Strengths: great handling on tough trails over big technical terain, the shock and the fork are very ajustable, handles litle freeride things very well (below 8 feet, turns amazing, stable in the air, there is a great gard on the first set of gears which has probably saved them from severe damage
Weaknesses: chain hits and scratches the fraim were the fabrich gard covers, the stock tires easily burst and are very thin, my first shock leeked oil and replaicing it took 2 and a half weeks, the derailer started jerking after a few days but then stopped,
Bottom Line:
Overal despite some small problems this is an amazing bike. On this bike i can do realy tigt steep manuevering that i could never dream of doing before, at both fast and slow speeds. It handles very well. It also handles six foot drops very well. This is a great bike for people who like to do heavier technical trails at speed. But also whant to freeride. Ive done a couple of 5-9 stairs and a six foot and it was great. For me since i just turned 15 i need to be able to ride it to were im going to do the freerideing so the way its not to relaxed and is an 18 speed is great. And although it is heavy its definetly not a tank so its ridable. The great thing about this bike is that although it is a great freeride machine its lite enough and has enough gears to actualy go places on it. Even if i was planing to do a lot of trailriding i dont think i would of got a lighter bike with less travel because when your on a trail how can you resist a litle drop or going fast over the rough stuff. lastly it comes with a lifetime frame waranty and a year long component waranty.
Submitted by
Paul M
a Cross Country Rider
from Colchester, UK
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2005
Strengths: Comfort, plushness, forgiving handling, spec for money, rear suspension design, versatility and riding position.
Weaknesses: That rear shock bearing... Marzocchi EXR Supra forks. Oh, and the Romic upgrade weighs 3x as much as the Fox Float, but I'm nitpicking ;-)
Bottom Line:
An absolute bargain.
The Enduro seems happy doing anything, from tackling hardcore trails to pootling back and forth to the office on dry days. The Fox rear shock gives a plush ride, and the 100mm setting changes the damping characteristics to a progressive rate as opposed to near linear in long travel setting, munching the climbs. I upgraded to a Romic on the advice of an Enduro owning pal and have noticed that the rear suspension tracks far better without losing any small bump sensitivity - thanks to compression damping control. So far, so good. It stil climbs very well despite the porky Romic weighing about as much as three Fox Floats...
The rear suspension is compliant and unaffected by braking forces. Pedalling does induce a SMALL amount of bob, but not as much as some would have you believe. Most of the bob is the result of the front suspension failing to differentiate between pedalling forces and terrain.
Which brings me to my main criticism of the base UK Enduro, that Marzocchi shock. Mine felt underdampened, the rebound was vicious until tamed with 7.5 weight oil. The rebound adjuster fell off on it's second ride and I still haven't quite dialled into the Marzocchis yet despite endless fettling with both air and spring preloads. They're heavy too and I personally can't wait to bin them for a pair of Fox Vanillas or maybe Manitou Shermans - a pair of the latter are very temptingly priced.
My sole secondary niggle is the front Specialized skewer, which loosens itself at will. Grr!
Otherwise I've upgraded to Hope M4 brakes which offer superb modulation and feel. The Shimanos just aren't in the same league. I also hope to be upgrading the wheelset shortly, as the stock wheels are definitely on the weighty side. However, for a base spec pedigree full susser at £1500.00 (UKP) you gets what you pays for and the XT rear mech, Telluride saddle, hollowtech cranks and LX front mech compensate. A similarly priced Kona or Marin makes do with Deore/LX.
Similar Products Used: 2003 Rockhopper, Stumpjumper.
Bike Setup: Stock apart from Romic rear shock and Hope M4 disk brakes
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
P Sieb
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2004
Strengths: Cost!! This is an outstanding frame and component set for the cost, which is easily upgradable. It's allowed me to keep up with my downhill buddies on the rough stuff.
Weaknesses: You get what you pay for with the shocks. On long rides you definitely need to carry your shock pump. Low cross country like clearance until you change the flip/flop link...wish it was even a bit higher.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the value. I also have an Epic but find myself riding my Enduro more. It sucks for climbing with all of the bob, but upgrades and/or stronger legs would take of that. I like Specialized for their customer support too. Also, set the flip/flop link for the higher bottom bracket hieght. It takes a while to dial in the front shock/ I found I like 10-15psi more than my weight in the rear shock. Hit some jumps and Have fun!!
Strengths: Great shox, never bottomed em out (but im only 150lbs)... fun to ride so far has taken everything i threw at it. AND THE HAYES BRAKES WORK GREAT! you just have to break them in correctly... you gotta just ride 3-5miles around your neighborhood while lightly holding the brakes which will break them in. if you do this they wont howl.... ive had mine close to 6 months and they dont make a sound even down the craziest of hills.
Weaknesses: only thing i can find is the weight and the seat which is awful by the way. also the front shock doesnt adjust really "on the fly" but they fixed that in the 04 and 05 modles. they also ixed the uphill bob with the lockouts for front and rear
Bottom Line:
GREAT ALL AROUND BIKE sucks up the down hills and climbs pretty respectabley. i have no real complants i love mine just cant wait to heal up and be able to ride again.
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town South Africa
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Strengths: Soaking up all you throw at it. Itch switch. Tyres
Weaknesses: A little on the heavy side. Bob when climbing. Hayes brakes.
Bottom Line:
My LBS lent me this bike while I waited for my new Stumpjumper to arrive. What a revelation this bike was. My last bike was a 2000 Stumpjumper which had a number of upgrades, I then moved, in a moment of weakness onto a Trek fuel 90, so I've had a fair run of full bounce bikes. But the Enduro wipes both bikes. What amazed me first was the plushness of the ride. On some pretty nasty singletrack, fully rutted and plenty roots the bike purely sailed over them. I found myself not even reaching for the brake levers where previously I would have. The bike hooks up brilliantly. I have a feeling the tyres have a lot to do wth it as well. The bike bike just encourages you to push the limit but never leaves you wondering if it will let go. Flicking the switch to long travel just gives you that added travel which when doing gnarly bits also gives you a little extra confidence. On the down side the bike is maybe a little on the heavy side, but this depends on what type of riding you are doing. I did notice a fair amount of bob while slogging to the top of a long hill as well. This also needs to be put into context of what the bike is designed to do and when you hit the bottom of the trail a little bob is soon forgotten. The Hayes brakes don't impress me. I had them on the Fuel as well and wasnt blown away. When hot they fade, rotors go out of true and the pads wear fairly quickly. On my previous stumpy I had Promax hydraulics put on and they cleaned the Hayes up in every department. Overall a very pleasing ride. Look forward to getting my Stumpy expert disc this week to compare to the Enduro as the bar has certainly been lifted.
Similar Products Used: Spesh Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel 90
Bike Setup: factory
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Submitted by
Sky
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester NY USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004
Strengths: Smooth quiet suspension. Low bob, Climbs technical trails beautifully, handles awesome, many good components at a very fair price, itch switch is cool, Marzocchi fork rocks of course :-D
Weaknesses: Crappy seat, didn't come with Time ATAC pedals (SPD is a joke, come on, when are manufacturers going to get it?) Maybe a bit heavy, but I didn't want a super light bike, the weight on this bike goes into areas that make it more durable.
Bottom Line:
Very confidence inspiring, fun to ride bike. Definitely the best bike i've ever owned (better than my sugar which cost hundreds of dollars more). A superior value really. It's a shame specialized dicontinued the base model for 04. Also, a tip, if you do a lot of climbing/log hopping, flip over the flip flop link for the 70.1/13" setting.
Favorite Trail: Tryon, HH Spencer, Letworth... etc.
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$1479.00
Purchased At: Park Ave Bike Shope
Similar Products Used: Cannondale F400 2001 Gary Fisher sugar 3 disc
Bike Setup: Stock basically, with the 3rd chainring replaced with a bash guard, time pedals.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Mech
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004
Strengths: Great do all go everywhere durable bike.
Weaknesses: It is a little on the heavy side
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for my riding style and terrains (mostly round rock and broken shale). It has not let me down in any way and gives great confidence while riding. It is great for rough, fast downhill and works well on the flats. Uphill it is a little heavy but not cumbersome. The price was right, I got it at the closeout of the '03 models.
Bike Setup: Stock except for tires and WTB Laser V seat.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
DB Coupe
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2004
Strengths: Full on travel, nimble on single track, climbs better than a HT on technical and loose type of trails, descends phenominally.
Weaknesses: I've replaced everything that people are complaining about in the first week. So no worries so far. Cable routing could be better.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I have yet to do any long steep climbs but I can already tell it will handle it just fine. The Fox Float RL in short mode is perfect for climbing, I don't notice any pedal bob. The Fox Forx was a great addition, now I have 5X5 travel. The seat upgrade is a must. The telluride was only $40, way more comfy, and actually lighter than stock. The tires I traded off right away and the trailbears are O.K. at min PSI but better at 30-35PSI. I'm not a trigger shifter fan so I plan on swapping out to SRAM twisters. And the cable routing will be greatly improved by running continuously. No rpoblems with mud. The only drwaback is I wish I had more time to ride it (like every day!). I've only ridden it a few times on local trails but I can't wait to get out on some epic 20+ milers with some long climbs and longer downhills. The basic frame and shock are the same as more expensive versions so why not upgrade later to better parts as they brake.
Similar Products Used: 98 FSR, Rockhopper Comp, GF Paragon.
Bike Setup: So far: Fox Forx Vanilla 125R, Spec. Telluride Comp Seat, IRC Trailbear 2.25 tires. Soon SRAM Attack Shifters and continuous cable housing.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
mick birmingham
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt Isa Queensland Australia
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Strengths: Comfort and ride Allows me to ride down the rocky hills around here with much more speed and confidence. Climbs the bloody things easier to or seems to anyway ,it doesn't seem to break traction as easily as the rigid did and takes most gullys and washouts that sneak up on ya at speed with ease.
Weaknesses: The seat if you can call it that. rear disc seems to squek but the front doesn't, a little finger pressure takes away the noise, any suggestions????? The tyres are paper thin to thin for bush bashing out in the desert as the spinifex grass goes straight through them
Bottom Line:
Great bike for just pokin around in the bush and following cattle trails to waterholes. I aint no light weight at 110 kg and i don't notice any bob as such unless i stand up on an uphill and really put the big ones in. Forks work well for what i do which ain't leapin off drop offs ect. Just cruizin around in the scrub and having fun. I was hesitant to buy a full suspension bike due to all the (DRAMAS) you read about but by crikey i sure am glad i didnt listen to em and followed you blokes advise about the bike, A big thank you for helping me make a great choice../.. If you just want to have fun this is the one for you ....
Similar Products Used: nil > only ridden a rigid to date so this is heaven out here in the rocks and gravel!!!
Bike Setup: Still standard as from shop have added bull horns and speedo/tripmeter. Relpaced standard tyres and tubes with heavey continentals and a thorn proof tubes with puncture proof goo inside the tubes.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Ace Whacker
a Weekend Warrior
from Issaquah, WA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004
Strengths: Great Frame, good components for the price. Excellent value for the money. Itch Switch helps. The frame will last and gives opportunity to switch out components as i get more advanced in my ride.
Weaknesses: Minor brake weakness for rear brake - dealer said they probably need to be bled, but haven't done that yet. Seat sucks but better than some i've been on.
Bottom Line:
My first real mtb and i think i made a great choice. Long term I may look to tweak the ride here and there - however, i'm a weekender and occasionally Whistler bound-- excellent value with OEM components and nice long term potential.
I had my front caliper replaced no less than 4 times, once taking 2 months to replace. It currently work, but squeals (however, squealing problem can be resolved by realigning the caliper). Front disc warped due to the front brake failing, Hayes refuses to replace it so I have a warped disc now.
Bike, however, is amazing. Technical trails are easy (took off top ring and replaced with bash guard, LOTS of clearance now). Road riding (to / from work) is nice if you keep the tire pressures up. Front and rear fork work nice with a little more than recommended pressures.
I believe this bike would be pretty much perfect with a rear lockout, completely eliminating bob.
4 chilis because I want to kill Hayes for these meagre brakes.
Submitted by
Jim Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004
Strengths: really impressed with the great fit and spec. rides well but seems to dig in and climb very well. Everything is well refined after years of this model, so very little to fault. I grabbed tis on a seasonal clear out, and I'm pleased beyond my expectations, bought over the phone.
Weaknesses: Brakes howl like mad; had to face the Marz. IS tabs and the rear triangle tabs, both were out. Had to swap the rear rotor for Aztec to reduce the racket, still not 100% quiet.
The fork is nice but at 4" it should be 5, which it is on the '04 bike. I can live with 4" I guess.
Like all new bikes, the brake levers are in the wrong place, and the seatpost needs to be trimmed to the right height.
Bottom Line:
If you see one on sale grab it. for what I paid, you can have 3 Enduros or 1 Turner 5 spot. It rides fine for me, the 5 Spot at 3x the price will have to wait until I win the lottery.
Similar Products Used: This is my XC trail rider, I also ride a Bullit 10lb heavier.
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
joseph grimes
a Weekend Warrior
from columbus, ga
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004
Strengths: 5 inches travel, light bike, adjustable travel. it passes people going uphill.
Weaknesses: brakes are difficult to bleed (wierd bleed valve), stock fork is 4" and not real adjustable. i broke the derailleur hanger three times now. tire width is an issue, 2.4 panaracers would not fit front or rear.
Bottom Line:
i ride a trail that is long, fast, but still has shore style ramps and drops, this bike has taken the smaller ramps and drops with ease. if you plan on going big, this is not for you, it is great for someone who rides trails with obstacles, if you are xc get an epic if you are dh get a bighit, if youre in between get this bike. if you got the bank, go ahead and get the one with lockout and better fork. but specialized has done well here. i'll be ordering a bighit from them shortly.
Similar Products Used: santa cruz heckler. demo'd enduro pro and s-works epic , those were pissed.
Bike Setup: mainly stock, spec comp seat, yeti lock on grips, wellgo pedals.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003
Strengths: Strong well balanced frame. Great high quality components.
Weaknesses: None of any significance
Bottom Line:
Set up as a light-weight downhill bike (34lbs). Frame holds up well to the stresses, but I don't push it with the jumps. An absolute blast to ride, up and down. With the long fork, the geometry is relaxed and the bottom bracket an ideal height for sketchy descents.
This was an excellent bike as a stock aggressive cross-country, but has turned out to be even better for tough rocky trails when equipped with the Zocchi and Romic.
There should be some filtering of intentionally pointless reviews like the one preceding this one.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Super T, XTR, Romic (newly available), Hayes 8", Race Face Bash Guard, Mavic 3.1 UST w/ Conti's
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Gold River,CA,United States
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2003
Strengths: It's strenghs range to all forms of riding. First, It's an ideal trail bike. It's fox float R reajustable suspension helps a TON will going down the nasty, technical parts. It is also a good bike to learn how to downhill on. The Hayes hydrolic disc brakes are some of the greatest brakes I've ever riden on. Overall, this bike is a lean, mean, mountain biking machine!
Weaknesses: So far, I've seen no problems with it. I'll let you know when I do.
Bottom Line:
It's definately worth your money. Though I wish I could've gotton a deal on it, it still is a great bike. Suggestion: bikers who want to become better at your all-around biking skills, come take a ride on the 03 Enduro FSR. The fun is everlasting.
Similar Products Used: I've used other bikes such as the Giant NRS 1 and the Stumpjumper FSRxc Disc,(though both are XC bikes) I've never riden such a versitle bike.
