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Rocky Mountain ETS or Specialized S-Works Enduro?

1630 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Cynan, Aug 21, 2004

Cynan

Discussion Starter · Aug 12, 2004

Hey all,

I am thinking of purchasing a new FS bike and after riding several different models and makes I had almost decided on the Rocky Mountain ETS range. However I am now considering the Specialized S-Works Enduro (2004 model as I do not like the 2005 one - yes I can be very vain).

Has anyone ridden either or both of these models and could give me the benefit of their opinions? I am going to an LBS this weekend to ride an Enduro which will hopefully help me decide come the outcome of this thread.

Thanks everyone,

--Cynan.

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

Blue Shorts

· #2 · Aug 12, 2004

Cynan said:
Hey all,

I am thinking of purchasing a new FS bike and after riding several different models and makes I had almost decided on the Rocky Mountain ETS range. However I am now considering the Specialized S-Works Enduro (2004 model as I do not like the 2005 one - yes I can be very vain).

Has anyone ridden either or both of these models and could give me the benefit of their opinions? I am going to an LBS this weekend to ride an Enduro which will hopefully help me decide come the outcome of this thread.

Thanks everyone,

--Cynan.

Why are you comparing the S-Works Enduro ($4880) to the RM ETSX 70 ($3299). The comparison to the ETSX 70 would be the Enduro Pro ($3040).

I've spent some time on the Enduro and it's a great handling bike. I have not tried the ETSX. I'm a Horst link fan and the Enduro uses that type of suspension. I know quite a few riders that own Enduros and they're all very happy with the bikes. The lifetime warranty doesn't hurt.

I've heard good things about the ETSX, but can't give any opinion based on actually using the bike.

I guess I wasn't much help.

Cynan

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 12, 2004

No, no, I appreciate your reply - thanks.

I'm comparing the frames. Here in England the ETS frame retails at £1,499 and the S-Works Enduro at £999. O'kay there is quite a difference there but these are the two frames that I am thinking of getting. Perhaps they are meant for different things but.. meh. Just goes to show you me inexperience with these things!

RockyGuy

· #4 · Aug 12, 2004

Cynan -- I figured I'd add my two cents. I've been lurking forever and now I finally have a chance to contribute.

I've ridden both bikes. When I first started searching for a full suspension bike I was looking at the Specialized Stumpjumper and the Specialized Enduro. Both were nice, but I felt like I wanted something in between. I thought the Enduro was too much for my needs -- it's heavy (compared to the Stumpjumper and the ETSX) and has more travel than I needed. As I was about to settle on the Stumpjumper, my local shop got in one ETSX-50 and it was my size. I rode it and never let go.

In my humble opinion, it's the perfect bike. The geometry fits like a glove ... something I didn't find on the Specialized bikes. Of course things may be different with you (read: try both bikes to determine how they fit / feel). I also liked the adjustable travel and flexibility of the ETSX-50. You get 3.5", 4", and 4.5". Add a Talas (or other adjustable) fork and you have a real do-anything bike. I think the thing I like most about the ETSX-50 is that there's no peddle bob. It really is a great all-around bike ... just read the reviews.

Of course all of this is dependent on the terrain you ride. The ETSX-50 does not have as much travel as the Enduro, so it's not necessarilty a fair comparison. If you don't need all of the Enduro's travel, I would give the ETSX some serious consideration. The other thing I'd mention is that the ETSX line uses the same frame, no matter the number (30, 50, or 70) -- only the components change.

Anyway, I hope all this has helped. Good luck with your new bike decision.

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Cynan

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 12, 2004

heh. Thanks. And I guess welcome

(like I can talk)

I must say I have always been leaning more towards the ETS. It was just that I was thinking of saving some money by looking at the Enduro.

Thank you for your opinion and I shall let you know after I've ridden the Enduro. I shall be taking another test ride of the ETS this weekend too so the handling is fresh in my mind. Then all I have to do is sign

Thanks again,

--Cynan.

Scoredog

· #6 · Aug 13, 2004

Hi Cynan,

You asked me on another thread why I chose the Element over the ETSX. I have a few more thoughts,I also looked at the Enduro and Stump Jumper btw. In the end I liked the fact that the RM was hand built and I liked the compenent set that came with with both 70 models (ETSX and the Element). I'm not a freerider by any stretch. Just XC and a climber mostly on Socal mountains (of course I have to come back down). I just wanted a lighter bike and I had to pay more for the heavier one so it just made cents to take the lighter frame. My guess is the Element is considered a light frame by todays standards. The Element frame weighs 5.65 pds. i can't imagine many frames with FS weighing much less without spending a bunch more, and the components on it for the price seem about right to keep the bike's weight down. If I was going to take on more treacherous terrain I would opt for the more rugged bike but the Element feels like a tank compared to my Mantis which is all XTR and super light. I climbed a local mountain yesterday and came down a cliff dwelling ST with lots of rocks and divots and the Element for the most part was smooth sailing.

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RockyGuy

· #7 · Aug 13, 2004

No problem. I know the ETSX is more and I know all too well how the budget plays into things. I got lucky and got mine at a year-end closeout, although I still would have bought it if the price was higher. I guess my thinking was that I would rather spend the extra money (if I needed to) to get the right bike ... there's no point in getting a bike that's not right just because it's less.

I also wanted to agree with the other post -- the RM quality is amazing. The frames are all hand-built and hand-painted ... and it shows. That's not to say that Specialized frames are bad, but I think you'll notice a difference if you look at them side by side.

I think it's wise to test ride them as close together as possible. Definitely let us know what you think and what your decision is!

derby

· #8 · Aug 13, 2004

Both are excellent

Cynan said:
Hey all,

I am thinking of purchasing a new FS bike and after riding several different models and makes I had almost decided on the Rocky Mountain ETS range. However I am now considering the Specialized S-Works Enduro (2004 model as I do not like the 2005 one - yes I can be very vain).

Has anyone ridden either or both of these models and could give me the benefit of their opinions? I am going to an LBS this weekend to ride an Enduro which will hopefully help me decide come the outcome of this thread.

Thanks everyone,

--Cynan.

They both have very similar handling characteristics, and smooth pedaling reaction, and high traction braking feel. I've ridden the ETSX and FSR's and other bikes very similar to the Enduro. The both are modified Horst link in action. The ETS has much more anti-squat pedaling suspension geometry for very little bob (without needing a sharp-hit reactive-damping platform-shock) which would especially benefit a larger or harder pedaling rider more for climbing power and efficency (with or without a platform shock). But the enduro would pedal through rock piles a little more easily, but it does need a platform damped shock for good acceleration and climbing efficency in most conditions. Both are great bikes.

- ray

FoShizzle

· #9 · Aug 14, 2004 (Edited)

very good input...

RockyGuy said:
Cynan -- I figured I'd add my two cents. I've been lurking forever and now I finally have a chance to contribute.

I've ridden both bikes. When I first started searching for a full suspension bike I was looking at the Specialized Stumpjumper and the Specialized Enduro. Both were nice, but I felt like I wanted something in between. I thought the Enduro was too much for my needs -- it's heavy (compared to the Stumpjumper and the ETSX) and has more travel than I needed. As I was about to settle on the Stumpjumper, my local shop got in one ETSX-50 and it was my size. I rode it and never let go.

In my humble opinion, it's the perfect bike. The geometry fits like a glove ... something I didn't find on the Specialized bikes. Of course things may be different with you (read: try both bikes to determine how they fit / feel). I also liked the adjustable travel and flexibility of the ETSX-50. You get 3.5", 4", and 4.5". Add a Talas (or other adjustable) fork and you have a real do-anything bike. I think the thing I like most about the ETSX-50 is that there's no peddle bob. It really is a great all-around bike ... just read the reviews.

Of course all of this is dependent on the terrain you ride. The ETSX-50 does not have as much travel as the Enduro, so it's not necessarilty a fair comparison. If you don't need all of the Enduro's travel, I would give the ETSX some serious consideration. The other thing I'd mention is that the ETSX line uses the same frame, no matter the number (30, 50, or 70) -- only the components change.

Anyway, I hope all this has helped. Good luck with your new bike decision.

You should have been posting while you were lurking....this place always needs more folks that provide tangible input (not that I always do...thats for certain).

Anyway, as Derby said below and I have always valued his input, they are both great bikes. In general, the Enduro is hard to beat. However, I agree with you in that the geometry of the Enduro just doesn't feel right, at least to you and I. Too many people I think focus on physics of the bike given type of suspension (perhaps ignoring fact that the best theory implemented poorly results in something less than planned), amount of travel, weight, components, etc.....but the bottom line to me, is that if it does not "feel" right, forget it. Another example of a well respected bike that just did not feel right to me was the Blur....I only point that out because fit and feel should not be under-rated.

I like the way Rocky Mountains feel (never owned...only ridden) and I just simply like the fact that they handbuild their bikes (at least I think they hand build all their bikes). For me, if nothing else, that just gives me a subjective feel good factor, or perhaps that is the bike snob in me.

Anyway, both bikes should be demoed if possible of course and if it works for you, both bikes should rock.

Cheers

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Cynan

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 14, 2004

Hey all,

Well I went, I saw, I rode and I made up my mind. I really liked the Specialized Enduro but damn, those Rocky's are fine (imo), so I'm afraid I am going to have to push the boat out a lil futher and go with that. It just feels more right beneath me you know? A bit like a that of a good women.

(please excuse me)

The only thing I have to do now is decide what colour components I want!

So my spec. looks like this (be it good, bad or ugly): -

Frame Rocky Mountain ETS-X70 (2004 model)
Rear Shock Fox Float RL AVA Pedal
Front Fork Fox Talas RLC
Head Set FSA Orbit
Stem Easton EA50 Forged
Handlebar Easton EA70 Riser
Brakes Hope Mono M4
Shifters Shimano XT Rapidfire (2004)
Gearing (RR) Shimano XT SGS
Gearing (FR) Shimano XT
Crankset Shimano XT Hollowtech II inc BB
Pedals Shimano M520s (from my current bike)
Cassette Shimano XT
Chain Shimano HG93
Seat Post Easton EA70
Saddle Selle Italia Fokus
Hubs (RR/FR) Hope Disc Black
Spokes DT Comp DB Silver (64)
Rims Mavic X717 XC Black 32H
Tires (RR/FR) Hutchinson Scorpion Gold 2.0
Quick Releases Hope Black
Grips ODI Ruffian Lock-Ons

Hmm, do you think I should go with all silver parts (where available?). Don't you just hate decisions like that.

Thanks again all, your help has been muchly appreciated.

--Cynan.

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Cynan

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 16, 2004

You guys (& gals?) might not be interested but, I received the frame in the post today. Tomorrow I take it to my LBS to be kitted out with the rest of the gear and this Saturday I christen in on a trail. Woo & hoo.

Now I'm not sure if this'll work but here goes...

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Scoredog

· #12 · Aug 17, 2004

Have Fun!

I've been riding my Element now for the past week. Still learning the bike of course but my first 60+ miles have been a real pleasure. Precise through trails...climbs great and real plush over rough terrain compared to my old ride. Yours should be even smoother.

FoShizzle

· #13 · Aug 17, 2004

Very Nice!

Cynan said:
You guys (& gals?) might not be interested but, I received the frame in the post today. Tomorrow I take it to my LBS to be kitted out with the rest of the gear and this Saturday I christen in on a trail. Woo & hoo.

Now I'm not sure if this'll work but here goes...

I am excited for you. Having just gone through this I know the anxiety of having to wait. So I take it you went with the build kit specified above?? Looks like it should be a fantastic setup. I sure hope your LBS keeps their word about getting it done in time for a weekend ride or I am sure you will go a little nuts...

Anyway, please post completed picture.

Cheers

9W6VX

· #14 · Aug 17, 2004

Yes, Cynan,

Please post pic once your bike is setup and ready. You are good to go!

73's

Cynan

Discussion Starter · #15 · Aug 21, 2004

Picked her up today and she's a beaut (at least she is to me!). There were a few issues mind. The shop couldn't get hold of any ODI Lock-On ruffians and put on the Lizard Skins equivalent. I'm not to sure how I feel about that yet but they seem alright so I will probably leave it for a while. The rear tire is also not the Hutchinson Scorpion Gold like the front. This is because the it arrived with a hole in it apparently so they have sub'd it temporarily whilst they wait on another to arrive. Apart from that I was good to go!

I've not had chance to take a proper picture yet as you can see. It's in the garage rather then out on a trail with the sun shining on 'er and I rushed it and cut off the top of the saddle. Ah well.. another time, another day.

My new Rocky Mountain.
My old Kona NuNu.

--Cynan.

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