Submitted by
AJY
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2011
Bottom Line:
It's hard for me to valuate this bike, it was in the 4,000 dollar range when new. I purchased this bike in 2011 despite it being 8 years old because there is nothing like this model of Enduro. It is still every bit a gem as it is a classic.
I've been riding Cannondales the last decade. I opted to upgrade this Specialized S-Works frame rather than settle for a new model that didn't offer the strength, weight, and beauty of this frame (at this price point). I have a small frame and currently have it weighing 27 lbs with room to drop once I swap out the wheelset.
The bike is so flickable, it's almost BMX like. It looks more hulking than it feels. Stiff and light. Specialized nailed it with this design. I will keep this frame forever. As the years go on, I suspect it will take on legendary Ferrari 330 p4 -like status.
Bike Setup: hope headset, thompson stem , schwallabe tyres, nixon front shocks fully adjustable, s works enduro 2004 frame .t
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange, CA, US
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005
Strengths: Frame: perfect welds. Ano finish. Fox Forks & Shocks are flawless. Brakes are excellent. 26.7 lbs for size lg. Great Downhill capabilities. XTR shifter/brake pods always work flawlessy, and can take a beating.
Weaknesses: Brakes squeal under severe usage. Not a top notch climber. Pivot points need lube every trip or suffer the creak. Seat is a road bike model. Front end feels low, despite 5" travel.
Bottom Line:
I tend to compare to the Turner, since its owner and I ride together and have similar skills. All things being equal, the Turner climbs better, and the S-Works Enduro descends better. Turner requires no adjustment, whereas the Enduro needs every lock-out / crank-down advantage to conquer the difficult climbs. Of course the Turner has no tricks that can make it an equal in the downhill sections. Some of the XTR parts can be difficult to find on short notice (chain rings, brake pads). Don't make the mistake of putting all metallic pads in. The squeal will be very loud. I used to think this was an expensive bike, but after looking at the '05's, I'd say it was good value.
Weaknesses: Some bob in rear suspension (may be taken care of in 2004 and newer models with the BRAIN - mine has the Fox Float).
Bottom Line:
The S-works is such a departure from what I had been used to with an old Univega hard-tail. This bike is so light I can pick it up off the ground at any speed to clear obstacles, and the long travel suspension, while it takes some getting used to, allows me to float over significant obstacles. The Fox shocks are great but take some trial and error to dial in properly (I can't tell you how many times I wiped out my first few rides!). The frame is hard-core anodized alloy, but the pinstriping and lettering are already coming off.
This bike is way expensive (mostly the light components and frame), so I can't suggest it for everyone, and if budget is a concern I can't really recommend it over the slightly heavier Enduro Pro, which has most of the same components and is a LOT cheaper. BUT ... you will notice the difference with this bike, and it WILL make you a better rider!
Weaknesses: Cable routing. I'm now running full length outer to the rear derailleur. Interrupted seat tube frame. I would like to be able to lower my seat even further for the steepest descents.
Bottom Line:
Follow up to my 6/19/2003 review. Due to lack of Fox service in Sweden I've changed the rear shock to a Manitou Swinger coil shock. This has proved far more reliable than the Fox Float and SPV really works as advertised. A fork change from Psylo to Z1 was also an eye opener. This is what a fork for people weighing more than 60kg should feel like!
I've used this bike for everything. From local flat 1 hour loops in -15C and snow to a week of chairlift assisted riding in the Swiss alps. It can do it all and has held up for it all despite my ready-to-ride weight of 90kg.
The only other bike I've tried that comes close is the Turner 5-Spot that also has the added advantage of a full length seat tube.
This bike is unreal. Apart from a very high speed visit to the ER, i've had nothing but fun with it. Freeride-Lite describes it the best. Jumping it feels like a CR250 and the locking shocks and short travel mode are kickin for uphills. It is light too, I think anyone complaining about the weight should toughen up their legs and stop whining. Drop 2 pounds off your gut and then the bike will seem lighter. Oh yeah, one more thing, I keep crushing the bushing between the rear shock and the bike.
Favorite Trail: The Colorado Trail From Kennebac To Durango
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At: MBS Durango
Similar Products Used: GT I drive
Bike Setup: 2003 xtr, fox float, fox rear
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from Steamboat Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003
Strengths: Everything
Weaknesses: Still a bit hefty
Bottom Line:
Great improvements over the 2003 model - the bump threshold adjustment rear Brain is great and what this bike was missing for climbing last year - no bob.
Still a hefty beast - Large frame size with pedals weighs 28 lbs.
Also looks better in black ano vs. the grey matte from 2003.
I like the Mavic Crossmax SL UST wheelset.
Went to Fruita and Moab last weekend (11/15/03) for test drive - love it. If you are going to buy an air-sprung FS bike, this is it; big fun.
I still have my S-Works Epic, too; going to add rear Brain upgrade kit to it and it will be the perfect 26 lb. cross country bike.
Bike Setup: This is a stock 2004 S-Works Enduro except for King Headset, Maxxim bars, laid back Elite seatpost, 959 pedals, and running Conti Vertical Pro Tubeless in 2.3's.
Strengths: Versatility, ano finish, balance of light weight and durability
Weaknesses: HT angle a little steep in high BB setting
Bottom Line:
This is an incredibly versatile bike. It climbs extremely well, particularly in technical areas. Its also a blast on downhills. There was a noticable improvement in stiffness from the regular Comp to the S-Works frame (warranty replacement, thanks Specialized). I use the bike for XC trail riding and light free riding and it has been rock solid for both. My only complain is that I wish the HT was a little bit slacker but at 70.5 degrees its pretty standard for this type of bike. I strongly recommend the Romic rear shock. It is night and day better than the Fox ITCH. The Fox works as promised with the adjustable travel but the Romic resists pedal bob better and is much plusher and has vastly superior rebound control. As its set up (with the Romic), I'm confident it is as good as or better than any of the "high end" trail bikes from Turner, Ellsworth, etc. Even the lower model Enduros would be as good as those other bikes with the Romic.
Similar Products Used: Enduro Comp, I-Horse Hollowpoint, GT LTS
Bike Setup: Romic coil over, Forx Vanilla 125 RL, King ISO on Mavic F219, XT, Easton, Thompson, Hayes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
BRIAN KERRIGAN
a Weekend Warrior
from SCOTLAND
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003
Strengths: GREAT LOOKS , ALL DAY RIDE ABILITY AND PRETTY SENSIBLE WEIGHT ,GREAT SUSPENSION ACTION
Weaknesses: IM ON MY THIRD SEATSTAY WISHBONE WHICH IS PRETTY CRAZY CONSIDERING I ONLY WEIGH ABOUT 180 POUNDS
Bottom Line:
THIS IS A GREAT BIKE I LOVE THE WAY IT RIDES AND I LOVE THE WAY IT LOOKS , IF U WANT MORE TRAVEL THAN A XC MACHINE BUT WANT TO CYCLE UPHILL SOMETIMES THEN THIS IS THE BIKE FOR U , I JUST HOPE THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SNAPPING SEATSTAYS AS I DO .
Bike Setup: SHIVER SC , FULL XTR , HOPE HEADSET , HOPE BULB HUBS ,EASTON CARBON BARS AND POST , HOPE M4S , M959S , FLITE TI SADDLE , RACE FACE SYSTEM STEM
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Peckham
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003
Strengths: The flip-flop linkage lets you set the bike up in two very different riding possistions. This is nice when you decide to go for a full downhill ride. I found that I can't stand trying to climb with it in the downhill position, so I leave it in the climbing possition at all times. It still rides great downhill, but not as confidence inspiring as the laid back position. The bike fits me, not many off the shelf bikes fit, so this is huge! I'm 6'3". IT feels very sturdy under me, and I never fear bottoming out.
Weaknesses: The bob on the bike is pretty bad. It has a lockout which I use any time I'm climing. Even with the lockout I get about 1" of travel, but it's much stiffer. The frame is a little heavy at 7lbs (XL), but that's the price I pay for being 215lbs and 6'3".
Bottom Line:
A good compromise, but not the best bike on the market. If you don't mind using a lockout it's a great bike, although heavy.
Similar Products Used: I tried the Blur and I would have bought that if it was offered at the price I got this bike for. I had a crash replacement so I got the frame only and built it up with new components.
Bike Setup: 33lbs: Marzzochi Z1 Bomber, Mavic/XT disk wheels, Avid disk brakes, Panaracer 2.4" tires, XT/XTR components.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
chamois
a Weekend Warrior
from thun, switzerland
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
Strengths: lightweight (measured with pedals: 11.4kg) many very good detail solutions rugged design relaxed sitting position excuses driver lapses
Weaknesses: no usable position for bottle mount
Bottom Line:
i've driven the klein mantra for five years and was only moderate happy with it. the suspension was just too hard coupled with the braking forces, the drivetrain forces and the position of riders center of gravity. it tooks me a long time to search for a new bike which can satisfy my wishes: lightweight, controllable for an only moderate rider, 100mm+ spring travel, suitable for the one hour quickie after work and for the big Alps crossing, potential to be serviceable over a time of five or six years, balanced qualities in up- and downhill (because the swiss Alps are very steep). on my experience, the 2003 specialized s-works enduro satisfies all of my wishes. i'm very happy to have it!
Strengths: light frame, 6lb adjustable shock 4-5", handling.
Weaknesses: poor lower shock eye bushing (replaced 4 but its still worth the trouble) graphics wear off and never stood out much. maybe not the best frame alignment.
Bottom Line:
a few minor gripes barely detract from a top frame ideally suited to trail rider.
The frame is great, very light, stiff, responsive, the forwards chainstay and cable routing keeps em away from the mud, the anodised finish does'nt scratch, the shock is super plush and has great features i.e lock out, the BB height is adjustable.
Weaknesses: None, i dont know what the guys are on about with the rear mech knocking, ive had absolutly no problems
Bottom Line:
Although the frame is lightweight, it can still be abused on downhill runs, in fact its often faster than some longer travel full sussers thanks to the shorter travel in the mud
Similar Products Used: Cannodale raven, giant ATX, Specialized FS, GT four bar linkage, Coyote DHS etc..... riden most full sus bikes at some point!
Bike Setup: S-works freeride frame XTR groupset Hope pro dsics Hope bulb hubs Profile bars and stem Ti leather seat DMR V12 peddles Mavic 512 rims DT plain guage spokes Ritchey seatpost (2 of them, one sawn down) Marrazochi Z1 dropoffs Pananracer Fire DH pro 2.3 tyres (kevlar)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John GoFaster
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent England
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003
Strengths: Beautiful looking, great control, comfortable ride with minimal pedal bob, lightweight
Weaknesses: Rear mech knocks on Horst Link
Bottom Line:
I think i may have fallen in love with this bike. Everything about it feels great. The idea of being able to go out on a cross country ride, you decide to take a detour, end up finding yourself in the Alps and not having to worry if your bike is up to it is a great feeling. The knocking of the rear mech is a little annoying but i have managed to solve the problem by wrapping a piece of the chainstay protector around the top part of the mech reducing the noise quite considerably. I must say i did have a problem with the first frame in that the headtube was apparently manufactured slightly oversize and caused a strange sound after about 7 or 8 rides but both Evans and Specialized were exellent and changed the frame for a new one. I would definately recommend getting an adjustabe fork for this bike as it significantly helps when climbing. Anyone who is contemplating getting one of these bikes should get one without delay before they are all sold out.
Strengths: Versatility. Great all day/allround ride. 5 plush inches, minimal pedal bob, adjustable geometry/travel. Grey anodizing looks stunning imho.
Weaknesses: Cable routing (under BB) seems vulnerable, but no problems so far. Fox ITch air spring leaks a bit, about 10 PSI / 4 days. Seatpost collar is weak but will do for now. Some form of protection needed on rear shock / bushing since it is placed where ALL crud from the rear tire goes. Rear derailleur knocks on Horst-link (yes, I AM picky).
Bottom Line:
Review is for S-Works frameset built up according to Bike Setup above.
Personal profile: I'm 6 foot and 185 pounds, have been riding BMX/MTB for 18 years + (am 28 now). I mostly ride hard/technical xc with some jumping thrown in ("freeride light"), no huge hucks.
The ride: I've had the bike for 3 weeks and have done about 250 miles of mostly singletrack on it, I will check back later with further comments. So far this bike is all it's cracked up to be. Efficient in 4" mode, plush but not spongy in 5". Really comfortable and adjustable ride. I ride the bike in the high BB mode for sharper handling, that might change if/when I go to the alps though. If you are custom building like I did, do yourself a favour and get an adjustable-travel fork with this bike. It will significantly help climbing, I reduce fork travel to 80mm for any extended climb.
Some measurements and settings: Frame size is M, 100mm stem and layback seatpost, perfect blend between freeride and xc for my riding and size. Have settled on a shock pressure of about 175PSI, rebound 4 clicks from full slow. Flip-flop link run in 70.5 head angle setting.
Regarding the rating: 4 flamin turds because, seriosly, is anything perfect? If it were out of a 100 I'd give it 95.
Bottom bottom line: I simply have more fun on this bike! Overall I'm very happy and totally recommend the bike for anyone who is looking for one bike that can handle (almost) everything. Now I'm just hoping that all frame issues from -02 really are fixed...but I guess it will show.
Bike Setup: Size M S-Works Enduro frame, RS Psylo SL, LX gears, Truvativ ISIS chainset/BB and PC-69 chain, Shimano 555 discs with XT rotors, XT/Mavic 317/DT wheels, various Ritchey and Pazzaz cockpit parts, WTB seat (comfiest ever!). More heavy-duty wheelset for playing around is on the horizon.
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