Submitted by
Boats
a Racer
from Garden Grove, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006
Strengths: Great handling, travel, burly frame that can take a beating, lifetime frame warranty
Weaknesses: a little heavy, stock components suck, 2.3" tire is biggest you can squeeze between the chainstays without dropping to a 24" rim (unless you go with michelins).
Bottom Line:
This bike when upgraded in the suspension and component areas easily competes with higer end bikes (intense, turner, etc) There is a little problem with pedal bob on the stock Fox shock which is easily corrected with shock tuning. This is a 5" travel bike that climbs well, desends like a bat out of hell and is built like a tank (just look at the headset butting). 3 chilis in overall because as soo as you buy this you will dump some coin into components. Or you can get the pro model
Bike Setup: shifters alivio rear alivio front xt crank fsa fork manitou splice brakes hayes ih2
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Big A
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2004
Strengths: -The XL frame geometry fits my 6'5" body very well. -Hayes brakes -XTR rear derailleur
Weaknesses: -some parts I did not like very well, see below.
Bottom Line:
Let me start of by saying that I love this bike. I purchased it at a bike shop that I used to work at so I got a great price. However, many of the stock parts were mediocre at best. I have been riding the bike for about two years and have had changed out a lot of parts. The Psylo SL that came stock is junk. I replaced the spring with a firm one since it felt like a pogo-stick in a pool of jello. The nicest thing about the fork was its travel adjustment. The Psylo's rebound damping is like an on-off switch. Either it is slow and the fork is noisy (with a strange klunk noise) or it is way too fast. There seemed to be no middle ground. I swapped the fork after a year of riding for a FOX TALAS R. Excellent upgrade, that fork is amazing. In the first five minutes after installing it I noticed it is way stiffer, much more supple and adjustable. The stock Enduro 2.2 tires decent on hardpack, but washed out in loose soil and did not offer much climbing grip. I swapped those out along with the Mavic 223/spec. hub wheelset. The Mavic Crossmax wheelset is lighter, rolls faster, and has yet to come out of true! I chose the Conti Vertical Pro 2.3 UST tires since I was going tubeless, added a bit of stans for insurance and have never had a flat. The grip is outstanding, the best trail tires I have used yet. Also, the stock 525 pedals were crap, always clogging up with mud and not offering very smooth entry/release. Replaced them with Time ATAC XS pedals (my first set of times) and now I am hooked on Time. Sweet. Also the Enduro saddle feels like you are riding on a 2x4. Swapped it for a WTB Rocket V, saved my groin. Now down to the characteristics of the bike. I love my setup now, the handling is sweet (turned rear link to 70.5 degrees), I can really rail corners and tight switchbacks and it is easy to transition your weight around the bike. It decends well but the rear can be a little jarring over real rough sections, probably because I run about 210 psi in the shock. The Enduro now feels perfectly balanced with the FOX fork and float rear shock. The XL size fits great, and the weight is not too bad (around 29 lbs). The Hayes brakes have been great, replaced the pads a few months ago, still stopping strong. Overall I am very pleased. The frame is still holding up. Best trail/XC bike I have owned, you can ride it all day, 5" front and rear, good to go. 5 chilis for value since I got a pro-deal from the LBS. 4 flamers for overall since some of the stock parts were junky.
Strengths: Almost everything. The float is a nice touch to the rear end. I love this bike!!!
Weaknesses: I'd have to say the psylo. Its a nice fork.... but when your 190 lbs of sh*t it gets a little squishy.
Bottom Line:
I like this bike for mountain cross/ dual slalom. The float has a nice feel to it and its pretty light. I switched the psylo out for a marzocchi dj1 because i needed a burlier fork to handle dual slalom. Now that im getting into downhill, this bike works well enough on the easy stuff... but on the hard stuff:( i wish i had a little more travel. I would definately reccomend this bike to anyone interested in a good bike thatcan handle dirt jumping, or just trail riding.
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Andover, CT USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004
Strengths: Ultra-plush suspension all-around, placement/ease of use of shifters/brakes,excellent component group, FSR suspension and a really sharp looking bike, to boot.
Weaknesses: None really. Occassional chain jumps on rear cassette, but probably just break-in period issues. Also, discs seem to rub quite often, yet one month adjustments will fine-tune that issue. Stock seat was wildly uncomfortable, so new Serfas saddle is like sitting in butter! Stock hand grips were kinda lame, but replaced those, too.
Bottom Line:
This is one of the most utilitarian bikes,with all it's varying adjustments, that one could ask for. An Enduro in every sense of the word. I ride 10-15 miles per day, and after a few after market changes I find this bike to be transcendent. Ultra-plush comfort when riding down country roads, and then lean/mean when all travel is locked down. Riding this rig while listening to Garcia (Winterland 12/29/77) work his magic on my discman gizmo was like livng in a dream, like making love to one of the many beautiful woman that surround us....that's what this bike is like, a beautiful young lady who gives you a pleasant ride everytime, who's personality is highly adaptable to your changing (riding) moods and who's always happy to see you!! Specialized has created quite a bike with this one. Be still beating heart....
Strengths: Frame, brakes, travel, adjustability, some parts
Weaknesses: Some parts - rims and hubs are XC duty, not much else
Bottom Line:
Great bike. ITch switch works - it's much better than TALAS for the rear (a la Fuel). Short travel/higher spring rate for XC/climbs, long travel/lower spring rate for play/descending. Why would you want to shorten your travel, lower the ride height/slacken the geometry, and keep the same spring rate at the rear?
The Psylo SL works pretty well. I'm not a big Rock Shox fan but this is the best I've had (old Judy TT was hazardous).
I got a great deal from Charlie at Comp Edge on a closeout 2003, so the value is off the charts. Overall, for my heavy XC, light FR riding, the bike is ideal. 5x5 roasted turds.
Submitted by
Jack Offalot
a Downhiller
from California
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2004
Strengths: This bike has a good fork. The frame is sturdy. the xtr is so smooth!
Weaknesses: the float isnt the best shock for downhillin. Its hard to find a good coil shock to put on it.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I would get a chain guide for it because the chain falls off a lot. The rear shock isnt the best(maybe its because im 145 pounds of sh**). I havent broken anything on it and that s good because i fall a lot. This bike is great! Anyoe can by this bike. Its held up for me great.It soaks up alot even with the air shock. Its an awesome bike.
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004
Strengths: Versitile. Good for climbing and downhilling. Great travel on both shocks.
Weaknesses: The rear wheel might slip a little on climbing steep loose stuff. But I don't know if it my high expectations for this bike or if I have to make a few adjustments. Still too new to be sure at this point.
Bottom Line:
Love this bike!!! I'm 42 and am a hard core climber who was tired of getting so hammered on the downhill with my hard frame MB1. So I wanted a bike that was a good climber and a good downhiller. I was worried about it's weight, beefy tires etc slowing me down on climbing, but on my usual hour and a half rides I am getting the uphill portion done in the usual 45 minutes. I was also thinking I needed lockouts on front and back, but now that I have them, I am finding that if I didn't have them, I wouldn't miss them. It only bobs when you stand up and crank on the pedals. I think the long travel of both the front and rear shocks is key. Now that I'm riding the enduro with its 6.5 inches of travel, I'm glad I didn't go for a lighter cross country bike with 4 inches of travel. The downhill is just too fun! This is a great bike for the $. Highly recommended for anyone who is into fun (probably not a good racing bike, but who cares!)
Similar Products Used: No full suspension. I'm coming off of no suspension bikes. I've been riding the Bridgestone MB1 for years.
Bike Setup: This is for the 2004 Enduro Expert. Its got Fox Talas RL 80-125mm in front and Fox Float RL in back with the enduro itch switch. Shimano discs breaks (6-inch discs). Factory issue. See the shimano website for specs.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Bowen
a Weekend Warrior
from Wells, Somerset
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2003
Strengths: Soaks up anything. Still light enough to climb technically. Flexibility afforded by the Psylo's and the Itch switch/lock out.
Weaknesses: Chain rings. Saddle.
Bottom Line:
The bike is then nuts. I was having a really hard job deciding between the Enduro and the Epic, as at that time I was loving longer rides and big climbs. I chose the Enduro over the Epic because I had started to get into some steeper, rockier downhill type riding and wanted a bike that would cope with it all. I made the right choice. The Enduro felt like a really short bike after my old Trek 6000, and I was concerned that I would loose climbing ability. However, after messing round for a few rides I have found a good climbing position. I have moved the riser bars to swing forward a bit and replaced the saddle with one that sits more forward. This has transfered more weight to the front of the bike for a good climb.
As far as the downhills go, the bike is great. It inspires confidence and is FUN, FUN, FUN! I am 33 but this bike makes me act like a 20 year old!
I have noticed that the tyres fade/wash out round corners as one or two other reviewers have mentioned. The Enduro Pro's are dead light though and I will stick with them till they wear out and then stick some panracers on.
All in all after 2 months of owner ship and about 400 miles of riding of all kinds I am really happy with this bike. I would recommend it to anyone except the hard core racer. If you are honest with yourself, and what you really want is to have some fun on your bike then this is the baby.... Can only give it four for value, because all bikes are pricey in the UK aren't they... I did get a VERY good deal on this at King's Cycles in Taunton though. Very good indeed. Nice folks too.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Epic. Trek 6000 hardtail.
Bike Setup: Stock apart from a more comfy saddle. Mudguards.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Churchland
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003
Strengths: Adjustability
Weaknesses: a few costcutting component specs
Bottom Line:
Here is my 1.5 yr update. I am still generally pleased as punch. If you can only afford one bike, the enduro is a great choice. Add barends, crank the travel down, lower the bars and put on narrow tires and you have a very capable (if a bit heavy) cross-country machine. Put on some big tires, raise the bars, open up the travel and you have something bordering on a freeride bike. I just rode Northstar and the bike performed flawlessly. It got me down Karpiel in one piece and was still a pleasure to ride on the longer stuff that required more pedalling. There are some heavy components on this bike, so its heft could definitely be reduced. However it rides so nice you may not care. The rear shock is truly a marvel. I am convinced it would have been one of the most successful shocks in history were it specced on any other brands. The world is clearly headed towards stable platform shocks, but it is still hard to beat the itch switch. Still, I am deeply curious to see how the 4 bar linkage (still one of the best designs around) performs with a stable platform shock. Should be awesome. No breaks or cracks yet, though this has clearly been a problem for a bunch of the 2002's. Perhaps because I bought mine late in the year the problem was fixed? At any rate, a great bike with multiple personalities. Its nearest competitor would have to be the SC Blurr. My guess is that the enduro with a manitou swinger or the like will pedal as well as the blurr. It should also be noted that despite all the great things about the blurr, the rear end will still lock under breaking, something the enduro's does not do. To me, this is a big deal. I want my suspension to work when I need it most.
Similar Products Used: Kona stinky, trek Y, various hardtails
Bike Setup: 2002 version w/ Manitou Black
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Northridge, California, USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003
Strengths: At 6'5" tall and 220 lbs., I need the feeling of a large secure bike which the Specialized Expert provides. Without question the versatility and variability of the bike setup is a major plus. Specifically, being able to lower the front forks 3-4" prior to climbing a steep hill makes a big difference. Also, being able to lock out both the front and rear shock and change the damping is also a major plus. Lastly, the Hayes disc brakes and I-Switch, provide even further flexibility.
Weaknesses: The first time a rode this bike I had a serious problem with buyers remorse. I thought it rode worse than my old $275 bike I purchased 5 years ago. The chain fell off 3 times on my first ride! Two of the times I was riding on the street towards the dirt trails 3 miles away. Despite the upgrade to XT components (front shifter and derailer), the shifting was no better than my old tank. In otherwords, if you're riding on level surface at a nominal pace and shift gears everything is as smooth as glass. However, if you stand up or push hard while seated, and try to shift... forget it! The chain gets locked between the gears, if it shifts at all, particularly at the front derailer. This was very disappointing considering all the hype of LX, XT, and XTR.
The next major problem on day-1 was the rebound adjustments for the front and rear shock. It was if the shocks would only compress and not rebound. On my second 10 mile ride, the chain fell off 2 more times and after fiddling with the suspension, nothing improved. At that point my goal was to get my money back... but wait.
After letting off some steam to the store manager they vowed to work on the bike and make everything function properly. I can't believe it, but the bike now rides completely different. Now that the rebound is functioning properly, and the chain has been adjusted (actually took it in 3 times for that) the bike feels extremely solid. So after 3 trips to the repair shop (25 miles away) I'm pleased with my bike.
Bottom Line:
I have two perspectives about this bike and any other recreational bicycle that cost nearly $2,000. From a logical perspective I really don't think it's worth the money. I think I just got caught up in all the hype and researched too many articles that described the high-end features and components that make very little difference, if you're not a serious racer (which means you pay the bills with your bike). I've seen nearly identical featured bikes at 40% less that would provide the identical ride. Of course they don't have the big brand name recognition, but who cares?
On the other hand, I can truly say I have the best looking dirt bike on the block, and the cost of it makes me feel more compelled to ride more often. Admittedly, the bike now operates fine, but if I had to do it all over again I wouldn't buy the Specialized. I would go for the ultimate looking machine (Lefty fork) or make a more logical purchase that matches my recreational level (10-20 miles, 2-3 times per week).
Weaknesses: Specialized saddles are the worst! Shimano M515 are a piece of junk.
Bottom Line:
I had never rode a full suspension bike before. This thing rocks! It took a while and some help to get the front forks and rear suspension dialed into my body size and riding style but now it's really awesome. My old hardtail used to make my back ache (I'm 50 years old!) on long uphill rides but now with the full suspension I never have that feeling. The adjustable travel and the lock out features (if you need to) are really great. I concurr with a previous reviewer, this thing feels like a couch it's so plush. And it hauls ass downhill. You will not feel the extra weight (as compared to a XC Bike) on the uphills. Specialized could have used better pedals though, but what the heck, just get better ones.
Similar Products Used: Specialized A-1 Hardtail w/ Marzocchi Fork.
Bike Setup: Got rid of saddle and replaced with Bontrager, replaced Shimano pedals with Ritchie Pro V3 pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Strengths: Componentry, Styling/color, and adjustable travel
Weaknesses: Seat and soft springs in the Psylo's
Bottom Line:
What an amazing bike. The only trouble I have had with it has been getting used to Full Suspension and Clipless pedals. The pedals spook me out... I have seen some paint chips like some of the other reviewers have, but it doesn't bother me too much. The main weakness for me was that the Psylo forks came with medium springs in the U-Turn assy. I opted to swap them out for the Xtra firm set and it makes a world of difference Rockshox P/N 11.4306.270.004. I have a lot more confidence when diving into a turn or taking drops. don't get me wrong, I am no hucker by any strech of my imagination but I do like to ride hard and take jumps. Being 200-210 lbs, the stiffer springs made a big difference. I have had the bike since 7/2/2003 and have only ridden 200 miles on it. The harder I ride it the more responsive it becomes. I ride it up almost as easilly as I ride it down... Can't believe I waited so long for a full suspension bike. It was worth the 2 years of saving... It climbs like a goat, single tracks like a fighter jet and decends like it is on rails... I think about a direction change and it almost makes the adjustment for me... Unbelievable! I am not sure how it worked for everyone else, but I had to save long and hard for this bike, and have ZERO "buyers remorse". I never thought I would buy a bike this expensive but it has been worth every penny!(to me its expensive but then a Turner frame costs almost the same as my entire bike) Thanks to everyone else for sharing their comments, I read the reviews and went shopping... I saw this bike first, checked out the rest and then went back drooling for my new toy...!!! Thanks Everyone!!!
Similar Products Used: None used, only tested at the shops, GT I drive, a couple of Trek models and a couple of Cannondales. I just upgraded to Full Suspension. Previously rode Specialized Rockhopper Pro FS Comp Hardtail - another GREAT bike! I love Specialized bikes!!!
Bike Setup: Stock with the exception of Xtra firm U-Turn Kit for the Psylo's, Specialized Comp Mtn. Shoes...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brett Grieves
a Cross Country Rider
from Newcastle
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003
Strengths: Geometry, Smooth ride. BUT most of all Versitility.
Weaknesses: Spoke nipples (yes, Im being very picky, BUT ive replaced 4 of them now) Fox Float RL Itch (Rear shock had some problem, had it replaced 3 times)
Bottom Line:
This is the second review that I have placed on the Enduro 03. Ive been riding it now for 6 months. Ive done about 1000 miles on it, broke the Pyslos (replaced with Fox Vanillas 125r), broke the rear hangar and mech, worn down the middle chain ring and had it replaced. Gone through 4 sets of pads. After all this the rear suspension is still as plush as ever.
Ive ridden alot of similar travel bikes, but I just dont get that invincible feeling which I love, Riding the Enduro is like driving a tank, you can go through anything.
The best selling point for the Enduro is its versitility, The flip flop link, itch switch combination is second to none.
Looking for a mint '11 Enduro Expert size medium?
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