# rider I can definitely tell a big difference in this bikes capability. It does climb better and is more solid on the way down. This bike does instill confidence and is a wonderful all around performer. Very happy with my purchase. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jisch
a Weekend Warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Competitive Edge - M | | Strengths: | Light weight for 6x6, super stiff fork, very efficient | | Weaknesses: | Can't adjust handlebar height, cockpit a bit cramped, chain slap - common among 4 bar suspensions | | Similar Products Used: | Titus RX100, Cannondale Hardtails, Rocky Mountain Switch, Maverick ML8, Yeti ASX | | Bike Setup: | Expert standard issue - changed to ODI grips (spec'd grips too small) and swapped to Maverick Speedball seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I probably should wait a few months before posting a review, but I'll update if anything changes. I have been riding a RM Switch (6x6 coil) bike for just over 2 years. I love that bike and it inspired me to ride harder than I have before - but it came with a major weight penalty - weighing around 36-37 lbs.
A lot of guys in one of the groups I ride with started buying the Enduro SL and I could instantly see them improve both up and down. I read a lot of reviews and ultimately bought a demo bike that had a single demo ride on it at an incredible price after only a parking lot test. I rarely buy like this, but it was such a good deal that I figured if I walked out of the shop without it, someone else would grab it! Really nice spec for such short money!
I've had the bike for only 2 weeks now, but I've been out on it for 10 rides or so. I know its a Specialized and it doesn't have the chi-chi thing going for it, but I'm telling you this bike rocks. It corners far better than any bike I've owned. It climbs pretty well and pointing downhill it really shines.
It took a little while to get comfortable on the bike - 3 or 4 rides, but even down hills I am now going faster than I ever did on my Switch. With my Switch it was kind of like plowing through the trail, and while I can still plow with this bike, I have the option to loft it too - mid-air corrections are no problem at all.
Is it the lightest bike out there? No, but its plenty light for all day rides on rough terrain. Where I ride this is perfect machine.
I am mildly concerned about the longevity of the suspension given the issues with the '07s, but I guess by the time the five year warranty is done I'll be looking for a new bike anyway.
So far the only "issues" are the rear brake needs to be bled, there's quite a bit of chain slap and the Spike Valve had too much air in it from the factory. These are minor issues though, and all easily addressed. Putting an adjustable seatpost on it has really improved it - strongly suggest taking a look at one if you have this bike.
I wish Specialized would make a stem with more rise on it, with my long legs I need the handlebars up higher than they are. High rise bars are an option, but they start getting goofy looking at 2.5" of rise.
John | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeepnut22
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Wakefield and Fountain Head | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | A-1 Cycling | | Strengths: | I have an '07 with the '08 shocks installed. Surprisingly great climber in 4" mode on the fork. Very stable and FLIES downhill in 6" mode on the fork!! Juicy 7s are sick!! Caught me off guard and I went over the bars on a step technical descent with tight corners! | | Weaknesses: | Rear Hub (Shimano Deore) and Cassette (Shimano HD-50) are akin to a boat anchor and I'm kinda surpised Specialized put those on there. Handle bars are also sub-par for a bike of this caliber | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a Specialized Stumpy FSR, Iron Horse and Giant bikes w/ similar characteristics | | Bike Setup: | Stock '07 w/ '08 shocks, old Ritchey Clipless pedals and Serfas grips. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is insane. I haven't had a new Mt. Bike since I built up my '92 Bontrager OR Race Lite frame. Technology sure has changed. This thing really is an awesome All-Mountain, Mountain Bike. It climbs really, really well and descends like a groupie on a rock star. Still trying to dial in the shocks, but I am just about where I want them. A little tweaking still.
Normally I fit medium sized bikes, but on this one, I had to get a large size to fit my riding style. So with my current configuration my bike comes in at 31.8 lbs. Not bad, but it wouldn't take much to get this bike under 30 lbs. Rear Hub, Cassette, Carbon bars, Seat and Seat Post will turn this thing into a sub 30 lb., monster! I give it only 4 chillis overall because of some of the sub-par parts mentioned above. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Geiger
a Racer
from Flagstaff Az USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Onion | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Absolute Bikes Flagstaff | | Strengths: | Great climber, if tou put the fork in the 4 inch travel position it completely changes the bike. You feel as you can climp anything. Smoking descender, put the fork in the six inch position and you can conquer all sorts of terrain, from cross country technical to hardcore downhill trails. | | Weaknesses: | The front and rear suspension on the 2007 bikes was very unreliable, now with the warranty upgrade to 2008 suspension the bike flies. | | Similar Products Used: | Bionicon Backuntry Bikes line | | Bike Setup: | Stock components with Kenda Nevegels, Crank Bros Eggbeaters and Easton Carbon Bars. | | Bottom Line: | One of the best all around bikes around. Great descender and climber. Not quite the level of Bionicons Variable Geometry on the fly bikes but still a great all mountain rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Geiger
a Racer
from Flagstaff Az USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Onion | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Absolute Bikes Flagstaff | | Strengths: | Great climber, if tou put the fork in the 4 inch travel position it completely changes the bike. You feel as you can climp anything. Smoking descender, put the fork in the six inch position and you can conquer all sorts of terrain, from cross country technical to hardcore downhill trails. | | Weaknesses: | The front and rear suspension on the 2007 bikes was very unreliable, now with the warranty upgrade to 2008 suspension the bike flies. | | Similar Products Used: | Bionicon Backuntry Bikes line | | Bike Setup: | Stock components with Kenda Nevegels, Crank Bros Eggbeaters and Easton Carbon Bars. | | Bottom Line: | One of the best all around bikes around. Great descender and climber. Not quite the level of Bionicons Variable Geometry on the fly bikes but still a great all mountain rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iakona
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Creek, WA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail at Galbraith and Leavenworth area | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Centers | | Strengths: | Smooth and plush descents and climbs unbelievably well. | | Weaknesses: | Initial shock changeout the second week because it is a 2007 but that was done in one day and I rode it REAL hard that first week and knew it was going to happen. Specialized has done a great job in backing there product up. There was no questions asked and the shocks are dialed in now with no problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Various models from Kona, Specialized, my friends Ellsworth, Giant and Trek.
| | Bike Setup: | Stock except Shimano SPD and WTB Moto Raptor 2.4 (yes they fit) | | Bottom Line: | If I could only own one bike I think this would be it except I love my Epic too much to give up as well. This bike still impresses me on its capability both up and downhill. The Sram X-0 shifts flawlessly and takes a beating pretty well so far. I had a small spill where I had to remove dirt from the derailleur and it still shifts just fine. For the more rutted and rocky descents this bike just swallows up the trail. For some of the trails here locally this bike is a little too much but for places like Galbraith it is a dream. I am looking forward to a fun summer with this bike.
I am doing a 5 chili rating for value becaue I got my hands on a 2007 but wouldn't give it for a 2008. For $1000 more for a 2008 I think they could have upgraded something significant on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reilly
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | South Burma! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mikes Bikes | | Strengths: | It climbs damn well and it descends damn well. | | Weaknesses: | Dentable frame via daul crown. Seat kinda sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper fsr, fsrxc, prophet. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with spd pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Its been 6 months of thrashing the Sl and I figured it time write a follow up to my original.
I'll keep it short and sweet, Its the perfect all arounder It climbs great, excells on technical rocky climbs, and it floats down the hills. Imo suspension setup is key, and once you get the suspension in its sweet spot you will definetly know. Its a go anywhere do anything type of bike and somehow it does it all very well. I see no reason to upgrade it or spend thousands on a few less ounces. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem, Utah
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Mad Dog Cycles | | Similar Products Used: | I have owned (not just tried).. Intense Tracer, Santa Cruz Bullit, Kona Stinky Primo, Kona Coiler Primo | | Bottom Line: | I thought I'd drop another review after having the bike for almost a year now. I like others have HAD issues with this bike.
I had both shocks replaced with in the first 2 months of ownership (Specialized next-day'd parts no questions asked).
I'm an aggressive rider not into hucking huge gaps but I do ride hard. I do a lot of riding in Moab (broke the rear shock on Porcupine Rim).
Since then my bike has performed flawlessly. My shocks work every bit as well as any others (taking into consideration that different forks are designed for different types of riding) I have tried before (very long list). They may not have the big hit performance of my Marzocchi 66 RC's but they also weight a couple pounds less and feel every bit as stiff in the corners. I check the pressure often and have had not problems with air leakage. I would recommend this bike to anyone.
I believe the initial problems were due to quality control issues with the first run of shocks. I would definitely buy another Enduro SL, and may do so after I ride this one another year.
This bike climbs incredibly well. We have some very steep climbs that I could not make on my Coiler due to the pitch. I found if I stayed seated my front end would get too light, it I stood up I struggled getting traction. I had to basically perform a balancing act while winded as hell. With my Enduro I simply pedal up.
On the Downhill I felt like I gave up a little stability. I feel like this was mainly to do with the sheer wieght difference between my last bike (Coiler Primo) and the Enduro which was about 8 pounds for an XL size. My coiler also had coil springs front and rear.
Don't be afraid of this bike. Specialized has done their homework. They have one of the best designs out there (Horst Link). Other companies are focused on creating a new design while Specialized has spent the last 13 years or so perfecting the best design (my opinion).
I think most people would agree that the perceived weak point of the Enduro SL was the Specialized branded shocks. This was my concern too. After having a couple of initial problems I was worried I made the wrong choice. Now after spending the majority of a year on the bike after those initial issues I couldn't be happier.
I now have a bike t hat weights 31 pounds (size 21) that climbs as well as my old 24 pound Intense Tracer but descends nearly the same (gives up some big hit performance but is better in the corners) as my 39 pound Kona Coiler.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Fiske
a Weekend Warrior
from Underhill Center, Vermont USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel works, MA | | Strengths: | This is an '07 expert SL. Strong component group, frame strength, ride is fast, plush and the bike gives me that oh yeah!! feeling when I ride it.
I'm big, 6'3 245lbs, and ride heavy and hard. So far this bike soaks up whatever I've thrown at it, downhill, uphill, upside down and sideways. The bike moves never slips uphill and climbs like a goat, down hill it goes so fast I scare myself, this bike just flies. If you want speed, the machine delivers in all areas with spades.
I do my own work on bikes and for the engineering design of this bike, the suspension is a breeze to maintain and work on. So far, I couldn't be happier with the purchase I've made. If you have the cabbage get one, you will be happy. | | Weaknesses: | Definitely the engine, I'm not even close to being in good enough shape to push this bike to what it really can do.
Possibly the suspension concerning reliability issues? See the thread in the Specialized forum by lipps64. Although I have not experienced any problems, many have and it appears that Specialized is rolling out a comprehensive warranty/replacement program to deal with fork and shock issues. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing like this | | Bike Setup: | wheels, pedals, seat... | | Bottom Line: | If you can get one at reduced $$$$ from '07 it is a terrific value, if not, well it is a smokn' hot bike. Get one and be happy, I am. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Cooper
a Weekend Warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicksands | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Freeborne | | Strengths: | Good allrounder | | Weaknesses: | Suspension components have problems - Just booked the SL in for a service after about a year of riding and mentioned a problem with the left stanchion having black marks after each ride and I was informed that Specialized normally replace any problem parts with 08 bits. | | Similar Products Used: | None apart from MX bikes | | Bottom Line: | Great bike when the suspension problems are out of the way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Central Cal
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | The one with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Strengths: | Climbing, descending, components, and Specialized's warranty is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Balance is a little biased towards the rear and I have had to replace the cartridge in the fork and the entire rear shock. The stock tires sucked. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing this good. | | Bike Setup: | '07 Enduro with ODI grips, Crank Bros. Acid 1 pedals, WTB Motoraptors 2.24 | | Bottom Line: | Minus the small problems I have had with the suspension (which Specialized took care of in record time) this bike is truly amazing. It climbs incredibly well for a bike with 6" of travel. Don't get me wrong, you will not set any land speed records climbing with this bike, but you will clear the climb faster than expected on a 6" bike. Descending is a dream, 6' of travel combined with a slightly forward weight bias equals one hell of a of a good time (you just might set the land speed record). If you are not a weight weenie and are looking for a bike that is proficient at all and a master of nothing, then this might be the bike for you. If you do purchase this bike, the first thing I would look to change is the tires. The Resolution tires, in my opinion, are dog sh*t. The Reolutions do not grip well at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Beckman
a Downhiller
from Cullman, Alabama, United States
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurricane Creek Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Guntersville Outfitters | | Strengths: | Lightweight, very durable, love the integrated suspension and all of the adjustments. Will fly downhill, climbs pretty good too. | | Weaknesses: | Having to run more air pressure than recomended due to larger drops/ hard landings. | | Similar Products Used: | 2007Kona Kikapu, 2007 Trek Remedy, 2008 stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Rear shock in upper position, running more PSI than recomended. Front shock: tried to extend to maximum travel, yet the adjustment knobs hit the fork? Also having to run more PSI than recomended, for 4 foot drops & above. | | Bottom Line: | This bike performs very well on cross country trails, and downhill, uphill riding is not bad either, especially with a adjustment that lowers the front fork 35mm. I ride this bike on rocky trails, wooden freeride obstacles, street trick riding, dirt jumps, etc. Running less pressure in the shocks would feel better on the trail, however, if i do a drop bigger than 4 feet, they were bottoming out in the firmest compression setting. So i just bring a fork pump everywhere i go. Currently looking for that happy medium PSI! Works great overall, and will take you were you want to go! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edwin
a
from Los Angeles, CA USA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Strawbeary Peak | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2399.00 | | Purchased At: | InCycle Pasadena | | Strengths: | As so many have written below, it climbs wonderfully and goes down just as well. Definitely one of the best All-Mountain bikes ever made. | | Weaknesses: | Components fail, especially suspension components.
Front tire is the same as the rear, and that tire works fine on the rear, but suks for the front. Actually broke my leg on 37 mile shuttle ride when the front tire let go on off camber rock for a third time! lol | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized S-Works FSR Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/Hope rear hub. | | Bottom Line: | I purchased it at the end of the 2007 year, so saved over $1000. The rear shock had the "no-rebound" problem from my first ride. InCycle was great and swapped out a new shock from one of their demo bikes. The rebound adjust on the fork is difficult to operate when one is wearing gloves, and when I adjust the red compression damper (that sits on top of the rebound) for the fork the blue rebound knob turns accidentally. This isn't too large of a problem since, as has been mentioned the rebound adjustment on the fork is almost non-existent. Others have written about how the steering angle is a bit steep - I feel that as well, needing to ride with my body weight towards the reat.
All this said, I love the bike. It fits exactly what I do. I will stick with it and make it work. Based on my past experiences with Specialized I am sure they will make things right. Hey, 2007 was the beta year for a very innovative bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Redwoods, Rotorua | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | John Bull Cycles - NZ | | Strengths: | Light, Handles beautifully when set up right, Climbs anything in its path, Plush 6" travel bombs the downhills - when it works | | Weaknesses: | Specialized 'integrated' suspension components - E150 Fork and AFR Rear shock both extremely unreliable.
Cheap Deore level rear hub/cassette combo on 07 Expert (08 is different). | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Disco Monkey. Santa Cruz Heckler. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 07 SL Expert - upgraded with DT Swiss 4.2/Hope ProII rear wheel (replacing the cheap one that came with it), Easton EC70 seatpost, Easton Monkeylight Carbon Bars. DT Swiss Tubeless conversion with Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25/2.4 tyres. This was an early production model - without fork extension markings on the stanchions. Weighed in at 28lb with upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | I am extremely disappointed with this product - it offered so much and delivered so little. When everything was working well it was the lightest, best handling, fastest downhill all mountain bike I have ridden - HOWEVER it only ever worked properly for about 5 - 6 weeks out of the 7 months I owned it.
Put simply - the specialized in-house suspension is absolute rubbish and should never have been released on the unsuspecting public without proper product testing and quality control - we are not guinea pigs!
The chronology:
First 4 weeks - went well although fork was a little 'sticky' - initially put this down to bedding in but did not improve with time.
4 weeks - Fork travel adjust stuck down in low position - had zero travel. Two weeks waiting for repairs.
Bike returned with new air side cartridge - still had stiction issues.
10 weeks - rear shock rebound gave out - shock topping out terribly - back to the shop and another 2 week wait for replacement shock.
16 weeks - fork rebound went - back to the shop yet again for replacement rebound side cartridge. Another 2 week wait.
22 weeks - Fork still suffering terrible stiction - unable to set sag properly, and handling suffering - back to he shop again and a 3 week wait this time - this time they replaced the fork with a new improved 08 model.
22 weeks - present - new fork transformed the bike. Suddenly after 5 months I had a bike that performed as it should have out of the shop. Very plush fork and everything working - MARVELLOUS!
This week - had about 5 - 6 weeks of good performance on the bike so far - thought all my troubles were behind me. really enjoying the bike and getting faster with each ride - my riding mates commenting on how well the bike was going. However fork has been consistently leaking oil with each ride - too much to put down to assembly lube. Last few days fork started to top out badly - harsh return to full travel, and started making a metallic sound on topping out - only way to stop it was to run less pressure and full rebound, which made the fork soft and lifeless. Then today the rear shock totally gave out - started topping out then completely died.
Today I have removed all the upgraded components and returned it to the shop - have asked for a complete refund.
I have lost all confidence in the product and Specialized ability to satisfactorily fix it - Specialized only have 1 year warranty on components - my warranty runs out in 5 months and I have no confidence that I will not be left with an expensive lemon. I have decided to quit while I can.
I am an experienced rider with 20 years mountain biking experience. I ride cross country / trails / all mountain. Ocassional small drops (1 - 2 feet) and rock gardens but nothing excessive - ride twice a week with a group of riders of similar ability - combination of trail / xc bikes bordering on social - ie: not a DH Grom or Hucker. I have never had such an unreliable bike.
Off to buy a new bike this week - probably a Heckler, Mojo or Giant Reign - something with tried and true componments.
I note that many of the reviews below are riders with 1 month ownership - would be interesting to see how they feel after a few more months. I suggest readers have a look at the specialized forum to see what problems others are having.
2 Chillis as the concept and frame are great, and it is a tremendous handling bike, but let down with the suspension - perhaps with a Fox RP23 and Pike/Lyric/Marzocchi 55/Fox 32/36 - in fact anything but specialized. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Sedona,AZ
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Come on it's Sedona | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Absolute Bikes of Flagstaff | | Strengths: | Smooth plush ride, awesome looks (everytime I'm out riding I get stopped to ask about the bike. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive, Specialized S-Works Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock - There's very few things that I would change. | | Bottom Line: | This is by far the best bike I've ever ridden. This thing climbs like a mountain goat and then bombs the trail with the best of them. I am a better rider just because of the bike. Specialized outdid themselves on this one. The front fork soaks up whatever I throw at it and begs for more. The rear is just as smooth. If you can still get your hands on an '07 get it. I checked out the Specialized website to see if it was true and it is. They raised the price on the '08 $1000. I'm glad I got mine when I did. For another $1000 they should have at least upgraded some of the parts. Oh well. I got mine=) See you on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Page Nicol
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Morena | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Ring Cyclery | | Strengths: | Plush ride, awesome descender, good climber for the weight, very comfortable on long rides. | | Weaknesses: | Specialized tube tires? 25mm axle with no other wheel options, would like a ft. fork complete lock for hardpack | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Easton Carbon bars, Easton Carbon seat post, 647 pedals, Specialized Pro tires with Stans tubeless | | Bottom Line: | I had bought an 2007 Epic thinking I was more of a Cross Country rider. When I wanted something with some more travel and relaxed geometry I was going to get a 2008 Stump. The bike shop suggested trying the Enduro since it was on sale (I bought an '07) and they felt it was a better all around bike. So glad I followed their advice. This bike screams downhill and gives me confidence to do descents I would walk on the Epic. It climbs as good as the Epic, but you can still feel the 30lbs. I do feel I can climb more tech sections and other than some sluggishness on twisty hardpack, it's better then the Epic in everyway. FYI go to the specialized.com website and follow their 30 min video on shock set-up. It really helped me dial in the bike without a lot of guess work. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reilly
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Spring c | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mikes Bike | | Strengths: | GREAT climber, excellent descender, plush suspension, very stable, great components, badass looking, and a double crowned front fork that isnt a heffer. | | Weaknesses: | Kinda crappy paint choices. | | Similar Products Used: | FSRXC Pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is for the 08 Enduro Sl Expert.
If you need something that is a heavier duty than most XC bikes but still can climb as well (magically) than this is THE bike to get. I did the same loop that I frequent on the FSRXC and the Enduro climbed a little better and felt a lot more stable on the rocky descent. Its very balanced and confindence inspiring up and downhill, and it handles extremely well. The bike definetly feels planted to the ground even in the loose stuff. Downhill speeds that would have me crapping my shorts on the XC are easily managable on the Enduro. Again if you find yourself being a little too hard on your XC bike and you want something that can handle a beating this is THE bike to get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Daw
a Weekend Warrior
from Jersey UK
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good spec for money, Climbs very well, Goes downhill like a bat out of hell | | Weaknesses: | None as yet | | Similar Products Used: | Stupjumper 07 expert | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I have only had this bike a couple of days & i cant believe how good it i, it seems to climb even better than my 07 stumpy & it certainly descends better. It might be a little bit to with the sizing as i am 6ft tall & my stumpy was a medium (a little on the small size) & the Enduro is a large. Nice stiff fork & good rear suspension, if you are looking for a "jack of all trades" then look no further you will not be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunny Okanagan, B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Separatist; Mice; Campbells | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Climbs unbelievably, maybe even better than my ETSX 70 if you can believe that. Solid feeling, inspires confidence. Pretty decent parts spec. | | Weaknesses: | Early days yet. Nothing so far. | | Similar Products Used: | ETSX 50, ETSX 70, Stumpjumper Expert, Blur LT, Heckler, Big Hit, Blizzard | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock | | Bottom Line: | Got rid of the ETSX AND the Big Hit, and couldn't be happier with this "jack of all trades". Looks and actslike a DH sled coming down but pedals like a cross country machine (almost as good as the Stumpy Expert). A great do it all bike, especially for a heftier rider who likes pedaling up, but doesn't want to shy away from a huck or two coming down.
Amazing what they can pack into a 30lb package these days.
I think it will take a little more adjusting the suspension to get it dialled perfectly, but so far so good. I think Specialized hit a home run on this bad boy.
Will re-post after some miles to see how it's held up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul barkley
a Cross Country Rider
from alpine,calif,us
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anderson truck trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2795.00 | | Purchased At: | la jolla bige shop | | Strengths: | hi i bought the sx last year and loved it then i saw the new weight of the sl and that specialized was moving ther stumpy to the same tech but the 08 was going to cost a thousand less than the 07 wow.It is light and climps like a bat and on the down hill its so fast it does not feel like a bike.I like how you can cut out front shock and rear when you want to go faster but i have found full soft is good and the shifting and brakes seam perfect,My last bike was full xtr so i was afraid of sram but i love it | | Weaknesses: | So far found none its perfect | | Similar Products Used: | I had a schwinn home grown full ,and a scwinn home grown hard tail both full xtr,Specialized enduro sx expert full xtr | | Bike Setup: | The bike has what the enduro sl comes with except for the seat i used the best specialized thes sell | | Bottom Line: | Perfect I think that specialized put alot of home work in on this bike my 06 sx said test bike on it so i think they were not sure witch direction they were going to go, but when they finished, the company now is changing the whole company towads this tech,And i thinke the bike set up is great | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Cobain
a Cross Country Rider
from Bangor, Down, N.I.
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | The Tower | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesurgery | | Strengths: | Weight per amount of travel ratio is excellent. It looks good, you know its gonna be good. It is very customised, I like that, hasn't done Cannondale any harm. People think this is new thing with Specialized but my old 1997 Stumpy comp came with a special rox shox judy that had a modified crown angle. | | Weaknesses: | Rear hub and cassette, front mech. Can't lower seat post as much as I would like, need hacksaw. Downtube cable routing is ok but in this case, the cables are not flush with the frame which invites sticks to get caught up(not happened yet) Fork arch is very low which also invites things to get caught so far it has been doing a good job snapping sticks off the tyre and the odd stone. When the fork is 'reduced' travel mode, it doesn't work as well | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpy comp 1997 | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus spesh pedals | | Bottom Line: | I coming from the perspective of an all day cross country single track rider who doesn't race, but doesn't hang about either. I value uphill ability exactly as much as I value downhill capability, since when I go out riding, I will be going uphill in exactly equal amounts as I am going downhill. I have ridden a Stumpy comp for 10 years and it is a great bike, my only bike, but now I realise that technology has moved on and that I can get a 6" travel bike (both ends) with only a slight weight penalty (approx 26 vs 30 pounds stock weights).
At the end of the day, given a smooth trail the lighter bike will win, but on real life mountain bike trails with rocks and roots, the enduro will win. The enduro is only slightly slower on smooth stuff than the old stumpy, mostly because the tyres are wider on the enduro. The front fork is a joy, it is as stiff as. The bump absorption is, well, it absorbs everything, without feeling much in my hands. Not that other forks don't do the same, but in this case, they are bloody light for their travel! They are also easily adjustable, being air based.
The rear shock is not as plush, but from a mechanical perspective, this is never going to be the case. I have seen other reviewers mentioning that oil leaks out of the rear shock, but if you read the manual, you'll find that a bit of oil coming out is normal. Obviously if its excessive there might be a problem.
My last brakes were XT V-brakes, and when I first used these avid juicy 7s they were rubbish, but I didn't realise they need to be 'broken in', now they are amazing, all the stopping power you'll ever need and they have a lovely feel.
The SRAM X0 mech and X9 shifters are very good, very sure shifts. although I am still not sure the pure thumb shifter style is better than the shimano, finger/thumb rapidfire shift.
I got the large size which is perfect for me and I am 6'1" tall, although if I was taller than this, I would def look at an XL also. Bottom line, this bike is a great, but then again, I haven't much experience of other bikes, so all I can say is that the 2007 Enduro SL expert is much better than a Stumpy comp 1997, and the only disadvantage is that it is a bit heavier, but hey, my wee legs can handle and extra 2 pounds each. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joseph nunes
a
from kailua, hi usa
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | waimanalo ditch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Rides like two bikes in one - can be easily switched while riding from a stiff XC feeling bike (emphasize "feeling" this is not going ride like a sub 20lb bike, but does a pretty good job of climbing and trail racing) to a more plush freeride bike. | | Weaknesses: | A little dissapointed in some of the component choices by specialized for example - bottom of the line front derailluer paired with a top of the line sram xo on the rear - and then a $25 rear hub - don't quite get these choices when you consider what else is on the bike - xt components wouldn't have added too much to the overall price, but would have definately impacted these two areas in terms of performance. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR XC comp (everything stock - owned for about 1 year) - I also test rode the enduro against a stumpjumper expert | | Bike Setup: | stock - except for tires - after spending the amount of $ I did on this, I have to wait a little for a few upgrades - 1st one is going to be a better quality front derailluer - then I'll shoot to upgrade the wheel set in the next 12 months - | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that the bike is exactly what I was looking for - a bike that allows me to keep up with friends on xc bikes, but still allow me to build my downhill and freeride skills without having to push the bike to the top of the hill. I've ridden the bike for 5 weeks now, including one race where I was definitely the only one with a double crown fork. During a downhill section of the course I hit an unexpected small drop (16 inches or so) at full speed and landed in a loose rock and gravel section and the bike held and saved me from joining the other riders who were lying on the side of the trail. I did have some problems with the air cartridge in the front fork, but it was quickly replaced with no questions asked by the dealer. If I were looking to be a full time or regular racer, I would probably go with a stumpy, but for a single bike owner - I couldn't be more pleased. The functionality of all the "on-the-fly" adjustments is unbelievable and really makes for a dynamic ride.
Great bike - if you can still get a 2007 - you can save yourself a load of cash and get essentially the same bike as the more expensive 2008. Don't know that I would have been able to pull off the $4600 price tag on the 08...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph
a Cross Country Rider
from Sedona, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Thunder Butte | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mikes Bikes | | Strengths: | Great climber, awesome descender, well balanced, well made, rails corners, handles up to 5ft drops, stiff front end (great), great kit. | | Weaknesses: | What no navigation system?? Ha ha................no weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Nomad, Intense 6.6, Orange 5, Foes FXR and Turner 5 Spot. | | Bike Setup: | Chris king headset, Rock Shox Pearl 3.3 shock (AFR shock is undpredictable), Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.4 tires,WTB Pure V race saddle, Odi lock on grips. | | Bottom Line: | I really like everything so far and although there have been some negatives with other bikers (sorry!) but so far so good. Keep up the good work Specialized and look forward to 08 stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Beatty
a Cross Country Rider
from Wodonga,Victoria,Australia
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Just the wodonga hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | The Full cycle of Albury | | Strengths: | The great thing about this bike is that you can climb to the top of a trail easily and then roar back down it better than a downhill bike. | | Weaknesses: | Tyer clearance at the front. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DS/2 2001 model | | Bottom Line: | This bike really deserves its all mountain name. If you can do it on the mountain you can do it on this bike. Suspension is smooth (thanks Mike Mc Andrews). This bike is simply the best mountain bike you can get. I have had no problems yet and don't belive i will get any. If you want a bike that can climb like a cross country bike and decend like a down hill bike, This is the one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Cooper
a Weekend Warrior
from London England
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | swinley forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Freeborne Esher | | Strengths: | Light,fast and a good climber. | | Weaknesses: | Rear Shock may be a problem! Front rebound damping adjustment doesnt seem to make a lot of difference in any position. | | Similar Products Used: | Loads of MX Bikes + one Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc | | Bike Setup: | Standard set up with rear shock in higher mounting for sharper steering | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for about 8 weeks and the rear shock has already been replaced by Specialzed. The shock gradually lost oil and it felt like the suspension was topping out. The shaft of the shock always had a thin film of oil weeping from it and eventually it gave out altogether! If this new shock blows as well I think Specialsed may have a recall situation on their hands.
Otherwise the bike seems to be peforming well - I am no expert but most of my friends who have ridden it were impressed. It doesn't steer as sharply as the Rockhopper due to the slacker head angle and it does feel a bit like the front end wants to wash out on the tight single track but this might be normal for this head angle.
I haven't had it out in thick mud yet to test the fork brace clearance but some journalists here in the UK have fitted lower profile tyres to avoid the problem.
The gears change smoothly and the fully enclosed cables do attract dirt like the partially exposed type. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin
a
from SLO, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Back Yard | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Light, stiff front end, climbs really well. | | Weaknesses: | Feels like a long travel XC bike. Rear shock is junk. You have to ride off the back. | | Similar Products Used: | My history... '07 Nomad, '05 SC Heckler, '03 FSR, '01 Kish Custom steel s/s, '01 Truth, '01 Bullit, '00 Superlight, '97 Heckler, '95 Baracuda, '93 Klein Fervor, '89 Trek 950 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Expert | | Bottom Line: | OK, I have to admit that I only did one hour and a half ride so this is not a complete review. These are my impressions only. My buddy just got one two weeks ago so I took his for a spin on some moderate tech downhills with fire road and one short tech climbs as I was planning on picking one up as they look like they would exactly fit my style. I have lots of years riding experience, am 6'1" and weigh 195. I am a definite "All Mountain" rider in that I do lots of tech decents with some smaller drops (10 ft and less to good trannies) and table top jumps. Nothing big or scarry but I do like to have some fun but uphill is almost as important to me as down. I set up the bike for my fit so I couldn't complain though I would suggest getting a laid back post as I was at the end of my seat rails and wanted a bit more. My normal ride is a SC Heckler with AM 1 front and 5th element coil rear. It weighs 31.5 lbs so mostly I will compare to that and my old FSR.
The Enduro climbs really well and is quite nimble. Going up the rear shock feels really stiff and I had no bob even in granny on a long fire road. I was really impressed as it was slightly better climbing than my Heckler and seemed right on par with my FSR. Of course it is 3lbs lighter, so that helped, but the rear shock seemed to do a very good job too. I set the front shock for 4 inches, which was awesome, and that bike treked right up the hill. It hides its weight pretty well but is no XC racer. I turned up a very steep, rocky and gravel covered climb and cleared it no problem. There was one spot that I lost traction but the bike was so stable that I lunged forward and kept going. That impressed me. At this point I was really thinking I would get one.
Then I went back down. This is a bike that is ridden down hill with your weight biased to the rear tire. Some people like this, I like a more centered ride so take my review for what it's worth. I felt like the bike was out in front of me a bit and I was hanging on whenever the trail got steep and tight. I much prefer my SC bikes where you stay centered and keep some weight on the front wheel. It turned really quickly, which was great in the trees but didn't feel really stable through bigger rock gardens. Also, the suspension was really stiff. I set it up even softer than is recommended (for someone 10lbs lighter than myself) but it was still really harsh over small bumps. It worked well on bigger rocks but 3-6 inch rocks were harsh at speed. I am used to cruising over the top of them without a thought but the Enduro definitely let me know they were there. The other thing is the geometry is pretty steep considering what the bike is. It is very nimble for a bigger bike but it does not feel as stable as my Heckler or Nomad through high speed rock gardens. Basically, it handles like a Stumpy FSR with longer travel and a way stiff front end.
I have to give props to the fork, that sucker is stiff! At high speed through rocks it tracks really straight, good work Specialized. After they do some more tunning on this for the small bumps it will be a contender. The bike flew pretty well off the one jump I launched pretty well. It compresses nicely and evenly into the lip and pops nicely. The landing was pretty smooth too despite my ape-like jumping skills. The other thing I really don't like is the interrupted seat tube as I could only drop the seat a few inches before hitting the stop. On a 6 inch bike I want to be able to put that thing low if I am doing a shuttle run!
I really, really wanted to love this bike but it wasn't a perfect fit. I liked it, and could deal with the shortcommings but at the end of the ride the rear shock was spitting oil like a cobra and had a clanging noise. It still seemed to be working fine but there was an obvious problem. This was an easier ride than my normal around here so I was pretty bummed. I guess that is a pretty common issue but that is what you get for buying a first year product. All in all the bike would be perfect for a XC rider just getting into longer travel but for my style and for over $3G's I am going to get a bike I love, not like.
In summary:
Despite the longer travel it is much more to the XC side of All Mountain than the Freeride side. I ended up deciding agaist the Enduro for 3 reasons:
1. Handling- Rear weighting bias, not as stable at high speed
2. Shock issues- who wants problems with a $3,200 bike
3. Interrupted seat tube
So I decided to pony up a couple hundred more and get the Nomad with tried and true Fox shocks, geometry that is better suited for my style and a seat than can be droped all the way down, should I so choose. If I had the option of Fox shocks and still $1K less than the Nomad I would have been really tempted with the Enduro but at only $500 difference the Nomad was my no compromise choice. The right ridder will love the Enduro, that just doesn't include me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
goldsbar
a
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Amazing capabilities both uphill and especially downhill. Suspension is very easy to adjust. Great front fork. Minimal pedal bob. Light weight for the amount of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Lack of adjustment (integrated stem) - doesn't bother me but might bother some. | | Similar Products Used: | 4" Specialized Stumpjumper FSR. Hardtails for years before. | | Bike Setup: | No upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | I'm continually amazed by this bike. Extremely fun and very versatile. I'm surprised by how much more fun I have on this bike compared to the 4" Stumpy. Uphill capability is fairly similar (i.e. very good) and pedal bob is actually less noticeable despite the increased travel. One word of caution is like most FS bikes, don't expect to stand - that's when the bobbing is really noticeable. Downhill capability is much better than the Stumpy. I actually ride differently on this bike - searching for any small downhill to go full throttle. Don't worry about choosing lines, just aim down the hill and hang on. Geometry specs seem slack but are perfect on the trail even on tight switchbacks.
About the only thing this bike wouldn't excel at would be racing due solely to the weight. Still, unless you're coming in top 3 expert and think you have a chance to go pro, it's pretty silly to buy a bike based solely on racing (took me a long time to figure this out). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROBERT RAMSEY
a Weekend Warrior
from HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockit | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | HB Cyclery | | Strengths: | Weight, price, exceptional design, & good basic components. The combination is great for climbing and decents. Handles well in the air and changes direction easily - absorbs bigger hits without much concern and with diff tires also does well for urban jumping, stairs, etc. | | Weaknesses: | First of all the rear rotor seemed to have been out of round or something and a new rotor fixed the issue(sound it made was like a stick in your spinning spokes - resolved by my shop). Rear shock weeps either grease or shock fluid but not sure which yet since rebound action is still good. I doubt the rear hub will handle many more miles - read here "weakest link". Front brakes are touchy when going slow with aggressive stock pads but once up to speed braking modulation is superb. Note: I found my new levers helped with arm pump that I had when factory stock levers were used. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Homegrown FS, Redline pro24 BMX | | Bike Setup: | Straitline platforms also XTR spd's, S-works carbon bar, Straitline levers, crudcatcher f fender, Kore gripster bolt on grips, WTB Laser V ti saddle, removed 6" from stock seatpost. Future upgrades; Indusrty nine rear hub, XTR cassette, one organic front pad (exchg), Syncros rims, Tire suggestions?? not sure what to do for BigBear/Snow Summit | | Bottom Line: | This bike takes what you can throw at it and asks for more. Depending on how often you bail and how hard you are on components you will have a little better bike than you started with if you enjoy spending money on further upgrades. I love how this bike rails through singletrak while making you feel like your just cruising, if you slide a little just pick it up early and keep going because the slack suspension setting keeps you more relaxed with much less pucker factor on fast decents. Because you feel so stoked at the bottom of your first run no doubt you will turn right around for another bashing on the way back up.... grinning the whole way. Bottom line; enjoy it as it is and upgrade along the way since this is one of those bikes you keep for many many years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Benoit
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Joe's Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | $3000.00 | | Strengths: | Geometry and preformance of ride. Climbs like it's on steroids (better than my 06 stumpy fsr) and rips downhill. Excellent even in tight woods. | | Weaknesses: | Where do I begin. When purchasing the bike I noticed lateral play in the fork. Rhode the bike till a new fork was shipped. Two weeks later, the rebound dampening was messed up on the rear shock. It keep topping out. Specialized overnighted a new rear shock, and has been fine since, except for the little bird sounds when the shock rebounds. One week later the new fork was installed, and on the first ride the fork would not hold air. After much anger and frustration, put the bike in the back of the truck and heard a loud pop, and looked to find the top external seal blew off the stantion. I instantly pushed it back on and drove home. The next day the fork was completely deflated, so I pumped it up and has been holding air ever since. Now the fork clanks when it tops out unless I crank up the return dampening almost all the way. | | Similar Products Used: | 86 Cycle Pro, 89 M2 Stumpy, 94 Kona Kula custom, 98 S-works HD, 06 Stumpy FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Unfortunatley I'm addicted to this ride. I feel like I've lost a lot of confidence with Specialized. They are backing their product, but very discouraged. I hope that Specialized works out their suspension designs, and fixes my bike once and for all. I'm not the type of rider that breaks stuff. I was a bike Mechanic for 8 years, so I know how bikes work. I only weight 175lbs. and primarely ride agressive cross country, and all mountain. This bike should be able to handle wayyyyyy more than I can throw at it. I think anybody interested in this bike should wait till the 08's come out, so hopefully they won't go through what I have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Swanwan13
a Downhiller
from Vail
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Fast with Flow | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Friends Shop | | Strengths: | Sick Bike! By far my favorite I have ever owned. It allows me to do it all. With a wide range of adjustments I can climb with ease and descend at maxim. With specialized new e150 fork I feel way more stable and can corner just about everything. It is by far the most versatile bike out there. This bike is able to be personalized down to the mm. Great components and revolutionary design. | | Weaknesses: | No weaknesses so far. Make sure that upon purchase you get dialed in right away. This biek is not for the begginers. Knowledge of the bike is key. Knowing how to use the adjustments and the proper way to ride is important to make this bike worth every bit of what it offers. The bike is made to fit the exacts measures of the rider for the perfect ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Pro, KHS Dominatrix, Giant Reign. | | Bike Setup: | Stock as of now. Changed out the pedals. Will probably add a chain guide for the rockier down hills and more technical rides. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is amazing. With killer components and design that is in a class of its own, this bike is able to handle anything on any trail. The adjustments on this bike are awesome and can me changed in a second without breaking the flow of your ride. The look is great and the feel of the bike is solid. Climbing or descending the response is smooth and percise. I will be riding this bike till it dies!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Payson Arizona
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | National Trail (South Mountain) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Absolut bikes Flagstaff | | Strengths: | Light, Fast, Stiff, waaay bad ass!! Looks awesome, makes all my friends jealous!!! | | Weaknesses: | I have had problems with the fork. I bought one of the first production bikes and the fork has had some bugs. The first time was when I hit a 3 foot drop and the fork started acting like it was locked out or very sticky (not plush at all) I took it to the shop and specialized next day shipped new parts...3 rides later the same thing happened again. This time they are next day shipping a new fork...they say that this should fix it for good. Kind of a pain in the butt although Specialized has been awesome with fixing my ride though! | | Similar Products Used: | 04' enduro,06' enduro, giant ac, Giant reign, | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome! It is way stable in all conditions and works just like they said...Climbs great and decends even better! I cant wait to get a problem free fork so I can just ride!I am very happy with my bike but maybe I should have waited to by a later production enduro sl to avoid the new fork bugs.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenn Rymdeko
a Cross Country Rider
from Horsham, PA USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | French Creek SP (for now) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Keswick Cycles in Glenside, PA | | Strengths: | Holy cow - 30lbs for a 6" Travel trail bike???? It is surprisingly light for how it looks - and it looks beefy. Great shocks - Front and Rear - very smooth. Climbs surprisingly well, and the front shock adjustment is absolutely fantastic. Not to mention it's looks - I brought mine home the day I bought it and my roomate (who doesn't ride) said, "That is one sexy bike!!!". I now call it my "Sexy Bike". The adjustable head tube angle is genius, the ability to make the angle steep or slack without affecting the travel is great (and simple). | | Weaknesses: | For the price, I would have liked to see XTR components instead of a mix of XT, LX, SRAM X.0 and X.9. Don't care for the shifters at all. Too hard to hit the top button because they are hidden and you have to search with your thumb. Additionally, they could have thrown in a better rear cassette (I know everyone else agrees on this too). But these are all minor details - the bike worked beautifully out of the box. A set of pedals would have been nice too. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain RMX, SC Blur, SC Nomad, and a few others... | | Bike Setup: | I had the shop set her up for (my weight + 20lbs according to the specs) to allow for taking bigger hits and drops. Added a Garmin Edge 205 GPS for those long exploration trips, Shimano M545 pedals, removed big chain ring and replaced with a Race Face Bashguard, ODI Ruffian lock jaw grips. | | Bottom Line: | What a great bike. It's everything I dreamed of.... It's fast, climbs, takes the hits, and it's light (relatively speaking). It is my new new all around bike. Before I had a XC bike (Trek 2500) for long days in the saddle and a big hit bike (Specialized P2) for more aggressive riding. I am selling both now.
Two notes: 1) The trails in Southeast PA tend to be tight and swoopy, the laid back head tube makes it a little tough to make those tight turns. I feel this will be adjusted by putting the shock in the Steep setting. 2) 2 days after my first ride I was heading out again. As I left the parking lot I suddenly realized that the fork was completely compressed with my body weight. I filled it up with my shock pump in the truck, and it has not leaked since. Probably the seals settling, so no big deal. Just make sure you have a shock pump with you for a while....
My first choice for a new bike was a Santa Cruz Nomad, but when I found that the Enduro SL was very similar and was 3lbs lighter, and hundreds cheaper, I was sold. I know it's made in taiwan, but it is definitely of very high quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gill v
a Weekend Warrior
from margate
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | markham park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | bigwheel | | Strengths: | ALL OF IT! | | Weaknesses: | IN MY PERSONAL OPINION,NONE! | | Bike Setup: | PERSONALIZED ON SOME COMPONENTS | | Bottom Line: | THE BEST BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Saltydon H
a Cross Country Rider
from British Columbia Canada
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | comfortably numb | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Corsa Cycles | | Strengths: | Lightweight, nible and strong as a mule are attributes that are seldom found in the same sentence but are all found in the Enduro. This is like my old Stinky went to Jenny Craig for a 12 pound weight loss. This bike looks fat and long but when you are climbing the position is upright and comfortable. When descending, the singletrack feels 4 ft wide due to the accurate suspension balance sucking up the trails nasty bits. | | Weaknesses: | The stock tires are big and light and will be better when things dry out a bit but, in the muddy rain forest they could be more aggresive and slide like hell on wet roots. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky Deluxe, Trek Fuel 90, Norco VPS | | Bike Setup: | I am still dialing in the suspension and find you can make it do exectly what you want with a few pounds up or down on the air pressure. If you run fairly close to the recommended you can't go wrong. | | Bottom Line: | The very best ride I have had. With this much suspension you would expect a somewhat uninspired ride on cross country trails but this is not the case. It remains fast and nimble like an XC while still able to handle some incredible drops and jumps like a 42 lb downhill sled. If you ride up what you ride down and you like to ride very nasty down, this is the bike for you. If you like a bike that is great to look at, then this is also the bike for you. I can only ask, "Whats Next"? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron S
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anything downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | lightweight for a 6" travel bike. Expert weighs 30.4 lbs right out of the box. Fork is superb, could not ask for better. Climbs wonderfully, and descends even better. Bike has held up to extreme abuse and never have hada problem. | | Weaknesses: | Takes a little while to get the suspension dialed for your weight/riding style. | | Similar Products Used: | Epic | | Bike Setup: | stock expert with a Chris king rear hub and XTR cassette. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is exactly what I was looking for. It has proved itself over and over on the trail. I hope to be riding it for a very long time. Dont be afraid that the shock components are now made by specialized, they work very well and specialized has always been great about warranty issues if an issues should arise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SIK70 in SD_CA
a
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | The Enduro SL is striking in that everything looks big, strong, overbuilt, and heavy...but it is not, it is light! (28 lbs'ish) When I took it out the first time, and after dialing in everything I was amazed at how easy it climbs, even without compressing the fork (40mm), it is agile and nimble, and ate up a short 12 mile ride leaving me wonder if my odometer was broken because I was so fresh afterwards. This bike took everything i could throw at it, steeps, DH, washboard (so cal style, we must be the king of washboards and ruts), streams (rocks) you name it and it will eat it up. Suspension is so smooth and linear, for an air shock set up, making it very predictable, and bestows confidence making you feel like you are doing everything right, especially on the downhills, point and go. This is the best all around bike i have ever ridden period! Money well spent. If you are going to ride it, and not pose on it, this is the bike for you! On a side note for you potential buyers out there...Think carefully about what you buy, there a lot of bikes out there in this price range but how many have the experience that Specialized does? Or their team? How many will be in business in 5 years? I believe in a company that has been doing it well for over 30 years! This bike may well go down as one of the best ever! | | Weaknesses: | only 2:
1.crappy cassette (hg50)-change it out now to a sram 990 before your chain sets.
2. rear hub could be better- but i will ride it until it squeals.
**note though-frames seem to run a little small, i usually prefer a medium (5'10", but BMX roots), but the large in this bike felt much better so that's what i got. | | Similar Products Used: | you name it | | Bike Setup: | stock, +plus pedals (doesn't come with any) and a new cassette. | | Bottom Line: | The most bang for the buck bike out there! Fun to ride! Light! Overbuilt! attention to detail. Bike just kicks ass. Any terrain, yes even true XC, not to race, but you can ride this thing all day, drop in over your buddies trendy SC Blur and keep on going. By the way, and i'm sorry to say this because i am a HUGE Santa Cruz fan, (except that every nob with a little $ has one here in socal) however, this bike rides better than the blur by enough margin that if i were the boys at SC i'd be a little nervous. Again, sorry, but it is true...don't believe me? Ride them both yourself, and post the contrary here! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie Caldera
a Cross Country Rider
from Clovis California USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Bald Mountain Shaver Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sport Bicycles Fresno | | Strengths: | This is the toughest and lightest 6" all mountain bike I have ever ridden. It climbs way better than my Stumpjumper FSR and descends better than anything I haver ever ridden. The suspension is firm on the climbs while keeping the tires glued to ground and very active while on the downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper Anniversary, Santa Cruz Nomad and Marin Mount Vision Pro | | Bike Setup: | I put a RaceFace carbon bar, Sram X0 twist shifters, Mavic 819 rims (tubeless) and DT Swiss 240 rear hub to make the bikes overall weight 29.10 lbs. Nice for a 6" travel bike. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this bike is the best all mountain bike I have ever ridden. It climbs better than any 6" travel bike and as well as any bike that I have ridden. When you climb on this bike you do not have to lower the fork the front end never leaves the ground even on the steep climbs. It descends like a downhill bike. The dual crown fork is very stable and builds confidence with every downhill you ride. The bikes setup is simple, set the sag on the fork and shock and use the dials to tweak the ride. If you want to go out and have fun riding everything on the trail with one bike than the choice is simple. The Specialized Endueo SL. The first time I layed eyes on this bike I new I had to have one. I bought the first one to come in at my local bike shop. The component group on this bike is nice for a $3000.00 it make the choice a no-brainer. Note the lube you see on the fork stops after four to five good rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem, Utah
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Ridge Trail on Alpine Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mad Dog Cycles | | Strengths: | Feels VERY solid and stable downhill, Climbs like a race bike, Execellent build quality on the frame, Fork feel very stiff, Very responsive suspension on both ends for air shocks | | Weaknesses: | I am noticing lakage from the seals of both shocks I hope this is from assembly lube and not weak seals, time will tell. The clearance on the fork brace is minimal, odd sized axle has no ForkUp or aftermarket hubs/wheel sets available, lame rear hub and cassette | | Similar Products Used: | Full Sus. bikes I've owned: Intense Tracer, Bullit, Stinky Primo, Coiler Primo. Tried Coilair | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Candy SL pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Overall I would say that this to date the best all around bike I have owned. I have only put three rides on the bike so far but these are three rides I'm very familar with so evaluating bikes is very easy. I must say that I have loved my Konas, but feel that the Enduro SL decends just as well as my 38-40lb Konas and weights almost 10lbs less.
The real story for me how well the bike climbs, especially on the steeps. I am making climbs with relative ease that I used to fight my coiler up. This is early season here to so it's not my conditioning. I love the ability to shorten the travel on climbs the lever is easy to use and the fork stays responsive, it's just enough of a change and not too much. Perfect.
The suspension feels great, very active and supple yet efficent. The clicks offer the perfect amount of adjustment so that you don't have to spin the dials like crazy but can still work out the perfect settings. My only concern here is that of all the forks I've owned this fork and shock are showing the most sepage, and after only three rides (other than blown seals on other forks). I'm hoping it's just assembly lube, it's not dripping or running just leaving rings of grease on the rear shock and oil on the fork. Only time will tell. I will hold judgement on this issue.
My other beef is with the rear hub this thing is crap and has no place on a bike of this caliber.
All in all this is a great bike, best all around bike out, in my opinion. I would recommend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a
from South Dakota
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheeler Dealer | | Strengths: | Climbs like my Giant Trance but with better traction on really steep and root-filled sections. Descends like a bat out of hell. | | Weaknesses: | Harder to replace/upgrade some components than on other bikes (e.g. stem). | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Coiler, Giant Trance | | Bike Setup: | Stock, as I haven't had any problems with anything. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. I have much more confidence on this, from technical climbs to fast downhills, everything seems easier on this bike. It climbs very well with the fork lowered, sucks up bumps with ease, and handles like a dream. This is the best bike I've ever ridden.
I'd suggest this bike to anyone who does a mix of riding. If you're a serious XC racer or a hardcore freerider, you probably won't be interested, but anyone else would probably love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a
from Visalia, CA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light weight for 6" of travel, super stiff fork/integrated stem, strong brakes, buttery smooth fully adjustable suspension, excellent drivetrain combination. | | Weaknesses: | The only minor thing that I can think of is the limited tire clearance at the fork bridge. Not an issue though. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Big Hit and DH, Intense Uzzi, Yeti ASX. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for Shimano 959 pedals and WTB Rocket V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This is by far the best bike I have ever owned and I've owned many in my 18+ years of mountain biking. It is the lightest, stiffest, and one of the most responsive rides I’ve ever thrown a leg over. When you ride it for the first time the suspension feels like it belongs on a bike that should weigh over 35 lbs. But it only weighs about 29 lbs. Every time I ride this bike it continues to amaze me. It climbs almost as well as my Stumpjumper 120 but it goes down the hills 10 times better. The fork is simply a work of art. Very light and very stiff with super smooth travel, adjustable compression/rebound, and adjustable travel from 4-6”. The 25mm (1”) thru axle is a monster. It is honestly stiffer than my old Super T (no joke) but weighs a couple of pounds less! The rear shock has fully adjustable compression/rebound and has great anti-bob valving. The drivetrain components are perfect for this rig. The XT hollowtech cranks are rock solid and the SRAM X.O. rear derailleur is probably the smoothest out there. The front derailleur is mounted on the swing arm which eliminates any contact between the derailleur and the chainstays when the suspension compresses, brilliant! 8” rotor in the front, 7” in the rear, Avid Juicy 7, enough said! Wheels and tires work well and are light. The whole package is completely satisfying, leaving little if anything to be desired. All-Mountain style bikes don’t get any better than this in my opinion. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Framingham
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam - Milford, MA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Landrys Bicycles - Natick, MA | | Strengths: | Under 30lbs, 6" of travel, stiff, climbs like crazy. The suspension is amazing. I wouldn't want to ride anything else. | | Weaknesses: | Non that I've noticed. | | Similar Products Used: | 2006 Enduro, Bullit, Gemini | | Bike Setup: | Stock from the shop | | Bottom Line: | I'd like to say that this is the best all mountain bike I've ever riden, but that would be an understatment. This bike pedals so well, it is also the best cross country bike I've ever ridden, and it held up on some nasty downhills as well. I took it out for the first time on Saturday in Foxboro, MA and rode some hard, technical cross country trails with a few small drops thrown in. We cranked up some hills like I was on a much smaller travel bike, and bombed down the decents like I was on a downhill bike. Absolutely amazing. I used to ride these same trails with my 06 Enduro Pro, and although that bike was sweet, it was just too heavy to ride all day long. I had a smile for the 4 solid hours of riding we did and I'm not even in riding shape yet. If I tried that on any other bike I'd have been dead. The light weight keeps your legs fresh, and the 6" of travel keeps you body from getting beat up. If you are looking for a light, longer suspension bike you can't get any better then this. I was able to stand up and mash on the pedals and the thing just sprinted forward. I'm building up an Intense Spider for racing, and I gotta say it is going to be hard to pull that out of the garage when I have the SL sitting next to it. The only thing I haven't been able to test it on is some medium size drops. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERX808
a
from Haleiwa HI USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | KAHUKU MX TRACK | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3250.00 | | Purchased At: | mikes bike | | Strengths: | The integrated suspension combo feels great easy to make adjustments, plush feel but able to launch it off big hits its light stiff and responsive! | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, It does not come with any. But you can and should put some on it, then its ready for lift off!! Dont leave the pedals off or it will suck!! | | Similar Products Used: | SC Heckler Kona Roast | | Bike Setup: | STOCK+Plat Pedals-It'll stay stock till I break somethin | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides fast and perfect, I tried a lot of others but this one is light stiff neat looks good and is well put together. I dont like carbon so this one suits me.
I make custom surfboards so I know how integration works and hear about it when it doesnt!!
SPECIALIZED INTEGRATED SUSPENSION WORKS GREAT!! They hit the nail on the head So dont worry about that. You just have to find one...It took time to track this thing down but I GOT IT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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