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Submitted by
john denike
a Racer
from tucson
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | treasure island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | fairwheal bikes | | Strengths: | great handling on tough trails over big technical terain, the shock and the fork are very ajustable, handles litle freeride things very well (below 8 feet, turns amazing, stable in the air, there is a great gard on the first set of gears which has probably saved them from severe damage | | Weaknesses: | chain hits and scratches the fraim were the fabrich gard covers, the stock tires easily burst and are very thin, my first shock leeked oil and replaicing it took 2 and a half weeks, the derailer started jerking after a few days but then stopped, | | Bike Setup: | stock 07 enduro | | Bottom Line: | Overal despite some small problems this is an amazing bike. On this bike i can do realy tigt steep manuevering that i could never dream of doing before, at both fast and slow speeds. It handles very well. It also handles six foot drops very well. This is a great bike for people who like to do heavier technical trails at speed. But also whant to freeride. Ive done a couple of 5-9 stairs and a six foot and it was great. For me since i just turned 15 i need to be able to ride it to were im going to do the freerideing so the way its not to relaxed and is an 18 speed is great. And although it is heavy its definetly not a tank so its ridable.
The great thing about this bike is that although it is a great freeride machine its lite enough and has enough gears to actualy go places on it. Even if i was planing to do a lot of trailriding i dont think i would of got a lighter bike with less travel because when your on a trail how can you resist a litle drop or going fast over the rough stuff. lastly it comes with a lifetime frame waranty and a year long component waranty.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul M
a Cross Country Rider
from Colchester, UK
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Betwys Y Coed | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Thomas's Cycle Revolution, Colchester | | Strengths: | Comfort, plushness, forgiving handling, spec for money, rear suspension design, versatility and riding position. | | Weaknesses: | That rear shock bearing... Marzocchi EXR Supra forks. Oh, and the Romic upgrade weighs 3x as much as the Fox Float, but I'm nitpicking ;-) | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Rockhopper, Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | Stock apart from Romic rear shock and Hope M4 disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | An absolute bargain.
The Enduro seems happy doing anything, from tackling hardcore trails to pootling back and forth to the office on dry days. The Fox rear shock gives a plush ride, and the 100mm setting changes the damping characteristics to a progressive rate as opposed to near linear in long travel setting, munching the climbs. I upgraded to a Romic on the advice of an Enduro owning pal and have noticed that the rear suspension tracks far better without losing any small bump sensitivity - thanks to compression damping control. So far, so good. It stil climbs very well despite the porky Romic weighing about as much as three Fox Floats...
The rear suspension is compliant and unaffected by braking forces. Pedalling does induce a SMALL amount of bob, but not as much as some would have you believe. Most of the bob is the result of the front suspension failing to differentiate between pedalling forces and terrain.
Which brings me to my main criticism of the base UK Enduro, that Marzocchi shock. Mine felt underdampened, the rebound was vicious until tamed with 7.5 weight oil. The rebound adjuster fell off on it's second ride and I still haven't quite dialled into the Marzocchis yet despite endless fettling with both air and spring preloads. They're heavy too and I personally can't wait to bin them for a pair of Fox Vanillas or maybe Manitou Shermans - a pair of the latter are very temptingly priced.
My sole secondary niggle is the front Specialized skewer, which loosens itself at will. Grr!
Otherwise I've upgraded to Hope M4 brakes which offer superb modulation and feel. The Shimanos just aren't in the same league. I also hope to be upgrading the wheelset shortly, as the stock wheels are definitely on the weighty side. However, for a base spec pedigree full susser at £1500.00 (UKP) you gets what you pays for and the XT rear mech, Telluride saddle, hollowtech cranks and LX front mech compensate. A similarly priced Kona or Marin makes do with Deore/LX. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P Sieb
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | sticks&stones | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Cost!! This is an outstanding frame and component set for the cost, which is easily upgradable. It's allowed me to keep up with my downhill buddies on the rough stuff. | | Weaknesses: | You get what you pay for with the shocks. On long rides you definitely need to carry your shock pump. Low cross country like clearance until you change the flip/flop link...wish it was even a bit higher. | | Similar Products Used: | Epic, fuel 90,100, Cake, Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Base Enduro with XT rear and shimano disc, Mar. comp. front, Fox RL rear. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the value. I also have an Epic but find myself riding my Enduro more. It sucks for climbing with all of the bob, but upgrades and/or stronger legs would take of that. I like Specialized for their customer support too. Also, set the flip/flop link for the higher bottom bracket hieght. It takes a while to dial in the front shock/ I found I like 10-15psi more than my weight in the rear shock. Hit some jumps and Have fun!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MntBikenBamBam
a Weekend Warrior
from La Habra
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | la habra cyclery | | Strengths: | Great shox, never bottomed em out (but im only 150lbs)... fun to ride so far has taken everything i threw at it. AND THE HAYES BRAKES WORK GREAT! you just have to break them in correctly... you gotta just ride 3-5miles around your neighborhood while lightly holding the brakes which will break them in. if you do this they wont howl.... ive had mine close to 6 months and they dont make a sound even down the craziest of hills. | | Weaknesses: | only thing i can find is the weight and the seat which is awful by the way. also the front shock doesnt adjust really "on the fly" but they fixed that in the 04 and 05 modles. they also ixed the uphill bob with the lockouts for front and rear | | Similar Products Used: | none just had a trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | stock just some primo pedals` | | Bottom Line: | GREAT ALL AROUND BIKE sucks up the down hills and climbs pretty respectabley. i have no real complants i love mine just cant wait to heal up and be able to ride again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town South Africa
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tokai | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Soaking up all you throw at it. Itch switch. Tyres | | Weaknesses: | A little on the heavy side. Bob when climbing. Hayes brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Spesh Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | factory | | Bottom Line: | My LBS lent me this bike while I waited for my new Stumpjumper to arrive. What a revelation this bike was. My last bike was a 2000 Stumpjumper which had a number of upgrades, I then moved, in a moment of weakness onto a Trek fuel 90, so I've had a fair run of full bounce bikes. But the Enduro wipes both bikes.
What amazed me first was the plushness of the ride. On some pretty nasty singletrack, fully rutted and plenty roots the bike purely sailed over them. I found myself not even reaching for the brake levers where previously I would have. The bike hooks up brilliantly. I have a feeling the tyres have a lot to do wth it as well. The bike bike just encourages you to push the limit but never leaves you wondering if it will let go. Flicking the switch to long travel just gives you that added travel which when doing gnarly bits also gives you a little extra confidence.
On the down side the bike is maybe a little on the heavy side, but this depends on what type of riding you are doing. I did notice a fair amount of bob while slogging to the top of a long hill as well. This also needs to be put into context of what the bike is designed to do and when you hit the bottom of the trail a little bob is soon forgotten. The Hayes brakes don't impress me. I had them on the Fuel as well and wasnt blown away. When hot they fade, rotors go out of true and the pads wear fairly quickly. On my previous stumpy I had Promax hydraulics put on and they cleaned the Hayes up in every department.
Overall a very pleasing ride. Look forward to getting my Stumpy expert disc this week to compare to the Enduro as the bar has certainly been lifted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sky
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester NY USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tryon, HH Spencer, Letworth... etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1479.00 | | Purchased At: | Park Ave Bike Shope | | Strengths: | Smooth quiet suspension. Low bob, Climbs technical trails beautifully, handles awesome, many good components at a very fair price, itch switch is cool, Marzocchi fork rocks of course :-D | | Weaknesses: | Crappy seat, didn't come with Time ATAC pedals (SPD is a joke, come on, when are manufacturers going to get it?) Maybe a bit heavy, but I didn't want a super light bike, the weight on this bike goes into areas that make it more durable. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400
2001 Gary Fisher sugar 3 disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock basically, with the 3rd chainring replaced with a bash guard, time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Very confidence inspiring, fun to ride bike. Definitely the best bike i've ever owned (better than my sugar which cost hundreds of dollars more). A superior value really. It's a shame specialized dicontinued the base model for 04.
Also, a tip, if you do a lot of climbing/log hopping, flip over the flip flop link for the 70.1/13" setting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mech
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 100, 8 & 1a | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great do all go everywhere durable bike. | | Weaknesses: | It is a little on the heavy side | | Similar Products Used: | '01 Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires and WTB Laser V seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for my riding style and terrains (mostly round rock and broken shale). It has not let me down in any way and gives great confidence while riding. It is great for rough, fast downhill and works well on the flats. Uphill it is a little heavy but not cumbersome. The price was right, I got it at the closeout of the '03 models. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DB Coupe
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fruend, Galbraith | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Center Cycle | | Strengths: | Full on travel, nimble on single track, climbs better than a HT on technical and loose type of trails, descends phenominally. | | Weaknesses: | I've replaced everything that people are complaining about in the first week. So no worries so far. Cable routing could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 FSR, Rockhopper Comp, GF Paragon. | | Bike Setup: | So far: Fox Forx Vanilla 125R, Spec. Telluride Comp Seat, IRC Trailbear 2.25 tires. Soon SRAM Attack Shifters and continuous cable housing. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! I have yet to do any long steep climbs but I can already tell it will handle it just fine. The Fox Float RL in short mode is perfect for climbing, I don't notice any pedal bob. The Fox Forx was a great addition, now I have 5X5 travel. The seat upgrade is a must. The telluride was only $40, way more comfy, and actually lighter than stock. The tires I traded off right away and the trailbears are O.K. at min PSI but better at 30-35PSI. I'm not a trigger shifter fan so I plan on swapping out to SRAM twisters. And the cable routing will be greatly improved by running continuously. No rpoblems with mud. The only drwaback is I wish I had more time to ride it (like every day!). I've only ridden it a few times on local trails but I can't wait to get out on some epic 20+ milers with some long climbs and longer downhills. The basic frame and shock are the same as more expensive versions so why not upgrade later to better parts as they brake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mick birmingham
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt Isa Queensland Australia
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The outback desert trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Burwood cycles Sydney | | Strengths: | Comfort and ride
Allows me to ride down the rocky hills around here with much more speed and confidence. Climbs the bloody things easier to or seems to anyway ,it doesn't seem to break traction as easily as the rigid did and takes most gullys and washouts that sneak up on ya at speed with ease. | | Weaknesses: | The seat if you can call it that.
rear disc seems to squek but the front doesn't, a little finger pressure takes away the noise, any suggestions?????
The tyres are paper thin to thin for bush bashing out in the desert as the spinifex grass goes straight through them | | Similar Products Used: | nil > only ridden a rigid to date so this is heaven out here in the rocks and gravel!!! | | Bike Setup: | Still standard as from shop have added bull horns and speedo/tripmeter.
Relpaced standard tyres and tubes with heavey continentals and a thorn proof tubes with puncture proof goo inside the tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for just pokin around in the bush and following cattle trails to waterholes. I aint no light weight at 110 kg and i don't notice any bob as such unless i stand up on an uphill and really put the big ones in. Forks work well for what i do which ain't leapin off drop offs ect. Just cruizin around in the scrub and having fun. I was hesitant to buy a full suspension bike due to all the (DRAMAS) you read about but by crikey i sure am glad i didnt listen to em and followed you blokes advise about the bike, A big thank you for helping me make a great choice../..
If you just want to have fun this is the one for you .... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace Whacker
a Weekend Warrior
from Issaquah, WA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Greggs in Bellevue | | Strengths: | Great Frame, good components for the price. Excellent value for the money. Itch Switch helps. The frame will last and gives opportunity to switch out components as i get more advanced in my ride. | | Weaknesses: | Minor brake weakness for rear brake - dealer said they probably need to be bled, but haven't done that yet. Seat sucks but better than some i've been on. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | My first real mtb and i think i made a great choice. Long term I may look to tweak the ride here and there - however, i'm a weekender and occasionally Whistler bound-- excellent value with OEM components and nice long term potential. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ettore
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sports | | Strengths: | Strong component set, smooth suspension | | Weaknesses: | Hayes brakes | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a followup to my review a few months ago.
I had my front caliper replaced no less than 4 times, once taking 2 months to replace. It currently work, but squeals (however, squealing problem can be resolved by realigning the caliper). Front disc warped due to the front brake failing, Hayes refuses to replace it so I have a warped disc now.
Bike, however, is amazing. Technical trails are easy (took off top ring and replaced with bash guard, LOTS of clearance now). Road riding (to / from work) is nice if you keep the tire pressures up. Front and rear fork work nice with a little more than recommended pressures.
I believe this bike would be pretty much perfect with a rear lockout, completely eliminating bob.
4 chilis because I want to kill Hayes for these meagre brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1049.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Centre of Everett | | Strengths: | really impressed with the great fit and spec. rides well but seems to dig in and climb very well. Everything is well refined after years of this model, so very little to fault. I grabbed tis on a seasonal clear out, and I'm pleased beyond my expectations, bought over the phone. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes howl like mad; had to face the Marz. IS tabs and the rear triangle tabs, both were out. Had to swap the rear rotor for Aztec to reduce the racket, still not 100% quiet.
The fork is nice but at 4" it should be 5, which it is on the '04 bike. I can live with 4" I guess.
Like all new bikes, the brake levers are in the wrong place, and the seatpost needs to be trimmed to the right height. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my XC trail rider, I also ride a Bullit 10lb heavier. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you see one on sale grab it. for what I paid, you can have 3 Enduros or 1 Turner 5 spot. It rides fine for me, the 5 Spot at 3x the price will have to wait until I win the lottery. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joseph grimes
a Weekend Warrior
from columbus, ga
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | trail of tears phenix city | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$832.00 | | Purchased At: | direct from specialized | | Strengths: | 5 inches travel, light bike, adjustable travel. it passes people going uphill. | | Weaknesses: | brakes are difficult to bleed (wierd bleed valve), stock fork is 4" and not real adjustable. i broke the derailleur hanger three times now. tire width is an issue, 2.4 panaracers would not fit front or rear. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler. demo'd enduro pro and s-works epic , those were pissed. | | Bike Setup: | mainly stock, spec comp seat, yeti lock on grips, wellgo pedals. | | Bottom Line: | i ride a trail that is long, fast, but still has shore style ramps and drops, this bike has taken the smaller ramps and drops with ease. if you plan on going big, this is not for you, it is great for someone who rides trails with obstacles, if you are xc get an epic if you are dh get a bighit, if youre in between get this bike. if you got the bank, go ahead and get the one with lockout and better fork. but specialized has done well here. i'll be ordering a bighit from them shortly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Strong well balanced frame. Great high quality components. | | Weaknesses: | None of any significance | | Similar Products Used: | Truth, 5-Spot, NSR Air | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Super T, XTR, Romic (newly available), Hayes 8", Race Face Bash Guard, Mavic 3.1 UST w/ Conti's | | Bottom Line: | Set up as a light-weight downhill bike (34lbs). Frame holds up well to the stresses, but I don't push it with the jumps. An absolute blast to ride, up and down. With the long fork, the geometry is relaxed and the bottom bracket an ideal height for sketchy descents.
This was an excellent bike as a stock aggressive cross-country, but has turned out to be even better for tough rocky trails when equipped with the Zocchi and Romic.
There should be some filtering of intentionally pointless reviews like the one preceding this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Gold River,CA,United States
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | It's strenghs range to all forms of riding. First, It's an ideal trail bike. It's fox float R reajustable suspension helps a TON will going down the nasty, technical parts. It is also a good bike to learn how to downhill on. The Hayes hydrolic disc brakes are some of the greatest brakes I've ever riden on. Overall, this bike is a lean, mean, mountain biking machine! | | Weaknesses: | So far, I've seen no problems with it. I'll let you know when I do. | | Similar Products Used: | I've used other bikes such as the Giant NRS 1 and the Stumpjumper FSRxc Disc,(though both are XC bikes) I've never riden such a versitle bike. | | Bottom Line: | It's definately worth your money. Though I wish I could've gotton a deal on it, it still is a great bike. Suggestion: bikers who want to become better at your all-around biking skills, come take a ride on the 03 Enduro FSR. The fun is everlasting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Eastpetersburg
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pumping Station | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1271.00 | | Purchased At: | Green Mountain Cyclery | | Strengths: | Follow up | | Weaknesses: | Follow up | | Similar Products Used: | Follow up | | Bike Setup: | Follow up | | Bottom Line: | I am following up to my previous review I went riding this past sunday at the pumping station the bike climbs nice I flipped the flip flop link right away after reading other reviews it climbs really good but does not descend as good at low speeds over the really technical stuff wich suprised me and my brakes crapped on me read my review for the hfx-9 xc (hayes) it is really sandy there so the sand got on my chain and it makes ubnocious noises but that is no problem so just keep it clean | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Eastpetersburg pa usa
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pumping station | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1275.00 | | Purchased At: | Green Mountain Cyclery | | Strengths: | Strong frame good components itch switch nice fork adjustable head angle hfx-9 disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | stock except the bike shop put on primo super tenderizers right away because I do not have clipless shoes | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing for the price I have not ridden a trail yet due to trail conditions but when I hit on I will update this review for the time I have been riding it it is amazingly lighter than I thought it wuold be the drivetrain is so smooth that it is not even funny the bike also has amazing suspension I do not know whaty other reviews are complaining about this bike is amazing and I recomend it to everyone | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Just
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | FSR, of course! Also the variable geometry via FlipFlop linkage. Oh, having the the ITch switch is great too! Great technology from Specialized. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano Deore shifters, already replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Id, Specialized Epic & Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades so far: Fox Vanilla 125R fork, Thomson stem and seatpost, Shimano XTR der's and shifter, BG Comfort saddle, Shimano 646 clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I was instantly comfortable with the Enduro geometry, like I'd been riding the bike for months. After 3 weeks, experimented with the FlipFlop and enjoyed the ride even more! At the 70.5 angle, climbing became noticeably easier, and long flats needed lighter pedaling. When descending, I only had to lower the seatpost to easily let myself out of the saddle to attain better weight distribution. Plus the wide 2.2 tires and Shimano discs added loads to my confidence!
I have no real complaints so far. I guess if I want better components, I'd have to pay the price of the better models, right? So now I'm thinking of upgrading the components slowly, or as they require replacement.
One such upgrade I'm very pleased with is my Fox Vanilla 125R fork. I don't really need a lockout, as using proper technique seems much easier than having to fiddle with a lock. Same goes for the rear Float R, as the patented FSR design already negates pedal-induced bob. Of course, the ITch switch is a really cool feature to have for on-the-fly adjustment!
Changed the stock saddle outright. Now, it's all very plush! Like all adjustable components, it pays to read and understand the manuals. From the outset, I had all shock preloads set accurately, and subsequent rebound adjustments dialed in. Since then, I've had a consistently comfortable ride and have no desire to fiddle with anything. Well, not yet anyway. At any rate, it's great to have these options available to you as part of a package. It actually made me enjoy climbing and ride all day!
The Enduro should be on everyone's shortlist, especially if you're looking to have only one bike! Don't take my word for it, go out and try one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MJS
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame, fork and rear shock are pretty good. All other parts (Specialized house parts) are solid performers and do their job sufficiently. | | Weaknesses: | In just the first month of riding the left side crank stripped out - pedal came out of crank and was stuck to my shoe while riding! I took it back to the shop and they proceeded to put on a new crank arm the - only problem was that it was a 170mm, not a 175mm like it was supposed to be!Then just two weeks later my rear brake (Hayes) started acting up. The lever stuck a few times while riding almost causing me to have some serious accidents. That same ride my rear derailleur decided to go on strike and stopped shifting and to top things off my pedals put my shoes into a death grip and would not let go of them - of course during critical juncture once again causing me to crash. I have taken the bike back to the shop each time to get things fixed. I'm being patient because in all the years that I've owned Specialized bikes I've never had any problems so I guess I was due for some problems. I need to wait for my new rear brake to come in and will try riding again in a week or so. BUT THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE! IF THIS BIKE MALFUNCTIONS AGAIN MY LBS WILL BE GETTING AN EARFUL AND I WILL ASK FOR A REFUND!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Specialized, Gary Fisher, Klein....really too many bikes to remember | | Bike Setup: | All XT, Marzocchi Fork, Fox rear shock, Hayes hydro's, Specialized house parts, Easton EA70 Stem, Time Atac Pedals, Easton Monkeylite Carbon low-rise bars, Panaracer Fire XC Kevlar Pro (2.1's)...... | | Bottom Line: | Have tons of Specialized in the past and never had any problems. Now this bike falls apart on me every ride. BEING PATIENT BUT IF THE BIKE CRAPS ON ME ONE MORE TIME IT GOES BACK!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ettore
a Cross Country Rider
from Windsor, ON
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sports | | Strengths: | Smooth Ride, looks amazing, excellent component set for the $$$ | | Weaknesses: | Quality assurance issues | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bike is amazing ... but quality is pretty bad apparently.
1. Front brake, worked for one or two pulls. Auto-bleed feature in handle failed. Bleeding system didn't help.
2. Rear shock sags. Sit on bike for 5 minutes, shock goes all the way down to the point of it doing nothing.
3. Stock configuration of rear suspension is bad, change it to raise the bottom bracket. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sloth
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Leith Hill, Surrey, UK | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2315.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesurgery, London | | Strengths: | For this price, unbeatable set of components + frame.
Seems pretty much bombproof - have throw it at everything and barely any probs. | | Weaknesses: | Headset went after 1 month (think i'm jinxed with them tho!)
Squeaky brakes and think bottom bracket could be better.
Bit on the heavy side sometimes.
BB height/clearance. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Epic Disc / Trek Liquid.
Never owned any full sus bikes, previous was 10-year-old KHS Montana Pro rigid job! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except replaced headset | | Bottom Line: | This bike really has made me ride so much faster (despite being 8 pounds heavier than my last one!)
Climbing/ Downhilling - never ridden anything like it - awesome!
Will have to try flipping the rear sus bracket after reading other reviews here.
Great value for money all-rounder that can't be beaten.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tortoise
a
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycles | | Strengths: | I like this style of frame, it feels very agressive going uphill, and I feel like I have good power on the uphill even with excessive rear wheel bobbing from rear suspension. If you haven't switched the "flip-flop" linkage in the back yet, try this. I change mine to the 70.5 degree angle and it made an improvement.
Both the Marzocchi front suspension and the Fox rear suspension are fantastic. You can adjust these with ease depending on your weight or riding style.
With this bike I feel like I have complete control & balance at all times.
Fairly nice component set also. | | Weaknesses: | The Hayes disc brakes that came with this bike were a complete joke, see my review for Hayes disc brakes.
The seat is rather uncomfortable after a long ride, but this is a cheap thing to replace, no big deal.
The IT Switch thingy seems kinda pointless, I never use it.
The bottom bracket sqeaks a lot after only 3 months of riding.
The gear indicator on the front shifter went out after only 2 months, but its not a big deal.
Also, I prefer handle bars that aren't so wide because its easier to negotiate through all the trees here in Oregon. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Alite | | Bike Setup: | Stock everything. But i will change the brakes, seat and handlebars this winter. | | Bottom Line: | All in all this is a great bike. Other bikes that cost $500 more aren't nearly as good as this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyson
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho Falls
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Bills Bike Shop | | Strengths: | FSR linkage, with amazing suspension, hayes disc, and the phat 2.2's | | Weaknesses: | nasty seat and sqweaky deore bb | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | stock with 2003 time attacks, xt shifters, cassette, and softer body geometry seat | | Bottom Line: | This is one sweet ride for the money, good shox front and rear and the cool itch switch that works well on the fly;
This bike smokes the downhills here in southeast idaho and loves mud, cow crap, and tree stumps;
handles well on tight burms and jumps once rebound is set correct on f. and r;
as a bike mechanic and fellow warrior, I definately recommend A++++++ for the all weekend warrior
Recommend upgrading the cassette and b.b. and seat
One more tip...don't ever wash the bike with a hose while the seat post is up too high....water gets in a 1/4 inch hole (inside the seat tube) and collects around the bottom bracket | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benny
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | The frame is cool; u can tell its good quality. The bike performs very well either clibming or downhill, and the Flip Flop Link works sweet,significantly changing the frames geometry. Forks are better than others claim. | | Weaknesses: | The cost; i paid approx Aussie $3400.00 and although the frame is good, many of the parts could be better; rims are weak as, the tyres suck; they are that thin that u need to run heaps of pressure(many pinch flats) so there goes performance. Brakes; prefer Hayes. In general, other brands offer similar quality, same price, better parts. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Elite, Cannon Jekyll, Santa Cruz Heckler, Giant's 03 freerider. | | Bike Setup: | I felt the air shock compressed excessively so I replaced it with a Fox Vanilla RC that i had sittin around; the difference is heaven. Shorter stem; better for decending. Oury grips = :). I will replace the brake soon, as well as the wheels; Mavic 321's or something stronger than stock. | | Bottom Line: | I am happy with the geometry, but those looking for a more downhill orientation should look elsewhere.
The frame rocks but the parts could be better for your bread.
Generally, this bikes makes me ride harder than any other bike i have ever owned or rode; its well behaved in the air, you can throw it around turns and into burms, it climbs well and it pedels fast; if you wan't a bike that can do it all, look no further. However, don't expect it to climb like a cross country, nor decend like a downhiller; it just simply does everything reasonably well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | Does most things well, but nothing great. Disc brakes are good and so is the adjustable travel on the back.
A good allround bike. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket height, I keep hitting the peddles on rocks. But I ride in the north east on pretty uneven tracks.
Brakes make a lot of noise sometimes but then it goes away again for no real reason??
| | Similar Products Used: | None really, compared to a Giant XTC2 and other hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except big ring replaced with bash guard. | | Bottom Line: | No complaints as a first bike in a few years, getting the air in the shocks right makes a big difference on how it rides. Have to try flipping the bracket to get more clearance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Antonucci
a Cross Country Rider
from Wayne, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Diamond Cycles in Montclair | | Strengths: | The frame can take a beating. The bike is light, and the suspension is great. The itch switch is great for changing your rear suspension travel on the fly. Changing it from long travel to short travel. Specialized makes a great bike. The Hayes disc brakes are great in dry and wet conditions. | | Weaknesses: | I have no complaints about this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | I had a Giant Warp DS2, but that doesn't even compete with the Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | The setup is great. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that you can't go wrong buying this bike. Climbing hills is a breeze, and hitting a downhill course is not even a issue with the Enduro. I've taken some pretty high rock drops and the Enduro suspension didn't bottom out. If you want a great bike, you want the Enduro.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marko
a Cross Country Rider
from OK
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Teacup in Sedona | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | T-Town Bicycles | | Strengths: | Price, weght, comfort | | Bottom Line: | This is just a quick tip - if you haven;t noticed, it is possible to flip the linkage and change the geometry of the bike. Flipping it raises the bottom bracket and steepens the geometry. DO IT! The bike was TOO slack before, if felt sluggish and boring - now, I don't hit my pedals or bottom out as much and the bike has a much more lively feel. I went from unsure to sold after one ride witht he new geometry. (AND, if you don;t like it, you can switch it back - it takes about 5 minutes). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Marysville, wa
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cascade bikes | | Strengths: | light, durable, plush rear travel for this type of bike. | | Weaknesses: | had a bad experience with Specialized tech support group, but the bike itself performs like a champ. | | Similar Products Used: | diamond back costco special | | Bike Setup: | Enduro frame with xt components. | | Bottom Line: | I owe alot to specialized as they showed me how enjoyable biking can be. This bike performs well in every terrain I have taken it on. The lightweigt frame and stock components seem to eatup steep climbs as well as the occasional two to three foot drops. This bike seems to be closing the gap between the DH bikes and XC bikes. Not sure what to classify this bike as because it seems to have a little from both worlds. My only beef is with the company, after purchasing thier bike they stiffed me with a bum website purchase of some mud fenders the website said matched my bike. After speaking with support and exchanging emails with them, they honered the return but insisted I pay for shipping and handling again. That surpased the value of the item I purchased in the first place! Anyway, buy the bike cause it is a great bike, but customer support left a bad taste in my mouth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wes Saldua
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonds, Wa
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Center (Renton) | | Strengths: | Hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano XT components, and Frame design. | | Weaknesses: | N.A. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension owned. Tried out Giant Warp, and Trex 300. Also own a Raleigh hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Bomber front forks, Fox rear shocks, and Shimano XT components. | | Bottom Line: | The guys at Cycle Center in Renton Wa gave me an awesome deal for this level of bike. Specialized is the way to go if you are considering a full suspension mtn bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Igor
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynn
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | NSCyles | | Strengths: | Great bike for a buck, pretty much universal, good climbing, rear travel adjuster makes me happy! | | Weaknesses: | BB started creaking after 1 full day ride, saddle is porn, change it right away, could use magura instead of cheap HAYES, Rhyno Lite or similar would be cool. | | Similar Products Used: | big hit, kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Grimeca System 8 brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great all around bike. I beat my friends on technical uphills where their 40lbs 7inch travel bikes "sink". I keep up with them on downhills, but no sick drops. Fork is not the best for this bike. Read above about brakes/wheels. Otherwise it's a very good bike. Handles well, pretty light for this kind of bike. 4 chillis because of components selection. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig M
a Cross Country Rider
from Hanson
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | This review is after two rides and one race, I will review again later. The frame feels good and I get over a lot of things a lot more smoothly than I used to. It is very easy to keep your line on this bike. The fork responds well, I have ordered the heavier spring and will review later. It is quite manuverable and can turn pretty tight. I like the tires, I have scraped down some jagged rocks and have had no problems and I weigh about 250. | | Weaknesses: | I pretty much swapped out all of the components when I bought it. I kept the frame, fork, seat, seatpost and collar and brake levers, brakes and brake cables. The original componentry was basically an intro set, good for a weekend warrior for the price. My biggest complaint so far is the cable routing, it seems a bit odd, but I have not snagged it on anything. It is hard to wire the front der, and set it up, that's about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 856 and Proflex 5000. | | Bike Setup: | Stock frame fork and brakes (Shimano Hydraulic). XT hubs on Mavic X317 rims. LX cranks, XTR fr der, SRAM 9.0 Shifters and rear der. Chris King Headset, Easton EA 50 bars. | | Bottom Line: | I basically wanted the frame, and after checking out the fork I decided I would give it a shot and I'm glad I did. By changing out the components I took about 3 pounds off of the total weight. The frame handles quite well and climbs pretty good so far. The only trick so far is to make sure you have the proper air in both the fork and the rear shock. I have experimented on all three rides and believe I have found a very good balance. Going downhill is a breeze on XC trails and so is handling technical flat sections. I can keep a really good line even on a lot of off camber stuff. Climbs on technical sections is a little tough so far, but I'm way out of shape so it's hard to judge so far. Fire road climbs are decent, a lock out rear shock would make it a breeze, but it is petty good for a FS. I will report back at the end of the season, but so far, so very good. I am only going with 4 because nothing is perfect, and it needs more testing, if it performs well for the rest of the season it may get 5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Powderface | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great ride - smooth but not soft! | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck on first ride... scored the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco and Rocky Mountain | | Bottom Line: | I rode a hardtail for the last 3 years. I often hurt from riding rough Rocky Moutain Trails with back pain and muscle fatigue. Riding the same trails on the Enduro left me refreshed and begging for more. Even the uphill rides are easier on the Enduro with the odd ledge to get over. If you get this bike, degrease the chain right away and put thinner oil on it to avoid the chain suck. I'm 6'1" 190lbs and I liked the 50lb front air and 195 lb back for harder hits.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Cham, Zug, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sugar | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Centers, Everett | | Strengths: | Incredible bike, light wieght, cheap, the go anywhere, do anything attitude. A perfect mix between an XC bike and a full bore DH. A great urban warrior for the riders that just want to mess around in the city and find anything and everything possible of catching air off of. | | Weaknesses: | The Mavic X138 rims, did a few medium drops, and back rim got a bit tweaked. On some turns the pedals scrape if their not level. The seat gets uncomfortable on the longer XC rides. Seems to have alot of minor issues. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Deelux | | Bike Setup: | Switched out the clipless pedals for a set of BMX platforms. Specialized strongarm II crank with hollow tech. | | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike. Lots of bang for the buck. The perfect bike for the rider who wants to do some freeride/DH but still needs to climb those hills. Get the bike, you wont be dissapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Aptos, CA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Flume / Soquel Demo | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Solid feel, good geometry and handeling for a variety of situations. Good ergonomics. Awsome efficency for a full suspension rig. Good suspension balance. Good for most trails and fire roads in the Santa Cruz area. | | Weaknesses: | Front rim flex when hamering out of the saddle. Chain sucked a few times. Probably not best for boulder gardens, large drops/jumps and very rough downhills. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized M2 hardtail, Specialized FSR Enduro (1999) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | First let me say that I am 33, have been MTBing for about 17 years. I have raced XC, but not lately. Most of my riding is in the Santa Cruz, Los Gatos area on technical fireroads and single track. I would consider myself a freerider with XC tendencies. I dont normaly do huge jumps or drop offs, but have on occasion, (less and less with the passing years.) Have been on an FSR since 1999 but have always missed the climbing efficency of my hard tail.
I demoed this bike at Wilder ranch in Santa Cruz on a variety of trails and the Epic performed very well on all of them. To me that is the strength of the Epic, it is very versitile and a good all around performer. No it won't handle 6 foot drops like a Big Hit. And no it is not as light as a hartail XC rig, but at the end of my three hour ride, my legs felt fresher than if I had been on my Enduro and my back and butt felt 1000 times better than if I had been on my hard tail. I have to admit that I did miss the cushy smooth ride of my Enduro just a bit but the Epic's suspension performed great and only maxed out a few times on some rough downhill sections. I demoed the bike direct from Specialized and they adjusted the rear shock for my weight(200lbs) I had no problems with the shock function, it performed as advertised. On smooth sections it would take an initial bump or drop a little hard but then worked perfectly through the rest of the section. I found that if I had time, or felt like it, a little preload on the suspention would activate it before I hit the bump (good for water bars). The overall spring rate was a little stiffer than on my Enduro so the ride was a little harsher also. The bike performed very well on smooth too semi rough fast fire roads and equaly as well in the tight single track. The one situation that pushed the bike to its limits was a fast, rough, single track. It handled better than my Enduro, and I liked the more aggressive rider possition, but I could have used .5"-1" more travel. I found myself having to think and pick my line a little more (which actualy added some fun). I also found myself finessing the bike a little more like I would a hard tail than plowing through bumps like my Enduro. Again more a function of shock travel and rate than any problems with the "brain".
Best Feature: Coming out of a sharp corner into a rough uphill section in the wrong gear, getting out of the saddle to hammer up the initial part of the hill, then letting the suspention absorb the bumps and standing up again to hammer over the top. I don't think any bike could do that better than the Epic.
Worst Feature: Sharp fast downhill blind corner into a very technical section, missing my line and praying I have enough travel to absorb that big gully. (I maxed it out but made it through)
Bottom Line: I am more likely to get dropped by my ridding buddies on a climb than on a downhill so I was very happy with the awsome climbing performance of the Epic, and not that hindered by the downhill performance. I wasnt keeping strict track of time, but I did a ride that normaly takes me about 3.5 hours on my Enduro in about 3 hours on the Epic and my legs felt stronger at the end on the Epic. I plan on testing a few more bikes, but right now I would take the Epic over my Enduro for climb performance and handeling alone. I found I was faster over all, was less tired, and just had more fun on the Epic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oxford Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Burwood Cycles | | Strengths: | Climbs, descends, rails. Good compromise. Itch Switch actually works. Very well balanced bike | | Weaknesses: | Still think bottom bracket is too low, but then geometry would be altered if higher | | Similar Products Used: | Owned 2001 Enduro Comp for 2 years; tested lots before this purchase | | Bike Setup: | Stock aside from DMR V8 platforms replacing the clipless peds; two wheelsets - slicks, Mavic 221s & Deore hubs | | Bottom Line: | My 2nd Enduro and IMHO the perfect bike if you want to ride fast, flowing singletrack with the odd technical ascent / descent. Much stiffer frame than the '01 bike. The bigger 2.2 tyres rock. I do miss my dual-air Z.3 a bit but the Marz EXR coil/air feels pretty good. The itch switch is useful - it really does alter the feel. The cockpit feels smaller than the old bike, likely due to non-raked seatpost & shorter stem. I ride this bike EVERY DAY. Do 15kms of road on a slick wheelset as well as offroad weekends. The seat feels fine to me and it's a very fast bike with decent slicks. Get one ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Francis Fowler
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | MX Comp Fork | | Bottom Line: | I have never even touched this bike but I am submiting this review to correct the claims submited that the enduro's fork bottoms to easily. I have a GT Avalanche 0.0 Disc and had the fork upgraded when I purchased the bike from a RockShox Pilot XC to the same fork that comes on the enduro, the Marzocchi Bomber MX Comp (I have the air version). The dumbarses who complain about this fork obviously don't realise that the preload can be adjusted by changing the fork's air pressure, which only takes a couple of minutes and a shock pump (borrow the one at your local bike shop). This will prevent the fork from bottoming out. Also, if you own the coil sprung version, you can change to stiffer springs. I can assure you that this fork is an excellent buy and once set up right, is awesome. I only have the 85mm version (not 105mm version) but this fork lets me ride soo much faster. Please don't submit reviews if you don't know what you are talking about. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Hill/Oxford Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supreme Cycles | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, Great Handling, 5" of plush travel front & rear. | | Weaknesses: | Deore Hydro's, tyres, saddle, | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla R up front, 2.4" Maxxis Tires front + rear, WTB Power V saddle, Shimano M424 Pedals, everything else is standard. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and its an absolute dream to ride. If your after a bike that is capable of handling everything this is it! While it may not excel at everything it is easily the best compromise.
I changed the forks before I rode out of the shop to Fox Vanilla R's and these combined with the Fox Float R rear provide an extremely solid 5" travel platform. I have ridden down and up things that I could never have dreamt doing on my old hardtail. I've ridden off 5 foot drops and the bike handles them with ease almost begging for more. While you could get a bike to handle bigger drops, the Enduro is designed to get you back up the hill just as easily.
The only complaints I've got are with the tyres, seat, and Deore Hydro brakes. The Enduro tyres have the thinnest side walls I've seen and on my second ride I managed to tear a 4 inch slit in the sidewall, so I ditched those and bought a set of Maxxis tyres for the front and rear. They weigh a lot more but they handle better and won't puncture as easily. The seat is pretty uncomfortable and the rails are soft and bent too easily after a hard landing, so a WTB Power V replaced it. Lastly the brakes, I thought going to Hydro's would be great, and while the Deore's have good modulation, it takes a lot of effort to stop. Yes, I've had them set up right but to no avail. The pads are terrible too, I'm onto my third set of pads (front & rear) after 4 months of riding weekends only!! You'd think with pads that wear that fast you should stop on a dime.
Overall though I'm very happy and totally recommend the bike for anyone who is looking for one bike that can handle everything.
Also, if you read the bad reviews below, just bear in mind the rating's are for the forks alone and shouldn't be taken into consideration when judging the whole bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Huey
a Weekend Warrior
from West Covina Ca US
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Box Springs Mtn Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Solid handling, stiff frame, nice fork, overall good components. | | Weaknesses: | Possibly the bottom bracket.....after a couple of jumps, the darn thing is squeeling a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | 03 rockhopper, 03 hardrock. | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for the pedals being changed to bmx style.
| | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike. I've shopped around a lot for a bike at this price range, and this tops them all. The overall ride quality is great, despite its weight factor leaning a bit on the heavy side when climbing. But during technical descents its cake. I truly don't think that you can get a better bike than this for this kind of price. The parts pakage is good, but not great because of the fR derailure, but still does the job. This bike will definitely add confidence to your ride. Especially with the hydro brakes, stopping isn't a problem. Although on my bike i was setup with deore's, which are just as good and are truly underestimated. These brakes don't squeek, unless heavy water is splashed on them, but that is normal. The reason that i know this, is beacause my friend and i bought the same bike, sametime, but with different brakes. His has Hayes, which are still good but his made a lot more noise than mine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andre
a Weekend Warrior
from Calabasas, CA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworld | | Strengths: | Frame, fork, rear shock with switch, hydraulic brakes, XT rear derailluer. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first FS, used hardtail Homegrown Comp before. | | Bike Setup: | Everything as is, only switched pedals to Time Atac Alium | | Bottom Line: | This is very good bike. It weighs more than my old hardtail, but this bike added confidence to me on very steep short uphills. On the third day of having this bike I cleared uphills that I could not do on my lighter hardtail. It’s OK on long uphills and plush on downhills, but you have to set right pressure in fork and rear shock. I often ride it more than 3 hours and do not have any problems with the saddle. Hayes hydraulic brakes are very reliable; add confidence to your riding. This is not pure race bike or downhill bike, but it does perfectly well everything in between. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sore Ass
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bow Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | North Shore Cycles | | Strengths: | Components especially brakes are good for the price. Tires grip nice on both wet rock and in the mud. Adjustable travel on the rear shock is nice too. Would be good to have a lockout as well but what can you do.
| | Weaknesses: | Cable routing is not that neat and an uncomfortable seat | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC Air | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Very good bang for your buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Compared to my 99 model GT XCR300 - it's Light. One of the reasons why I bought this bike is that it was so light for an All country full suspension bike.
Fox float goes off
Good Value
Awsome design look and feel. | | Weaknesses: | for the price Im very happy but i'll definitly upgrade some of the deore components to LX whenever they wear out (hopefully not for a long time).
The standard pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis XLT 1.0, GT XCR3000, Specialized Enduro 2001 | | Bike Setup: | Stock standard. Marzocci bombers MX Comp 4", upgraded shimano pedals | | Bottom Line: | I was a bit sceptical at first about getting a 4 inch fork as I was after a bike with 5 inch all round travel. But I gotta give it to Marzocci. This fork is pretty damn good. Try and bottoming these out. Dunno about the guy that said the fork sucks. Wonder if he realised that you can adjust the air pressure to suit the rider weight!!!
I wanted a bike that could do it all in the trails and do it all day long. And this bike bike does it for me. With ease as well. Considering bike prices these days. The Enduro is a really good buy. Dont regret the purchase one bit and having more fun than ever on the trails - whether it be single track or downhill or muckin around the local town or city.
If the Marzoccis ever do give way Im getting 5" Z1's. They should work great with this bike I rekon.
This bike is great value for your hard earned cash.
Specialized did a good job with these Enduro's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KGA
a Cross Country Rider
from Murrieta, CA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Cole Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great complete package. Tires, hydraulic brakes, shock. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to say. This is my first real mtb. I've ridden and raced motorcycles for 20 years, so its tough to judge it seperately from a motorcycle (although obviously they have very few similiarities). ALL mountain bike suspension seems very archaic to me - it works, but the use of air doesn't sound too technically advanced. I think suspension in general has a long way to go. But again, I'm not very experienced in the mtb world. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing. | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock with platform pedals ('will upgrade to Tioga MX Pro pedals soon). | | Bottom Line: | First off, I'm very new to hard-core mtb riding. I race motorcycles off road in the "expert" class, for whatever that is worth, but my experience on a mtb is minimal. With that said, I really love the Specialized Enduro. I have absolutely nothing to compare it to, but I ride the thing nearly every night, and find it a lot of fun - a great way for me to train, and have a good time doing it. I ride a nasty, technical and hilly trail frequently, and feel that the Enduro works very well. In regards to bobbing - I run my suspension very stiff, front and rear, and really do not notice any major bobbing. I guess it could be lighter, but I guess maybe I should have considered the Stumpjumper if that was a major concern of mine, but its not.
The brakes are great - 'gotta have hydraulic disks. Shifting seems smooth - but 'needs more adjustment on my end. Fun bike, relatively light, 'works very well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Similar Products Used: | First FS experience. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I rented this bike on vacation to ride Porcupine Rim in Moab. I have always ridden a hard tail, but figured this was a good time to try an FS bike.
The 3 mile climb was much harder than on my usual bike due to weight, bob, and geometry. As I rode more, however, it became a little easier. The 10 mile descent was a blast. I took 1-3 foot drops without slowing down and didn't have to stand the entire time. The amount of travel was perfect for this trail, as was the setup.
The components were OK. I would have liked a lockout for the rear shock for the climb.
This was a pleasant first FS experience, and has given me a reason to consider FS for my next bike. I would probably get something with less travel and lighter frame for my part of the country (Michigan), but this bike was perfect for Utah. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | connector | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Plenty of travel for the weekend warrior who is out to have a good time without getting beat up!! Plush feel | | Weaknesses: | deore components seem a little wimpy, but to upgrade is to better components like XT really is not that expensive | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for what I do, just go out and have a good time with a group of friends. All of those people that were winning about the fork need to learn to spend more money if they want somthing that runs like it is $4,000. I think it was a great deal and I can honestly say it is the best performing bike I have ever bought. I thought it even performed well on singletrack riding, i.e. tight stwitchbacks and short drop offs, etc. If you want a bike that you can take out all day and just have a great time this is definetly the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Shepherd
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Villiage | | Strengths: | Good frame, most components are good for this price range. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals. Wasn't too happy with how the fork handles small bumps | | Similar Products Used: | KHS sport (junk), Spec. Rockhopper, Haro Extreme X2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I changed out the pedals for some Time Z's. | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the '02 Enduro:
I'm 6'6" 230lbs, and this frame is holding up well so far. I had limited choices due to my size, so even though I'm an XC rider I went with more of a Freeride setup. I'm hoping to get good enough to start taking drops bigger than 3' and I didn't want to buy another bike. For a large rider, this bike feels really nice. It isn't super light, but it is light enough to allow me to bhop with no problems. The wider tires and over-all stoutness of the bike has given me more confidence in my riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo - O'side | | Strengths: | Frame design and geometry (fit and adjustability), suspension set up, Hayes Hydro (not spec), 2.2 tires | | Weaknesses: | Mavic X139 rims, Deore shifters and front D, and the saddle is suspect
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX 300 | | Bike Setup: | Factory, except for ODI grips and shock skins
CrossMax XLs (I can get'm cheap) on the horizon as well as Deore replacements (wish I could get'm cheap) | | Bottom Line: | So far this is exactly the bike I wanted. I thrashed my '00 VRX and wanted something with more reliability and travel that didn't break the bank. Between the Marzocchi/Fox set up, frame/suspension design, and the Hayes Hydro brakes, this bike does everything a trail bike should do and then some. It climbs really well descends even better. I could tell after my first ride that this bike made me more confident which translated into more fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from West Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nepaug | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1225.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame design, Fork is good just needs to be dialed in, look at the fork reviews, Tires, | | Weaknesses: | Cranks need to be replaced, 2002 frame cracked but 2003 is better built with attention paid to critical parts on the Bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Enduro, Canondale HT, Gary Fisher HT | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Pro frame in white plus: Race Face turbine lp compact cranks,Race Face evolve isis bottom bracket, Race Face riser bar,Thompson seatpost and stem, XT shifters, WTB laser V, Odi Lock on's, Time ATAC's, everything else is from the 2002 enduro model. No Problems with the deore front derailuer if set up properly. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to an earlier posting on the 2002 model. I’ve posted the Bike here because it doesn't really fit anywhere since it's been altered so much.
This is a great Bike. It handles everything I throw at it with ease. Cranks are a weak point on it but everything else is ok for stock. The fork, like all suspension equipment, needs to be adjusted. I'm planning to adjust the rebound, which requires taking the fork apart. Spend the time to dial whatever bike you have in. Suspension has adjustments so you can fine tune it.
This isn't a good race bike or freeride bike. It is a great trail riding Bike. This bike gets 5 chilis for value and 5 chilis for a great ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Horrible bike!!! | | Weaknesses: | The fork is sh*t!!!!! It bottoms out a lot even when I do a one foot jump or drop! Besides there's not enough front travel. It's 4" of suspension in the front and up to 5" in the rear. It's better to have more suspension in the front than the rear, or the same as the rear. The Deore front derailleur sucks! | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Do not get this bike!!! The fork bottoms out even when I do a one foot drop or jump. Do not get it unless you don't mind upgrading the fork to a fork with 5" suspension. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Theodore Jump
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Emma Long Metro Park & Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sports Shop ( north ) | | Strengths: | suspecnsion behavior; balanced susp fore & aft; great overall package | | Weaknesses: | saddle ( just replace it ); crankset ( '02 base model has very creaky Specialied Strongarm on square-taper BB ); sus. pivot behind chainring tends to walk loose | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR, 'dale Super-V, 'dale Raven, 'dale Jeckyll, trek fuel, giant xtc | | Bike Setup: | king hubs+mavic f219 rims, thomson post, wtb laserV saddle, '02 LX cranks, eggbeater pedals, easton ea70 bar, cane creek ergo ends, koski stem ( all wrapped on stock Eudoro frame w/Marzhocci MXC fork ) | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful bike, ridden in all conditions from dry to sloppy mud, flats to hills, easy to technical, bike does it all. With susp dialed in it I swear it climbs like a yak, definitely doing better than my hardtail on same trails owing to increased rear-wheel-in-contact-time. Have raced a few times, even placed in an MTB time-trial ( Wichita Falls, TX, summer '02 ) and I'm no race-light weenie so it could not be holding me back. Longest ride to date is just under 30m of trail riding, great epic day-ride; can't wait to exercise it in Utah this spring. Bike does not require daily maintenance, which is great. I do weekly cleaning with check of primary things ( tires, shock pressures, rotor cleaning, etc. ) and monthly checks on major wear items ( like the chain and brake pads ). I keep my shock sliders clear of crap, and have no worries. Monthly checkups on the pivot bolts and libearl use of loctite on the mains has yielded many, many trouble free miles.
Weight-weenie race types looking for fiddly-light rides should look elsewhere, probably.
Dedicated downhill/freeride oriented 10-foot hucking mosters MAY want to look elsewhere, but I bet with the right wheels and shock setup the Enduro could take a lot at the hands of a good pilot.
Someone looking for a great all-around ride who can't afford a bevy of bikes will probably love this bike ( I do ), it's easy to care for, works great, and the suspension feels well balanced and efficient.
Minus one value point for shipping with crappy cranks, maybe they fixed that for '03. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Looks cool! Good brakes, tires are OK, weight is great, etc. | | Weaknesses: | The fork is only four inches of travel and it bottomed out on me like three times!!! So I had to have them put a Fox fork with 5" suspension. Seat is horrible and pain in the arse!!! The setup doesn't seem right cuz it has up to 5" of rear travel and 4 in the front instead of 5. | | Similar Products Used: | Many other XC dual suspension bikes. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the new upgrade | | Bottom Line: | Not a good bike! Don't get it unless you don't mind changing forks! It bottoms out even if you're not jumping!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Akeley
a Cross Country Rider
from Walpole, MA USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Foxboro | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Norwood Bike | | Strengths: | Frame, frame, and frame. Very good component set for the money, but the frame rules. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is a strange little thing. It might go well on my road bike, or in the trash. Only reason to not give a 5 for value. | | Similar Products Used: | First FS | | Bike Setup: | WTB Rocket V seat, Thompson post, XT front, SRAM Rocket shifters, spec'd with Hayes hydraulic instead of Shimano. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I am a heavy rider -- 252 this morning. Where I live there is no such thing as a non-technical XC trail longer than 200 feet. Those two factors limit the choices quite a bit. This bikes fits better than anything in its class. Actually, it kind of stand in a class by itself. It's an all-around bike for the Clydesdale plus. Rides like a dream, climbs well, makes you want to ride more, invites you to take what may seem like riskier lines up and down the hill. If you're big and you want to exercise and have fun, go Enduro. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix. AZ
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sunset Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Quality Build & Component Specification. Clean looks and plain graphics. | | Weaknesses: | The "seat". Why anyone would use this seat more than once is beyond comprehension. | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll 800 - Yeti ASX - | | Bike Setup: | Differs from written spec - has Hayes Hydraulic discs instead of Shimano Deore Hydraulic. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has impressed a person who has been riding for over 20 years off and on road. It is a bike that can truly be ridden effectively anywhere. The only part I dislike with great enthusiasm is the "seat". There is not much one needs to replace on the stock bike to make it better. It's a quality ride for an extremely great price. If I had to replace components in the future to make it "better" I would look at the rims and the headset. Those seem to be the only weak links in the whole package. The stock Enduro Pro tires are quite nice! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eran
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This bike can do anything. Climbes like a goat, downhills like a train , and nearly no bob on paved surfaces. This bike is amazingly easy to control, tight single tracks , downhills , anywhere you point your bike - it will fly through like a knife. Another thing - this bike looks amazing. I love it's dark blue color . | | Weaknesses: | Hmm..... I forgot what weaknesses mean after my first ride. | | Similar Products Used: | you name it - cannondale jekyll , SC superlight , suger . Nothing comes even close. | | Bike Setup: | Not the stock setup - fork - marzuki MXC AIR , mavic 223 rims , Hayes disc brake, LX - XT , upgraded seatpost to straight post double bolt. | | Bottom Line: | Best trail bike I have ever ridden , by far. Excellent for agressive trail riding , XC riding and even some urban for those who like it. This is a "DO IT ALL , FUN BIKE" .
I suppose there are better XC racing bikes out there, but for the aggresive trail rider - this bike is the one and only. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S Patton
a Weekend Warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Strengths: | Rear XT der. / Great hydr. brakes / Great balance / Rides smoothly through every terrain - be it mud, sand, mogools, stones, grass etc... / Good DH and UP
Great rear shock (love the ITch switch 4"/5.2" options
Good looks/colour(navy blue) | | Weaknesses: | Not the best seat... "Body Geometry" seat??? not sure they mean human's body...
Will replace Mavic X139 to X517 later on
Reasonable but not ideal on paved flat terrain | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | All original as-is | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful sweet bikes. Multi purpose do-it-all, much more than whats ideal for me right now. An excellent choice for whoever seeks great bikes that can do quite a lot of everything - DH or XC.
This is the basic Enduro model and for its price, as-is seems to be an ideal choice at the moment - with a few replacemnts can make it "comp", "pro" or "expert" at a later time if ever want to.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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