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Specialized
Enduro Expert FSR
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Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington Beach
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Peter's Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Jacks Bicycle | | Strengths: | Climbs well, plush and well balanced suspension, suspension lock-out and travel adjust, descends very well, great brakes, descent components, looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, maybe. | | Similar Products Used: | Ti-hardtail, Aluminium hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Changed to XT hollotech cranks, 2.4 fr and 2.3 rear tires, Monkeylite XC bar, upgraded Manitou fork with 8inch rotor and Easton EA50 seat post. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, fun to ride, great for trails, rolling hills, jumps, tight berms and fast downhill singletrack. Instills confidence. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sherwood Dabone
a
from Sacramento , CA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | bearclaw poppy | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bikes | | Strengths: | Fun bike. Good all-around trail bike for the price. good for downhilling, jumping and riding techincal stuff. Adjustable, plush, not too heavy. good warranty. nice breaks | | Weaknesses: | Broke at shock mount (like everyone elses), but was warranteed quickly, also one recall, and pivot bolt came out - fixed w/locktite. stock tires, seatpost clamp, rear wheel clamp. low bb for tech stuff. Some ghost shifting probs. Not the best climber (shock bobs and front end can wheelie up) but this is not an XC racer anyway. Front hub and seat clamps. | | Similar Products Used: | NA - my first mtb with any suspension | | Bike Setup: | stock w black fork, etc, except for - answer protaper bars(trimmed) Giant short barends, WTB seat (helps w'tech climbs, Shimano M646 platform spd pedals for bashing rocks, Conti Vertical Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for the trials I ride (rocky norcal/sierra foothills stuff mostly). It is not a racer or a hardcore freeride bike but it does well on every trail out there, and has taken my riding to the next level. Despite some probs and needed upgrades it has and does serve me well. I do have to take off a point for the probs and some of the stock parts, but this bike is still serving well.
Broke the frame in St George, Utah, but the crew down at Red Rock bikes and Spec got me back in the saddle in no time (had the new frame in 2 days, saving my mtb vacation THANKS RR crew-you rule) Had probs with ghost shifting but lengthening the cable housing did the trick, mostly. Pivot bolt came out a few times but blue locktite fixed. Anyway this bike is pretty sweet - would be a good choice for someone who wants a sweet trail bike that can do a bit of everything and is fun for downhill but doesn't wanna spend more than about 2G. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryl King
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Trabuco Trail, SoCal | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Georges Cycles and Fitness, Boise | | Strengths: | Strong frame, good suspension action, comfortable, strong brakes, good travel, looks cool | | Weaknesses: | if you set the linkage at 4.75" of travel with the 69 degree head angle, the shock linkage comes too close to the rear tire | | Bike Setup: | stock. changed tires, seatpost, brakes to avid mechanicals and SRAM levers, stem. | | Bottom Line: | It's a good all-around bike for hard XC riding and light downhill. It keeps good traction going up, and is smooth coming down. Really, if you compare it to frame only the Intense Tracer, you can't beat the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Himes
a Weekend Warrior
from Waltham, MA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods, Porcupine Rim, Nelson Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | 1880.00 | | Strengths: | versatile adjuments, tracks well, fairly efficient, great stand over height | | Weaknesses: | Some stock parts - seat post(crap Kalloy - it bent), QR's(too sharp at ends); difficult to portage(due to monocoque frame design); BB too low for E Coast riding | | Similar Products Used: | K2 4000 (not that similar...) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except Easton seat post, Conti Vert Pro 2.3's, RF bash guard (big ring removed), Oury grips (can't beat those), Big S (shimano) platform clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great trail bike for the price. Will stand up to 4-5 hour rides and not beat you up along the way, as advertised. The bike has good balance/stability if you're in the sweet spot - it sensitive to weight shift, which is great unless you're tired and sloppy.
Some of the stock parts are crap price reducers (seat post, seat, tires). I like the rediculously long handle bar - great leverage. May suck in tight trees though.
Manitou Black is best Manitou I've owned, but its still no Bomber by a long shot. Great adjustabilty and decent stiffness. Survive many a front wheel drop landing! Just doesn't eat bumps and rocks like a Bomber.
Fox Float RL, with Itch switch, is a sweet trail shock with adjustable travel and lockout, but it will bottom out on even 4-5 foot drops(maybe not if you chck the spring pressure more often than me). I'm looking to upgrade to a coil-over to support my free riding style. But the Float hasn't leaked or blown yet!
Big S disc brakes are pretty good too - although I've never riden any other. Good modulation - don't have that on/off feel, and good stopping power.
Great multi-pupose bike. Proof Taiwanese welders aren't all that bad. Definatley a jack-of-all-trades and master-of-none. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Sterling, MA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Some crazy four-wheeler trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Gear Works Cyclery | | Strengths: | -Very fast on downhills
-Good on single track
-Good in muddy conditions with the proper tires
-A decently fast climber with the rear locked out
-Very big confidence builder when riding fast on rocky stuff | | Weaknesses: | -Can be slow on smooth uphills and on the road
-A bit heavy at around 30 pounds
-Stock tires are not good
| | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for those of you who are not ultra concerned with weight. When you get on a downhill you can easily beat any one on a hard tail. This is a good all-around bike for people who ride a little bit of everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris hoch
a Downhiller
from barre vt
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Smooth, Plush, and accurate control all in one bike.
| | Weaknesses: | cable routing, bad factory seat skewer, no front shock lock out. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper, stumpjumper, paramount | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XTR, rear, Lx to finish out the bike | | Bottom Line: | I give this bike a 8 out of 10, because lets be honest does perfection exist?
Full Review
I fell in love with this bike the first time I test rode it at the dealer. First impressions mean a lot. It immediately caught my attention as I mounted the sleek, but rugged frame. With no cross bar to hurdle I felt more comfortable in the standing position, The wider handle bars were a bit alien to me at first but, I quickly felt the advantage of their stability and reactive control.
The rear fox RL shock is amazingly versatile which I suppose fits great with the concept of the Enduro line of bikes, that of being sort of a cross-training or dual use set of wheels. (DH and XC)
I could only come up with one short-fall with the rear shock and that is, when in long stroke mode the travel is enough to rub the back tire on my seat mounted tool bag... Too much travel? who would of thought.
The front shock is the Manitou Black, they have changed to fox for the 2003 models, I heard. I can only say I wish it had complete lock-out, but it has still got a complete array of adjustability from compression to 5in of travel and more. I have still yet to completely understand the complexities of all the variables on the geometry and ride. but I appreciate the flexibility and option to choose, so That why I give this bike a 8 out of 10, because lets be honest does perfection exist?
Notes of negative interest: questionable cable routing, bad factory seat skewer, all the frame issues have been resolved, Other than those issues, quality is outstanding. Love this bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fat Tire Maniac
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver,CO,USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Breckenridge/Keystone Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Versatility, Price, Value, Fun. This bike performes best in rough terrain with occasional climbs and downhills. I have been on bikes that climb better, but the Enduro Expert does an respectable job on those 2000+ foot climbs and shines on those "smack my a*s and call me happy" down mountain runs. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle (replaced with Terry Ti Fly perfomance saddle). Occasional ghost shifting. | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti Kokopelli, Specialized Rockhopper(H.T.), Ibis Ripley | | Bike Setup: | Stock (2002 Enduro Expert frame, Manitou Black Elite 100/125 fork, Shimano,LX,XTR components, Specialized Pro tires Shimano disc brakes etc... | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fun. At 28-30 lbs, it climbs good. Most of the trails near Denver CO go straight up and straight down and the bike handles the rocky mountain terrain as I expected it would. I recommend this bike to those fat tire maniacs out there who just love to spend a day on those long epic rides and need a bike that can handle anything that the trails throw at it.
As much as I like this bike, I am with concerns. This bike does have a history of early production frame cracks and weakness. Specialized assured me that my frame is a late 2002 production frame and has been reinforced in those weak frame areas. I would love to give this bike 5 flamin' chilis all the way around but because of the frame worries I can't. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from St Albans
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Drop to Hayfield Derbyshire | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | A shop | | Strengths: | Multi-purpose | | Weaknesses: | Lack of the above, it broke baby.
Yeah yeah yeah, above the shock mount like everyone elses. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Quad | | Bike Setup: | Custom build | | Bottom Line: | Lets see if SBC replace my frame.
Bikes at this price shouldn't really break should they.
Good job I kept my 8 year old Kona... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Js
a Cross Country Rider
from Sultan, Wa
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Arlington Tree Farm, Wallace Lake , Cranberry Lake, and anything that requires climbing | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1899.00 | | Purchased At: | Everett Bicycle Center | | Strengths: |
Manitou Black 100-120 and Fox "Switch", FSR frame | | Weaknesses: | chain suck | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz, Cannondale, Gary Fischer, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Specialiazed | | Bottom Line: | It climbs like maniac, jumps like a rabbit and it hauls a** on the way down.
Awesome FSR bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lovethisbike
a Weekend Warrior
from Ont. Canada
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Avon Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel goods | | Strengths: | adjustability of suspension components, plush ride, good all round bike & looks cool! | | Weaknesses: | none yet, as this bike was made after the recall on the frames, except the bike can make you a little cockey in your riding ability! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, hardtail w/ susp. seat post. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | WOW !! What a bike! I was a little worried awith all the reviews about the weak spot in the frame, but Specialized has recalled the 2002 enduro experts & fixed the problem. I'm not a little guy & it has taken everything I have thrown at it so far! Good on the long haul & on the technical stuff too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gilboy
a Cross Country Rider
from Scranton, PA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lackawanna State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Suspension design, ride | | Weaknesses: | Frame cracking | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | Hayes hyrraulics, Manitou Xvet super, Panaracer Trailblasters on Mavic 221 wheels, XTR drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | I had a 2000 Enduro Pro that I upgraded with a 2002 Enduro Expert frame. Yes, I had the probems others have had. Right bottom pivot bolt backed out (fixed with Locktite), seatstay replaced under recal, and finaly the frame cracked at the top shock mount. Bottom line is Specialized screwed up. If you have a 2002 Enduro with top tube sticers you can peel off.. Your frame WILL crack. But Specialized knows this and will replace it free. It will start small so it won't leave you stranded or hurt (just without a bike until LBS swawps out the frame). OK... your without a bike for a few weeks; but you get a 2003. You will make up for any suffering when you sell it and it is a year newer.I thought it was the end of the world when mine cracked; but then so did my freinds Gary Fisher Sugar Plus, and anothers Cannondale, and anothers GT. Other reviewers have complained about the front tire getting light on steep climbs here are the fixes: 1 change the pivot setting to the other setting. 2 lock out the rear on climbs 3 upgrade to a larger frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh
a Weekend Warrior
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Value for money
All-round competence
Fine design | | Weaknesses: | Standard bars
Standard saddle
Frame worries | | Similar Products Used: | AMP B3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Eastern Monkey bars and Terry Saddle | | Bottom Line: | Having read all the reviews on this sight I took a few precautions before going out. I got the shop to swop the standard bars which are ridiuculously wide and an odd shape for a pair of Eastern bars. I threw the saddle out an put a Terry Liberator on. I took out the bottom bracket pivots and locktighted them back in. I put a lizard skin on the chain stay and superglued some innertube onto the Horst link. As a result of all of tweaks I have had no trouble at all and I would recommend anyone to do the same. I do have frame worries - the shop assured me that the seat stay has been replaced under the recall but I cannot find any code on it. Speciallized told me that some early frames had failed at the top shock mounting but that later frames had been beefed up. I hope so. It's hard to really go for it or go for a long ride if one is worried about the frame breaking (having never had a frame break in 15 years of mountain biking). However, performance is great - a real revelation after my last bike. It's a lot heavier but soooo much more comfortable. 4 Chilis because of mods I had to do and worries about frame. Otherwise a great bike so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hoj
a Weekend Warrior
from Leek, Staffs,UK
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any in the Peaks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Second-hand frame (no new ones in uk) | | Strengths: | Plush as you like. Handles anything you can throw at it. Climbs better than a hardtail even in thick mud! Loadsa clearance on the frame for cacky trails. Totally independant rear sus and it looks cool too. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shifting has always been toss. Fox shock bushings sound a bit worn. Cable routing also seems like an afterthought. Don't use Avid flak jackets, they really don't work very well.. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR XC, Giant AC2, Scott Pogo stick, Marin Rock Springs (all demo'd for the weekend not owned, this my first full-sus) | | Bike Setup: | Custom build from frameset. Hope minis (big disks), LX/XT, Hope XC-F219/PsyloSL '03/Fire XCs | | Bottom Line: | If you don't get one you'll not own the best bike on the market.
Nuff said | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Still "Rock-it" | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Warranty @ Rock 'n Road | | Strengths: | Still one of the best all around mountain bikes on the market. Confortable, stable, capable over almost any surface. Good factory support. | | Weaknesses: | New frame technology hurt early release '02 bikes (see below). A little heavy for climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | Y2K Enduro Comp, Old Trek Y-bike | | Bike Setup: | Psylo SL; XT cranks, fr. DR; XTR rear; Thomson post; Hayes Hydros. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to my follow up. I regret to say my frame suffered the same fate as some of the others talked about on this page. My frame cracked, big time, at the upper shock mount/seat pod. I learned from my dealer, Rock 'n Road, via Specialized, that the early production models of the Enduro (The ones with the striping you could peel off the top tube) had a single-pass weld at the upper shock mount. This has led to numerous cracks. Later '02 models, with the decals clear-coated on, have a double-pass weld that has seemed to fix the defect.
Specialized offered me an '03 Enduro Pro frame along with the re-build labor paid for. Very cool of them. I think I'm going to hold out for the Comp as it is a better color frame.
I still love this bike alot and the company is top-notch with the customer service. I will continue to purchase Specialized bikes as long as they maintain this level of service, honesty and care.
To all of you reviewers that hate the company or the bike for this crack or minor, fixable problems...Get a life. I'd bet Specialized took care of you too and all you had to put up with was a short down time. Come on, be fair and rate the bike for its qualities and not because of compontent problems, dealer problem or even the fact that Specialized erred and has made every effort to fix the problem.
I will continue to give the best rating for value and company efforts in design and service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | bent creek area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Liberty bikes | | Strengths: | Stylish. Rear lock out and long/short travel work well and allow you to adjust to the environment. Handles and corners great. Smooth downhill ride. | | Weaknesses: | Significant initial chainsuck problem - fixed with a chain upgrade and dialing in the front derailer tighter. Weak seatpost and quick release - tends to allow seat to rotate despite my best efforts to tighten well. | | Similar Products Used: | canondale - hardtail | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It ascends like a goat and super plush on the downs. It is a great overall xc bike that handles well. Had some initial problems that where easily fixed. I weigh 205 and the bike has taken everything I have thrown at it so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Francefort
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwalk, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilton Woods, Wilton Ct | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Zanes Cycles | | Strengths: | Ability to lock out rear suspension; climbs hills like any hardtail while in full suspension mode; looks sweet; can adjust just about everything ! Great vale for the buck ! | | Weaknesses: | None so far, except all my friends are jealous ! | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike just kicks A#S, I looked at the Santa Cruise Bullet and a couple of the Canondales but this is the best value for the buck. The best thing about the bike is that is rides so sweet ! and even better is that the place I bought is gave me such a sweet deal $400 off and they have a life time warrant for part and labor ! Check them out if you are in CT, they are up in Branford call Zanes Cycles, they rock ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lemon
a Weekend Warrior
from Bremerton
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mt. muller | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | mt shoppe | | Strengths: | rear suspension | | Weaknesses: | stock seat, loosening pivot bolt, weak seatpost & QR. | | Similar Products Used: | various hardtails. Researched Cannondale Jekyl 700, RM Slayer, Tomac 98 Special Pro. | | Bike Setup: | stock but for the seat and XT rear der. | | Bottom Line: | Really a great ride. Climbs well and descends like a dream. Both rear and front suspension work well for me at 5'11", 150 lbs. Love the brakes, though they squeal a bit when moist. But no fade, even after a few miles of uninterrupted downhill.
The seat was a literal pain in the ass, but a Terry Fly took care of that. Seat post and quick release seem very weak, and the right pivot bolt has come loose twice now, though both times caught before any damage was done. This bike also seems to suffer from chainsuck much easier than even my old, cheap Raleigh and a bare metal scrape on the chainstay has resulted.
But aside from these small issues, I love this bike. Got a good deal at the LBS and awesome service after the sale. Recommended for the xc rider who's looking for just a bit more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart
a
from Portland
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycles | | Strengths: | I used to think it had some. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost clamp, weak frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Jeckyll, Bullit, Marin, EPX | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in late February and thought that it was the sh!t. This bike quickly made up for any lack of skill I had on the gnarly downhills. The suspension feels great climbing or bombing downhill. The Itch shock is great.
BUT, my frame cracked at the large weld on the upper shock mount plate. I weigh maybe 175 with a full camel back. I rarely drop over 2'. I just received my replacement frame and was very disappointed to see it is unchanged from the one that broke. This frame is too light for a supposed 'all mountain' bike. I compared it to the '03 enduro on the shop floor and it too is the same. I have no faith in this bike, it is fun to ride, but is just too weak. If you want to be gnarly and not have to worry about your frame buy a Bullit - they climb good enough if you have legs. If you want to buy a new 2002 enduro expert frame give me an offer. If you ride one of these and it has not broke yet make sure you inspect it every ride. I sure am glad I kept my 4yr old Kona. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from warwick,ri,usa
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | this is a follow-up to my review on 7-20-02 | | Weaknesses: | the space between the chainring & chain stay is tight; i got chain suck & my chain took a chunk of aluminum w/ it; almost had resort to chain tool to fix the suck | | Bike Setup: | bar ends(you'll need them if you want to keep your front on the trail while climbing)
wtb weirwolf 2.5 kevlar front tire
wtb motoraptor 2.4 kevlar rear tire
P.S. the stock tires are great, well balanced shoes, but i like the ability to go w/ less psi(wtb's) & the rear breaks before the front(wtb's) in tight corners which helps keep me off the brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I don't know what people are talking about; i've been droping 4-5' to flat on this rig for over 3 mo. & everything's fine (knock on wood). i took her to Sunday River last week: i was passing my downhill-crazed friend in the tight technical sections. he just couldn't get his
47lb $4000 beast to manuver fast enough. maybe i got lucky and someone welded some extra strength into my frame, i don't know, all i can say is i love this ride. i'm 21 & have been riding for 7yrs. this bike completely changed my style: everything is just so smooth. this bike wieghs ~8lbs more than my hard tail & i still enter xc races on my fsr - that's how much faster this bike is. i almost forgot, i've learned the suspension well. i wiegh ~170.
to keep everything balanced i:
run everything in short travel for xc(duh): 100mmw/no preload & less comp. damp.(~1/4 turn),4"(rear) add one more click of reb. damp.
for more agressive trail: 120mm w/ 1 full turn of preload and almost full comp. damp.(just in case of something big)
i add 1/2 a turn of preload & a bit more(2letters) rebaound damp. for downhill
i run the firm spring(in the black) if i'm planning on lots of hucking
this bike has yet to give me any real problems and does everything big s promised in their ad. hype earlier this year: i bump the value up to 5
the love i have for this bike is 2nd only to my fiance(i love you emily:-) )and my love for mt biking itself
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Merrimac, MA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | weight, apparant durability, rear suspension design, adjustability, exceptional support from mfgr and dealer | | Weaknesses: | Rear hyrdro line routing under bottom bracket is a recipe for disaster. Bottom shock pivot exposed to mud/dirt from rear tire, expect bushings to fail. Interrupted seat tube design has some inherent flaws but is an acceptable trade-off for 4-bar performance | | Similar Products Used: | '01 Enduro Expert, Sugar 3, Kona Stinky, Superlight | | Bike Setup: | '02 Enduro Expert frame w/stock seatpost
'01 Psylo XC
Mavic F219 rims laced to XT disc hubs
Hayes hydros
Race Face prodigy XC crankset
XT/XTR drivetrain
ODI lockring grips | | Bottom Line: | I recently cracked my '01 Enduro Expert frame and received this as a replacement; the LBS threw in the parts that wouldn't fit from the old bike (seatpost, front derailleur). Support was outstanding both from the mfgr and the shop...4 day turnaround...exceptional!
Compared to the '01 there are some subtle differences; overall the bike feels lighter and more maneuverable. It not as light in the front-end, hence the front wheel sticks to the ground better when climbing. The extra 1/2" or so of rear travel is noticeable on the bigger hits and drops. This bike handles mid-sized drops (3-4') like pudding. The '01 had a movable shock pivot bolt; I liked the "XC" setting better on that bike. I have not flipped the shock link yet; this is supposed to offer better clearance.
During the bike's absence I rode a borrowed Sugar for 2 days in northern VT. This underscored the value of the 4-bar linkage. Rooty technical sections where I would normally pedal the Enduro at full steam would cause the rear tire on the sugar to bounce around like a ping-pong ball. I would have to stand and coast, pedaling between roots. Then Enduro soaks it up and lets you hammer through this stuff. Biiiig difference.
Overall I thought the '01 Enduro was a great value and a great ride, I am far more impressed with this frame however. There are probably great deals to be had on leftover '02 Enduros in the next few months; if I were in the market for a bike this would be top on the list! I give it 4 chilis for value because the Comp is probably more bang for the buck.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
handlebars
a Weekend Warrior
from NW indiana
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | marquette, mi. trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | adjustability, f&r lockout, geometry. | | Weaknesses: | no intelligent water bottle mounts | | Similar Products Used: | gt i-drive, specialized rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | psylo sl fork, raceface cranks, alex wheels, hayes disc brakes 8", body geometry seat & grips, time atac pedals(and primo flats) spare coil rear shock 7.75", salsa stem, ritchey post and the required drunkcyclist.com stickers | | Bottom Line: | i purchased the frame only at my LBS and built it to suit me. i have done 6 to 8 ft. drops, rode a norba downhill race in nashville-4th place, and lots of urban and dirt jumping and haven't heard a squeek out of this thing at all. i weigh 180lbs and i ride smooth but hard. i race xc races (like today) and do quite well there too. this bike will do anything i ask it to without fail.
now allow me to solve some of the earlier posters ghost shift problems. specialized has done to many of you what i did to myself in building this frame.... the cable housing to the rear der. that runs under the BB is too short. when the suspension compresses it will pull down on the housing and cause a ghost shift to a smaller gear, then when the suspension goes back up it will shift right back to where you wanted it. hope this helps you.
don't get me wrong this bike is not meant to handle the rigors of downhill competition and i'm sure i would have been considerably better suited on a big hit but it did and will hold up to that kind of abuse. as for the earlier posts saying they had cracked seat stays, there was a recall by specialized a few months ago which replaced the seatstays with beefier ones due to cracking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Cobb
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycles, Chattanooga | | Strengths: | Handles very well.Nice looking bike.Good front suspension and rear suspension. | | Weaknesses: | The bike has cracked along a weld were the rear shock is mounted to the frame,lets see how much trouble it is too get replaced.Pivot bolt came out a couple of times and the seatpost bolt broke .It bottoms out and ghost shifs.The bike is crap and as soon as i get the frame replaced i will sell it ASAP. Not recomended for riders over 180 lbs, Im very dissapointed with this bike .Especially considering the money i paid for it . | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ,Santa Cruz,Kona | | Bike Setup: | Zoom stem ,Selle italia seat,Marin Seat binder,Atac pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Poorly built bike that falls apart after minimal use over relatively mild trail conditions.Very very dissapointed in Specialized ,this was my second Spec, bike but will be my last. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ride-R
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Westridge @ Snow Summit | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike USA | | Strengths: | Here's my 6 month review/recap.
Strengths are still versatility/adjustability
Low BB Height keeps it stable but is also a weakness. | | Weaknesses: | Rear Triangle - Cracked on the topside of the seat stay just forward of the disc brake mount. Figured maybe too many rear wheel hops. Shop said from rough riding. I haven't done too much of that, at least nothing I haven't done on any other bike. Props out to Specialized & Black Mtn Bikes for getting me back on the trails in 3 days.
The stupid lower pivot bolt just behind the BB backed out. Almost left me stranded so I let it bend my small chainring. I really didn't want to walk 3 miles in the dark.
Cranks seem flexy.
BB, pedals, cranks have taken a beating because of low height. Mostly hung up in rock gardens and in tight spots.
I still get some ghost shifting & chain skip every once in a while despite numerous time to shop.
Some cheap parts. See bike set-up for my list of weaknesses.
| | Bike Setup: | The seatclamp 1st to go. Allowed post to slide & dent the shock (cosmetic). Spec. should just sel the bike without one. - Went w/Salsa
Pedals - Sun Ringle
Seat - SDG
Tires - Tioga front IRC Kujo rear
Grips - seriously Spec.! changed to Intense ODI's
Bar - Azonic Double wall
Stem - Azonic Shorty
Chain - SRAM PC99
Cassette - XT 9
Post - Ritchey
Rear Wheel - 24" 3x Black Doublewide w/ Kujo 2.35 (Well, actually I've never used it. I still have to buy a cassette. Lazy) Anyone want to buy it?
| | Bottom Line: | So far I like the bike despite some of its probs. It's a good all around bike to bomb down a hill or grind up a hill (locked out). It's even light enough to catch air at my old bmx stomping grounds. Good for all around riders. Keep looking if you want to do any serious downhill. I still think this bike deserves 4 Red Hot Chili Peppers.
I gotta say Specialized & Black Mtn Bikes turned my prob around quick. I was expecting to miss Mammoth before it closed because of the expected 2 week turn around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HANNES
a Weekend Warrior
from VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | MOUNTAINBIKER | | Strengths: | Versatility, adjustability, weight, FSR 4 bar linkage. Handles uphill and downhill equally well. Fun to ride in all Situations. | | Weaknesses: | right BB suspension pivot bolt came loose, deore rear hub and BB seems cheap, headset keeps getting loose, enduro tires are light but mine keep loosing knobs, inner tubes are weak. | | Similar Products Used: | 94 FSR Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except XT-Discs, Psylo SL, Thomson/Flite seatpost/seat combo | | Bottom Line: | The gain in performance between this bike and my old FSR is so much bigger than between the old FSR and the even older hardtail. I was amazed about how much confidence this bike would give me when first riding it.
Headset and noisy BB are annoying, but after 2000km I guess not everything can still be perfectly in place. And now, after one week at gardasee in italy I feel even better about this bike.
Chainstay developed cracks a few weeks earlier, but thanks to my dealer it took less than 2 hours to get it fixed.
Flipped the shock link when installing the new chainstay to get the steeper head angle, and now I feel like this keeps me centered a little better on the bike, also the front tire gets more weight and seems to keep track better than before, so I will keep this setting although I miss that laid back point and shoot feeling a little.
I had these rear triangle torque specs sent to me by Specialized:
upper seatstay and lower link bolts M10 X 20mm 110 inlbs.
center shock link bolt M8 X 50mm to 180 inlbs.
dropout pivot bolts M8 X 26mm 100 inlbs.
BB pivot bolts M15 X 25mm 160 inlbs
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bubba prator
a Cross Country Rider
from gearhart or.
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | n. umqua | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | mike's bike shop | | Strengths: | great handling bike goes good uphill with not much bob. and is a awlsome XC downhiller. Works good in tight places as I cut my handle bar couple inches cause of the tree situation in the NW USA. Specialized is a great company for getting warrenty parts to you when you bust them. This is my second specialized bike and have been through several frames from each.Disc brakes rule compared to v brakes as this place only sees 50 days of dry weather a year. Tires were light and fast for how big they were. Replaced as they wore out with heavier 2.4's. Like the fox float lockout and itch. GReat shock. Manitou black is trouble free so farand works good with the stiffest spring avaible. I wt 210. | | Weaknesses: | Extremely weak frame, shock mount ripped apart after 4 months and I am on my third seatstay. I wt 210 and at my age 57 do little or no hucking as i tend to break faster than my bike. It brakes just from XC riding. Good frame for going to the supermarket and hopping big stuff like curbs. Not good in the woods cause it can brake at a moments notice andyou better have some hiking shoes cause you will need them. The disc brake pads wear very fast, they are not as good as avids or hayes. Sometimes have to stop and cool them off cause of brake fade. But only done that twice and that was on 3 or 4,000 foot decents. Seat collar was replaced the first day with a 6mmmbolt one. Seat was placed with a berserker. Bashguard instead of big chainring Probably replace brakes with a better less wearing pad one. Better handing bike than my 2000 big hit but very fragile. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 big hit frame replacement for 1998 enduro Fisher Joshua 1997 | | Bike Setup: | As described above | | Bottom Line: | If you wt no more than 145# buy oone and don't jump much over 2 foot. If you are haverier and do some jumping get somthing else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Reseda to Eagle Springs Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Connection | | Strengths: | Was a great step up from my '94 Raleigh M80. This bike has significantly improved my riding. Love the ITCH switch on the rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | Stock springs on Manitou Black Elite fork are too soft for my weight (215), got a stiffer spring set on order. Shimano brakes sometimes squeal so loud I think they're gonna give me a brain tumor. Chain often seems to not be able to make it down to the 2nd ring from the 3rd ring because it gets stuck between the 3rd ring and the chainstay. Have to get off the bike and nudge it through, seems that there's barely enough space there for the chain to slide through. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Planning to upgrade to an XTR front derailleur, and XTR shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, Enduro Pro doesn't seem worth it for the extra 500 or so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROD
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | race course | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle | | Strengths: | Everything is there. No upgrades needed (for my use anyway) | | Weaknesses: | Seat sucked I changed it out before the first ride. The stock springs in the Manitou do not work for a heavy or light rider. I bought one for my wife and they tried to tell me at the shop thsat it cold work for her. New soft spring is 4 weeks away. The heavy spring was in stock for myself., I think that when you spend this much money, the shock should come with the right spring. Bike shop gave me all of the wrong manuals. | | Similar Products Used: | none similar Marin Indian Fire trail circa 1989 with original manitou | | Bike Setup: | Out of the box | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I have waited a long time to go to full suspension. I wanted to buy a standard bike that had all of the right gear. this bike climbs great ( and pushes ok too) and goes faster then you probably should on the downhills. My wife got bounced all over the place with the standard spring in the front shock. At 125 lbs., they should have replaced it at the bike shop right away with a soft spring. At first I thought the fenders looked stupid but after the first ride and a dry ass, I changed my mind. I have only had one ride but I love this bike. I hope it holds up mechanicaly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
arch
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh. PA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS - Gatto Cycles | | Strengths: | Handles extremely well, smooth travel, adjustable head angle and BB height, fairly light for the travel, stiff frame - no real play in the rear triangle. | | Weaknesses: | BB is too low (it's been beaten to death, but it's true). Durability? I'm not convinced this frame will last for the long haul. The first day I had it the change broke and tore apart the hanger and part of the rear triangle. The bottom inside screw back out as some have said - very annoying indeed. Just put loctite on it, hopefully that will fix it - torque to 125in/lbs. All other bolts are to be tightened to 90 in/lbs - per Specialized. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed Aeon ISIS, SC Superlight, SC Bullit, Titus Racer-x. | | Bike Setup: | Totally custom, only purchased the frame.
Fork Manitou Black Elite 100/120
BB ES70
Cassette XT
Crank XT
Chain SRAM PC-99
Brake Levers Avid SDTi
Brakes Avid Mech
Shifters XT
Handlebar Easton Monkey Lite CT2 1.5"
Saddle WTB Laser V Stealth Ti
Seatpost Clamp Thompson
Seatpost Thomson Elite
Stem Thomson Elite
Grips ODI ruffian lockon + lock jaws
Wheel Rhino Lite/XT hub
Headset King
Deraillures XT
Cables Full metal jacket/Avid
| | Bottom Line: | First of all, I saw some bunk torque specs floating around. The correct ones are 125in/lbs for the bottom linkage behind the bottom bracket. All the other screws are 90in/lbs.
I like the bike a lot, it has definitely taken my riding to a new level. I didn't have a lot of confidence in it initially (the traingle seemed weak and the screw kept backing out) but I think I have everything ironed out now. The first thing you should do is apply loctite to that screw and check the torque settings to make sure everything is ok.
I have it speced as an agressive trail bike with a touch of freeride - nothing huge, maybe 3-5 footers. I haven't had any problems yet. The low bottom bracket really helps with handling, it is very quick for a big bike (XL - I'm 6'4) in tight switchbacks and singletrack. If you are looking for a bike for hucking huge drops though, I severely doubt this would hold up, so look elsewhere. After all, that is not what Specialized designed this for. It climbs extremely well, and the lockout works perfectly, the travel adjustment is cool too, although I honestly never use it.
I give it 5 chilis because I think it sets out to do exactly what Specialized wanted it to do - be a solid bike for every kind of riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rallycarperson rallycarperson
a Weekend Warrior
from east brunswick, NJ,USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything i can find | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Bike | | Strengths: | Great bike out of the box! Great suspension (soft for free riding and hard for XC), and great handling on soft gravel (if u know how to handle it.)Also its very fast going up and down the hill, but if your 12 like me any bike like this is great!! | | Weaknesses: | Terrible seat, no lock-out in front(so what),first day i got it the brakes sqeeked when i didnt even press on the brakes, chain falls off on the gears of 2-1 and 1-1, and the fenders are flinsy and can scratch very easly! | | Similar Products Used: | upgraded from a 1996 Raleigh M 20! | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager F2000 Gel Saddle, shorter stem, Thompson seatpost, and Race Face Good N' Evil grips. Future modification: 3 spoke wheel sets. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for those people who do XC and freeride in the same week. The weeknesses are nothing big. There is no point to upgrading to the Enduro Pro (only if your a downhiller!!)
THANK YOU PLANET BIKE!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Aberdeen Scotland
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Scene | | Strengths: | After being a bit scepitical about full suspension, I decided to take the plunge.After reading reviews in MBR
and MTB Reviews the Enduro Expert seemed to stand out, also it fitted my budget.After the first ride I noticed a definate difference to my Hardtail, it seemed to me it just wanted me to push the bike harder and faster.Weight wasn't an issue on climbs it seemed to bite in the trail and give me more traction even in the roughest terrain, and downhills aloud you to push it more, to the extent it made you feel a better rider than you probably are.
I've had it now about 3 months done Hacks round the local forests, Coast to Coast and a few Epics,and the love affair just continues. | | Weaknesses: | When I was setting up the bike, tightening the allen bolts
on the brakes, both bolts rounded off. Also seatpost started slipping after 4 rides.Bushings in FOX SHOX has just been replaced.Plus spring in Manitou Black had to be replaced due to being too soft. | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock except for Grips (crap)and changed saddle to a Fizik. Didn't really think it needed upgrading, will replace bits as and when I need them | | Bottom Line: | I would highly recommend this bike toanyone.
End of story | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Werner Hinze
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | White Ranch, Denver, CO | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Green Mountain Cycles, Denver | | Strengths: | Superb all round performer( Lock-out & adjustable suspension ).Solid bike for the bigger rider ( I am 6'1" , 185 lbs) Fantastic value for money. Great 'out the box' spec. - no need to waste more money on upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | Terrible seat post clamp & weak seat post ( throw it away on day 1 !). Suspension bolts came loose during settling in period ( check the one next to the inner chain ring - red locktite will solve it). | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn, Marin Mount Vision Pro | | Bike Setup: | Size: M, Spec : As supplied, replaced seat clamp with a Salsa & fitted longer stem ( I am 6'1), I may stiffen the fork later. | | Bottom Line: | Great all round bike especially for bigger riders. Throw away the seat clamp & seat post, get a REAL bike shop to set up the bike properly (Praise to Corky & the guys at Green Mountain for making loads of effort helping me dial in the bike - It makes all the difference) and GO RIDE IT!
The bike weighs around 28lbs, but making the transition from a 23lbs Titanium hard tail I never even noticed. I have ridden a lot of trails around Denver (Dakota Ridge, Apex, Deer Valley etc.) and the bike just kept going (check all the suspension bolts for first few weeks). It climbs superbly without bobbing & really shine's on the tight downhill stuff in the long travel setting.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kippered Beef Steak
a Weekend Warrior
from The North Shore of B.C.
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ned's Dust Bin, CBC, Pipeline, etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | DIZZY CYCLE (Best shop in B.C.) | | Strengths: | Bike is lighting quick going up or down. 28 -30lbs not heavy at all. Corners as if it is on rails, hold tights in a berm. Black fork is smooth, once broken in ... not a "real" downhill fork, but works accurately with it's 5 inches of travel, if you are a heavier person go with a heavier spring. The rear shock works well and the "itch switch" is perfect in all situations, best with XC riding. Air is plush and is easily adjusted to one's weight. Very adjustable. Black Expert colour is slick and the bike looks as sharpe (like a razor). | | Weaknesses: | Frame will dent, go ahead give it a shot. Factory seat in uncomfortable, but is simply a matter of taste. Bike is more XC than DH ... but you must modify my son. | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro Sport, Rocky Mountain Switch (Great bike, needs longer front fork) | | Bike Setup: | Removed 3rd ring ... bash guarded. Replaced clips for flats. Shorter stem. Moved levers (brakes, shifters)in. Replaced factory seat with a Serfas. Changed tires to IRC DH 2.35 ... will replace rims soon. | | Bottom Line: | The Specialized Enduro Expert is fast, fun, and a enjoyable ride. No bike will do everything, and don't expect the Enduro Expert to do it all, but it will do more than most. It is a good all around performer. It goes up Fromme quickly and goes down like a nimble kitten on a fence post. One thing, if buying a bike make sure your bike shop of choice educates you on your purchase. Dizzy Cycle Rules !! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Junior Sendra
a Cross Country Rider
from New York City
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Vancorland Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Tread Bike Shop.com | | Strengths: | The Frame has a great disign that is just right for freeriding and cross country riding. comes with so great components on the bike as well. | | Weaknesses: | didn't like the disc brakes that it came with and the head set was alittle bit shabby for me. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y33 Team edition. | | Bike Setup: | Changed the shimano disc brakes to the avids disc brakes w/avids speed dial 7 levers and the head set to a chris king. the cranks are now shimano XT and the front deralluer is XTR for performance. | | Bottom Line: | the bike set up out of the box is great for those who wants a bike to race or freeride. it is hard to compare it to my trek y33 but when you want it to do something it will take it. i still have to adjust the rear disc brakes alittle bit more but the power is there when i need it. over all this is the bike for those who want to ride all over the place other than dirt.
the shocks are very easy to set up if you read the instructions. there are some sweet spots on the shocks that you may find when you do the adjustments. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from warwick, ri, usa
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | ADJUSTABILITY! this bike is great! the shock becomes stffer (less stroke) or locks out w/ the flip of a switch. the black 100/120's spring rate increases signifcantly in the 100mm setting. TPC is sooo sweet. big strength to weight ratio | | Weaknesses: | either replace the saddle or grow callouses on your back end
would prefer a copmpression adj. instead of lockout(no biggy)
cable routing under BB makes me nervouse in rock gardens
chain stay is too short for extended technical climbing
| | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel, sugar+, marlin wolf ridge | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ bar ends | | Bottom Line: | this is a truly sweet ride! one of the best multi-purpose MTB's out there. suspention is superb at both ends. i run my shock a little stiff when rideing hard; everything is perfect in the 5.2" travel setting. i flip the switch to 4" for any real climb and the wheel tracks beautifully. the lockout is only good for sprinting or fireroad climbs. the black is a great fork. the tpc damping works wonders, thogh i would like a bit more rebound adj.. i weigh ~ 170 w/ gear and the blacks stock spring is great for the trail, but if you plan to drop 3'+ on a daily basis you'll need a heavier spring(NOTE: this is a trail bike. due to its light weight i don't drop anything more than 5' without a clean transition). and speacializeds' fsr technolgy as always, takes the cake. if you need a "do anything" bike that will help keep your teeth in your head on the decents, then this is the bike for you.
p.s. the steepr head angl climbs better and gives you a higher BB, use it (unless you frequently race down fireroads at 40mph+) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Cramer
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anthills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Champions Cyclery | | Strengths: | 5" front & rear, looks great, decent components,under 30#s w/ slight mods | | Weaknesses: | early 02 frame broke @ forward rear shock mount. shock went right into the frame box after about 200 miles/ Replacement frame has much beefier shock mount & new seat stay. | | Similar Products Used: | Upgraded from old superV 900 | | Bike Setup: | Monkey lite risers, ATACs, SDG seat, Hopey steering dampener | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike, definitly best bike at that price. I shopped bikes for six months and I think this one had the best handling. Except for the frame problem(I was only down for about two weeks,thanks Specialized & Champion Cycles) it has been a great bike.
Just make sure you get the new new frame 2002.1 that has the new shock mount. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce Everest
a Weekend Warrior
from Bagshot, England
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South Downs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclopedia | | Strengths: | Helps you push your abilities, it always handles whatever you ask of it, and It's just so gorgeous looking. | | Weaknesses: | You guys already said it all ... My original jello frame cracked, the Quick release is pants, and the pedals touch down way to early. Oh and if the chain slaps the frame thats cos you need to stop being a girl on the downhills and keep pedalling | | Similar Products Used: | Marin, test piloted friends Rockhoppers, Attack Trials, and Orange Sub5 | | Bike Setup: | Junior T forx, Gary Fisher saddle, Fire XC pro tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Bike goes back to dealer tomorrow for new Frame. Glad it went at home as I'm off to Morzine in the Alps next month !
Brakes never feel anything other than spot on, and in the English rain and mud, that means a lot.
Adjustable rear shock and lock out has my mates hating me, and the overall ride is just superb ... buy one .. you know you want to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Churchland
a Weekend Warrior
from Redwood City, CA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pauly Creek, Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Menlo Velo | | Strengths: | Incredible adjustability of shock travel and bike geometry.
Stiff, Strong Frame. | | Weaknesses: | Size large weights 30.2 pounds (once you take the fenders off)
Pointy seat tube seems destined to puncture the shock (I have actually seen this happen).
An XTR rear derailler and the rear hub isn't even LX? An obvious ploy to decieve the unobservant.
Bars too wide for all but the serious freerider (and even then too wide for much of the north shore). Cut em down an inch or too. | | Similar Products Used: | Various hardtails, A couple treck suspension models. | | Bike Setup: | Cut 2" off the handlebars.
Shock link in the 'tall-and-quick' position.
Removed the fenders.
Blunted the seattube bottom. | | Bottom Line: | This bike handles very well. I weigh 185 and this is the first bike I have owned in a while that seems laterally stiff enough. It corners very well, especially in the short travel mode.
The fork and shock adjustability is awesome. The itch switch makes a bigger difference than you would guess (the spring rate goes up when the travel goes down), and the lockout is great on asphault or fireroad climbs. Both can be adjusted on the fly.
The adjustability of the front fork is similarly awesome. The accompanying change in geometry is almost as useful as the change in travel. You can put it in short travel and slice and dice your favorite singletrack switchbacks, then put it in long travel and bomb the faster stuff. Obviously there is a weight penalty for this feature, but hey, if weight is your thing get an FSRxc.
The disc brakes work well. In dry conditions the improvement over V-brakes is noticeable but not dramatic. Mostly the modulation is improved. I haven't done any wet riding or pure downhills yet, but I suspect I will be impressed when I do.
The bike climbs better than expected. On the easy stuff you can lock it out. On the hard stuff, the short travel mode does a fantastic job of hooking up, even when out of the saddle (something that spelled doom on the Y-bike). Basically it is as good as you can get for the weight.
I rate for for five right now. Will go up to 5 on the overall if the bike develops no problem. Can't give it 5 on value, cause the XTR derailleur/deore hub thing is a cheap trick. Bike companies need to hear that real mountain bikers care about important but less obvious components, like hubs and cranks. The current spec is a little decieving, I would rather have an LX derailler, an LX hub and XT cranks.
Buy it if you are a xc rider who cares more about dropping your friends on the DH than on the UH. Buy it if you are >175 pounds and you want a bike that corners like its on rails. Buy it if you want a very adjustable bike than can be altered to suit you and the terrain. Obviously if you want the fastest all around XC bike, buy an FSR. Me, I'm pretty damn happy with the enduro. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny L
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester, UK
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All the Lake District | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3750.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes | | Strengths: | Loads of adjustable travel and it does make a real difference, the Fox Float RL (Itchy) is a top shock. Looks awesome, even with me on it, comes as a frameset so you can set it up as you like. Climbs like a mountain goat, reckon I go up hill faster on this than on my hardtail.
| | Weaknesses: | Nowt....oh yeh, it to too bloody long in arriving, apart from that its perfect. | | Bike Setup: | Hope/Mavic wheels/skewers, Hope M4 hydraulic brakes, Easton 26" Carbon Monkey's, Thomson Elite post & Stem, Fox Forx Vanhilla 125RLC's, RaceFace Turbine LP's, XTR rear mech, XT front mech, shifters & cables, Sach's PC69 chain, RaceFace Good 'n' Evil grips, Spesh Body Geom Comp saddle & Enduro tyres/ tubes...oh and Ritchey Pro spd's........... | | Bottom Line: | Dogs Bollox, it flies................buy one or you'll always wonder????? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA, US of A
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Still has to be "Rock-it" | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Warranty rplcmt. @ Rock n' Road | | Strengths: | Pretty much what everyone else has said already...Great bike! | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket (read on), tight angle on the seat stay causes even more chain-slap noise than the previous model. | | Similar Products Used: | y2k Specialized Enduro Comp, Old Trek Y bike & various hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Psylo SL w/ u-turn, Hayes hyro's, Thomson seatpost, XT cranks and fr. der., XTR rear der. stock wheels and WTB velociraptors. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my January review. After about a thousand brutal miles, this bike reigns supreme.
I just recently flipped the linkage to the "tall bottom bracket" setting (after many disturbing pedal-bashing incidents). I was hesitant to do so because of the headtube angle/handling issues. I found that the angle change could easily be corrected with the u-turn option on the Rockshock. I adjusted quickly to the added height and am now clearing all the usual problematic objects. The world is in balance again.
I have not had any problems with the strength of the frame. It has taken a beating and not shown any signs of stess. I am not a clydsdale though. I'm only about 175 lbs.
I can't stress enough how happy I am with Specialized. They stood behind a older frame with a questionable problem, no questions asked. They acted very quickly to get me back on the trail. I will be one of their customers as long as they build bikes. (I'm looking forward to checking out the new Epic)
Five flaming chilis for value because you get a ton (figuratively of course) of bike for the money and the resale seems to be pretty high for this bike.
Five overall flamers because a great company builds a great bike, bottom line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K. Fritz Lehr
a Cross Country Rider
from Carrboro, NC
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chapel Hill High Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Franklin Street Cycles | | Strengths: | Not very expensive for what you get, Horst Link which makes it active when braking, variable travel and lockout on shock, quick customer service, I think Specialized has worked out all the bugs on this new frame, now offered as a frame only | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket is kind of low, but that does make it turn better, new warranty frame weight has gone up from original frame, but not by much, better off building your own bike than buying it complete, disc only, but who wants V-brakes | | Similar Products Used: | ’02 Joker SL, ’01 Truth SE, ’00 Specialized S-Works FSR, ’00 & ’99 Truth, Mountain Cycle Moho CXS ( I owned all of these bikes ) | | Bike Setup: | XT discs, hubs, shifters, front derailleur, cassette & cranks, XTR rear derailleur, Thompson Seatpost, Azonic bar, Sun rims, Rock Shox Duke SL 100, Kore stem, Shimano 747 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I have another review below and I purchased only the frame, this is a follow up. I put about 300 miles on the bike and found a crack in the frame where the shock mounts up to the frame. I took it to the dealer and in less than 2 weeks, I had an all-new frame, they replaced everything, except the shock. Can't complain about that, any time my Ellsworth broke, it took over a month to get a new one and they only replaced the broken part. Ellsworth does have good customer service, just slow. The only bad thing is that the frame is now heavier by half a pound and it is getting close to 7 lbs. Still that is not that bad, but I was more impressed when it was closer to 6 lbs. The frame is wider where the shock mounts up to bike and looks a little thicker too. They probably have the problem fixed; I don’t think it is going to break again. I do love this bike, wish it were lighter, but it's better that it be reliable. I have been asked how it compares to the Truth. The '01 med truths are quicker handling than the Enduro, they bob less, and they are just under 6 lbs, but they have less travel and the rear suspension is less active when braking. I did not like my '00 Large truth, it was slow handling and felt more like the Large Joker I owned. The bushings kept wearing out too. The Joker was strange, it was smooth, but not as smooth on the little stuff as the Enduro. The Joker was definitely the stiffest bike I have ever owned. I still think this is a great bike and an excellent value. The warranty and customer service are top notch. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jube
a Downhiller
from marlton, nj usa
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail that goes down | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | guy's bicycles, Feasterville, PA | | Strengths: | Travel adjustability, on the fly rear lockout, roomy cockpit and killer tires. one hell of a beautiful bike too! | | Weaknesses: | uncomfortable seat, small pedals. also, i'm not so sure about the shimano hydraulic brakes, but i'll wait and see. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 cannondale super v 900 (junk), 1999 kona stab dee-lux dh. | | Bike Setup: | stock (for now) i will change the seat and pedals soon. | | Bottom Line: | I just bought this bike last weekend after thinking about it for 2 years. I've had one moderate ride on it so far and it's better than i imagined. I'm 5`11 and 175 lbs and the bike feels very roomy. the handlebars are wide with a nice rise and good sweep. it feels VERY stable over most conditions. the top tube is lengthy so i don't feel cramped. the adjustablity of this bike is great. the rear shock adjusts from 4.2 to 5 inches of travel on the fly. you can also lock it out for flat areas and climbs. the front goes from 100mm to 120mm and it's buttery smooth. gears seem to change very quickly with no effect from suspension. also, the tires are excellent. they hook up like two drunken sluts on prom night. i like to run low pressure (40-45 psi) and the sidewalls feel sturdy enough to prevent pinch flats. overall the bike does not feel as heavy as it is. it feels solid, but not bulky. the rear lockout really helps in the climbs. currently i own 3 bikes, a trek 8000 hardtail xc, a kona stab dee-lux full on downhill bike, and the specialized. it falls nicely inbetween the two other bikes. If you are looking for a great all around bike this is it. it can take some serious freeride action, yet you can pedal it all day if you have to. if i could only keep 1 out of the 3 bikes i own the specialized would be it. (i just might have to when the girlfriend finds out how much i spent;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a
from Munich
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Strengths: | The travel adjustement thing is a cool idea, good handling, enough travel for light freeriding, geometry (i even like the low bottom bracket) | | Weaknesses: | Frame too weak | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro Expert 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock + xt-Discs, Thomson stem & post, Deore Octalink cranks, Stan´s notubes | | Bottom Line: | After 4 month of riding, this is my last review on this bike. It finally broke at the damper-gusset of the main frame. That´s the third failure of this frame and my last. Spec changed it to a Big Hit Pro frame! The new Enduro seems to be stronger than the older model, but it isn´t. The pivot bolts are aluminium ones (one of mine broke an killed the swingarm), the seatstays are to no burly enough (mine broke right one day before the replacement arrived). Now finally the gusset welding broke. That makes three major failures and i got this bike in february! O.K. i do some heavy freeriding, but i´m small and light (68 Kilos) and the 2000 Enduro hold up everything. The new models seems to be an XC bike with freeride scheme. If you want to pull some drops and jumps, go get the beefier Big Hit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Id, USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Slick Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Georges Cycles | | Strengths: | Rides much lighter than it is. | | Weaknesses: | The handlebars are too wide and the seatpost clamp sucks. The forks are too soft. | | Similar Products Used: | Super V700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Shimano M959 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. With some minor upgrades in componantry it can be a perfect bike. I'm a heavier rider at 210 lbs, so the fork is a bit soft, but I'm fixing that with a stiffer spring. Also, I've found that the front end washes out on downhill corners in the long travel setting. Now I just leave it on the lower setting for everything and it corners like a champ. I don't know if the spring kit will help this. This bike is plush, but rides very light. Overall I give it 5 Chilies, but do to the needed upgrades I rate the value at 4 chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, Georgia, Cobb
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bull Mtn, Chiccopee,Tsali trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | River city Bicycles | | Strengths: | great handling rides nicely over most anything not concerned about picking a bad line it handles the bumps,the brakes seem very good and the geometry fits me well im a big rider 61 220 so i need a bike that can take some punishment,time will tell.Looks good which is important of course.Not a great climber but the lockout helps. | | Weaknesses: | The QR on the seatpost what crap what was the designer thinking,had a pivot bolt come loose on my second ride and bent the small chainring pretty pissed about that had to push it out 3 miles ,fixed it with some locktite but the bolt had paint on the threads stupid mistake in manufacturing ? Bottoms out too much but i probably need to run higher PSI in the shock.Handle bar feels funny just dont like those specialized risers .The grips are too slippery went you sweat. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Ac 1 , kona Stinky,Santa cruz | | Bike Setup: | New riser bars Titec hellbent ,time atac pedals ,yeti grips , selle italia seat ,salsa Qr seat binder. | | Bottom Line: | really fun bike that flys down the trail and soaks up the bumps hopefully it will last long its got some great things going for it but some silly small problems too ,still its a new model first year,i would give it a five but having those small problems knocks it to a four if it lasts and holds up to abuse then down the road maybe a five? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Boggess
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Clay Furnace Loop-WV | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The adjustable travel on this bike is really cool. Switching the "itch" switch makes a big difference in the rear suspension. The lockout is a nice thought, but i never used it on the trail. This is a great mix of a good trail bike and a freeride bike all in one. It is the easiest changable rear suspension out there. | | Weaknesses: | The Specialized house brand cranks pretty much suck. Bad chain suck and a bit flexy. The bars are too wide and just don't feel right. The lack of a decent bottle mount is troublesome for the non camelback riders. A little heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | RM Slayer, Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Factory setup I'm sure.. | | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet bike. I have been riding a hard tail for close to 10 years. This bike takes more of the abuse out of the trail. Diffently not a race bike, but the weight is really not too noticable. The riding style is completely differnt from my X-country bike, but for the better if you just want to have fun and hammer. Needless to say, I will be buying one soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Swanny
a Weekend Warrior
from Federal Way, WA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBC | | Strengths: | Stout frame, good looks, excellent suspension design | | Weaknesses: | What's up with the stock bars? EEEsh. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Easton Monkey Lite carbon bar and Speedplay Frog pedals | | Bottom Line: | I'm new to FS from my 22.5 lb Specialized M2 hardtail. I thought that climbing would be miserable with this 28 lb bike. Especially with the long travel and the laid back geometry. I just go to short travel mode on the forks and flip the ITCH switch or lock out the rear shock entirely and all of a sudden, climbing isn't so hellish. The weight really isn't too noticeable. The decents are cake now. I just plow over everything. This bike rules. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Del Woodford
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland NZ
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rotoura | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | ibike | | Strengths: | Great all round bike. | | Weaknesses: | Have had three frames cracks at the bottom of the gusset. No other weakness. | | Bike Setup: | Stock standard. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike if the frame would stay together - The lattest frame is the PRO so let's hope it last the distance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jorj
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2380.00 | | Purchased At: | various | | Strengths: | Lighter and faster than my hardtail | | Weaknesses: | Nobody else has mentioned this; I used a XT front changer, and had to grind away part of the inner cage where it interfered with swing arm pivot to get the chain to miss the cage in all the gears. | | Similar Products Used: | First full susp. bike | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi MXC, Mavic Crossroc UST wheels, XT discs, SRAM ESP 9.0/XT/LX mix | | Bottom Line: | First impressions are good, will follow up with anything else and reviews on the other major components after a decent interval. Of course, the stock seat clamp sucks, will probably get X-Lite non-QR clamp when I upgrade the heavy OE post to X-Lite MMC; currently using the supplied seatpost bottle cage clip as a travel stop on the post so it doesn't slip too far and wreck the shock. Could maybe use more compression damping, I'd rather have had a compression damping adjuster (Fox Float RLC) and ditch the "itch switch". 5 chilis for value (frame only), because nothing this good is anywhere near as cheap, 4 overall to allow for the possibility that there's always room for improvement (like a lower swing arm pivot!) Mainly for UK readers; these frames are becoming hard to find, so if you want one you're probably going to have to wait for the 2003 model if you want a frame only. I built mine better than the Specialized spec for £1693, so look for an end of year discount on the complete bike because the RRP of £1699 looks like poor value, unless you're in love with Manitou's overpriced forks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Siloam Springs, AR USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ozark National Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Warranty Replacement | | Strengths: | Adjustability that works, 4 bar linkage, plushness and stability combine for a smooth, confident ride, killer looks, a seatpost that can be adjusted vertically (finally), and a company that stands behind its' products. | | Weaknesses: | So nice looking out of the box that the first scratch hurts.
Slight issues with weight, disc brake specific design guarantees some extra weight. (It's worth it when you need to stop). | | Similar Products Used: | 97 FSR Comp, 99 Manitou Full Suspension frameset, 01 Giant NRS1, 99 Schwinn Rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | Custom Build, Expert frameset, Psylo XC 80-125 fork, XT hubs on Sun DS2 rims, Deore cable discs, Titec 0 degree x 95mm stem, M545 pedals, LX shifters/levers/crankset, XT derailleurs, Tioga 2.2 rear and 2.3 front tires. | | Bottom Line: | I got this frame to replace my 97 FSR Comp (broke at swing link mounting). Kudos to Nic and others at Big S for getting this done. Local bike shop was no help here. I weigh 175 and am 5'8", had a M frame before and was sent a L, but it fits well. I like the longer cockpit and increased travel, but it took me a few rides to get used to sitting up higher than normal. It has minor issues about ghost shifting and derailleur rub, but I'm chalking that up to a mechanic who really didn't want to build a bike that day. I have about 150 miles on it, a lot of climbing and descending, and while it's heavier than my old FSR, it gets a lot more travel, and has disc brakes. (M515 cable discs work great, by the way). I built this bike around the warranty replacement frame for about $550, and would recommend the bike complete to someone in the market for a single do-it-all ride. This Itch switch with lockout is engineering perfection, and mates wonderfully with the Psylo XC fork. I have to give this bike (and Specialized) 5 chilis for their effort. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Westridge @ Snow Summit | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike (Bike USA) | | Strengths: | Versatility. Rear Suspension - On the fly adjustments. | | Weaknesses: | Seat Clamp. Handlebars. Stem(length). Grips. Color Choice. Rear brakes (seem to be vibrating). Pedals. Ugly fenders
| | Similar Products Used: | S FSR Extreme | | Bike Setup: | Stock with minor upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS of my own. Usually ride a hardtail but I wanted a SC Bullit(pricey with good components & not the same kind of bike as S.E.E.) or Giant AC2 (a good value but you have to break out the tools to change rear travel)for my budget. I wanted a bike that I could ride on trails for fitness and still be able to bomb downhill.
Primary testing ground was Snow summit @ Big Bear. It handled well on all the trails. For xc/uphill virtually no bob. I'm not an agressive downhiller and I'm small so the bike works for me. I keep it in the slacker head angle/ lower bottom bracket setting. Only banged into some rocks in a steep, soft rocky trail on pedals/bottom bracket. Other than that it didn't hang-up on anything.
As far as the product weaknesses go it's obviously all preference. Besides, i figure that all the stuff I changed out is the stuff manufacturers expect you to change. Future upgrades include: 24" rear wheel, Shimano XT discs, post, seat, tires.
Only have $ for one bike? For a xc/light free-ride/tackle-most-situations bike this is the one. For hardcore downhill keep saving or check out the deals in the classifieds. Great bike overall.
4 chilis for both because i don't think I could give any bike in my $ range a 5. Check out the reviews in MBA & Bicycling. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaysee
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$960.00 | | Purchased At: | Marshalls cycles - WGC | | Strengths: | Well balanced, Rear Shock (Itch switch), Looks | | Weaknesses: | None (yet!) | | Similar Products Used: | FSR Enduro Comp 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Frame Only, King Headset, Marzocchi x-fly forks, Hayes Discs, Mavic 223 wheels, XT everything else | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely amazing! Swapped the Enduro Comp 2000 for this frame, and it is sooooo much better. The 2000 was heavy, unbalanced, cr*p front shock, and way tooo low BB, so I always felt slightly out of control. BUT this new frame coupled with the x-fly forks makes the whole package feel so balanced, very fast, and fantastic fun! My riding is so much better as it gives me the confidence to let it fly. The rear shock is a brilliant design, and is the way ahead for XC bikes.
Bottom line is buy one and get out and ride - you won't regret it!!!!
Lots of steaming chillis for this! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from Federal Way, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBC | | Strengths: | Stout Frame, plush ride, proven suspension design | | Weaknesses: | The bike is a little heavy, but I'm used to riding a 22.5 lb XC racing hardtail. The comfort factor more than makes up for the additional weight. Good luck getting one. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton carbon Monkey Light bars, Selle Italia Flite Saddle and Speedplay Frog pedals. | | Bottom Line: | So far so good. This bike has met all of my expectations so far. I purchased mine too late in the season and was not able to find any Enduro Pros in stock ANYWHERE. I had to settle for the Expert. Still, no complaints. This thing is plush. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a
from Munich
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Smooth travel, great looks | | Weaknesses: | too weak for freeriding | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro Expert 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except XT discs, Thompson stem and post, ODI loxk-on grips, Shimano 454 pedals, Deore Crankset with P 3 bashguard instead of big chainring | | Bottom Line: | in my first review i was really excited about this bike. After three month of hard i now have some complaints about the construction. The Black fork is way to soft even for my 165 lbs. Switched to stiff spring, now thats okay, but you loose your rebound adjustement knob! The recall for the seatstays came just in time - mine started to break at the discbrakemount. Last week one of the aluminium screws in the Horstlink broke after a drop and destoyed the drilling in the swingarm. The old Enduro had simple screws that could be replaced - not so on the 2002 model. They must replace the whole swingarm! I don´t think it is a good idea to build a strong looking frame with aluminium pivot bolts only to save a few grams! They call this bike a do-everything-go-everywhere-bike but i cannot recommend the Enduro for riders who do more than just epic rides. If you are lokking for a bike that can handle jumps and drops for a longer time, look elsewhere! If you want to do some real freeriding buy the Bighit. Thats what i will do when i got the new swingarm an sold the frame. Stupid me, selling the old Enduro - that bike was perfectly solid. For value i give it four chillis, because you get a four bar linkage but a fork that is way to soft and you have to give extra cash to get the stiffer spring. Overall just two chillis because of the weak pivot srews that kill the swingarm in a second. I do not trust this bike any longer. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bogata-Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1540.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance (Bike USA sell-out) | | Strengths: | Rear adjustable/lockout shock, makes it good for street, XC and downhill. Lite--don't have to walk up those downhills and handles good going down them. Plush action on Manitou Black. Nice dual use peddles. Stiff, responsive, plush--handles my Clydesdale bod with ease. Hot looking frame. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post clamp POS from start. Handlebar/stem too low for downhill, had too replace them to fit cockpit. Stock Black shock on large frame too wimpy, had to buy upgrade kit from Answer to match my weight (still waiting for it, hear it may kill plush ride). | | Similar Products Used: | Owned Trek 9500 (relic with terrible action), Jamis Dakar (pogo-ed too much with my weight), test ridden many others. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton EA50 2" riser bar and Ritchey Pro stem (love them web sales), and a new friggin' seat clamp (what where they thinkin?). | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike after reading reviews on this site--am I glad I did! This bike is a dream, does it all great and handles a heavy rider well. Lighter parts to reduce overall weight in some areas (e.g. brakes, wheels, bar, post, shock) would have made this bike perfect. Great bike to buy, ride and upgrade with next year's hi-tech parts when ya got the geet. Like the fact Specialized has lifetime frame garantee for us heavy-weights. Above all, KEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Cook
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan / Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo / Laguna Hills | | Strengths: | Infinite tuning of the suspension. Great feel and incredible control. My confidence and downhill speed have greatly improved!!! | | Weaknesses: | For the $2,200 retail price, I wasn't totally sold on the Manitou Black fork (no lock out). | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 4000 | | Bike Setup: | Custom build. Psylo SL, XT everything except brakes (deore disc) and rear derailleur (XTR) | | Bottom Line: | I don't think it can get any better than this. This bike has exceeded my expectations in every way!!! Climbing a hill? Turn the fork down to 3" and lock it out. Lock out the rear shock, or unlock for more comfort and move the "itch" to 4". It bobs w/ the itch set to 5.2", but who needs that much travel while pedaling? Going down...take the Psylo to 5", loosen the compression and flip the itch to 5+ inches. The control, smoothness and feel is 2nd to none. Basically, it changes from a fully ridged to a hard tail to a full suspension free ride in seconds. No need to test ride, just buy it!!! Think of it as a Baja truck; take it as fast as you want, the bike will take care of the bumps and keep you on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Okinawa, Japan
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sunset Trail, Flagstaff AZ | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | frame only via friend in U.S. of A. | | Strengths: | Jack of all trades. This bike perfectly bridges the gap between XC and "Freeride" (whatever that means), I guess it's an epic mountain biker's bike. It's geometry is adjustable 10 ways to Sunday for your needs. The true four-bar linkage active suspension means that climbing with a heavier bike is not as bad as you might think and the cartridge bearings seem silky smooth. It's shorter top tube also means it handles alot more precisely than my previous ride. | | Weaknesses: | Despite what I said above, it is a little heavier (28 lbs. for size small) than my previous ride, and therefore requires a little more climbing effort, but that's acceptable considering what it does for eating bumps coming down the hill!. I recently read about the recall, and my friend sent me the replacement seatstay, so no complaints there. It's too bad that some folks had to go back to their dealers (read previous reviews) more than once before they got it fixed right. Oh yeah, that damn Specialized seatpost QR clamp, tossed that P.O.S. for a Salsa flip-lock | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first Dual Suspension, previous ride is a '99 Gary Fisher Paragon hardtail. I once tried a Fisher Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | XT drivetrain, XT hydraulic discs, Mavic 317 w/ XT hubs, Race Face XY seatpost and low-rise bar, Continental Exlporer/Escape Pro, Selle Italia Flite Gel saddle, Easton EA-50 stem, Manitou Black Elite 80-100 | | Bottom Line: | I bought this as a frame and opted to build it up with the Manitou Black Elite 80-100 instead of the 100-120 as I am short, and need all the climbing help I can get. It was a wise choice, in the 80 setting I can do long climbs pretty well, and on the downhills, I set the front at 100 and leave the rear at 4" and it handles everything that I can throw at it. The XT disc brakes are phenomenal, and the bike just steers with precision. I liked my hardtail, but I doubt I'll ever ride it again. This bike is a dream, and if you're wrench savvy, I suggest buying the frame and building it to your own specs, in the end I spent $2500.00 building it, and supplied better parts than Specialized would put on it stock. I recommend this bike to anybody who has been riding recreational XC for a while and is considering their first or second dual suspension rig. Not for carbo-loading XC riders, and not for cliff-hucking freeriders, but it's a bike for the rest of us with experience and a desire to ride the epic ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
luca gervasoni
a Weekend Warrior
from brescia, Italy
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rifugio Bozzi+sentiero Italia | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2140.00 | | Purchased At: | Longoni Sport | | Strengths: | Fork, adjustable rear shock, weight, look. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are very easy to puncture, low BB with long excursion. My lbs changed the seatpost and the seat for free thanks to your reviews, guys. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Specialized Stumpjumper fsr xc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Selle san Marco Arami and Ritchey seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Great compromise bike. It climbs well on the 6-7 km steep up-hills with the fork comressed and possibly the rear shock locked, it goes fast un down-hills with extended fork and full excursion in the rear, but watch the big stones for lw BB clearance (setting the bike at maximum BB clearance makes some difference and it seems not to affect too much down-hill stability.
The weight is around 13,6 kgs in size L but U cannot ask more to a bike that is halfway from xc and freeride.
My only doubt is regarding shimano brakes, they seems to have some problems on the long down-hills, therefore I am waiting for a pair of Formula 4 Racing, supposed to be lighter and more powerfull than the shimano 2 pistons (I will post about them when finally Formula will decide that is time to send them to my lbs.
Great price for the bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stan G
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Back Bone Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Through a friend | | Strengths: | 4 Bar Linkage Rules, Adjustable Fox Float RL, Frame Design, lite weight, Awesome color(silver). | | Weaknesses: | BB is too low. My cranks hit rocks and other stuff on certain trails. Rear Seat stay crack above the rear disc brake welding. Specialized recalled it and changed it in a jiffy. Thanks specialized. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive, 02 Eunduro Comp, 00 Uzzi-SL, 02 Titus SwitchBlade. | | Bike Setup: | Custume Built Enduro Pro frame w/ Manitou Black Elite fork (100-120mm). Chris King Headset, Easton Carbon fiber Monkey lite's w/ 1.5" rise, Thomson stem and seat post, Shimano XT shifters and drive train w/ LX hollow tech cranks,XT disc brakes, Formula/Mavi 317's disc wheels, Specialized enduro pro tires, SDG sattlelite saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This Bike is AWESOmE. Best bike I've owned soo far. Its an great All around mountain Eating Beast. The 5" travel soaks it all up going downhill, the 4" travel Climbs like a goat and offers tite handling on the trails. Once I got this bike dialed in....it was On! If your going to own one bike, this is what it should be. XC capable bike with FreeRide capabilities. I'm Happy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Banister
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | For me, this is a comfortable fun to ride bike
All the travel inspires confidence | | Weaknesses: | Ghost shifting...check cable routing under the BB shell, if it is too tight, suspension movement will cause ghost shift
Chainstay cracking...like the earlier reviewer said, check the big S website, there is a recall. S is automatically shipping new seat stays to the shops. Check with the shop you bought your enduro from...S really handled this well
Rear derailer knocks seat/chain stay pivot...if your bike was not supplied with a rubber block call S and they will send you one
I don't like the rear brake line route...but if you work with it and are willing to cut/lengthen hose you can get a good route
The black paint shows trail damage more than other colors if that is a problem for you | | Similar Products Used: | fsr-xc | | Bike Setup: | Bought this as a frame set, so the build is custom for me.
Black Fork, XT/Mavic wheels, Hope Mini's, XT crank/BB, Thompson post/stem,monkey lites, grip shift | | Bottom Line: | In frame size med, this bike built up at 27.5 lbs
I like all the travel and the concept of all the adjustment
I think it is a fun, comfortable bike
It feels solid
I have come to expect some bugs for a first year model so the problems I have had really don't bum me out all that bad
Time will tell how it holds up to the bashing and mud
Bottom Line, I think the enduro will turn out to be my favorite bike
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Benn
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cotswolds | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes | | Strengths: | Price | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Bracket too low, almost impossible to ride ruts without catching pedals. In fact pedals seem to catch very easy on slightest of turns. Also seem to get a lot of clanking noise from the rear traingle on down hills, not to sure what might be causing this, but I suspect it is something to do with the rear derauillier coming into contact with the chain stay. Sounds like a bag of nails !, really disappointed so far in addition to a recall for the rear brake mount. | | Bike Setup: | Fox forks, Hope M4 Disc's, XT drive train. | | Bottom Line: | Could be a great bike, but I think the design has some flaws which should have been sorted out before release. I get browned off when I pay good money to only discover that you end up ironing out development problems for manufacturers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fritz Lehr
a Cross Country Rider
from Carborro, NC
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chapel Hill High | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Franklin Street Cycles | | Strengths: | Cheaper than Intense Tracer, can't beat the value aspect, almost as light as Ellsworth Truth, Horst link rear suspension, revised dropouts in rear, adjustability | | Weaknesses: | A little flexy in rear, but no more than any other bike in this weight range, kind of weird cable routing, disc only | | Similar Products Used: | 02 L Ellsworth Joker SL, 01 M Ellsworth Truth SE, 00 L Specialized S-Works, 99 & 98 L Ellsworth Truths, 97 L Mountain Cycle Moho CXS, 92 Alpinestars Al-Mega XT, 88 Trek 850 | | Bike Setup: | Large Frame(6.25lbs), Marzocchi Atom 80, XT Shifter, XT crank(180), XT Discs, XT Hubs(new lighter hubs), Sun DS-1 XC Rims, Panaracer Fire XC Pros, Kore Stem, Race Face Team SL hdst, Azonic bar, Thompson stpst | | Bottom Line: | I really love this bike and the horst link design. My Truth was a great bike, but it weighed just under 6lbs and this bike is only about a quarter lb heavier and costs half as much. The horst link also works better on this bike, the rear really stays active during braking, more so than any other bike I have tried, but about the same as FSR I used to own. The dropouts actually hold the wheel in place, they changed the design from 01 Enduro, but the FSR still has the old design. I had to sell my old FSR b/c I could shift the wheel out of the dropouts when I stood up and cranked hard up a hill. So far this bike has been great and met my every expectation, I have had no problems but I only have 50 miles on it so far. Hopefully this bike will prove to be more reliable than the previous Truths I have owned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Specialized Product Recall
a Weekend Warrior
from Mahwah,NJ
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood NJ | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Ridgewood Cycles | | Strengths: | Guys... Check out Specialized Web Site. They have recalled 2002 Enduro FSRs due to cracks and failures in chainstay. They will replace faulty part. | | Bottom Line: | Check this out and get replacement before it's too late! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2050.00 | | Purchased At: | Fullerton Jax | | Strengths: | Everything!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock.......except for Answer DH riser bar | | Bottom Line: | 100% thrilled with this bike...did a lot of research trying to find the perfect bike, and it has not disappointed. Handles everthing you throw at it......shimano disks are outstanding.....on the fly lock out and travel adjust work flawlessly...bike feels lighter than what it is on climbs...super efficient. Bombs downhill........I weigh 205...will probably upgrade the Black fork w/ heavier springs...but not a huge issue.....handles extremely precise..great bike for all around use.......on long rides with varied terrain...can handle all but the biggest drops....and climb with the hard tails...could not recommend it more... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lau
a Cross Country Rider
from Macau
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Strong frame, great design for freeride (my opinion) and light, can increase travel to 5 inches | | Weaknesses: | Using air lock-out shock is a weak point for freeride biker | | Similar Products Used: | (Made in Taiwan) Hasa EXO LT (full susp, DNM, Alivio/STX-RC, cable discs), Fastrax DH | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Dirt Jump I 20mm axle, Mavic D321/WTB QR/20 hubs/ DT, Shimano XT/Sram Attrack/Raceface ISIS, Hayes hydraulic discs, Amoeba/Da Bomb kits | | Bottom Line: | I bought it as a frame which costs $1080 U.S.D, I fit a LT, Freeride components, I replaced a Fox Vanilla shock instead of Float RL, using mainly XT components and travel at 5 inches. As I test it, it is extremely good for big hits and Drop-offs but a bit weak for climbing. Actually I use it as nearly-downhill-type. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scot Douglas
a Racer
from Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bike Setup: | 02 Enduro Pro w/expert replacement frame, X-max tubeless wheels, Monkeylite riser bar, Ti discs, Thomson post and Selle San Marco carbon seat. (bike=26 1/2 lb) | | Bottom Line: | For the people that have had the frame cracking: (on early production frames) there is too much side-to-side clearance at the top of the shock where it bolts into the frame. Bolting down the top shock mount puts stress at the welds there and sometimes they crack. Best news is that Specialized found this problem early and corrected it. Long story short: Your frame will probably never crack, but if it does, Specialized will be happy to replace it. :)
I bought an Enduro Pro and had it start cracking after 50 or so miles. I asked for an Expert (all black) to replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordi
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Hedgehog's, Onehunga | | Bottom Line: | Follow up from a previous post (1/16/02).
Bike's now done 2000+ Kms (1200+ miles).
Frame cracked completely around rear shock mount weld.
Found crack at 3.00 pm, Importer had new bike available for me to scavenge frame off by 8.30am next day - so no complaints there. I did a 52km epic event 2 days later & I'm f@%?@!g glad it didn't happen in the middle of that !
I wish there was a "scared that it'll happen again rating" as it would be 5 flamin' chillis.
Worst thing is, I lurve everything else about this bike - it kicks arse ! So I still gotta give it max chillis !
Don't understand the previous post about bad shifting as mine's always been sooo sweeeet in this department (on both frames) ?.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
redrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Coquitlam
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any knarly singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Awsome ride,handles well especially fast down ,the specialized eduro pro rubber work excellant for our north shore riding. | | Weaknesses: | Can't ride the bike in either short travel or long without the chain wanting to shift up on the back cog.I have tried fine tuning the shifter cable with the barrel adjuster but it makes no difference. The seat post clamp is a piece of crap. | | Similar Products Used: | Many others | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | 3 chilis for mechanicals, 5+ chilis for ride, handling, and adjustability | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GREGG STAZETSKI
a Weekend Warrior
from MONROE,NC,USA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | BEACH SPRINGS CONCORD | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1995.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKE SOURCE | | Strengths: | This bike will set the standards for others. The ability to change the travel on the fly is awesome. This is one smooth riding bike. Leave it in the 5.2 setting and still climb technical hills(no bob).The new 525 disc brakes are awesome.
This is a great all around bike and light. Very even and balanced feel when jumping. Go and try or buy one if you can find one,these bikes are selling like crazy. | | Weaknesses: | The plastic knobs on the manitou black fork.They feel like their going to snap when turning them. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Ground Control. | | Bike Setup: | Stock(would not change a thing except upgrade to XTR shifters) | | Bottom Line: | If your into riding fast and hard,flying high and weigh 200 plus this is the bike for you. This bike rules! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from London
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Surgery | | Strengths: | I bought the frame and built it up into a freeride Downhill bike, its plenty for what there is in the UK have ridden it Urban and Downhill it handles it all really well I swapped the shock for a coil as I didn't trust the Float to be honest | | Weaknesses: | Seat Clamp is kina crap I put an X-lite QR on instead | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Patriot
Turner RFX
Rocky Mountain Switch | | Bike Setup: | Jnr T's, Vanilla R Shock, Raceface Cranks / Stem / BB, Easton Bars, XT shifters / derailuers, Hope Brakes, Mavic | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike for anything I dont go up hill much but even with one of the heavier of these bikes around it seems to take it real weel, Downhill is superb and tracks amazingly and drops and street riding are just a walk in the park for this thing. So no matter what you ride except maybe trials :) this is a great allround bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rad Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mountain goat | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Champions Cycle | | Strengths: | Great handling on twisty singletrack after the front end is dialed in, lots of adjustments to play with! Sucks up big hits so good you know your gonna go too fast.
| | Weaknesses: | Ghost shifts under heavy compresion-accelleration combo.
Fox RL itch had bad seal but dealer swapped it out. | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at Giant AC line, felt heavy. Intense SLX, too much money, all kinds of others | | Bike Setup: | monkey lite riser, time carbon, hopey steering dampener,XTR shifters, SDG GP, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | I researched this purchase for over six months to replace a 97 Cannondale. My group rides Intense,Ellsworth,and other top drawer bikes , but I am definitly feeling smug with this bike. Its awesome so far. Considering the performance/value I dont think you could do better.
The new frame is super stiff, the Black 100/120 is pretty good, could be stiffer. Sweet handling, sweet downhill
climbs better than a hardtail on short/stiff travel mode
(better traction) Oh yea, be prepared to get another 10 ft on your favorite jump! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stu
a Downhiller
from Blyth
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Scene | | Strengths: | Looks the dogs nads ,itch switch ,Excellent handling | | Weaknesses: | Crap Seatclamp | | Similar Products Used: | Scott g-zero FX-1 | | Bike Setup: | Psylo Xc ,Hopes ,Race Face ,Blackspire DS chain device(go to www.mtbguide.4t.com for pics) | | Bottom Line: | An ALLROUND BIKE ,so well controlled on descents ,handles drops well ,looks superb(have I already said that??)I just LOVE IT..
I wanted a freeride bike that could handle british stuff ,not 9" travel ,about 5-6 is enough ,and after LOTS of looking this hit the bill......£599 (UK ) for a NEw frame when an orange patriot with the same travel is £1099......erm..i'l take the speccy thanks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from sheffield, england
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | leisure lakes | | Strengths: | light weight, long top tube, itch switch shock, adjustable geometery, clearance for bigish tyres | | Weaknesses: | now onto third bottom shock bush, bottom bracket too low, cable routing is crap | | Similar Products Used: | proflex 855, 856, heckler, jekyll | | Bike Setup: | psylo race 125 mm, hope enduros, raceface stem bars post,hope xc hubs with mavic 219 ,conti survial/vertical 2.3 xtr cranks shifters and mechs | | Bottom Line: | rides really well apart from bottom bracket too low.
crap cable routing + low b/b = squashed rear cable under b/b on a rock and ripped it to pieces so left with no rear gears.
Chain sucks between chainring and swing arm locking it up
shock bushes last 3 rides, specialized want frame back to check alinement of linkages
rear suspension is the baest I've ridden, much better than a single pivot
I've had a few problems, but still think its a great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from munich
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | lake garda, alps | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | stronger and more travel than older Enduro. Great fork, great shock, good geometry. | | Weaknesses: | none till now. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Expert fromm 2000 with manitou x-vert, float r, xt-Discs | | Bike Setup: | stock except Thompson stem and post, xt-discs, odi grips, shimano 424 pedals, shimano deore octalink cranks (stiffer, lighter, cheaper and black!). | | Bottom Line: | i already loved the 2000 Enduro expert but i really wanted more travel without the downhillweight of a bighit. Now the Enduro is perfect! The frame has become much longer, my small sized frame still is about half an inch longer in the top tube department than my medium sized older Endruo - strange. The bottom bracket is just a little bit higher, so you do not touch the ground that often but still have the great handling when it´s going downhill. The intense-style frame is a beauty. They even got the cable routing right with this one - no more hassle. Steering with the new manitou black is great and it has the extra travel not to bottom out to hard on my highest drops (about 7 feet). I have the bike for about three weeks, so i dont know if it will hold up as well as my old one, but it already looks stronger, so hey?! I don´t use the travel adjustments in the front because it´s difficult to reach an you have to stop to flip it, but for long and steep technical climbs i flip to the shorter travel in the rear wich makes the bike more responsive. I love the superwide handlebar that comes with it, i never want a narrower one anymore!! The tires need a longer break in period to get their grip - after 5 - 6 rides their o.k. now but not great - i prefer the Conti Verticals for their better cornering abilities. I think the Enduro is the perfect trailbike. It has enough travel for bigger drops, it´s light enough for the long uphills here in the alps and it surely has the best looks ever!! Buy one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
will zimmermann
a Cross Country Rider
from s. dartmouth
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | ceasars cyclery | | Strengths: | best bike i ever rode, hands down. performs better than you could ever imagine. it makes riding incredibly fun. | | Weaknesses: | about three weaks into my owning the bike, i broke the frame where my rear disc brake mont meets the rear triangle. specialized fixed it for free in less than twenty four hours. yesterday, a month later or so, it broke in the same place again. other than that, no weakness | | Similar Products Used: | none like it exist | | Bike Setup: | stock plus some flats and new grips | | Bottom Line: | bottm line is im extremely angry. this is the best bike in the world, hands down, and i keep braking it, i have to return it and get a different bike, but what am i going to get, there is nothing better, specialized sade it was an epic bike for all day, all fun riding and that it would handle anything i could, well, it hasn't. so what am i supposed to do now. the bike is so much better than anything ive ever ridden before, it makes going for a ride better than any other part of my day. i only weigh 135 pounds and the biggest drop i ever do is only about 5 or 6 feet. so the bottom line is, it is the perfect bike with a terrible flaw. but who knows, maybe my dealer just tweaked something a little bit that caused some weird extra stress on the frame. i would still recomend the bike to anyone though, its sweet. i'd nerk it quick if i were you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Black Sheep
a Weekend Warrior
from South Wales
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | karrimor route@coed y brening | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | rush extreme sports | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | GT Lts-1, I-Drive's, Giant ATX 990, Marin's, Schwinn Rockets | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Hope, Middleburn, Mavic, Marzocchi | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules i've changed the forks from my earlier posting to a Marzocchi Shiver the psylo's were good but the shivers compliment the rear end better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smith N. Wesson
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Register line at Hazards to buy more stuff! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Hazard's Cycle Sports | | Strengths: | ONLY 29.7lbs with 2.2" stock tires and Z1 MCR 5" forks! Awesome deal from Hazards Cycle Sports, the best dealer in CA! Even at retail price this bike beats all other bikes I checked out such as GT, Santa Cruz, Kona, Iron Horse, etc and none had equal quality 4-bar suspension, or weight, or shocks with lockout or travel adjust, or XTR/XT stock parts included like the Enduro Expert. By far, this is the best deal for what you get with a trusted brand name to back it up. (laughing at GT) | | Weaknesses: | Although I really shouldn't do it, the rear linkage only allows for a 2.4" tire in the rear and I am currently using a Hutchinson Jumbo DH 2.45". It doesn't usually rub, but touches when I corner hard. I like larger tires for the wide footprint over grass and better cusion for all my technical riding around UCSB up and down stairs, and wheelie-drops off walls. Basically this isn't a weakness for the bike's true purpose of XC at all, I just wish it had a bigger width rear linkage like a Big Hit because I don't want to drop another 3K for a true DH bike too haha | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive 3.0 weighing 34lbs (used for 28 days and frame bent/broke at the rear suspension bolt just like all the other dozen+ reviews you see for this POS bike. I didn't think it would be a problem though since I weight only 125lbs and those who had the frame break were all over 185lbs! DO NOT BUY GT, expecially now that they went bankrupt and can't back up warranty issues. Now I see why they went bankrupt haha! (I'm laughing because I chanced the no-warranty issue and spent $847 for bike + about $400 on extra upgrades and it's all useless now!) | | Bike Setup: | XTR rear, XT front, XT cranks/BB, XT shifters, Marazocchi Z1 MCR 5" forks with lockout, Fox Float RC with 4" or 5.2" travel adjust and lockout, XT Hydraulic Disc brakes, Chris King NoThreadset, Easton Carbon DH bars, ODI Lock Jaw grips, Magnesium platform DH pedals (only 245grams!), WTB LazerDisc 36mm wide rims with Hutchinson Jumbo DH 2.45" tires, RaceFace bashguard replacing outer ring on cranks | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an awesome deal for XC and some DH riding. It has very nice quality parts and works extremely well. While most bikes require some upgrades to make the stock bike work consistantly, this bike works perfectly out of the box and doesn't need anything extra to work well. I upgraded all the parts listed above because I just like to have close to the best, lightest, and strongest parts for a reasonable amount more. Come on, the amount of money Hazard's Cycle Sports saved me, I had to use the money back in their store to upgrade something! I would definately recommend this bike to anyone needing a high quality XC or freeride bike. Hands down, this bike gives you the best parts for a moderate price. And most importantly, works better and smoother than any other bike I have tried. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock-It | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Rock n' Road, Laguna Niguel | | Strengths: | Lighter & Stronger than predessor. Looks great (after the cheesy red stripes are peeled off). Smooth, reliable rear end. The Itch Switch is the most practical gizmo to come along in a while. | | Weaknesses: | Still not as light as I'd like but, hey, I can live with that. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Trek Y, '00 FSR Enduro Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Psylo SL, XT cranks & fr. dr., XTR rear dr., Hayes Hydro discs.
| | Bottom Line: | This frame was a warranty replacement for me so I scored big time on this one. After putting over 3000 miles on my 2000 Enduro Comp, my bottom bracket stripped out. This was probably (?) a design flaw involving the E-type front dr. Anyway, my local dealer was incredible. Rock n' Road managed to get my old frame replaced when it most likey should have not been. Specialized was great. They had the frame on a truck in one day.
The updated design offers at least as good performance as the 2000, but the ability to switch the travel from 4 to 5 inches on the fly is the best. I have found that I leave the bike on the short travel most of the time because it feels firmer and it provides better ground clearence (the low bottom bracket is still a pain in the butt). Also, the hose routing for the brakes is MUCH better. My old Enduro was sucking the hose into the rear tire on most decents. The new route is clean and easy to set up.
With regards to the seat post clamp. Mine was twisting around until I simply pulled it out, wiped off all grease and put it back in. Problem solved.
This is the best all around bike, bar none. You might be able to go out and drop $5600 on a Maverick and feel cooler, but the dealer network and manufacturer make this bike make it an even better value.
Kudos again to Specialized and Rock n' Road. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jack
a Cross Country Rider
from sunnyvale,california.USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mammoth mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | trail head | | Strengths: | it's light smoooth ajustable shock fox stitch 4x5 1/4 in.travel | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher joshua xo Y frame... | | Bike Setup: | enduro expert fsr FOX125RLC forks, king headset,race face stem,protaper bars,hayes 6in.disk brakes,xt shifters,thomson seatpost,raceface cro mo bottom bracket,747 pedals,race face cranks,xtr der.chris king hubs 317 mavic rims dt spokes alloy nipples,WTB mutanoraptor2.24 tires, xtr cassette | | Bottom Line: | bottom line it's the best bike i ever had it's so smooooth down the trail at 26lbs. The only thing i regret is bying components sepretly for$4000 .you can get it for $1500 cheaper from specialized a little heavier but alot cheaper! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordi
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Redwood Forest, Rotorua | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Hedgehog Onehunga | | Strengths: | Adjustability, looks, geometry - the whole package ! Specialized OE tyres, the new Fox Float RL and the Shimano hydraulic discs put the icing on a sweet package. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost clamp - stupid design & crap material - replaced after 3 rides. Extreme climbing slightly compromised by geometry. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn S20 | | Bike Setup: | stock, with Keywin DH pedals | | Bottom Line: | As the other guys have all said, this bike absolutely rocks !
I was looking for a bike that was capable of XC & freeride and Specialized nailed it with the Enduro - 3 month's research on the net and checking out bike shops and nothing else came close to the Enduro's combination of weight,suspension geometry, componentry & adjustability.
Specialized have combined natural evolution of the FSR concept with state-of-the-art design concepts and it's all good.
The only minor compromise is extreme climbing ability as it's difficult to apply max pedal force and still maintain weight on the front wheel - this can be improved by flipping over the gold 'Shock Link' to raise the BB and increase the head angle, but this makes the handling too twitchy on the downhills . Swapping the Manitou fork out for a Psylo adjustable down to 80mm travel might be my solution here.
I've just spent 3 weeks travelling around NZ, riding up to 5 hours every day except 2 (checkout Lord of the Rings for the terrain - outrageous !) and the Enduro ate it ! Other than replacing the useless seat post clamp (and both sets of brake pads - gnarly downhills !) it didn't miss a beat.
Can't give a higher recommendation than that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Black Sheep
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales,UK
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 9 feet.com | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Rush Extreme Sports | | Strengths: | Travel adjustment and lockout | | Weaknesses: | To pretty to get dirty | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS - Giant ATX - GT XCR - Marin Attack Trail - | | Bike Setup: | XTR - Psylo's - Hope Disc's | | Bottom Line: | This bike absolutly rocks its the best bike i've ever ridden ever....
I only purchased the frame and also a Psylo SL 2002 Fork in matching black the rest of the bike is Hope and XTR weight is app 26 Lbs...
It literally is 3 bikes in 1 for back and for 2 work on asphalt i lock it out for climbing off road short travel for desending long travel what more can u ask for the frame is an absolute bargain and makes u wonder how other manufacturers can ask for any more for there frames the changable travel is not a gimmick it makes a massive difference to the feel of the bike about time somebody made a bike like this you can genuinly see where your money goes best bike i've ridden bar none.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
thomas marchant
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | pack'n'pedal | | Strengths: | o' so sweet floating ride, trick suspension adjustability, mmmm...sexy looks. | | Weaknesses: | the rider...and low bottom bracket (not an issue...yet) | | Similar Products Used: | '98 FSR Elite, '01 Giant NRS 1, Schwinn Rocket 88, '01 Marin Mount Vision, all top machines... | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup, with shimano DH pedals. | | Bottom Line: | after many hours of shopping, this is the bike that finally made the grade. at this very early stage it is an absolute WEAPON. it climbs like ned overend (oops showing my age) is in the saddle, nails single track at high velocities, floats downhill like a super cross bike, and flies like a BMX. the suspension soaks up steep ruts like they arent there, and is able to wip hardtails on the climb. if you want to head to a full suspension bike, and are unsure about how much travel will suit you, then this is the machine; hard tail to a solid free-ride bike. if the looks of this bike dont make you buy it, then take notice of these reviews and get one before they sell out! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dante
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC, US
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | All-Star Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Plush 4 bar design, the new frame is really sexy (pictures don't do it justice), Shimano DISC brakes work great, Manitou Black fork is plush and super stiff laterally, suspension adjustability. This bike rocks! | | Weaknesses: | Just the rider. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-5 (too old), Giant AC1 (too sluggish), Norco VPS-Drop (too heavy), Specialized Enduro FSR (just right)! | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Enduro Expert FSR - Size Large, 75mm DH stem, Shimano old skool flats, Tioga Factory DH tires 2.3F/2.1R. | | Bottom Line: | I can't say enough good things about the 2002 Enduro Expert. This is a great do it all bike. It is easy to adjust the suspension travel, although I just leave mine on the 5 inches of plush setting. I have taken some nice drops and screamed though rock gardens and the Enduro just takes it in stride. The bike weighed in at an even 30 pounds, according to the LBS scale, so it is a heavy cross country and a light freeride bike. It may feel like a big bike when you first get on it, but it really floats on the trail. The 4 bar design allows this bike climb well too. If you can only afford one bike for all you fetishes, get and Enduro. The lower end models are great values too if you can live with a 100mm travel air fork and no rear lockout (who cares). Just take one for a test ride and you'll see you got to have one too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dante
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC, US
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | All-Star Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Plush 4 bar design, the new frame is really sexy (pictures don't do it justice), Shimano DISC brakes work great out of the box, Manitou Black fork is plush and super stiff laterally, suspension adjustability. This bike rocks! | | Weaknesses: | Just the rider. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-5 (too old), Giant AC1 (too sluggish), Norco VPS-Drop (too heavy), Specialized Enduro FSR (just right)! | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Enduro Expert FSR - Size Large, 75mm DH stem, Shimano old skool flats. | | Bottom Line: | I can't say enough good things about the 2002 Enduro Expert. This is a great do it all bike. It is easy to adjust the suspension travel, although I just leave mine on the 5 inches of plush setting. I have taken some nice drops and screamed though rock gardens and the Enduro just takes it in stride. The bike weighed in at an even 30 pounds, according to the LBS scale, so it is a heavy cross country and a light freeride bike. It may feel like a big bike when you first get on it, but it floats on the trail. The 4 bar design really makes this bike climb well too. If you can only afford one bike for all you fetishes, get and Enduro. The lower end models are great values too if you can live with a 100mm travel air fork and no rear lockout (who cares). Just go test ride it and you'll see you got to have one too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Newbury MA USA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | secret st | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Riverside Cycles NBPT MA | | Strengths: | Smooth ride, good looks. All black except for a gold link and bars. 525 discs are good out of the box. Black fork is for real, but firm spring is not yet available so all I have tried is 4" travel. Lockout on the back is nice. On the fly rear travel switch will be cool when I can go long up front. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing big so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Old ride:Ted Wojcik custom 3" travel mac strut | | Bike Setup: | Stock except replaced seatpost and seat per MBTR review of 2001 models | | Bottom Line: | This is a very preliminary report after but 4 rides. I am quite pleased as this is just what I was looking for. Not a freeride, not a race bike. Still getting used to the plush compared to the old mac strut which was more a xc race bike. Some have expressed concern that this was a new bike and there will be bugs in new product development. I figured that this was just another step forward for Specialized and the enduro line. So far so good. As usual with these bikes the parts pick may be questionable but if you want a 4-bar you gotta take a look. If you are thinking 100mm is what you are going to run in the front, you may be better to go with the pro and Zoke air fork. Check this bike out and try a test ride if you can. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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