worth it to get '04 enduro expert rather then comp?

I wrestled with this same decision 3 months ago and went with the Expert. It was only another $200 at my LBS over the Comp. You get a TALAS fork over a Black, XTR rear derailluer over an XT, nicer cassette and a few other upgrades. I think the main differences are the fork and derailluer upgrades. There isn't a big jump in price between the two--unlike the price difference between the Expert and the Pro, which is several hundred. Also, my LBS had them on sale so I got my Expert for $2000--not much more than the regular priced Comp.

I would spend the extra cash (if you have it) and get the Expert. You will not regret it. Good luck to you.

Thanks. Im currently leaning towards the expert. What about the rotors? Comp has 8" and expert has 6". I wonder why the expert would have smaller rotors? Weight savings?

Nah, 6 inch front on the expert b/c the Fox's warranty is void with the use of an 8 inch rotor on the front. Don't know what the deal with the Black is... I thought all Enduros were recalled to put 6 inch rotors back on.

Rotors

LBguy said:

Thanks. Im currently leaning towards the expert. What about the rotors? Comp has 8" and expert has 6". I wonder why the expert would have smaller rotors? Weight savings?

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The reason for the 6" rotor vs. the 8" rotor is a warrenty issue with the Fox Talas fork. Originally, all the enduros came with 8" rotors. Then there was a recall on all bikes that came with the Fox fork. Basically if you run an 8" rotor on that fork, you void your warrenty (Something to do with the mounting tabs prone to breaking with a larger rotor and the additional brake forces generated).

I don't know if the problem was fixed for the 05' model year fork or not. If it has, then you can definately expect to see a return of the 8" rotors across all the enduro models. Honestly, unless you plan to ride some extreme downhill, the 6" will serve you just fine. Also, that fox fork is sweet so I could live with the smaller rotors.

Val_Wolfe said:

The reason for the 6" rotor vs. the 8" rotor is a warrenty issue with the Fox Talas fork. Originally, all the enduros came with 8" rotors. Then there was a recall on all bikes that came with the Fox fork. Basically if you run an 8" rotor on that fork, you void your warrenty (Something to do with the mounting tabs prone to breaking with a larger rotor and the additional brake forces generated).

I don't know if the problem was fixed for the 05' model year fork or not. If it has, then you can definately expect to see a return of the 8" rotors across all the enduro models. Honestly, unless you plan to ride some extreme downhill, the 6" will serve you just fine. Also, that fox fork is sweet so I could live with the smaller rotors.

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Val got it spot on. If you go to Specialized's website, you will see a recall notice for the '04 Expert and Pro. Something about the 8" rotors not jiving with the TALAS for some reason. I can certainly attest to the the claims above as well. The 6" rotor is plenty fine for trail riding. And not to be too redundant, but the TALAS is soooo sweet. I'm sure there are other forks just as good if not better, but it is hard to go wrong with the TALAS. Knowing what I know now from riding it for the past 3 months, I would opt for the Expert over the Comp just for that reason alone.

Is the black just a mediocre fork or is the TALAS just that much better?

I'll dissent!

LBguy said:

Is the black just a mediocre fork or is the TALAS just that much better?

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I bought the Comp. I've always been a Man-i-tou fan, and this is my second Black. I don't think it's mediocre at all. It's got a similar travel adjustment, and after about 600 hard miles I've had zero issues with it (or the bike, except for the paint).

As for deraileurs: I knew I'd go to x9/x7 stuff, so why spend more for something that will sit on the shelf? the Cassette: it'll wear out soon enough, and I'll put an xt and new chain on and voila...

You can use a 185mm rotor though

DSDuke said:

Val got it spot on. If you go to Specialized's website, you will see a recall notice for the '04 Expert and Pro. Something about the 8" rotors not jiving with the TALAS for some reason. I can certainly attest to the the claims above as well. The 6" rotor is plenty fine for trail riding. And not to be too redundant, but the TALAS is soooo sweet. I'm sure there are other forks just as good if not better, but it is hard to go wrong with the TALAS. Knowing what I know now from riding it for the past 3 months, I would opt for the Expert over the Comp just for that reason alone.

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Im using one with my talas.

jrm said:

Im using one with my talas.

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Stock 8 inch rotors were recalled on 12/3/03. See the notice on Specialized's website.

http://www.specialized.com/SBCWhatsNewDetail.jsp?article=2644&refp=USHome

jrm said:

Im using one with my talas.

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bad idea. Fox said that there was a problem with the '03-'04 models not being able to take rotors bigger than 6 inches causing the tabs to shear. Fox notified Specialized and Spec recalled it. My Friend rides a KHS FR1500 with a Vanilla fork with 185 rotors and his tabs tore off. Fox didn't waranty and it cost him a lot of money to get new lowers.

If i were you, I do lots of research (like you are doing) and continue to ask lots of questions. If i recall, you just started riding not that long ago right? I wouldnt be in too much of a hurry to jump on a new ride. It is very exciting though, I remember when I got my first full suspension rig, a Jamis Dakar, then, I had it for about a year, and got my Enduro.

About your original question, I'm not sure, just go with what you want, ya know...Some of the stuff you won't even notice a difference. The fork, yeah, you would notice a difference, but, an XTR over an XT, I don't think someone with your amount of riding experience would be able to differentiate the two.

Good luck, and lets ride soon. Drop me a line. We are riding on sunday. ( shoot me a private message)

DO YOU RUN 8" ROTOR ON COMP?

Debaser said:

I bought the Comp. I've always been a Man-i-tou fan, and this is my second Black. I don't think it's mediocre at all. It's got a similar travel adjustment, and after about 600 hard miles I've had zero issues with it (or the bike, except for the paint).

As for deraileurs: I knew I'd go to x9/x7 stuff, so why spend more for something that will sit on the shelf? the Cassette: it'll wear out soon enough, and I'll put an xt and new chain on and voila...

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Hi just wondering...since the recall is for fox fork on 04 enduro pro and expert and i believe the 04 comp is also running on 8" isn't it? with black platinum ...how is it? I have 03 comp planning to replace the psylo with black platinum (got a good deal) DO YOU THINK ITS WORTH IT...THANKS