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Submitted by
altadena downhiller
a Downhiller
from altadena,ca
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | JPL | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$4400.00 | | Purchased At: | Montrose bicycle | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Similar Products Used: | XC Pro | | Bike Setup: | Crank Bros 5050xx pedals and a different seat | | Bottom Line: | I can run down single track literally strewn with 5-6 rocks at 20 mph and not miss a beat. the multi-stage compression of the Talus fork allows for the first 2 inche sof travel to be super plush - i barely hold the handlebars and just cadillac through. it's amazing. I've yet to find a hit the bike can't take, and i weigh a staggering 212 pounds. the trails i ride (JPL, Sunset ridge, etc) are fairly technical and around Angeles Crest area - this bike was built for super tough single track. I got this bike after realizing that any ordinary high end XC bike (I have an XC Pro) was just not built to take anything at speed. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Minniear
a Cross Country Rider
from Elk Grove, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahoe Rim Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | standard equipment on the enduro pro is excellent; Fox TALAS fork, shock, XT\XTR components well matched for intended use; frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | stock seat is brutal on long epic rides; pedal bob noticeable when in "long" travel mode versus stable platform technology available today | | Similar Products Used: | GT; Specialized Rockhopper; Stumpjumper; Rocky Mountain RMX Pro | | Bike Setup: | stock with the exception of a longer stem; medium frame | | Bottom Line: | This should be considered a long-term ride report. I've had my Enduro Pro now for 2 years and have logged 1500-2000 miles on it. I've used it for cross-country, epic rides, light freeriding and downhill. This bike is extremely versatile and works well in almost all conditions.
The bike is relatively light for a medium travel bike and I have no problem riding with my buddies who own hardtails or purpose built cross country bikes. The Fox TALAS fork enables you to dial in the travel and action you want and the rear shock with the "itch" switch can be locked out, set at short travel or long travel. The frame geometry is very good for technical riding due to the suspension, a low standover height, and bulletproof frame.
After 2 years and hundreds of trail miles, I give this bike my highest recommendation. Outside of replacing the chain, I have had absolutely no mechanical problems whatsoever. This is a bike you can ride hard and put away wet ... and it will be ready to go when you are.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S. Carver
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Everything but the seat tube. | | Weaknesses: | Seat tube. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2003 Enduro Pro | | Bottom Line: | I submitted a review a year ago when I first bought the bike. Now one year and 1,000 miles later I am writing this updated. I still love this bike. I have had three problems with it. First, the Talas fork started leaking oil. It was sent back to Fox and rebuilt under warranty. It took about two weeks. Second, I just started to notice a drop in rear shock pressure. It seems to be leaking slowly. Third, over the weekend I noticed the frame is cracked just above the weld on the seat tube. I am 6'2" and 170lbs. Granted my seat is up high because of my long legs but the seat post is still in the seat tube all the way to the bottom. It's the original seat post - no cutting. I am going to return to the local shop and get the frame replaced. The bright white color has grown on me. I wish they had that color. I'm not too hip on the chrome 2004 enduro pro color.
I would still recommend this bike, except I would recommend to Specialized to have an extra gussett at the seat tube. I don't care about a few more oz. I want it to hold.
I ride XC. I don't freeride or hit big jumps. Just the occasional root drop or rock popper on the side of the trail. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a
from Brighton
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | friston | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Suspension so plush, weight good for travel stability, | | Weaknesses: | Only had bike for test day so far however it was dirty out and this bike is made for California riding it got dirty not enough mud clearance and no place to cary it | | Similar Products Used: | orange 5 specialized epic | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I normaly ride cross country this converted, me ended up doin trails jumps everything loved it, bit of bob but climbed well for fs bike.
Im gona buy one but lack of mud clearance is anoying, aswell it could do with somwhere to cary it hand hole in monocoque would be good as getting over styles etc is a bit hard. It would be great if they made an enduro "englander" with more mud clearance + cary hole on generaly the bee's Knees! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Forrest Arakawa
a Downhiller
from Pleasant Hill
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sick and Twisted | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Lightweight
Low Bottom Bracket Height
Cornering
Smooth Travel
Great Head Angle for Trail Riding
Easy to Maintain
Stiff
| | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth, Santa Cruz, Turner | | Bike Setup: | S-Works Enduro Frame, Fox Talas RL, Fox AVA Shock, WTB Laserdisc Lite Wheelset, King Headset, TruVativ Cranks, Easton Monkeylite DH Bar, Hayes HFX Mag Plus, WTB Weirwolf Tires, WTB Rocket V Ti Saddle, Shimano 959, Slalom System 2 MRP... | | Bottom Line: | This is a killer Trail bike. If your into riding all types of trail conditions then you will love this bike. It has a low center of gravity that allows the Enduro it's ability to coner so well... It works great on anything from moderate DH,4X and DS courses.
My bike weighs in at 25lbs. Most of my riding is DH but this bike makes me want to ride all mountain and more XC. It allows you the versatility to do anything... Dirt jumps, DH, DS, 4X, XC racing and all mountain riding are all within the limits of the Enduro. Keep in mind you can build this bike up as a FreeRide all mountain rig or an XC race rig. If your looking for 1 bike that can do everything than this is the bike for you... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The stock componetry on this bike is very good; the Fox TALAS fork and shock is excellent along with the XTR discs and rear derailleur. This bike offers very good value for the money back and is an excellent trail bike. Other strengths include a low standover height and good geometry for both cross country and technical riding. | | Weaknesses: | The stock seat is hard, but functional. It works for me, but is a little harsh if your doing long sit-down rides. I typically don't, but I spend a lot more time out of the saddle. The front end is a little light on this bike for a person of my size (5'10") and I put on a longer stem to better weight the front end on steep climbs. I have a medium frame and this modification largely eliminates the tendency to wheelie without compromising the handling. This bike also bobs considerable on steep climbs unless you lock out the suspension. It is not a problem for undulating terrain, but very noticeable in the first few gears on the big ring. Fortunately, you can lock the rear shock and front shock while riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 2; Specialized Rockhopper; Santa Cruz Heckler (demoed) | | Bike Setup: | stock with the exception of a longer steering stem .. approximately 3/4 inch. | | Bottom Line: | If you enjoy aggressive trail riding singletrack, downhills or technical sections, you will love this bike. The suspension is highly tuneable and soaks up most of the trail nasties while being able to drop off of +- 3 foot jumps and ledges. The itch switch combined with the lock-out makes climbing bearable. This bike will ride like a good hardtail when locked out, rail cross country singletrack in short travel mode, or join the downhill gang when in long travel mode (within reason...).
The trade off for the versatility this bike offers is that if you are purely riding cross country, there are better bikes out there with stable platform technology that don't force you to lock-out when climbing. The good news is that the Enduro's for 04 will have this technology and make this bike a no brainer! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Cote d'Azur, S. France
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Esterel Nat. Park, France | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Light weight for a trail bike. Componentry excellent value. Fox suspension front and rear give the bike a great ride over rocky and loose terrain. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle way too hard. Will the lower pivot stand up to water and grit? | | Bike Setup: | Standard '03 Pro except saddle and grips. | | Bottom Line: | I ride mostly on rocky and loose doubletrack and singletrack in the coastal mountains around SE France.
I spent quite a while researching and trialling a number of top end trail bikes before buying the Enduro Pro. Firstly, I would say that for value for money this bike is hard to beat. The frame and particularily the Fox suspension setup is ideally suited to my style of riding and the type of terrain I ride. I'm still experimenting, but the ability to wind the forks down to 80mm for the climbs, then open them up to 125mm for the fast and hard descents is fantastic. The rear shock just seems to keep the rear tyre glued all the time, up and down the hills.
All round a confidence-inspiring ride. Be sure to try one of these if you're looking for a go anywhere trail bike,
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brooks Carter
a Cross Country Rider
from Moab, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Amasa Back, Porcupine, Sovereign | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bountiful Bicycle | | Strengths: | Weight - only 27.8 (many xc bike are heavier)
Adjustability
Stability and control
Can handle just about anything | | Weaknesses: | For a bike that is designed for epic rides (and this thing eats up Methuselah rides and spits'em out) what WERE they thinking when they put that Specialized Pro BG saddle (02 version) on it? About two hours into a good ride, your butt is busted!! Also, my Hayes Mag discs let me down in the worst places. I had zero brakes - I'm talking free spinning wheel with the brake lever pulled full on - while riding Snowbird resort and high up in the La Sal Mountains (problem always seems to kick in at 9-10,000' in elevation). Hays keeps telling the dealer about better ways to bleed the things, but I don't know . . . . | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, K2 4000, Novara Ponderosa, Bullit, Blur, Joker | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for:
Time Z Control pedals - totally awesome pedal! It is unaffected by mud, wet sand, or anthing else I have thrown at it, and it's a great platform for jumpin' and bumpin'.
45 degree Dimension stem (well hey, I'm 56 and back comfort is important) | | Bottom Line: | This is one fine machine! I have a hard time wipin' the grin off my face everytime I ride (and that's almost everyday). I loved my stumpjumper, but this thing just has sooooo much more stability, control, and plushness that I quit riding the little bike.
Also hat's off to Specialized for backin' up their product. My 02 frame cracked at the weld where the shock attaches (known and corrected defect) and when my LBS (great bunch of guys!) called Specialized, they immediately sent a new 03 frame free of charge.
When hittin' lightweight jumps (2-4 feet) and bombing down tres ugly trails, this bike rocks. On 4 footers, I've hit the ground out of position in a rock garden and the suspension sucks it up and saves my butt. That's what I'm talkin' about. Blowin' down single track lined with baby heads used to give my xc bikes the jitters (not to mention me!), but on the enduro, it's like somebody took a laser and flattened out the rocks - smoooooooth. I've heard some guys rag on the Psylo or the suspension in general, but at 140 lbs., this setup is workin' for me. The seals blew on the Psylo on Porcupine after about 8 months of hard riding, but Rock Shox fixed them for me and they have been fine for the last 7 months. I set the Fox rebound a lot slower to keep it from launching me over the handle bars.
What about climbing? The head angle (I use the 69 degree position) combined with my 45 degree stem can make the front wheel a little floppy on REALLY STEEP single track switch backs. Not a problem. Simply adjust the Psylo down to 80 mm, flip the itch switch to 100 mm and lean forward (the point of the saddle in the derriere) - the thing climbs like a mountain goat! I can "no-dab" the steepest loose trails I could climb on the Stumpjumper with the Enduro. I love riding slickrock. On the 45 degree and steeper rock faces, just put your belly on the handlebars and the sucker sticks like glue. On the technical ledgy climbs, the rear suspension gobbles up the problems and keeps my rubber on the trail where I need it.
Descending? Try Moonlight Meadow or the ugly section of Squaw Springs (near the cabin) up on the La Sals. When I first got the bike and spotted those wicked drops & demolition fields, my heart would be in my throat. Now I know to just park my butt over the back tire and let it roll!! Crazy fun!
I shopped hard for this bike and yes, it's expensive but darn well worth it. A custom made frame with the exact same linkage and performance was $700 - $1500 more. What's the point? This is not a big huckin' machine (which I'm now shoppin' for), but if want a bike that does it all VERY WELL check this one out! I'm still grinin'. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bill
a Cross Country Rider
from san francisco
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | moore fun fruita | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | mike's bikes | | Strengths: | adjustability, value | | Weaknesses: | the paintjob (no big deal) | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz superlite & blur, ellsworth truth | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike, and I absolutely love it. I demo'ed a few boutique-built bikes but found the performance difference minimal and the cost difference maximal. You would be hard pressed to find a better component package at this price.
This bike has greatly improved my descending and technical climbing. The itch switch rear and Talas front shock adjust to almost any conditons from buff to insane. The XTR disc brakes are light, beautiful, and provide extreme confidence on the downhills. The only time I miss my hardtail is on rides with lots of pavement, which I try to avoid.
Overall, a great bike at agreat price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a
from Chandler, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | South Mountain Cycles | | Strengths: | Best Components for the price!!! Love FSR design | | Similar Products Used: | 99 FSR Expert, 01 Haro (single pivot), 03 Enduro S-Works frame, Cannondale's demo'd, Trek Liquid demo'd, Giant VT1 demo'd | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an all around great bike , especially for 2200.00 out the door. It does everything well. I am sure there are better bikes out there. I know people love the "cult" bikes, but those frames cost as much as my bike did. Also, through all of the Specialized bikes I have owned I have never had any problems with them, knock on wood. Oh yha, make sure you have the shop flip the link for maximum BB height. Anyway, I went ahead and broke the bike up for comments:
Brakes: I love the XTR hydro disk, light and look cool.
Fork: Talas RLC is the best thing I have ever ridden. Buy this if you have a lot of money.
Wheelset: Like the hubs and rims are strong and light.
Shifters: XTR pilots, when first looking at this bike I was against them. However, since they came on the bike I though I would give them a try. It took about five minutes to get used to them and I love them. These things are excellent and I hope they become popular and are put on more bikes.
Seat: I like Specialized body geometry seats, most dont's -enough said
Tires: I really liked the tires at first, good traction and rolling resistance, however, I think they have weak sidewalls. I ride loose gravel, sand, rocks so I have not found a tire that is great at all of these. But give them a shot.
Gripes: I have a few gripes. I think the BB is kind of low even w/the link flipped. I do ride lots and lots of rocks so I guess this just comes with the terrain. It is s great climber except for steep, loose, technical stuff, but then what is?
Overall: I really like this bike and I think I will have it for a long time. The components are second to none and the bike handles well and is very adjustable to suit your needs. I have definitely gained a lot more confidence on this bike and I do stuff that I would not have though possible before. I definitely push this bike to the limits, atleast mine, and hammer it as hard as I can. I am surprised I have not broken the frame with the speeds/drops that I have done on it. Anyway, if you want one get one, you won't be sorry. If you have a billion dollars and dont like the corporate companies get a "cult" bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a
from hood river, or
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | adjustable head tube angle, plush and supple FSR 5" suspension, TALAS - best fork out there. | | Weaknesses: | saddle | | Similar Products Used: | kona dawg, klein palomino, specialized epic, gary fisher sugar | | Bike Setup: | xt rapidfire and brake levers, thompson post, lp bar, rock ring | | Bottom Line: | specialized's FSR suspension is the smoothest out there. yes, it bobs ... but who cares? i'm tired of weight weenies and anti-bob freaks. the enduro is the best all mountain bike i've ridden. once i got used to the slack head tube position, i fell in love with it. the bike may not climb quite as well in 69.5, but oh the descent! this bike isnt the fastest xc bike out there, but it gives me a lot more confidence in tech downhills, drops, and the occasional teeter-totter. basically, the enduro isnt the perfect bike for any one thing, but it does everything really well. the fox TALAS is incredible. i ditched the new xtr shifters for tried and true rapidfires - if it aint broke, dont fix it. thats it. flaming turds on all porches. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Brookfield, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bullfrog Lake - Palos | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel Thing | | Strengths: | Great all-around cross country bike. | | Weaknesses: | It's a compromise between a XC racer and a freeride bike. Perfect for most, but not optimal for XC. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher 2, Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | stock. XTR shifter/levers, XTR disc calipers, XT crankset, DT Onyx rear hub, Fox Talus Fork | | Bottom Line: | Great suspension...plush but works well for the occasional race or just out for a ride. Suspension is highly adjustable with Fox Talus Fork and Float RLC rear shock. Bobbing is there, but is minimal with proper setup and the rebound and compression rates are adjustable and the lockout can be easily reached while seated, although I rarely use it.
I rode this at the Chequamegon 40 this year and managed to finish in about the same time as on my hardtail. It's my opinion that the suspension really saved my legs and back, allowing me to ride better. And it's sturdy with adjustable travel of 100 to 135mm...very versatile! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a
from Snoqualmie, WA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Diamond Bike & Backcountry, Black Diamond, WA | | Strengths: | Pro Tires Hook Up on Climbs and Descents. New XTR shifters are very clever. (My recommeddation for those who took the upshifter levers off, is to put them back on and ride with them for awhile.) I'm tellin ya, Shimano designed them that way for a reason! Fox suspension--Wow. Frame Geometry perfect for me--I have a Medium and I'm 5'9. | | Weaknesses: | After 200 muddy spring miles and 400 dry summer miles I have found none. | | Similar Products Used: | Eddie Mercyx, WR 426F | | Bike Setup: | Totally Stock 'cept a mud fender for WA State. Bunch of duct tape on my seatpost--cause you never know. | | Bottom Line: | One bike does-it-all. Flip the lockout for the big climb and ride it like a rigid--get up out of the saddle and go! Dial in your suspension for different conditions. Once you're used to it you don't even have to look. Reach down and give a click. I just have to say again how good the suspension is on this bike. I'm 5'9 and weigh 158 so don't complain to me about your heavy bike. This one is light enough to ride cross-country all day, race occasionally, and still have fun in the freeride terrain.
Bike is not cheap but worth every penny if you are serious about cycling performance. Say hi to me on Tiger Mtn or Snoqualmie Ridge Trails.
Peace out and word to your mommy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Renton, WA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tapeworm | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2430.00 | | Purchased At: | RiverCity Bicycles, Portland OR | | Strengths: | Frame design & level of components. The XTR discs/shifters are awesome! Didn't take long getting use them. The bike is awesome at climbing, descending and a great overall trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | none that I've experienced | | Similar Products Used: | '99 FSR Enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock: Fox Float TALAS RLC, Float RL, XTR discs/shifters, XT cranks | | Bottom Line: | This is a great all mountain trail bike. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great mix of components on a well designed frame for a great value.
The bike handles incredibly well on the trail. It's solid and efficient. Both front and rear shocks are great at sucking up the big bumps and gliding over the small ones. The bike take descent sized drop off's with ease. Now I don't recommend this as a freeriding bike, but it's a very capable all mountain bike.
The XTR discs provide great stopping power and the integrated XTR shifters are very easy to get use to. I use to think the Rapid Fire shifters were the only way to go, but I think these XTR shifters are awesome! Five | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any that get me outdoors | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mikes Bikes, San Rafael | | Strengths: | Stiff frame & fork, all the adjustments for dailing it in and the XTR shifter/brakes turned out to be excellent! Rips the rolling trails and downhills, corners like it's on rails. | | Weaknesses: | CLIMBING SUCKS!!! Yea, it has a lock-out, but when so many others don't need one, why can't they figure it out for the Enduro??? Pedal hard in any gear and watch the shock sink into it's travel.
*Bottom braket height - Spec's say 13.86/13.2, but I clip way more rock than on my '00 Jekyll that's at 12.5". Maybe it ties into that rear shock thing. | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll 900SX w/Lefty, Santa Cruz Heckler, Kona Dawg Deluxe | | Bike Setup: | Stock except trimmed bars down, & put on Geax Blades, cuz S-works tires rolled slow. For this kind of money, I don't want to have to swap out or upgrade parts. | | Bottom Line: | I consider myself to be pretty good w/suspension and bike set-up, but after all the fiddling, my Jekyll will still easily out do the Enduro on the climbs or flats. And since I spend about 60%+ time climbing, (hey, ya gotta get to the downhills!), I may have to bite the bullet, take it in the shorts and sell this thing.
So if you don't have to climb much, this would be a GREAT bike. If you want to go on the epic's, look elsewhere because you'll be able to use much less effort.
I'm glad the rest are pleased w/your rides. I actually based part of my decision on it. A bit of advise to you considering this bike, go w/your gut decision, it'll be the right one. I didn't and it wasn't. Anyone wanna buy a bike? (So I'm not the best at marketing...)
I gave it 4 flamin turds for value because I think it has some good stuff on it and only two for the overall rating because it requires SOOO much effort to pedal, (Oh yea, I'm 190lbs and am in pretty damn good shape).
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Goody
a Cross Country Rider
from Newburyport, MA 01950
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Riverside Cycle | | Strengths: | Super Plush and reasonable weight. The Talas, itch swith and optional lock out is great. Comes spec'd pretty well but made several changes. Originally wanted SWORKS but sold out in my size | | Weaknesses: | Not a fan of some of the spec. Changed new XTR Shifter brake combo, bars, post, wheelset, cranks and tires. Don't like the seat, need to change that as well. | | Bike Setup: | 03' XTR Crankset, Mavic XL tubeless with Conti UST tires, Monkey lite carbon bar and post, XTR pod shifters with XT Brake levers for XTR Discs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. All around trail bike, reasonable weight 27lbs. Conti 2.3's are great. Put Stans in for extra insurance. Never lose air pressure and can run at low pressure. New XTR Cranks are sick. Super stiff and worth the upgrade. If you are looking for one bike to do it all, this is it. 5' hits are like a ride in the park. Great bike a must by for a do everything bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joao Dias
a Weekend Warrior
from PORTUGAL
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Similar Products Used: | YETI KOKOPELLI AS | | Bottom Line: | The SPECIALIZED ENDURO is one of the most qualified bikes to cover every trail on the mountain, in both directions. It is a capable climber ,Fox's Float TALAS is the best feeling air fork made and the refined FSR linkage complements it well to run everything over on the way down. SPECIALIZED did a great job refining their already proven ENDURO PRO 2002 and you will be hard-pressed to find a better at this price.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus75
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | La Tuna | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Handing, FSR design, Lockout feature makes for a stable ride, Climbing, downhill, Fox TALAS Fork and rear shocks, the beefy S-Work Tires are cool! Weight is surpurisingly light for a all trail bike, the XTR Components. | | Weaknesses: | Non with the ride so far! I should've got the small frame because the FSR geomtry is too big for me (rider's preference). Only comes with on color (White). Why didn't they go all XTR (especially the pedal)! Seat is uncomfortable. Been having trouble with the gears (front lower gears are making noises), but I guess that's the problem with the bike shop tech not dialing it in right? | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Ironhorse Hollowpoint Team and Specialized Epic. | | Bike Setup: | Stock! Cut the seat post and the handlebars a inch! | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A FOLLOW UP REVIEW! After riding this BEAST for over 100 miles over anything and everywhere, I truely tested it's capabilities. This is truely how specialized described it "Go anywhere do anything bike!" I ride a lot of technical single track, downhill, uphill and the open road and this is light enough to go fast yet strong enough to sock up my heavy body (195LB BUT MUSCULAR) and everything on the dirt trail. Even jumping from a mini cliff was no problem, unfortunately I get more banged up than the bike! I love to dial and adjust the TALAS Fork and rear shock according to my ride for example in a technical uphill I use the rear stock's lockout feature. The bike handles exceptionally well and is very stable even off the saddle (no bobs). The beefy S-works tires eats up anything I throw at it! I dial the TALAS Fork to 125 mm in a downhill and it rides like a BULLET! I was also impressed by all the XTR Components especially the shifters! The XTR disc Brakes are all right but the rear brakes made noises! (the tech fixed the problem).
Bottom line- This is a exceptional ALL TRAIL BIKE, you can go on technical single track to the open concrete road with easize because this bikes rocks on any surface you ride! Although, the intermediate to advance trails are where this bike belongs on! I would highly recommend this bike to any intermediate to advance riders whoes looking for a aggressive ride and looking for the most BANG FOR THE BUCK because its loaded with the best components for a fraction of the price of a custom build w/ same components! BEST PRODUCTION MOUNTAIN BIKE I EVER RIDDEN!
5 CHILLS FOR VALUE AND OVERALL! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R&D walsh
a Weekend Warrior
from san carlos ca.
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | resolution or the sawpit | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | c.v.c. | | Strengths: | sweet ride, sweet handling and saved my a** more than onceon the trail. resonably light. this was a warranty frame hence the silly price. | | Weaknesses: | broken again....this time in six months the last enduro pro lasted about 18 months. i'm going to upgrade to a s-works frame and see... | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler,older enduro pro. | | Bike Setup: | mostly xtr with specialized cranks, king/dual duty wheels,thomson post and stem. | | Bottom Line: | hope the s-works frame holds up a little better than the pro! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus75
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | La Tuna | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Surprising light weight for a "All Trail Bike." Great XTR parts for the $$$. Great "Kick-ass" TALAS 125 Fork! Very Stable. | | Weaknesses: | None in terms of the ride so far! But don't like the white color. Also the seat is not the most comfortable. The wiring is all over the place! | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized Epic, Iron Horse Hollowpoint Team.
| | Bike Setup: | Stock! | | Bottom Line: | I only logged 10 miles so far. I noticed an immediate improvement in ascending and awesome going down the mountain with the TALAS Fork. The $700 TALAS Fork alone is worth looking at this bike! Its very stable with the lockout features on the shock. BIG PLUS is all the XTR Parts that comes with the bike, you can easily top $4K with similar Parts. This is a excellent bike for anyone looking for a aggressive ride but don't want to spend a furtune! BOTTOM LINE this is the best bike for the $$$! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ATBScott
a Cross Country Rider
from Castro Valley, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Can there be only ONE?!?!? | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath Hayward | | Strengths: | Reasonable weight for a 5+ inch ADJUSTABLE travel bike. Lockout front and rear (if you need it). Fox Forx, general parts pick for the $$ (XTR and XT mix). Handling!!! | | Weaknesses: | Cable/Hose routing needs a little TLC - simple fix with a couple of zip ties. As stated before, if this saddle doesn't work for you - it REALLY doesn't work for you. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried the Blur, Tracer, ridden many machines - owned a '99 FSR XC Comp for 4 years and it has been an excellent bike. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock, except for Terry Ti Fly saddle, Kenda Kinetics 2.35 tires, old-style pedals with toeclips and straps... Cateye Enduro Cyclo'puter | | Bottom Line: | I absolutely love this bike. I got on it and right away it felt great. I rode an S-Works at the Sea Otter, but didn't feel the extra bucks were there for one M5 tube and the bit better parts selection (besides - I think the XTR cranks are kinda ugly). Not being a big drop/hit type of guy, I wanted efficiency and comfort in my ride. The Enduro line delivers in spades. I compared to other "trail bikes" and also the Epic (if I still raced, I would'a bought that in a heartbeat). I wasn't too excited about a white bike, but once I saw it, the trim colors match the Fox Forx nearly perfectly, and I thought it actually looked good (if that matters that much). It can always be polished or painted if the color is a dream-breaker.
The stock 2.2" Enduro S-Works Tires are very fast-rolling, and seemed to stick pretty good too, but I think they'll wear out like erasers. I put on the Kinetics (wanted to try 'em) and they work well with this bike. A little slower, but not dogs by any means. They hook up and have a balanced feel, that accentuates this bike.
I stretched the cables well before the first ride, and have not had to touch them since. I have had to bleed the brakes, but that is almost certainly because I switched my levers to be motorcycle-style. All I have done is lube the chain every couple of rides, and clean the bike after a good dirt session.
I have about 200 miles of fireroad, singletrack, and about 10% of it pavement. The handling for me, is outstanding. The bike can be leaned at speed, steered around tight switchbacks, goes over pretty much anything in it's path, and is still around 27.5 pounds for a Medium with the heavier tires on it. With a set of Roll-X tires (or other light, fast tire) this bike could be raced in the Sport Class and not hold you back. Rode Wilder Ranch a couple of weeks ago and the bike performed absolutely perfect. Rooty, drop lines in the singletrack were soaked up with no drama at all, and the one fireroad descent, running about 30 or so, and lack of a good sightline got me into some bad lines with 6" deep parallel ruts... The bike soaked up the hits and let me get onto a clear line without a hitch. (I did slow down a little after that though!)
Equipment-wise, the XTR stuff seems to work pretty well. I have gotten to like the lever-actuated shifting (non-rapid rise)which I had some doubts about, and the brakes feel like a good set of V-brakes that don't go away when you ride the wet or sloppy. I have had a couple of very minor rubbing issues (intermittent) with the front brake, but I think adjusting the factory-set shims will take care of that. The saddle may actually feel good on a road bike for me, but not in the more upright position that the Enduro has you sitting. The saddle is light, and looks good, I think it is just a bad parts pick for this bike. I have a friend that uses this saddle on his Mtb and likes it, which just proves that it is a personal thing. I'll stick with the Terry. Grips feel pretty good - and that is from a die-hard Oury user for many years.
I will likely put the Endoro tires back on when conditions get damp back in the Bay Area (November?) and may try a few different tires the next few months. I also will likely change the seatpost to a Thomson with a layback, as I have my saddle nearly all the way back on the rails. May pop for a lighter (CF?) handlebar and Thomson stem while I am at it, but that is not a requirement at this point. May go to Oury grips too.
The bike climbs well, descends great, and goes where you point it. I run the suspension at about 100mm travel front and rear most of the time. With the suspension at maximum travel, you can feel it move a bit when climbing technical sections, but it doesn't seem to make the bike less efficient. The Fox Talas RLC is awesome - whatever bike you get, get a Fox Forx on it! Rock Shox and Manitou have some catching up to do!
I weight about 185 or so, climb fairly strong, like fast trail riding and generally being in places where you can get away on a bike. It took only about 3 or 4 rides to get the suspension adjusted to where I thought it felt nearly perfect. The machine works well for it's purposes, and is a great choice for the rider looking for a balanced machine for all uses. I know it will take more abuse on the downhills than I likely will give it (intentionally anyway). If you want a good trail machine, with a parts pick that only a huge purchaser like Specialized can get - for a reasonable price to boot - this is one of the best choices out there. Get one and ride! Five flamers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Buell
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Worth, Tx.
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore/ Urban Assault | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | I work at a shop so I got a rare deal on a warranty frame. the frame itself is awesome, I love the way specialized rides over my old Fisher Sugar. versatility is the key | | Weaknesses: | broke the chainstay at the main pivot, right across the weld. specialized says I'm the only one to do it hehe *thumbs up* but I ride harder than the bike is meant for, so for as hard as I ride it, this bike rocks, no weaknesses | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 1 and 3+ | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2 Fork QR20, Mavic Dee Max wheels, Maxxis Hook Worm 2.5" urban assault tires. LX shifters, Deore ders. Truvativ Hussefelt 28-38-RG crank set.. isis, FSA Pig DH headset, Race Face Diabolous stem, Time ATAC Z pedals *best clipless pedals around*, SRAM chain - 40 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I aquired the frame from my shop that I work at, so no one will get the frame deal as I did, it was a freak thing. anyway, this bike rocks. I ride it daily to and from work, urban assault is my thing, big jumps are my friend. course this bike only lets you do so much, but always asks for more. I've done 7 foot drop offs on this bike, it suffers a little on that, but 5 foot drops and under, this bike laughs at. I did break the frame once within 2 months of riding it, but I think the weld may have been bad, plus my riding doesn't help much. but no problem, speclialized took care of me, says I'm the only guy to break an enduro frame on the seatstay at the main pivot weld hehe. whether your an aspiring free rider, or a cross country guru who wants a bike to take you anywhere, this bike is for you. the specialized linkage design is leaps and bounds over teh trek and fisher design, much more efficient and always working beneath you. my bike weighs in at 40 pounds, but I'm not shy I throw it around like my bi**h, it always calls for more. I love it, I love it, I love it. my next bike is a Specialized Big Hit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Pereira
a Cross Country Rider
from Petit Valley, Trinidad
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All in Trinidad | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bells Bycycles, Miami. | | Strengths: | Very plush ride and extremly good handling. Excellent forks(Talas). This bike pedals really well, that added to the adjustability of the suspension makes this a boss allround bike. It instills confidence like no other. 03 XTR shifters are great and took no time to get used to. Brakes are the best. | | Weaknesses: | Unfortunately the only let down has been the rear derailleur. 02 XTR. My chain keeps skipping off the kogs because of not enough chain wrap, so far it looks like it was caused by the "B" adjustment screw. The notch where the "B" adjustment screw is meant to rest on the dropout is not big enough so the screw "misses" making adjustment very difficult. I actually enlarged the area for the fix. | | Similar Products Used: | Tek y-3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, including the hard-ass seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is the bike I was looking for. It climbs like a beast, descends even better and handles like its on rails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wily
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbell, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Soquel Demonstraton Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelaway Cycle Center | | Strengths: | Great bike for the $$. Almost all XTR componenents. Highly adjustable shock and fork. Very comfortable. Handles different types of terrain well. Makes me like riding, and that was my personal goal. | | Weaknesses: | My heels lightly clip the seatstays occasionally, but it's not a big deal. I agree with other reviewers that it seems like the seatstays could have been curved like the chainstays to avoid the issue completely, but pedal swap suggested by others sound like a realtively painless fix if you're bothered. The stock seat is a butt breaker, my dealer threw in a nice CB Vitelle saddle that was a little high in the center and had no "love channel", so I changed to a WTB Laser V after borrowing my brother's for a 14 mile ride. The Laser V is a keeper, although I can see how the Laser V Stealth (a little firmer seat base) with the Kevlar corners would hold up better. Max comfort is my goal. | | Similar Products Used: | Previously owned a Fuji Sundance for 5 years and have been riding a Speciaized Stumpjumper M2FS hardtail for 10 years. I looked at Santa Cruz Superlights (more $$ for the same components, rep for handling a little quicker than I wanted); Specialized Epic (I didn't want the "brain" controlling my suspension since comfort is really important to me); S-works Enduro (too many more $$ for not enough more bike at my riding level); Enduro Expert (not enough savings to justify mostly XT components). | | Bike Setup: | Stock '03 Enduro Pro except for the saddle. I added a Cateye Cordless 7 basic computer that was inexpensive ($42) and mounts neatly on the stem where it is easy to read and pretty safe from crash damage. Thanks to Ric at Wheelaway for helping me pick the right bike and for giving me a great deal, and to Charles at Trailhead for helping me dial in the setup and getting me the right stuff in my trail repair kit. | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding off and on for about 15 years. Decided that my lazy butt needed more exercize and that the gym doesn't work for me, so getting more committed (maybe I should have been already?) to off road riding seemed a natural since I am a hardcore outdoorsman & my brother is a pretty serious cross country rider. (He rides a highly upgraded Enduro.) It was important to me to have a comfortable, versatile ride with stock components that would last a long time with proper maintenance. I am thrilled with my new bike: it is much more comfortable than my old hardtail and I have almost no aches and pains; suspension adjustabiliy lets me climb more efficiently than before and downhill more confidently; XTR brake/shifters are easy to learn and work more smoothly than my previous XT Rapid Fires that I really liked; Specialized discs seem wonderful, although the extra stopping power requires a litte caution on technical single track. I've done 75 miles of hilly fire trails and single track in the first 10 days and can't wait to get out tomorrow. I think that this is a great bike for a serious intermediate (or better) who (1) rides a variety of terrain, (2) maybe wants to do a little novice racing, and (3) doesn't want to spend a small fortune upgrading components. Except for the saddle, my '03 Enduro Pro is as good as I'll ever need right out of the box. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steven
a Cross Country Rider
from mills river nc
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | turkeypen gap | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | liberty bikes | | Strengths: | very plush ride, the new xtr is great. the shifters and talas up front really sets this bike off as a go anywhere do anything rig. | | Weaknesses: | the saddle, this thing is as hard as a rock. I know some people like them but I gave it away before the first ride and replaced it with somthing better. It does take a while to get the hang of the new shifters but once you figure them out they are better than the old rapid fires. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR stump jumper comp (still own and ride),trek fuel 98, trek fuel liquid ( treks really sucked) | | Bike Setup: | xtr front and rear der. xtr disk brakes, xt cranks, and all the other good stuff. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike
I wish that I had just gotten it sooner. Did my first ride on it yesterday (an epic 25 miles) and this thing is great! I was flying over stuff that I had a hard time on while riding my other fsr. the new xtr disk works great, very good feel and unlike any other disk brake I have ever used. the real plus to this bike is it climbs great (no bob at all,) better than it should with all that travel in the front and back. you don't even have to touch the lockouts.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S. Carver
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT.
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any at Brian Head or Sun Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Choose to Ride (CTR), Murray, UT | | Strengths: | Versitility! Adjustable fork, shock, and flip-flop link. '03 XTR disk brakes and shifters. | | Weaknesses: | No weaknesses found. Even comments from other reviewers below about how the seat sucks and the seat stays are too close have never been a problem for me. | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock 2003 Enduro Pro. Thanks to Ron and Greg at Choose To Ride for spending the time to dial in the shock and fork to fit me perfectly!! | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike. I have been riding a 2001 Trek 8500 with upgraded bits. I looked for a FS bike for a lot time. I looked at the Truth, Blur, Superlight, Liquid, and several others. However, the Enduro is so versitile and for the money you definately get the most bang! I ride this bike almost everday. I haven't had any problems what so ever with my feet hitting the seat stays like others have talked about. I love love love this bike. Lower the fork and switch the ITCH switch to short travel and it climbs anything! Get to the top and raise it all up for a plush bombing downhill. Super stable and it just feels solid. Buy it if you want a versitile all day riding machine! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TC
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington State
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Foothills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Strengths: | plush feel, responsive handling, just floats over abstacles, Fox front and rear shocks, 2003 XTR brakes, climbs very well, all around great riding, solid bike | | Weaknesses: | seat is terrible, if you want your soldier to salute ever again...change it, stock Shimano pedals, cannot buy frame only, seatstays too close to heels | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Enduro Pro, stock except: King/Mavic 219 Speedgoat wheelset w/ Contis, Thompson stem and post, Easton MonkeyLite, WTB Laser Stealth saddle, King headset, Race Face LP ISIS crankset & BB, Atomlab platforms | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for the Enduro S-Works but decided to go with the Pro and then do my own upgrades. I think the bike is fine stock except for the the seat and pedals. I had the same problem with my heels banging the seatstays but the problem went away when I got the platforms. They just move my feet far enough away from the seatstays so they don't hit anymore.
This is my first full suspension rig and I have to say that I don't know why I ever rode a hardtail. I'm not a racer nor am I too concerned with a few pounds of weight. This bike has really made my bike riding experience that much more enjoyable.
I don't know what I would hange about the bike now. 5 flaming chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bikeroo
a Weekend Warrior
from Cothen, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Svaty Petr(chech rep.), Amerongen 10 Mile loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeshop Amersfoort | | Strengths: | Reasonably light for its componentry and frame, plusminus 12.5 Kg. Climbs very well but take in account not to go to to low leg R.P.M otherwise it will pogo like a pogostick. High R.P.M like 90-110 is the best range to pedal this bike.
Incredible handling and response. It feels solid like a rock especially with the 'magic' Fox Talas forx up front. This fork is setting new standards in MTB man. I'm sold ;)
XTR brakes are better than expected (for the review see product weakness below).
Mine comes with XT cranks. Best shifting I ever experienced.
Enduro s-works tires are oke but I know better tires like Schwalbe Fat Albert and Conti Vertical Pro(tection). | | Weaknesses: | Rebound clicker on Fox Float damper extremely hard to turn around. Read about this problem in some magazines.
I just learned my new sled for the first two hours but suddenly I heard this metallic sound from the rear. So I brake with my rear brake, no brake power nooooooooo.
Quess what, brake pads popped out out of the rear caliper including brake axle and clip and spring. This is some serious scheit for shimano. My dealer has never whitnessed this before duhhh. Handle bar maybe a little bit to wide.
Crazy seat. My buttt feels like a night out in a gay cafe and got GHB in my breezer and then ....
| | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Raven II (Cracked it in the Chech republic)
Cannondale Jekyll 900 SL (the warranty replacement frame). This frame is really old fashioned and way to flexy for me plus annoying stinkbug effect. | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock. Can swap tires for Fat Albert that I have in my garage. Will change pedals (spd515) to spd959 soon.
To lighten up the bike | | Bottom Line: | Solid bike. Very good bike for marathon and tour. But maybe I can use it also for some XC racing because it just pedals so easy, also on the flats. Transforms to DH/Freerider easally. Not a real descender offcorse, but its so damn plush including the front fork.
Buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodbury, MN, US
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Erik's Bike Store | | Strengths: | Plush ride yet responsive. Price of frame is great given how well the bike feels. | | Weaknesses: | Twitchy while riding up steep hills. The seatstay is in the way while pedalling. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned GT (RTS-1, XCR-1000, XCR-LE) and Specialized (FSR and another Enduro Frame before this one, 4 months before it broke), test rode many other FS bikes | | Bike Setup: | Drivetrain is XT, Hope Mini disc brakes, Mavic X317 wheels | | Bottom Line: | The most annoying thing about the bike is that when I am throwing my bike around technical stuff, my feet hit the seatstays. The chainstays are curved towards the wheel at the point where my feet pass while pedalling. Sorry, I know there is a term for this curvature but it escapes me! The seatstays are straight and thus are in the way. They look like crap now. They are all scuffed and scratched. Not that big of a deal, but annoying. Not sure why Specialized didn't treat the seatstays the same way as the chainstays, but I'm not an engineer either!
The other thing about this bike, and I am not sure if I'm just not used to the angle the headtube makes or what, but I can't seem to make this thing climb steep hills without working hard to keep the front tire on the ground and pointed where I want it to go. I've been MTB'ing for coming up on 12 years and have never had a problem with this before. I've been riding FS for 10 of those years. I am not sure what is up with this bike/components (or me) other than it is built for going down, not up. I'm not sure what I can change to change this behavior.
This stuff isn't a big deal to me. I think this bike rides better, for me, than any other bike I have owned or test rode. I've taken the bike on a variety of trails and it always performs for me making me feel more confident and helping me to ride faster and have more fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric H
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Albuquerque Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | 03 XTR. Already addicted to the integrated shifters.
Discs are lightweight and work well.
TALAS shock is incredible!! | | Weaknesses: | Shimano 515 pedals
Nice if specialized offered a little more variety in
the color scheme, although I like the white much better than last years robot silver/orange bike. | | Similar Products Used: | EPIC Comp
Fuel | | Bike Setup: | XTR (Integrated shifters/brake levers, disc brakes),
XT (hollow cranks,front derail), M515 pedals, Specialized fronthub, DT rear hub, Fox Talas front suspension, Fox Float rear with the itch switch | | Bottom Line: | I was looking to switch from a hardtail to something with a little more give in it. I ride on a lot of broken volcanic flows and fairly mangled forest roads, which were starting
to rough me up. I tested the Enduro head to head with the
EPIC for about 3 hours. The Enduro was much more plush and
in the end, I am willing to sacrifice some speed for comfort. I am amazed by the ride this bike gives and
the amount of adjustments available to the suspension
allow lots of fine tuning.
Specialized has the full suspension thing down, and teaming up with Fox was a very wise move.
I thought it would take a while to adjust to the integrated shifters, but they really are very natural. I am having a bit of trouble switching to disc brakes. There is much less travel in the brake levers than my old v brakes, so it is harder to feather the brakes on the technical downhills. I seem to keep locking them up. I also would like to see if I can move the levers slightly closer to the bars. I don't have small hands but I am definately squeezing with the last digit of my fingers.
In riding these two bikes, I definately see the nitch for the EPIC as well. Not what I was looking for, but maybe if I was still interested in racing I would go for one of these. The other thing is they are quoting $800-$1000 as specialized's price on the brain shock. That is a lot of cash to shell out if you break the thing and as other have pointed out the other components on the bike have been downgraded to offset this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Ravensdale, WA
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger/Preston RR | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Centered feel for climbing or descending. Minimal bob. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | No other FS bikes used. From HT to FS and lovin' it. | | Bike Setup: | Titec Flat XC bars, Big Al 150X10 stem, SRAM Attacks, Hayes Hydros, C2 headset, Stylo Team crank with SL ISIS BB, WTB MP250 pedals, XT cassette, XTR rear, XT frt, Duke SL 100, Singletrack with XT disc hubs, WTB Laser V saddle, Mythos 2.1's, Oury grips | | Bottom Line: | I got this frame as a warranty replacement for an older Specialized HT frame that cracked. Such a deal.
I'm 6'5" / 200, got the XL with long 150 stem. I intend to do some 24 hour racing with it and have a set of Mavic 317's on the way to lighten the load. Should come in at about 28 pounds.
So far this bike has impressed me. I stay with the shorter travel, and changed the rear link to make it steer quicker with the Duke SL 100. It is very stable, handles neither too quick nor too slow. I can negotiate tight turns or pick up the speed without the bike feeling too twitchy. Considering the set up I descend well, and climb better than my old HT. Nothing to comlain about. On occasional smooth long sections, fire roads, I'll lock out the schock, but overall if you pedal in a smooth circular motion the bob is hard to detect. This bike has great handling manners. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Rybold
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Double Whack | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2599.00 | | Purchased At: | Flow | | Strengths: | XTR Throughout! (Excellent!) This bike possesses the durability and travel of a basic DH, yet only weighs 30lbs - capable of XC. Best Strength - Specialized guarantees the frames and did so when the 2002 models cracked from their more extreme users. | | Weaknesses: | cranks are not XTR; they are housebrand - but Specialized does make good bikes - we will see how these hold up. Most Weak - the White color!!! I WILL be painting my frame. | | Similar Products Used: | 02 Enduro comp, 02 stumpjumper, Rocky Mountain Switch (a HEAVY sob) | | Bike Setup: | small and FAST. cut the seat-post and lower it - better for quick manuevering and off-the-ground maneuvering. | | Bottom Line: | This is provisional - I just got the bike. I will update you later - but my initial response is that the 2003 Enduro Pro with the 2003 XTRs is GREAT! (It is like an M-BMW compared to a Hyundai)
This bike is for the XC rider who crosses technical terrain and DH riding. Again, this bike is for the XC rider who crosses DH-level riding. (Bottom line: Durable yet light) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Walsh
a Cross Country Rider
from spring tx us
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | cypresswood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike lane | | Strengths: | The whole bike is different than stock so would have to say the shimano discs, rock shox Duke II, the frame is just one word awsome, the itch shock cures all those little bumps and the big ones too | | Weaknesses: | i havent really found any yet so its a hard question to answer but i have broke my origonal StrongArm II cranks in half | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized 00' RockHopper, Specialized 02' StumpJumper | | Bike Setup: | Shiamno 8 inch discs f/r, Rock Shox Duke II fork, ITCH rear shock,X-c FireStorm Tires ,xt:cranks, f/r derailurs, SPD's with Specilazed shoes. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is only descibed as awsome. It is fast and has razor sharp handling. it has one of the lightest frames ive ever ridden so no doubt it can jump and it has the accelloration of a rocket.
i give this bike everything it can take and it doesnt hesitate to get back out on to the trails it is deffinatally durable.
i gave it 5 chiles all round, the bike is just a really good bike.
the best buryer is someone who want to have fun with riding trails and n\e thing else that u want to do with it. It is an awsome split between a D/H bike and an X/C bike but is easily capable of both. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
euan
a Racer
from chch, new zealand
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | woosley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | john bull cycles | | Strengths: | great balance, itch adjust,fsr design, makes me go much faster! | | Weaknesses: | naff white paint - oh well!
seat not too great, but ok if set just right - thank god for mirco adjust seatposts. | | Similar Products Used: | only ever used hardtail(wish i got f/s sooner!!) | | Bike Setup: | lx/xt, black elite 100mm shox,oury grips,mix & match parts.got a frame & built it out of various parts as the budget allowed. | | Bottom Line: | after too many years on h/t, & being smoked on fast dh by my f/s riding buddies i had to go specialized. after only a couple of rides, im gaining confidence & speed, this bike has refueled my desire to just ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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