Alright, mountain biking enthusiasts, the latest buzzword in the biking world is the 2024 Specialized Enduro.
Everyone’s talking about it, but does it really live up to the hype? Let’s break it down and get into the nitty-gritty.
A Quick Glance at Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 170mm travel (front and rear) |
| Fork | RockShox ZEB Select |
| Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ |
| Rims | Specialized 29, hookless alloy, 30mm inner width, tubeless ready |
| Front Hub | Specialized alloy front hub disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 6-bolt, 15x110mm thru-axle, 28h |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 148mmx12mm thru-axle, 28h |
| Front Tire | Butcher, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® T9 compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29×2.3″ |
| Rear Tire | Butcher, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® T9 compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29×2.3″ |
| Inner Tubes | Standard, Presta valve |
| Weight | 32 lbs |
| Saddle | Bridge Comp, Hollow Cr |
| Grips | Deity Grips |
| Handlebars | Specialized Trail, 7050 alloy, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 30mm rise, 800mm, 35mm clamp |
| Geometry | Various sizes with specific dimensions |
The Build
First up, the build. The Enduro Expert model boasts a FACT 11m carbon frame. Sounds fancy, right? It’s got a slacker head angle and longer reach, which essentially means it’s designed to keep you stable while you’re tearing down treacherous descents.
Picture this: you’re bombing down a gnarly trail, and instead of feeling like you’re clinging to a runaway shopping cart, you’re gliding smoothly. Thank the 170mm RockShox suspension for that. Both front and rear. Yep, your spine will thank you later.
Geometry
The bike’s geometry isn’t just for show. It’s built for aggressive riding. Think steeper seat tube angle for better pedaling efficiency. So, while it’s a beast downhill, it’s not going to leave you cursing every climb.
But let’s be real – it’s still a hefty piece of machinery. You’re not floating uphill on a cloud. Add in those downhill tires and robust components, and you’re looking at a workout. Good luck with that.
Performance
Performance is where the Enduro really shines. Handling corners like a dream, but be prepared – it’s fast. Like, “Oh crap, I’m going into this turn way too hot” fast. But with a balanced chassis and top-notch suspension setup, it keeps you in control.
The SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain? Reliable as your favorite pair of trail shoes. And the braking power from the SRAM Code RS brakes? Let’s just say, when you need to stop, you stop. None of that panicked flailing about.
The Downsides
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the stock tires. They’re not great. If you’re planning to tackle wet or loose terrain regularly, do yourself a favor and swap them out for something with better grip. Also, let’s talk price.
The Enduro isn’t cheap. But considering the quality and durability of the components and frame, it’s somewhat justified. Still, your wallet might need a bit of recovery time. Price currently carries between 3k and 5k USD.
So, Is This Bike Worth the Hype?
Is it worth the hype? Well, if you’re into spending a small fortune on a bike that’s built like a tank and rides like a dream, then sure, it’s worth it. The bike boasts a low center of gravity and impressive adjustability, making it a beast on descents.
It’s not without its quirks, though—like the stock tires being less than stellar. But if you’re willing to throw down the cash for some upgrades, you’ll find it hard to beat in terms of performance and durability. In other words, it’s hyped for a reason, but only if you’re willing to pay for the privilege.
If you’re serious about mountain biking and crave speed, control, and durability, then yeah, it’s a solid investment. Just be ready to switch out the tires and maybe do some heavy lifting on those climbs. It’s not the unicorn of bikes, but it’s pretty darn close.
Key Features at a Glance
- FACT 11m Carbon Frame: For that sleek, durable build.
- Slacker Head Angle & Longer Reach: Stability on wild descents.
- 170mm RockShox Suspension: Smooth rides over the roughest terrain.
- Steeper Seat Tube Angle: Better pedaling efficiency.
- SRAM XO1 Eagle Drivetrain: Reliable gear shifting.
- SRAM Code RS Brakes: Excellent stopping power.
Quick Pros and Cons
- Stable and Smooth Ride: Thanks to the frame and suspension.
- Efficient Climbing: For a bike with this much travel.
- Excellent Braking: Stops on a dime.
- Durable Build: High-quality components.
- Stock Tires: Subpar grip, consider upgrading.
- Hefty Price Tag: Quality doesn’t come cheap.
- Weight: Not the lightest on climbs.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Specialized Enduro is a beast – in the best and sometimes most challenging ways. If you’re up for the ride (and the price), it could be the bike of your dreams. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about those climbs and tires.