All part swapped over from the 08 SL Expert.
+ CF CNT Bar. Masterpiece post. Ruffian grips. Phenom SL saddle. Roval Traversee wheelset o n the way.
Bottom Line:
It's my 3rd SL Enduro now over 2 years. I really love this bike so much.
I just can't believe how good this bike rides. Fast secure and enables you to go faster wherever you ride. The Carbon frame does feel really nice and takes the final chatter out of the trail.
The e150 fork is very easy to service, use slick honey and it will be plush as anything out there. It's a great tracking fork and stiff. As usual the 4bar suspension gives you control on those rough and rutted tracks.
I was very lucky to have a great deal on the frame only without seat post and swapped all the parts from my 08 Expert.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobbyincle
a Weekend Warrior
from UK. Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Morzine
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$7500.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Wheels.
Strengths:
Looks. Weight. Great on the climbs, eats anything on the descents. More up to date and better developed than anything else, (Santa Cruz/Intense... look here to see the future).
Weaknesses:
I wanted to swop my 80 mm stem for a 60 mm. When the bike was new, Specialized UK didn't have them, when they came through I had to pay 60 quid to swop!
Similar Products Used:
Most others.
Bike Setup:
Factory bike + Joplin L Seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Swopped my '06 Sworks Enduro for this. Suspension is not quite as plush (v. marginal), but easily makes up on the climbs. Much less fatiguing on long rides. I couldn't be happier!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johs Cowley
a Racer
from Jeff City, MO Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Binder Park
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Travil is amazing for the weight. Shifters are crisp and smoothe. Climbs like an angel, decends like a bat out of hell. "Attitude Ajustment" feature Beautiful bike (especially in brown)
Thsi bike has the above biks beat in every catigory except price.
Bike Setup:
Stock with Crank bros egg beaters
Bottom Line:
The aggressive XC bike buisness is on the rise, and this is Specialized's top of the line in that field. Acuually this bike is probably the top of the line in this field totally. Specialized really outdid themselves with the suspention. I was kind of specticle when I did not see a brand name fork and rear shock, but I was impressed. I weode this bike for about 8 hours and I can not think of one thing I was criticle of.
THIS THING CLIMES BETTER THAN MOST 4-5 INCH TRAVIL BIKES.
The "attitude ajustmen" feature works well, and is easy to use. Specialized was the first to come out with this idea and I believe that Fox's 2009 line will be using a similer feature.
However, one thing that we cant avoide is the price. I highly reccomend this bike but if you cant come up with the cash i reccomend GT's Sanction 1.0, which rund arround $3300. Its a great bike overall, and an awsome bike for the price.
But if you really want to be ahead of the game, and get a bike that every other brand will soon be copying, go with this bike and if you have the money you will not regret it.
Good work Specialized.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from CT Date Reviewed: April 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Biker's Edge
Strengths:
Extremely light for 6 inch travel, Climbs excellent, Smooth on downhills, Perfect Geometry (for me).
Weaknesses:
Suspension reliability is sub par. Forks, out of the box, did not hold air. Spesh replaced cartridges. I never installed the forks on the bike after that. I went directly to the 07 and then the 08 Talas RC2. Riding for a few months of aggressive cross country and shock broke. Literally came apart when removed from bike. Spesh replaced with 08 model. Less then 1 week for replacement each time. Claim next day but not always. 08 shock appears better
Similar Products Used:
03 Enduro pro, 04 and 06 S-Works Enduro. Various other X-country bikes
Bike Setup:
08 Fox Talas RC2, 08 XTR dual controls complete XTR drive (shadow derailleur), 08 Roval Traversee (3 rides), Phenom SL saddle, Eskar tires running 2bliss, Easton Carbon post and bars, Candy 4 Ti. Actual weight 26.65 lbs no pedals
Bottom Line:
This review started with a 2007 model. It has since graduated to a mostly 2008 model thanks to my personality to never leave thing stock and constantly tinker. The bike is a great bike for anything, but has suspension flaws. The 08 shock appears better so far with only about 100 miles on it. I never used the replacement fork cartridges so I can not accurately say if they are better. Spesh appear to want to do the right thing though.
Don't let the value ratings fool you, this is the best bike I've owned. I love it for everything. But I feel for the price there should not be as many problems with suspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom McGuinness
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, UT Date Reviewed: April 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Utah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
White Pine Touring
Strengths:
Climbing and descending and cross country. Anything on this bike is a blast. Six inches of travel @ 28lbs.
Weaknesses:
Shock leaked, but was promptly replaced by the Julian at White Pine. Shock can hit the frame on tight turns.
Similar Products Used:
My third specialized (1999 Sworks M4, 2003 Enduro Pro)but this bike is WAY beyond anything I've ever been on.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2007 SWorks SL Carbon
Bottom Line:
Never ever would have thought I'd spend this much on a bike (I purchased two for 9K). I ride cross country around Park City and though it looks like a DH bike (probably could be)I love it for what I do. It climbs really well, descends like a dream and on the flat our big chain ring cranking this bike floats..fun, fun, fun! I haven't had any regrets at all, I LOVE this bike. When this bike has run it's course, I'm buying another one...no doubt about it. Check out White Pine Touring in PC for their end of the year sales, you can't beat their prices!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilroy, CA Date Reviewed: February 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hermosa Creek Trail, Duango
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5400.00
Purchased At:
Revo Bicycles
Strengths:
Climbs surprisingly well for a 6-in travel all-mountain rig. Light weight. Suspension nicely balanced between front and rear. Easy on the eyes!
Weaknesses:
Steep retail price, but I received a great deal from Revo. Bottom bracket height on the low side, requiring a little more attenion when crossing logs and negotiating rock gardens.
Similar Products Used:
S-Works Epic Carbon Disc, S-Works M5 FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock factory set up except for Maverick Speedball R retractable seatpost
Bottom Line:
I was looking for more travel and a more robust bike in general to ride my favorite trails in the Santa Cruz mountains. My first plunge down Sawpit (in Soquel Demonstration Forest)made a believer out of me. Revo had dialed in my suspension at the time of purchase and the result was amazing. I was able to bomb steep technical sections with confidence and was going a lot faster -- through the turns, over drops and rocks/roots...even uphill because this bike pedals so efficiently. If you can only have one bike in the stable (yeah right) -- a "do everything" machine, this is it. Even with the big price tag, the transformational capabilities of this bike warrant a 5 chili rating for value. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Timothy
a Weekend Warrior
from San Marcos CA USA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
La Costa Preserve
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Purchased At:
Fairhaven
Strengths:
Everything, except what see below.
Weaknesses:
Cable routing. Specialized tires.
Similar Products Used:
2007 Enduro SL Pro. 2007 Stumpjumper Pro.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The lightest 6 inch travel bike on the planet. I rode the Enduro Pro model prior to getting the Enduro S-works, and there is a noticable difference. The S-works checked in 3 pounds lighter than the Pro in size Large, and is a lot quieter on the downhills. The carbon seems to dampen the chatter. This bike is an insanely good climber -- in fact I prefer it to my 2007 Stumpjumper Pro if the terrain is moderately technical (or harder). My beefs with the bike: the cable routing sucks, the front forks tend to be a bit sticky, and the Specialized tires are worthless on DG...go with Kendas. Want to enjoy the uphill as much as the downhill? Want to have more confidence on technical downhills? This bike is for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from RI Date Reviewed: September 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Close Friend
Strengths:
Awesome machine. Basically, the past reviews recap everything I would say. I got a smoking deal. My buddy's kid got caught dealing drugs, so the father sold me the bike for 1500. The kid bought it with drug money, so I made out!
Weaknesses:
none that i can see.
Bottom Line:
Bada$$ ride. Maybe overpriced? But not for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff j
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Hills, CA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Currently.. San Juan Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6200.00
Purchased At:
Rock and Road
Strengths:
28 Ibs and six amazing inches of travel. Well balanced, stable. Specialized customer service.
Weaknesses:
No tubeless from factory. Stock tires not my first choice.
Okay, I'm smirking right now just thinking about riding this thing. To start, this bike climbs excellent. Just lock down the fork and firm up the rear shock, and you're on a great climbing cross country bike. Descending on this bike is extremely stable and the suspension eats up just about anything you can point it at. It's truly quite amazing. The fork and shock work in harmony far better than any other bike I've ridden (and I'm not just saying this because I invested $6K). I'm always pushing the limits on descents and my Jekyll was starting to limit me. On this bike, I feel I still have a lot of room to grow. The best part is I'm getting to the top faster and still have more energy left for the descent.
A few things to note.. First, I unknowingly took delivery of my bike with a defective air cartridge in the fork. This seemed to be a known problem from Specialized. Rock and Road switched it out in five minutes and it hasn't leaked a pound since. Two months later the compression/rebound adjustment broke on the rear shock. Again, Rock and Road took care of it and it's been fine since. No major inconveniences and I knew I was taking some risk in buying the new shocks the first year on the market. I just hope Specialized will take care of their customers after the warranty expires shall any problems arise.
Bottom line is this is quite an amazing bike that you appreciate more over time when realize its true capabilities. I've had mine 3 months and still amazed every ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Jorgensen
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver, BC Canada Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Everett Bicycle (Frameset)
Strengths:
Low weight, excellent frame and suspension. Front stiffness, well balanced. DT Rims/hubs no problem, but need some time to prove it.
Weaknesses:
Stock parts are not 'all mountain' caliber. Fortunately I just got the frame, so not much wasted, but my comments relate to the complete bike. Stock tires are useless. Stock handlebar is too low. Layback Thompson seatpost means it cannot be completely dropped for steeps, so tried straight 30.9 post, but because the seat tube narrows, it cannot be dropped completely either! So I ended up with a straight Diablus 27.2 with a shim. (Diablus has a slight layback for proper reach). Magura Marthas are too lightweight IMHO. Cross country 959 pedals on an all mountain bike?
Large frame, Magura Louise brakes, SRAM X.9 shifters/rear derr (XTR stock front derr), XTR crankset, Diablus 27.2 seatpost, Kenda Nevagal 2.35 tires, Answerpro aluminum high rise bar, Shimano 647 pedals.
Bottom Line:
The best all mountain bike I ever owned after getting the right setup. I think Specialized must have had a '27 lbs fetish' with all the X-country stock parts. Mine weighs in just over 29, but I'm happy in any terrain and trail conditions. Expensive, so value is 4! Lot's of money to be saved with the aluminum Enduro SLs, with very little weight penalty!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raul Hevia
a Weekend Warrior
from Ivins, UT Date Reviewed: June 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The Barrel Ride, Zen Trail, Gooseberry, Little Creek.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Red Rock Bicycle
Strengths:
Too many to list, but here's a few. Geometry design, SUSPENSION!!, components, CARBON FIBRE FRAME. SRAM shifters and derrailleurs, performance... on and on. Read The Bottom Line.
Weaknesses:
Pricey! But you get what you pay for. I have had it less than a month. The wheelset is supposed to be very strong and lightweight, This bike weighs in at 27 lbs.! (not a weakness of course) Maybe the wheelset is not strong enough for 8 foot drops, I couldnt assure that, but, then you should probably be riding an 8-9 inch travel bike. Check with the manufacturer about that.
Similar Products Used:
2006 Enduro S Works, Santa Cruz VP Free, Santa Cruz Heckler, Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ Disc, Giant NRS.
Bike Setup:
S Works Component group for 2007, Carbon Fibre frame, WTB Weirwolf 2.3 race, rear wheelset: Chris King Hub, Alex Rims Supra D.
Bottom Line:
I owned a 2006 Enduro Sworks for 1 1/2 seasons and threw any kind of trail with less than 4 foot drops to it (not that the bike was not capable of bigger drops) and ate it up like cake. I descended faster than any rider with 6 inch travel bikes or less. I pedaled up great and kept up with most everybody uphill. I was really satisfied with my investment, but, then came the new 07 Enduro SL ...
This new Enduro SL is better than any bike I have used and owned in every respect. The suspension is so much superior than Fox RC32 Talas and Fox Float 5.0, plus their customer service is B or C rated in my opinion (sorry Fox). It makes every technical obstacle 15 to 20% easier it almost takes away the challenge. It pedals better than my previous bike and, it descends faster. After skidding downhill to make a hairpin or tight turn the bike falls in the right place to track on forward. I am going a lot faster uphill and even more downhill. I am really impressed with the performance of this bike. The geometry is a big improvement on last years Enduro, it fits like a glove everywhere on the trail. I lost regard for safety going downhill at high speeds due to my confidence on this bike. I would see an obstacle as I descended and would think "Thats a tough one... I better slow down... Oh, maybe not, my bike will tackle it for me...
Trails in my area are very technical ranging from high speed singletracks to tight technical rock obstacles, slow speed tracking. And with a lifetime warranty on the frame and Specialized's excellent customer service, who cares if the frame cracks or brakes? I get it replaced for free no questions asked.
I do not beleive there is anything better out there in the "All Mountain" category. Specialized comes through again!
I will keep riding and posting reviews as time goes on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Tahlequah, OK Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jones-Pinkerton
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7000.00
Purchased At:
Paceline Cyclery
Strengths:
Light and versatile
Weaknesses:
flimsy rims, leaky fork
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
For $7K, I expected a bit more. The fork leaked on day one. The rims bent on my daily ride. I ride a lot of rocks but - come on! I just hope Specialized makes good on their warranty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Northridge,ca Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim - moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6500.00
Purchased At:
Cycle World
Strengths:
climbs as well as my stumpjumper 2006 s-works descends as well as my 2005 enduro which weighs 5-6 lbs more
very tune-able suspension
Weaknesses:
stock specialized tires are not made for so cal trail conditions - will switch to Kenda Nevagal Tires very soon
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Intense 5.5, other specialized bikes
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
where else can you get 6 inches of travel in a bike that climbs this well
definitely the premier "do-it all" bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruinbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel Date Reviewed: February 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Woods Canyon, Aliso Viejo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6050.00
Purchased At:
Surf City Cycles
Strengths:
Light weight for 6 inches. Mine is a hair over 27 lbs. Fully adjustable ride height booth front and rear. Top notch spec mix takes the best from everyone instead of everything from the big "S"himano or the not as big "s"ram. Fit is spot on. Im a short guy at 5'3 but the small fits perfectly. Carbon Front triangle looks track and is lighter. Cables are nearly completely encased keeping shifting smooth. Double Crown fork and 25mm thru hub make steering at any speed and in any conditions, flex free.
Weaknesses:
Clear coat scratches easier than you'd think. Tire clearance on fork is minimal. Shock break in period is longer than with most manufacturers. Stem size and rise adjustments not yet available.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing really...probably my 2004 S-Works Enduro. I have ridden and owned a ton of bikes though...Merlin Fat Beat, Ventana Marble Peak, Cannondale SX 2000, Litespeed Owl Hollow, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Anniversary, Specialized Epic Marathon, 2005 Specialized S-Works Epic, 2007 S-works Epic.
Bike Setup:
Stock with these changes: Stans with strips, 2.1 rear tire, Ritchey WCS Low rise 15 MM bar, Thomson Masterpiece setback, WTB Rocket V Stealth, Crank Brothers Candy Ti, ODI Lock on grips, Salsa bolt on setapost collar. 27.1 lbs
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike with the plans that it would be great to ride when we go up to the local mountains during the summer and for just playing around on. After a few weeks on it and everything finally dialed in, it has really taken over in my stable my "go to bike". As I am mostly still a cross country rider, I really appreciate a good climber and this bike is one, to be sure. Being able to set the firmness of the rear is a great bonus but in any setting, pedal bob is minimal, The rear still seems to be breaking in but is getting much smoother every ride. The ability to lower the for 40mm up front for climbs is great as well and in my opinion, works just as well as the Talas System on Fox Forx. Overall if I had it all to do again, might have gone with the heavier aluminum and a little extra weight to support frame longevity. As it stands though, its a spectacular ride so far with very little to complain about.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Nelson
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem Utah Date Reviewed: February 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6499.00
Purchased At:
Bingham Cyclery
Strengths:
Wow....Nearly 6 Inches of Travel sub 29lbs Impressive tunable suspension, Great fitting cockpit..well balanced for climbing/descending comfortable fit...total package....All around do everything bike and GREAT looks!
Weaknesses:
Tire Clearance up front...Might be tight in the mud...haven't been in mud yet..so far stock tires seem great and a good size for a 2.3) Width clearance seems good, height might be the issue...I'll update as I experience it...
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Blur LT
Bike Setup:
STOCK S-WORKS....Everything seems like a perfect match... might change the saddle to old faithful...but the new specialized seat seems pretty good so far.. 959 pedals
Bottom Line:
Not sure if my scale is off compared to the other review...but my bike stock everything and my trusty 959 Pedals weighed in at 28.3 lbs...my Heckler with similar components was a hair over 30 lbs and was no where near as responsive as this bike. You hit the gas and it goes! Drop the fork with a quick flick of the knob and climbing is very impressive... Blur LT seemed to pedal a bit tighter on hard pack smooth pedal pounding but no complaints here... because the uphill is only to get to the downhill...any time/energy lost going up is well made up for going down...Very agressive stance, very solid, Fork does exactly what it should and eats big hits...Specialized Nailed this fork! Still trying to dial in the rear...but so far seems equally impressive...I've only had time to get it out on some short trails but I'll be heading to Moab next week...we'll update the review when I've experienced more terrain. Is the bike worth 6499? I think so... With this bike your paying for Plush Travel, Great climbing, nice quite shock absorbing Carbon Fiber, pure do everything fun and don't forget the Hottest bike on the Mountain hands down. Sure you could spend less on a bike that is close in performance and looks but you'll always be second best. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Judson Cole
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ Date Reviewed: February 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mormon/National Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7100.00
Purchased At:
www.smcycles.com
Strengths:
Front end is built like a tank. Suspension works great.
Weaknesses:
(1) Cost!! (2)Proprietary 25mm hub limits you on any other wheel Options (3) Dual Upper Crown fork bumps the frame on very tight turns. During normal riding I haven't been limited by this...on a tight switchback you have a good chance of it bumping. (3)No Tubless Wheels on a $7k bike...WHAT???
Similar Products Used:
2003 Enduro S-Works, 2006 Scott Ransom SL demo, Stumpjumpers 04-07 Expert to S-Works, 2007 Yeti 575
Bike Setup:
STOCK+++ Added Carbon Bars, Chris King Rear Hub, Mavic 819's front and rear, XTR pedals.
Bottom Line:
(1) I feel compelled to justify why I spent $7k+ on a bike....my 2003 Enduro works was stolen and this was basically a "replacement" bike from Insurance...otherwise I would be in the $3500 market (2) From the published/rumored specs (~27lb) I was expecting this to be a perfect All mountain bike but upon actually getting it I'm finding it leans more toward DH than XC...I'd compare it to a Nomad like feel...it's on the beefy side, I measure mine at 29.7lbs. BOTTOM LINE - It's beefier than I expected and I think I've got some bike I can grow into and get much more aggresive on...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
