Beginners' Guide to Enduro: Bicycle Setup

Aug 3, 2012
by Matt Wragg  
The right answer to the question "what bike should I bring to race an enduro?" is the one you've got. The point is: come and ride, come and have fun. So if your bike doesn't look like this one, don't let it put you off. Think of this as a guide for someone who is lucky enough to be building up a new bike with enduro in mind, or has some spare cash to upgrade their current setup. There are some limits. For the most part, you need to be ready to pedal the bike. In many of the Italian Superenduro PRO races, riders will tackle more than a thousand meters of climbing per day. If you're happy to do that on your downhill race bike, then you've got our respect already. In France, more than a few people show up to lift-assisted races on their big rigs. It's worth noting, though, that you don't see them on the podium at the end of the weekend. As for the other end of the scale; how light should you go? Enduros are gravity races, not XC races, so you're going to want kit that can take a beating.

Jerome pinned.
  Jerome Clementz, showing us how it's done.


This build is based on our experience of riding European, enduro-style trails day-in and day-out, what the top riders like Jerome Clementz, Nico Vouilloz and Andrea Bruno run and what components survive daily abuse (unlike the pros, we can't afford to be replacing parts every ride). If the components we suggest seem a bit much for the races around you, you should probably come over to Europe and see how enduro is supposed to be done.

Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
  The Specialized Enduro is the most popular privateer bike in the Italian Superenduro series. Most people use the regular model though, which has 160mm front and rear travel (this Evo has 170mm at the front). You want to aim for around 160 millimeters of travel, although a bit more or less is fine. Weight-wise, 30 pounds is a good number to aim for if you worry about such things. We haven't weighed the Specialized, as the parts were chosen for how they perform and survive, not for how light they are.


Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
  Air-sprung suspension is the usual choice for enduro - our Specialized Evo came with a coil-over shock, but you can still pedal it up the hill and it's fun coming down, so we haven't changed it out (although we probably will go to air at some point). On the rear, a pedalling platform on the shock will make climbing much more pleasant. Out front, look for damping on the fork, not features. If you look at what the fast guys run, nearly all of them have DH-style internals in their forks, as the important part is going fast down the hills. In our opinion, forks with travel-adjust systems and lockouts should be avoided, as they don't offer any useful benefits and tend to compromise damping performance. A 20-millimeter through-axle is another must-have too. You want the fork as stiff as possible, so that you can attack the trail.


Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
  There's only one sensible drivetrain choice for enduro: 1 x 10. You can select the chainring depending on whether you want the gears to climb more leisurely or attack on the downs, and an 11-36t cassette has all the range you should ever need. Our bike uses a 34-tooth chainring, which is somewhere in the middle of the enduro range. We have yet to see a good argument, why anyone needs a granny-ring and dropping the front mech and shifter is a sensible way to save some weight. A good chainguide is essential, as a dropped chain could ruin your race run. We opted for the beefy e*thirteen LG1, as we wanted the bash guard. E*thirteen does make a lighter weight TRS guide without the bash guard, but looking at the gouges on the bottom of ours, the LG1 was well worth a few extra grams. As for the pedals; run whatever you're happy riding all day on.


Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
  Out front is easy: short stem and a wide bar. We like Renthals on the downhill bike, so that was the easy choice for the Specialized.


Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
  Choosing the perfect wheels and tyres is a tough call. With the rims, you need to find something durable enough to survive, but you obviously want to keep the weight down to make the bike easier to pedal. Stans Flows were our choice for this year - they are lighter than a full on downhill rim, but we are confident they will go the distance. Tyres are slightly easier. You want UST tubeless or downhill casings. Admittedly some of the faster racers tend to run lightweight semi-slicks on the back and pump them up to high hell to stop them from flatting, but as we're not challenging for a pro podium, we prefer a real tyre with some grip to have fun. Continental Barons are the kind of thing we'd recommend - tough enough to stand being thumped into stuff without losing all their air and they come in a big, 2.3-inch casing.


Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
  You don't need a dropper seatpost. They aren't cheap and if you are on a budget, there are probably more important upgrades you could look at first. If you do have the money, a dropper post is worth every penny - and we find it hard to imagine riding a bike without one these days (yes, we know we are spoilt). Out of all the options, we think the Rockshox Reverb is the one, with sealed hydraulic lines to keep the crap out and the smoothest action of any post on the market.


Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
  Brakes are a personal call. You probably don't need downhill brakes, if nothing else, enduro bikes are a lot lighter. However, here in Europe you could be descending for a long time, so you want to think about cooling your brakes. If you're Nico Vouilloz, 160mm rotors are probably enough. W've gone for overkill, with 200mm Shimano IceTech rotors as they don't weigh a huge amount more and it's nice to know your brakes are going to be strong, no matter how badly you are riding that day.


Beginners Guide to Enduro Bicycles
  This is an important sticker. In France, you need to put them on your frame and fork (in Italy, on your frame, fork and wheels). In the early days of enduro, many riders tried racing on the lightest bike they could and would snap frames and parts every day. This meant that the pros could bring a van-full of silly light bikes to gain the upper hand. To ensure that you start and finish on the same components, you are issued these stickers. If you snap one of those parts - that's your race over. You lose the time lost to the mechanical, and you will be given a big penalty too. This means that, while you may want to make your bike as light as you can, it still needs to be strong enough to survive a tough day's racing.


In case you missed the first part in the series - Beginners' Guide to Enduro - What the hell is it?

If you'd like to have a go at racing enduro, here’s a few series you could think about doing:

Tribe Events (France): www.tribe-events.com
Superenduro (Italy): www.superenduromtb.com
Gravity Enduro (UK): www.ukgravityenduro.com
Gravity Enduro (Ireland): www.gravityenduro.ie
Enduro (Germany): www.enduroseries.net
Oregon Enduro (USA): www.oregonenduro.com

Author Info:
mattwragg avatar

Member since Oct 29, 2006
753 articles

193 Comments
  • 137 1
 Enduro looks like so much fun. In my mind, enduro IS mountain biking! Big Grin
  • 24 5
 Very true! Take a look at my enduro bike... www.pinkbike.com/photo/8409264 Big Grin
  • 8 0
 ^^ very nice bike mate...yeah enduro is the ultimate mountain biking imo aswell..im riding a stock 2011 Spesh Pitch Pro..cant go wrong with this bike for its price...what are u guys riding?
  • 8 0
 I'd be interested to see more enduro setups. Here is mine: www.pinkbike.com/photo/8259862
  • 5 3
 Is that a lift ticket on your bike. BUSTED!!!
  • 3 0
 Only when I can escape for a day and have $60 to blow. Most of the time it is a few hours in the local woods
  • 6 0
 m.pinkbike.com/photo/7741846

I went for overkill with the 180mm floats, but its my only bike, and I have to keep up with my mates on demos and sessions, thinking I might grab the custom mrp firebird guide from the 12 models to finish it off
  • 5 0
 I have that same bike, still have the granny gear but through a Rockshox lyrik on front to take off some weight.

www.pinkbike.com/photo/8214763
  • 10 0
 This is what I use for Enduro, Freeride and everything: fotos.mtb-news.de/p/1091462
  • 6 0
 This is mine, 1x9 works good here (Germany near Winterberg, Mountains up to 800 meter), for Enduro in the Alps I would mount a granny ring for sure Wink

www.pinkbike.com/photo/8334789
  • 3 0
 Haven't raced enduro but like the idea. Here's the bike I would use. m.pinkbike.com/photo/8058899
  • 5 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/8267002

Mine is a 1x, I like having to push through climbs. I've been a fan of the 1x groups since they started...
  • 6 3
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/8480755

Here's the BEST Enduro bike...
  • 1 0
 Nice bikes you've got there! Big Grin
  • 2 0
 here was mine (Devinci Dixon Split-Pivot)

gp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb7091225/p4pb7091225.jpg

30lb with tubeless tires, Reverb, Renthal bars and 1 x 10 SRAM gearing
  • 3 0
 I'm loving my custom build, definitely a lil different...

www.pinkbike.com/photo/8481138
  • 3 0
 My fully customized MSC Hunter: nunomelo77.pinkbike.com/album/MSC-Hunter-RR-SX (170mm travel frame)
  • 3 0
 Putting this comment here so its near the top but there's also the Bell Wasatch Enduro in Park City, UT. Not sure if they plan on having it again but it was run really smoothly and the turnout was incredible so I thought it was worth mentioning. www.bellwasatchenduro.com
  • 10 2
 please.............................................i beg you.................................................no 29rs
  • 6 0
 Oh may as well contribute to this as well... 2010 Trek Scratch 9 www.pinkbike.com/photo/8181176
  • 2 0
 Looks similar to the build on my spesh enduro, maybe I should give enduro racing a go sometime soon.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/6519399
  • 3 0
 No way you could ride an alpen enduro with a single speed. Pure madness!
  • 1 1
 if a 29er could win it better than a 26 it would be the featured rig. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 650b take the podium occasionally, but I wouldn't expect to see many 29ers up there. Of course I wouldn't make it there either. . .
  • 1 0
 BAM!!
  • 4 0
 heres my stead many enduros with her laird.pinkbike.com/album/blur-TRc
  • 1 0
 your bike's sick AF ^^
  • 1 0
 Check mine out. Orange five.
  • 1 3
 seems to me like pb is pushing advertisers products again
  • 1 0
 Seems to me like you don't know your components... by that I mean they're suggesting quality products and one of the biggest issues with people getting into enduro/super d is knowing a rough idea of what kind of components you should have. I don't see anything wrong with that.
  • 1 0
 m.pinkbike.com/photo/7470589

That's my bike which I've had for a couple of months. Although I don't ride enduring I use it for XC and DH so would probably be looking at an enduro set up. I want to make some upgrades. I was thinking a shock and fork I can lock out and some wider bars (they're about 680mm now). Any ideas???
  • 2 1
 Did anyone else notice that the guy riding the bike at the top was riding a cannondale and this this whole thing was for specialized hahahaXD
  • 2 0
 Did anyone else notice that they used one bike as an example and it happens to be a Specialized?
  • 1 0
 Well, if the amount of demo's in the lift line at whistler is anything to go by, we can hardly be surprised
  • 2 0
 if were all doing this check mine outtt!



www.pinkbike.com/photo/7613944
  • 2 0
 It hasn't done any enduros but it has done some SuperDs

www.pinkbike.com/photo/5288515
  • 1 0
 Super d is the corvette and enduro us the Ferrari. We take what we can get here in the USA.
  • 1 0
 thought i would get in on the action
my orange alpine 160
www.pinkbike.com/photo/8492118
  • 2 0
 Havn't raced Enduro yet but would love to with my baby
www.pinkbike.com/photo/8324748
  • 2 0
 That is one nice rig. Start up your own enduro race! Have it be informal riding with your buds at first and after enough time maybe it'll be sponsored and turn legit. I can imagine that you guys have some incredible terrain for that down there.
  • 16 1
 Great setup but for me my enduro setup is dialed. Check it out... www.pinkbike.com/photo/8405896
  • 5 0
 It rather falls into Enduro Chariot category Wink
  • 1 0
 nice nice bike
  • 13 2
 super sick writeup, but ill stick to my 2x9 drivetrain for the time being, never dropped a chain before and i dont mind saying i run a granny ring. either way, its sweet to see what the top guys are typically running in these events
  • 5 0
 Agree completely. 1x10 vs 2x9 (2x10) is very individual choice and depends a lot on the place of riding. On average I have much more joy when with extra 22 in front (also because I have much more energy after climbing up, thus more confident and faster descents) and never have problems with dropped chain on my Reign X0.
  • 13 0
 I run 2x9 cause that's what I got and it's not being replaced until it wears out completely
  • 1 0
 Options are always good Big Grin
  • 7 0
 i wanna try that new sram 1x11
  • 2 0
 I still use my 2x9 setup and won't be parting from it any time soon. That granny sure comes handy when you've been racing for a couple of hours and a nasty uphill comes along.
  • 2 0
 1x10 is reasonable when the uphills are not timed. 2x10 makes more sense for me in terms of a nice "after work joyride in the woods"...
  • 1 0
 so im building up a 05trek session77 as a AM/FR bike, and i want to keep it light, if i can, maybe around 33 lbs, but i feel like i may need a 2x9 setup. i race xc, on a 24lbs bike, and i consider myself at a pretty decent phys cond. i live in the middle of nowhere, and to ride any trails i have to climb 1500ft in 6mi, so i was thinking a 22/36/bash x 9 spd, but im on a budget and want to keep it light, and fast. what about 22/38, or 24/36, or 24/38, and do i need a med. short or long cage rear der.? thanks. or should i just run like a 34 and a road cassete? is that pretty light? what about rear, because my friend rides a 36x10 11-32 and in the highest gear it feels slow/spinny, and i like stomping on pedals and going hard, not spinning fast. thanks
  • 4 0
 That's an aggressive set up you have here! Definitely a good toy for the long alpine lift assisted races. Otherwise 2x10 (unless you have the legs of a roadie) and an air sprung with platform will be my (obligatory) choice to clear up the 1000-1500m uphill I'll have to face. Have you ever ridden one of those? You should ask Jey Clementz, he's organizing a beloved series in France's north east region. Come up!
  • 3 0
 I guess I've already set my bike up for enduro. I did it more because I'm a fatass and break shit.

Yeti 575
Fox 36 160mm
DHX Air
1x9 X9
XT brakes 203/180 rotors
Outlaw wheels and tubeless Hans Dampfs

Now to find me some enduro racing here in Italy.
  • 1 0
 That's also why my enduro ended up so badass.
  • 1 0
 That pretty much sounds like my dream bike bro!
  • 3 0
 It sounds a little dangerous to just say "Out front is easy: short stem and a wide bar." Might that depend on frame dimensions vs rider height, and rider style.
I'd hate to see people just go out and put on shorter bars without keeping some other things in mind and wind up with needlessly cramped cockpits as well as a host of other issues.

Are you riding a larger frame with a longer wheelbase?

I ride a large Khyber Elite with a 30mm stem and wide bars, but I'm only 5'9". I hunted and gave this a go as I believed that Cesar Rojo / Fabien Barel / Mark Weir "Forward Geometry" squawk. I love it!!!! However, I know it wouldn't have worked had I got a medium and just slapped a short stem on the bike.
  • 2 0
 I'm 5' 10" and I ride a large frame/ short stem combo. I think Mark Weir said something like, " it's like riding in the bike and not on it" . I think this describes the idea of riding a bigger bike and shorter stem as well. It may not be for everyone, but I really like this style of set up.
  • 1 0
 Right on! What frame are you on?
  • 2 0
 2011 Giant Reign ... great bike..
  • 1 0
 Yeah they are. :-)
  • 4 2
 I'd think it worth noting that generally, unless they are racing in torrential rain, most riders and nearly anyone on the podium rides cleated pedals.

Have a look back the superenduro articles and you'll see (e.g www.pinkbike.com/news/Superenduro-Round-2-Punta-Ala-Race-Day.html - spot the flats)

Generally, the rules are distilled into; 36mm stanchions, 150/160mm, stans flows or more expensive, cleats, dropper. From there it's rider preference,.
  • 4 0
 u dont even need a 160 + bike i race on a 150 and i could easily do it on a 130/140!
i guess as long as ur used to the bike u can do it really!
  • 2 0
 Agreed. I race on a 140mm Heckler and never found it to be insufficient but i also regularly race on a 140mm carbon hardtail so i'm a bit of a retard, don't take my word as gospel.
  • 1 0
 sorry wakaba, meant to give you negative props. bloody touchpad!

no front derrailleurs to be seen and its nothing like freeriding, you are racing against the clock, not seeing which one of your buddies are gonna huck the biggest drop. also, bike technology has finally come far enough that you can have a strong 30ib bike, so why would anyone use a dh rig if they can afford an enduro bike?
  • 4 0
 1x10 isn't working out on a 7 day endure race like the Trans-Provence. You want to take it easy in the uphills cause it's a long journey...
  • 2 0
 So that's what the enduro evo Is for. It made no sense to me until now, it's basically a fr bike almost, not much different the. The sx trail, I thought. Anyway I really like this series you got going here, keep it goof cuz I would love to try an enduro event!
  • 2 0
 *going
  • 1 0
 its just a hell lighter than my '09 sx trail II... and the back works def better for pedaling up without any compromises in downhill
  • 3 0
 I had an 06 enduro sx trail 2 and that thing was not meant for going up at all.
  • 2 0
 I love my AM bike... no sorry Enduro bike or whatever marketing call it today.
Can't wait to take it to Whistler next week.
Take a Mk2 Nomad... it has issues, climbs like a sofa due to the lower link but descends well, so... remove the 8.5x2.5 shock and fit an 8.75x2.75 Vivid air shock, this steepens the seat angle, improving the climbing, but makes the head angle a little steep... so fit a WorksComponents 2 degree offset headset and you have a climbing/descending weapon.
  • 1 0
 Did you already made those changes on your bike?
  • 1 0
 To be honest, I was a bit sceptical about how that would work, but I looks quite good! Only the BB is a tad higher, but nothing serious I assume. Smile
  • 2 0
 The shock raises the BB, but the offset headset lowers it a touch, so it is not that much different.
We were up in the mountains last weekend and all the low BB boys were having way to many pedal strikes on the climbs and having to walk!
I tested different setups on some technical climbs and this and the no offset headset climbed the best. To be honest compared to the SB66, MojoHD and Foxy the stock Nomad failed 2 of the 3 technical climbs with the max of 10 attempts. The Modified Nomad climbed 3/3 taking 2 attempts at the most technical one.
Descending is mint due to the slack head angle.
  • 1 0
 Nomad looks sick! Are you working toward full stealth?
  • 1 0
 That's sick! Smile ....and with the longer shock you have 175mm of travel, instead of 160mm. Smile
  • 1 0
 The bike is awesome!
  • 2 0
 I have my first on Sunday changing pedals to clipless and putting my atlas bar from my demo on my remedy , already running 9x1 , tubeless and bikes looking good . Here's to a pinned days racing yeeeeww
  • 1 0
 Gravity enduro in QLD?
  • 1 0
 There was one at mt joyce last year. Thats all i have heard of though.
  • 1 0
 On sunday
  • 1 0
 Great write up! Makes a huge amount of sense not going crazy light and sacrificing strength and confident to hard in the downhill . I've given XC and DH good saddle time but my next bike will definitely be an All Mountain Rig, you can do everything on it if your on your game!
  • 1 0
 I unwittingly set up my bike for Enduro.... there are no Enduro events in Alaska, but my riding style is Enduro through and through. Must be my french bloodlines. Glad to see I'm on the right track. Here's a pic- www.pinkbike.com/photo/8451094
  • 1 0
 That is one nice write up, and very insightful as well. I wish there were more enduro event here in New England. My mojo is itching for some action!
On that note, here is my enduro beast. The only downside? Me.

i.imgur.com/qvsVL.jpg
  • 2 0
 thats a tasty bike...
  • 1 0
 My 08 Enduro Expert www.pinkbike.com/photo/8495140
2008 Enduro Expert SIZE LARGE!!!
5.0 FOX rear
Thirteen Chain guard
XO derailer
Sunringle rims
Specialized Tires
FRONT BRAKECustom Avid Ultimate 7, hydraulic disc, 203mm rotor
REAR BRAKECustom Avid Ultimate 7, hydraulic disc, 185mm rotor
marzocchi bomber 150mm
All new bike frame bushings
  • 2 0
 my do it all bike it turns out is an enduro. haha. it weighs 39 pounds and i just broke it. Its a GT sanction built for downhill because im broke and cant afford two bikes, turns out im ahead of the curve! haha
  • 1 0
 I used to work at a bike shop that gave employees about 40% off purchases, which is the only reason I was able to afford this bike. I built it to be able to hang with both XC and DH riders. I was calling it a "compromise" bike, but I think "Enduro" sounds much better Smile


www.pinkbike.com/photo/8504806
  • 3 0
 Haha, this pretty much perfectly describes my 'XC' bike except for the dropper post and dual ply tyres - I think I should get on some enduro races!
  • 1 0
 As for the weight, I would guess the above build is ~33lbs....not the same build, but pretty close: brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2012-specialized-medium-enduro-evo-yellow-weight.jpg
  • 1 0
 Hey in Chile we have the only Enduro Championship in Latin America is the Montenbaik Enduro and it is comming in the next few months!! have a look in a href="http://montenbaikenduro.com">montenbaik enduro/a>
  • 1 0
 God damng it...really I think Specialized Enduro bikes are cheap! No wonder they are popular like a tdi VW. 30 year old design...sales do no equal wins. I'm posting my rig tomorrow!
  • 5 5
 So Enduro is a Downhill-light bike with a front derrailleur again? Formerly known as the now defunct "Freeride" category which was "Downhill" only 5 years ago before and is now known as Enduro because mfgs. Allmountain bikes finally arrived at 65 degree headangle? What innovation will be next? 64 degree head angle. I am exited.

Sure those bikes look sweet but then again - small brakes, underengineered seatposts, cheap skins on underdimensioned rims, narrow handlebars, shocks that heat up and fail, inadequate fork travel and weak forks. Guess what will happen? Once all the beefing up took place - after all you want to finish the competition - riders will use dh-bikes on 2 ply dh-carcasses....

This race series attracts the very uncool pointy nosed oakley/bell/spandex crowd. Sorry marketingpals - will ignore.
  • 3 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/7946238

Low budget enduro bike ;P what do you think about it ?
  • 1 1
 yourchain is coming off and you are going to break a front axel every month. lol
  • 1 0
 Yeah, you need a thru-axle STAT.
  • 4 4
 Scott Genius LT Carbon, Fox 180K Float, Mavic Crossmax sx, tubeless minnons (2.5 front, 2.35 rear), Raceface Sixc bar/cranks, e13guide, xo everything (1x10). and bear bell. (cow bell goes on my DH bike). Very happy with this and you can't go wrong, lightweight (25.56lbs) for climbing plus the rear twinlock, and plenty of grip and suspension for the trip down. And the biggest decision I had to make was on the seat, being in the saddle for that long, I want comfort over anything! SDG bel-air.
  • 2 1
 Shark that sounds like a real weapon!
  • 1 0
 thanks man, took awhile but totally worth it. So many good frames and parts out there, this works the best for me.
  • 2 0
 I wish we had some decent enduro events here in Australia, anything named enduro here is a 6+ hour XC race, I am over it.
  • 1 0
 There is on Sunday mate in gympie Queensland
  • 2 0
 I have one of those! It's awesome. I pedaled mine all the way up the DH at MSA and back down again.
  • 1 1
 Ive got an intense ss with fox van 160 mm forks Mtx rims with hope pro 2 hubs weighs in at 38 lbs and just fitted a 11-36t cassete on the back do you recon I could ride enduro on that ?Smile
  • 1 0
 Don't race but www.pinkbike.com/photo/8484733 my steed eventually want to swap to a single front chainring/chain guide set up
  • 1 0
 i just bought one of these. Im new to biking and im wondering how i harden up the x fusion fork and rear shok on the bike. Could someone help me out?
  • 1 0
 what are people using for helmets? does a lighter, breathable full face exist? What if the "face" portion of the full-face was replaced with a wire cage?
  • 1 0
 I think full face helmets are mandatory but don't quote me on that. you can get a urge archi enduro helmet, I have been looking at them as they have a larger opening and look easier to breath in.
  • 2 0
 I often see the pros stashing an xc lid on their pack for the climbs, and then a traditional full face for their race runs. Apparently it's worth the hassle of the xc lid banging around...
  • 2 0
 as far as i know you have to wear at least a full face helmet and knee pads for the downhill stages at the italian enduro series
  • 1 0
 found it on their webpage:

• It is mandatory to wear a helmet during the whole duration of the race, both during the transfers as well as during the special stages.
• While undertaking Special Stages (P.S.) it is mandatory to wear CE approved full-face crash helmet, gloves, knee-pads and back protector.
• Contestants lacking a helmet at departure will be disqualified.
• Two types of helmets are allowed. A lighter XC version helmet during the transfers and full face helmet during the special stages.
  • 1 0
 I usually carry a XC helmet and a full face and change them accordingly. But it also depends on the event, some you can do with the full face always helmet, others there's too much pedalling to wear a full face all the time. Would you want to wear a full face helmet during >50km, in the heat and being really sweaty ?
  • 2 0
 I use an urge archi enduro which is ideal for our climate.
  • 2 0
 Is it me or does the rear coil on that specialized look too short? The collar is all the way at the end of the threads
  • 1 0
 saving weight?
  • 4 3
 Why aren't the uphills timed? Surely that is all part of the Enduro ride. I agree with Lehel-NS, Enduro IS mountain biking.
  • 4 2
 A fast climber will win every race. There are enough xc races. These aren't about that.
  • 1 0
 yeah you would need to be an all around pinner for sure. But even as a pretty fit guy, I think the enduro side of things has more potential for growth as it is.
  • 2 2
 Here's why they aren't timed: Competition. If your a XC-weeny and can destroy others on the climbs, what is your incentive to push hard on the downhills? Why not ride your carbon fiber single speed?

The untimed downhill sections mean that while you may be really in shape, that guy with more skills and adequate strength will give you a run for your money.
  • 6 0
 The uphills are like the public road sections in WRC. Just get your ass to the next stage on time.
  • 1 0
 You'd be surprised. The "untimed" uphills are pretty quick. Many people miss them and take time penalties.
  • 5 5
 Why aren't the uphills timed?

Because people prefer different types of racing. There were already plenty of races where the most fit pedaler would always win. Cross country races are basically dirt road races that might as well be conducted on stationary bikes in front of a movie screen. There is little if any technical skill required.

Enduro races require that you be fit enough to get to each stage with enough energy left to rip the downhill. Rather than competing on merely pedaling endurance, racers must be technically skilled and physically strong on top of the prerequisite of endurance.
  • 4 0
 You can have a much wider margin on an uphill than on a downhill. Enduro should stay downhill friendly.
  • 6 2
 Yes, XC races aren't nearly as technical as Enduro, but they arenot "dirt road races" you clown
  • 3 1
 Backing up riley here - they're often as technical as riding most people would do on a 5-6" bike, except you're on a carbon hardtail with your arse in the air. The olympic cycling track, for example, is pretty mad.
  • 1 0
 I agree but on the other hands there were a few rounds of XCE which one could ride on a cyclocross bike.
  • 1 0
 some cyclocross guys train on their local single track
  • 4 0
 I have nothing against mellow singletracks but you kinda get the point. The first XCE track where Lopes won was amazing and then it went to shit. MTB in all disciplines should go more into tech and a bit less into fitness (which will still be important).

Remember that pass Maja włoszczowska did in rockgarden late last year? That's how XC races should be won.
  • 1 0
 spelled it wrong Wink , then again, who can?
  • 2 0
 Thoughts on doing Enduro on a 125mm Hardtail?
  • 1 0
 Excellent article, enduro seems to true mountain biking, really thinking of trading in the dh bike for an enduro
  • 1 0
 Would a cube hanzz with 190mm travel on the back and 180mm on the front be too heavy??? (pics on profile)
  • 1 0
 For racing, you'd likely get time penalties on the connecting stages.
  • 1 0
 It depends on the kind of enduro race and his fitness I've seen people manage to go without penalties on vp-frees. Also some races are one stage like the mountain of hell or the mega.
  • 1 0
 Can't consider that enduro though .. Endurance Downhill maybe ? But not Enduro as much as i like to ride them/watch them.
  • 1 0
 You mean the mega or the vp-free guy? The vp free guy went on a staged enduro race. And Mega or MoH is still enduro. The bikes are enduro, the top racers are the same as in enduro. The only differance is no stages. Why the hell everyone insists of creating a bazzilion of subclasses for everything.
  • 1 0
 Here is my enduro bike!! www.pinkbike.com/photo/8344082 is awesome!!!
  • 1 3
 what someone recommended to me to get started with enduro racing...
200mm discs front/ back... we are using our brakes more than the pro's... forget about weight here.
20mm through axle fork... you see any pro's riding a 34 except Nico in the photo shoots? nuff said.
2.3 wire or 2.5 maxxis evo type tires tubeless (tube for a spare)..... 1 flat and its probably over.
dropper post - don't even argue the 300 bucks since you probably have something else gucci that has no benefit.
less things to turn and screw (even your girl needs to wait at finish line!) else you forget to flick your nob since you were distracted and next thing you know, you wondering why the bike feels funny!
last and not least, its for fun.

youtu.be/_QOlQ_6HWnM
  • 1 0
 Could you use a Giant Trance X3 for Enduro? If not why?
Thanks!
(Anyone feel free to tell me)
  • 1 0
 good article, enjoy this type of riding.. my ride.

www.pinkbike.com/photo/8423158
  • 1 0
 my enduro styled bike, up for sale aswell www.pinkbike.com/photo/8254052
  • 1 0
 Like the seat post kind of hard to drop anything with a tall post ,unless U want a bike seat enama
  • 1 0
 For some reason, every time i see an enduro bike witha coil rear shock, i die a little inside.
  • 1 0
 What kind of surgery did they have to perform on an SLX double n'bash to get an E*thirteen LG1 to fit ?
  • 1 0
 file down the granny tabs
  • 1 0
 My All Mountain bike, im putting a longer travel fork XD


www.pinkbike.com/photo/8728776
  • 1 0
 listen up jabronees, this is the bike of all bikes...
www.pinkbike.com/photo/8933627
  • 1 0
 I'd be interested to see more enduro setups. Here is mine: www.pinkbike.com/photo/8259862
  • 1 0
 excellent note, excellent enduro and great to see you are using the reverb's command in the "clever" position!!
  • 1 0
 Duuhh i ride enduro with the enduro outfit and everything. Load me up with fenders and 5 camelbaks and i see you next week.
  • 1 0
 Enduro at mountain creek!!!! september 28th. Don't bother to enter. The prizes are all mine!!!!!
  • 1 0
 So what this beginner bike will cost likely?
  • 5 0
 3200 hundred
  • 3 0
 Buy used!
  • 1 0
 Ok thanx guys Smile For the information.
  • 1 0
 What about the truvativ hammerschmidt crankset? wouldnt that fit perfect?
  • 6 0
 weight doesn't justify the granny
  • 1 0
 What about Downhill pro riders setups? Who can made a post? Wink
  • 1 0
 what pedals are them there pedals..?
  • 1 0
 thank you!
  • 1 0
 wow - theyre pretty not cheap. eek.
  • 1 0
 clipless shimano DX!!
  • 1 0
 So want to do Mega on my Mega one day!
  • 1 0
 This is the tool I use - www.pinkbike.com/photo/8482369
  • 1 0
 Loving this beauty much!
www.pinkbike.com/photo/8417820
  • 1 0
 this is my AM/enduro rigs : www.pinkbike.com/photo/8491644
  • 1 0
 how can i make a jump bike suitable for enduro or is there no such thing
  • 1 0
 Ma baby.....http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/9365029/
  • 1 0
 Is there any enduro competitions in Victoria, Australia?
  • 1 0
 Any races for under 16s around in the UK?
  • 1 0
 Howzabout hardtails? Production Privee has a hardtail team using the Shan.
  • 1 0
 I have one. Super fun to ride but your not going to win.
  • 2 0
 Do some enduro series have hardtail classes then?
  • 1 0
 when it says SHORTER STEM is that 70mm or 50mm ?
  • 3 0
 I guess it depends how tall you are, your frame size, bar length....
  • 1 0
 @Lehel-NS: I agree. I wish they would've stated as much.
  • 1 4
 How the hell do you snap a frame????? I mean I have a 2011 trek ex9 (5 inch travel trail bike) and I have taken 6 foot + drops and nothing has ever broken on me even my 4 pound wheelset is still perfect
  • 1 0
 Repeated long term abuse.
  • 1 0
 I've snapped two frames....
  • 2 3
 pushing yourself usually breaks parts, and 6ft drops on a suspension rig is naff all, i drop bigger to flat on a trials bike...
  • 1 3
 Not ztr flow! Those rims are terrible.
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