Submitted by
Critter7r
a Cross Country Rider
from Holly, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2010
Strengths: Lightweight (especailly in its time), good component choices.
Weaknesses: Original yellow "Comp" frame cracked at rear shock mount. (Replaced for free by Specialized in 2004 with silver "Expert" frame)
Bottom Line:
This would be a good bike for anyone to pick up second-hand. Obviously, the less used the better, but I ride over 1000 miles per year and mine is still in good condition. I don't abuse the bike, but I certainly don't baby it either. The frame bearings have some notchiness to them, but they're pretty inexpensive ($50) and easy to replace. Overall I've been very happy with it for quite a few years.
Bike Setup: original Mavic 223 wheels, XT crankset (2007), Hayes shifter/brake levers (2009), XT front and Deore rear derailler (2009), various new chains and sprockets through the years. Bike will get new frame bearings this year.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Klurejr
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2010
Strengths: I have ridden this frame hard from 2002 to 2010 and this is still my main bike for both local cross country and downhill trips to mammoth. The frame is still solid, all the XT and XTR components are original and work like new.
Weaknesses: Strong Arm cranks were crap and started to go loose on rides, ended up replacing with Race Face crank set a few years ago. Forks lasted me until Last summer, replaced with Rock Shox Revelution. Hayes 6 inch brakes still have good pull, but 6 inch rotor does not seem like enough to stop my large body as well as 8 inch rotors, considering upgrading those next.
Bottom Line:
I have squeezed every penny out of this bike and if i ever decide to replace it, it will be with another specialized product.
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Canton, CT
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004
Strengths: Great ride, good mix, hayes spec brakes, all around good package. Hooks up well on the climbs even with the stock rubber. I think the ride suits a wide range of condtions, this was my first purchase of a dualie, so I am still re-learning my hardtail habits. :)
Weaknesses: Cracking in the frame - mine cracked after 11 months, right at the shock mount in the frame. My riding partner's cracked that and the lower mount. Specialized needed to do some more analysis on this frame as I rode it hard, but I'm not the 6 foot drop kind of rider - just lots of single track. Only 2-3 days a week max over 11 months (less CT winter), I can only think this is a design defect. I've had more MTN bikes than I can remember since 1982, only ones I broke were lightweight hardtail racing mounts, mostly custom fillet brazed frames made in Tange tubing. That stopped when I switched to Ti hardtails in 1992. I've never ridden a bike so little comparatively and had it break so soon.
Bottom Line:
This is a bike you could probably ride all day long in Cali and never have an issue. For New England, it's under-stregnth for the frame - mine was a 2002 model, I see the new ones have changed design yet again in the area most commonly seen cracking.
Otherwise great drivetrain picks, great ride, I like the Psylo fork, good wheelset for OEM wheels (even if they went way light on the spokes!). Just don't even consider the stock seat, grips, or seatpost/stem unless you are a featherweight.
Similar Products Used: Rocky Mtn Slayer, XC70, Kona Ti Hardtail
Bike Setup: Stock MTN mix less Thompson Seatpost/Step swap, tossed poochy brick of a seat, same for grips - and upgraded the pedals (stock were terrible). The stock stem was too flexy for my tastes.
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Submitted by
William Cobb
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2003
Strengths: I weigh in at 215 and about 5'11" and this bike can handle anything I can dish out. I have had about 5 bikes and broke all the frames on them several times before I got this one.
Weaknesses: Seat clamp sucks, along with the strongarm cranks. Throw in a heavier spring in the Psylo and a Romic coil on the rear and let her fly!!!
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks off the showroom floor. After adding the Romic coil which will void the warranty by the way and adding the heavier duty springs in the Psylo, this bike is a bump eating machine. If you want a liter bike then do what I did and buy another one cause I am not selling my Enduro unless I bought a newer one. 4 flamin chillis all the way around add a heavier duty spring in the Psylo like mine and a Romic coil in the rear then jump up to 5 flammin chillis!!!!! I have made this bike heavier but the clydesdales will love it and the rocks will hate it.
Favorite Trail: ALL the 20 trails that surround me.
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At: From friend
Similar Products Used: Klein hard tail, Cannondale Jekyll, Giant NRS
Bike Setup: Heavier duty Psylo spring, Selle Italia Gel saddle, Salsa seat clamp, Sun Rynolites W/ XT hubs and a Romic coil rear shock with rebound and compression adjustments. Thomson stem and FSA headset.
Strengths: Light, responsive, xtr components, sweet Fox Float RL, Hayes hydros have got me out of trouble often.
Weaknesses: Strongarm II crankset sucks. I have an 03 Rockhopper and it has the same crankset. What the hell the Enduro msrp for almost 3k and i bought my Rockhopper for 300.00
Bottom Line:
I enjoy riding to the trail for training. The ability to lock up all of the suspension is very nice. All i wish if there was a godd comprimise between a roadable tire and a tire i can really push on the trail. Bike is light has not failed me yet besides the squeky crank which is going to be replaced soon.
Strengths: Adjustability, frame strength, stability at speed, predictable handling,
Weaknesses: Seat post clamp, soft spring on the Psylo.
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome all around ride. This frame is strong! I am 6' and weigh in at 215 pounds. The large frame fits me perfect. If you are a large framed person this bike will fit the bill for XC, trailriding, and light freeriding. For the smaller folks, you could probably use this bike for everything but downhill riding. The bike is has the right mix of components right out of the box. Many individuals have complained about the "S" parts on this bike. Of those parts I have replaced the stem, seatpost, saddle, bars, and grips. Most of these parts were replaced out of personnal preference not because of the functionality of the item. The stock stem had to go because the 10 degree rise gave me an overly upright riding position. This made climbing a little more of a challenge. The replacement stem has a 5 degree rise and it allows me to weight the front wheel more on the climbs. The seat post clamp does not do it's job. I have to put sooo much torque on it, I feel as if I am going to snap the lever. I will replace the stock unit with a Salsa clamp before the next ride. This bike performs like a dream, handling on the climbs and decents is stable, no surprises. I was able to take sections of the trail at increased speeds. Suspension adjustments are endless. This can be a bit overwhelming at first. Once you find out what works and feels best for you it is not a problem. Hayes brakes, solid performers all the way around. Drive train and transmission, excellent! Wheels and tires, wheels are light and strong, but I can't say enough about the tires. These things hook up. Best tire I've ridden in quite some time. If you see this bike in your local dealer as leftover stock, give it a look, I did and I got a killer deal on a dependable, all around performer.
Similar Products Used: 2001 S-Works FSR XC, 2000 Cannondale F900 SX, Giant NRS Air
Bike Setup: Size large, stock except for Thomson stem and post, ODI lock-on grips, Selle prolink saddle, and Easton Monkeylite bars.
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Submitted by
Jim.
a Cross Country Rider
from Cranberry Twp. PA USA
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003
Strengths: Well thought out hardware, the suspension climbs well without needing to dial on the fly, feels light, shifts predictably.
Weaknesses: The Psylo stanchions and rear shock collect mud and must be 'Skinned'. The handlebars are too wide for trail use, exposed cable routing below the bb is questionable.
Bottom Line:
I'm not hucking from 10 story buildings, but tend to ride rough technical terrain during all the seasons. I thought that I'd find a suspension set up and stick with it but the adjustability really rocks. This bike can be dialed to your mood of the moment. The variable compression dial is incredibly useful and easy to access. The bike inspires confidence when descending and doesn't brake-jack like single pivot designs. The Hayes hydraulic discs keep their exceptional feel even at 10 degrees F. Specialized Enduro 2.20 tires hooked up so well that I never changed them. The original 27" handle bar width felt great down hilling rutted terrain, but would not fit between trees on a few different trails. My LBS clipped the bars to 25" for free (Thanks Gatto guys!). You will learn to love the fenders during sloppy rides. When I swap bikes with other trail riders they always comment on the Enduro's exceptional ride quality. I test drove a lot of bikes before deciding to buy the Enduro and am absolutely convinced this was the best machine for the money and my type of riding. Before submitting this review I deliberately waited several months for the thrill to wear off, but it hasn't. Buy it you'll love it.
Similar Products Used: Super Vs, Raven 2000, Jekyll, various Sugars, and of course the NRS machines
Bike Setup: Almost stock but added lizard skins and cut the bars two inches. -replaced the pedals with Eggbeaters, fashioned a plastic crud deflector to keep the front derailler cabling from freezing during wet winter rides.
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Submitted by
Brent Tennison
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Forest, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003
Strengths: EXCELLENT RIDE. Smooth, Comfortable, and very much of Control. The suspension is great for street as well as 5-foot hucks (5' is the most that I have done YET) down flights of stairs or on the mountain. With the Hayes discs and the stock tires, the Enduro keeps me VERY MUCH in Control down tough, slippery decents (much as downhillers ride). This bike is very strong, yet only weighs 30lbs. - until now, pretty much unheard of - either you have the light weight XC bikes that fly apart upon huching or else 60+lb. DH bikes. I love my Enduro Expert, this bike is great. The XTR rear derailleur shifts effortlessly (when properly adjusted - not a problem, just make sure this is addressed prior to riding - mine was not). The Psylo fork, although I wanted a Fox fork, is actually GREAT! Forget saving for the Fox, this Psylo SL is SWEET! BEST, having a BMX background and a desire to do so, with about fifteen minutes practice, I was able to bunnyhop (J-hop - that's front wheel up then rear) effortlessly up curbs.
Weaknesses: LX front derailleur does not shift well - I will likely replace with XTR. Other weakness, rear tire looses traction on steep hills - you should use a more aggressive tire tread. Seat is too high and in the way for handling - I lowered mine as far as it will go - and it can still be safely raised about 3-4 inches (safely). That's about it - My 2003 Enduro Expert (small) truly is a GREAT bike.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for ALL MOUNTAIN; it's 30lbs will do XC, and its strength will take jumping, hucking, downhill, and BMX-style street riding. I have experienced all of these, and as I have aforementioned, this bike is SWEET!!!
Similar Products Used: Specialized FSR Rockhopper 2001. Enduro 2002. Rocky Mountain Switch. MANY different BMX bikes.
Bike Setup: Stock, but with seat as low as it will go 90% of time. Raise seat for serious XC (cross country).
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Submitted by
mickey garrett
a Cross Country Rider
from palm coast fl
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2003
Strengths: great for climbing-unreal on the downhills.
Weaknesses: none yet
Bottom Line:
This bike has opened up a whole new trail for me.I am seeing different lines now.It makes the nastiest section feel like butter.Responsive pedaling with comfy landings off drops.After riding the trail,with 2 flips of the switch,I am torqin on the road home on a rigid. What more do ya want?
Bike Setup: thomson stem and seatpost,959peds,c.c.headset,sweet.
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Submitted by
Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmer Lake, Co
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003
Strengths: The bike fits my 6'11" body as well as possible. I did 2 training runs on the Xterra course and then the race in Keystone, Co last summer, and down pikes peak twice in addition to all the daily riding and training (40 +miles per week). If that won't test a bikes durabilty I don't what will. A shock service(routine) and a brake rotor(from a fall)plus a set of tires is all I've done to the bike. I ain't a light guy either. The support from the local shop has been real good when I have needed it which isn't often. The rear triangle had alredy been replaced when I got the bike.
Weaknesses: The rear derailer cable was too short and caused it to shift gears as the suspension cycled. Why this showed up after 3 months of hard use I don't know... It took the shop a couple days to figure it out. No problems since. Give us a Lizard skin as standard for the shock to protect the soul of this machine.
Bottom Line:
Great bike and got a great deal on it with just a few rides of use. I'ts been bullet-proof. I am progressing exponentially in my riding skills with this bike and it's capabilities. Super dull paint scheme on the PRO model, but it won't get swiped either! Best ratings all around for this bike that changed my riding forever! Clydesdale's rule!
Similar Products Used: Hardtail GT Rebound (my first bike), GT I-drive 3.0, Giant NRS.
Bike Setup: Run the fork at 4-4.5" of travel, rebound set 1-1/4 turns from slowest, running an extra stout spring in the Psylo SL and compression about halfway or so depending on the terrain. When doing fast rough terrain I set it at max travel. The rear shock is great. I run it at 270 psi and three or four clicks from slowest on the rebound. Nothing really different from stock save for the XT cranks at 180mm.
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Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Niguel
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003
Strengths: Reliability
Weaknesses: Way to many adjustments and there seems to be a lot of front to back fork flex on the psylo. I notice this most while going downhill. I will eventually ?upgrade? to the Fox with the 1.5 legs, maybe this will eliminate this problem.
Bottom Line:
THIS IS AN UPDATE FROM MY LAST REVIEW BACK IN JULY OF 02. This Bike is still doing beautifully. I was worried after hearing and seeing so many problems with the 1st generation frames cracking. I am 215 lbs and I don't ride "light", I like drops (not huge) and rough, technical terrain, and I have yet to have any problems with anything braking or cracking. My only problem I have with this bike is proper set-up. There are just way too many options. I usually have the Psylo cranked down to about 3.5" travel and then preload the right knob about a qrtr turn (it seems to help). I almost always have the rear Fox Shock set to the shorter travel setting (even on most downihills) and I never use the lock-out (I feel like it's cheating). On occasion, I will increase my travel setting to allow for a smoother downhill experience, but rarely, I am too afraid I will loose the sweat spot that took me so long to find. I guess my problem is all the rebound/compression adjustments and how to set it up properly for my weight (215 lbs) and riding style (masher)and what air pressure to run on the rear with those rebound/compression adjustments. All the adjustments just make it seem like a hit and miss proposition until you actually find something that doesn't kill your lower back on climbs, but offers the most pedal effecient ride, while also keeping you from endo'n straight into a cactus.BOTTOM LINE: GOOD BIKE, just maybe overkill on the adjustments for me.
Similar Products Used: Update review from my last review on 7/02
Bike Setup: XT Cranks, Thompson Seat Post, Chris King HS, WTB Seat, Heavier Springs for Psylo
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Traverse City
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002
Strengths: Versatile, great travel to weight ratio, durable.
Weaknesses: Where the *&@#^%!$ are the water bottle mounts! I'm thirsty as hell! The dealers mechanics. Bars are designed for oranutangs.
Bottom Line:
Great ride. Just dial it in. Dial the Psylo down to 3-3.5" to drop the bars and steepen the head angle, stiffen the rear and your flying round the single track. Open up the Psylo's travel to 5" and flip the Fox Float RL "Itch" to 5.2" and you flying down hill or have a real cush ride for cruising. Mid setting around 4" is great for epic rides. It puts you a great position for long distance and technical rides. And if you don't like that, just change it. That FSR suspension is very smooth and low bob.
I've ridden this bike over 1000 miles through sand, snow, mud, roots, gravel, etc. I've replaced the chain. Other than lube and cleaning, that's it.
Specialized did recall this bike. The dealer replaced the rear triangle. I guess they where cracking just north of the disc brake mount. If you have any dealer work on your suspension, make sure the REAPPLY a fresh coat of Loctite to the hardware! In my case they did NOT. It took about a hundred miles, but the main pivot bolt did come out, right into the small chainring. Wondered why I could pedal! I was 7 miles into a 15 mile loop. I was able to do a trailside repair and ride back. I'll do my own repairs from now on.
This is a great bike for all around use. Not a downhill bike, not a free ride bike, not an XC racer, but it is everything in between.
Similar Products Used: Rocket 88, beat up old Trek hardtail, Antelope I think?
Bike Setup: Mostly stock. Cut at least an inch off each side of the bar. Use a Lizard Skin to protect that expensive Fox Float RL Itch shock from all the trail debris off the back tire.
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Submitted by
Tim Simpson
a Weekend Warrior
from Oswego, NY USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002
Strengths: Color & overall appearance. Complete adjustability with the rear shock: lockout is reachable while riding, and the travel can be switched from 4" - 5.2" with the flick of my finger while riding. Very trick... Mates well with the adjustability of the Psylo SL fork, although this is a review for the frame only so we'll stick to that. I am very comfortable on this bike, it has inspired new confidence in me. The handling is very predictable, and the bike is very fun overall.
Weaknesses: Weight, maybe? Although I have no reference to compare it to, this is my first FS bike since an old school GT RTS back in '95. With my current setup the bike weighs in at 29lbs. Like I said though, I don't know what a comparable bike in this class should weigh, or could weigh. The bike doesn't feel as plush as I had hoped, see below.
Bottom Line:
I purchased the Enduro Pro new, as a frame only. I buildt it up with most of the XC parts of my previous hardtail which I raced XC with. The only parts which I changed to go more with the new frame were the fork, disc brakes, wheelset, shorter stem and lowrise bar. I expected the bike to be lighter when built with all the XTR parts and HUGI wheels, etc... The weight however is not a detriment, it's more that my (hardtail riding) friends pick it up and crack jokes about it the weight. But then I get to show then where it's at on the trail! Still however, I'm wondering if I should have gone with a lighter FS/XC frame more suitable for my riding style.
My expectations for this bike were that it would also me more plush on the trail. I'm not saying that it's not a plush ride, but I guess I hoped it would have been more plush. Does that make any sense? I used to race XC, however my lifestyle has changed and now I'm more of a weekend warrior. This is why I choose this frame based on it's design (4-Bar are supposed to be plush?). I wanted something to make my weekend rides more comfortable, and this is a very comfortable ride however I just expected something more.
Overall I am pleased with this bike, I wish I had a chance to ride and compare more bikes and different designs then I would be able to rest assured that I made the right choice. This is a fantastic frame, it climbs and descends very well. I love the geometry in the woods, tight singletrack is better than I expected it to be. It carves the turns very well. I have read about the new Santa Cruz Blur, and that's got me thinking I should have held out for one of those. But I've gotta stick it out with my new Enduro, gotta get my $$ worth out of it. I think that's about all for now.
I recommend this frame to just about anyone except for my friends (XC weight weenies). 5 Chillis for Value, for the price I don't think these bikes can be beat. 4 Flamin' Chillis for overall only because it slightly let me down in a few areas, but maybe this isn't fair for me?
Similar Products Used: None, switched from a long history of high end hartails (Yeti, Fat Chance, etc...) excluding the above mentioned RTS frame back in 1995.
Bike Setup: All high-end with complete XTR: shift/brake levers, cassette, Ft. & Rr derailleurs, crankset and BB. 2002 Rock Shox Psylo SL 80/125mm fork. Avid Mechanical disc brakes, HUGI Onyx hubs, Mavic X517 front disc specific rim, Sun Singletrack rear, DT spokes. IRC Mythos XC 2.1" Kevlar tires. Race Face layback seatpost, Thomson Elite stem, Race face low-rise bar.
Strengths: All of that adjustability and what not, plus the lock out, and le rebound adjuster really helps. Fairly stiff, could be a little burlier in the rear, if ya know what I mean. I guess that’s the price you pay for a relatively light frame. Plenty of room for a 2.4 in the back and I can even run a tensioner.
Weaknesses: It would be cool if the itch came in a coil over. I sometimes worry about blowing it out, but the frame is not really ment for big drops n' sit.
Bottom Line:
The bike is OK for what I use it for. Tahoe is rather technical rocky riding with lots of good stuff, you wouldn't like it so don't bother trying to ride it.
Similar Products Used: Enduro 99'comp C'dale Jeckyll 3000 circa 2001 (sweet bike)
Bike Setup: Full custom.....Manitou Black Elite 100/120 (nice),Syncros Hardcore headset (very nice) Hayes mag frnt and back, XT Disc Rhino lite wheels (great wheels), RaceFace Turbine Isis with freeride BB (always good) XTR shift and derail, WTB MotoRaptor 2.4 frnt and rear, Thomson stem and post, Fiz saddle, Crow bar and Evil tensioner DRS(The Best Ever!!!) E13 Rules!!!!
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Submitted by
Alon
a Cross Country Rider
from La Verne
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002
Strengths: There are so many. The Rock Shock fork (how it compresses) is great for steep uphill climbs as is the rear lock. Super light. Great prices right now because end of the year.
Weaknesses: Seat stay easily comes loose (it knicked the rear shock pretty good). Other than that nothing. Saddle a bit uncomfortable.
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike. I spent many months researching several different bikes. I rode this bike and knew I couldn't ride anything else. This is my first full suspension and it has been nothing but a joy to ride. I have ridden almost 100 miles in the first week I got it, including switch backs and steep soft downhills rated 3+ (out of 5).The gadgets and options are funtional and perfect for all conditions. I could not be happier. I'll write in a few months to update my findings.
