Specialized Enduro
The Specialized Enduro full suspension mountain bike provides a
specially designed suspension, combining the fork and the shock as one
piece, called Total Suspension Integration, or TSI. When the TSI is working correctly, it is one of the best features of the bike, with the plush, bottomless feeling of 6 inches of travel. It performs best at high speeds on downhill runs, allowing you to attempt more challenging terrain, and its stiff carbon frame dampens vibrations better than an aluminum frame.
The Enduros suspension innovation is the Spike valve, a variable speed compression damper giving the fork and shock the feel of a coil spring but without the weight. The valve decreases fork dive during braking and cornering. Considering the innovations offered by the suspension, the bike is still fairly light. It offers an excellent ratio of weight to stiffness. Also, now the Specialized is designing their own suspension, rather than relying on an outside company, they are able to adjust the geometry of their bikes.
There have been concerns, however, about the fork breaking for some riders. Another concern is that the double-crown fork can limit turning radius and can hit your knee during tight turns. The E150 front fork sometimes clunks; with the big DU bushings, the fork has some play.
The customer service at Specialized is outstanding. When there have been problems, customers report that the services was brilliant, getting bikes fixed without question and without hassle, sometimes even including a home visit by Specialized.
The Enduro has Magura Marta brakes which work beautifully, as does the SRAM X0/Shimano XT drive train. Its rims are especially strong, as they are laced to triple butted spokes. It is a lightweight bike, but offers a longer wheelbase than many of its competitors.
Despite mixed experiences with the suspension, the Enduro would be good for cross-country riders who are seeking to expand their downhill skills. It is more a long-travel cross-country bike than an all-mountain bike. Overall, it pedals well, is a great climber, and handles fast downhills easily. It climbs as well as a dual suspension bike offering half the travel of the Enduro.
This bike is worth the investment for the riders with moderate skills, ready to leap to the next level of downhill terrain. If you are looking for a downhill race bike or a dedicated downhill bike, the Enduro probably will nott meet your expectations. The Enduro offers different models at different prices ranges, each offering good quality for their particular price range.
Deals on eBay
| 2007 Specialized Enduro mountain bike frame | |
| Price: $222.50 | |
| Derailleur hanger for SPECIALIZED enduro stumpjumper M5 | |
| Buy It Now: $22.00 | |
| 2009 Specialized S-Works Enduro SL Carbon Medium 27lbs! | |
| Price: $2,125.00 | |
| 2010 Transition Covert LARGE Specialized Enduro | |
| Buy It Now: $2,300.00 | |
| 2009 Specialized Enduro SL Comp Medium Bike | |
| Price: $880.00 | |
