10 Enduro Bikes - Crankworx Summer Series

Jul 28, 2020
by chris pilling  


Fabiene Cousinie
Fabien Cousinie

UR Team owner Fabien Cousine and his Polygon Siskiu 29. Fabien is originally from France but now resides in British Columbia.


Georgia Astle
Georgia Astle

Georgia Astle may win the award for best looking bike on the Crankworx Summer Series circuit with her custom painted Devinci Spartan 29.


Mckay Vezina
Mckay Vezina

Mackay Vezina is riding the new 29" Giant Reign with a coil shock set up for the Enduro here in Silver Star Bike Park. Originally from California, Vezina now calls BC home.


Kirk Mcdowall
Kirk Mcdowall

Kirk Mcdowall is BC born and bred and is running his Devinci Spartan 29.


Loenie Picton
Loenie Picton

Loenie Picton calls Whistler BC home and is riding her Liv Hail paired with DVO suspension.


Ainhoa Ijurco
Ainhoa Ijurko

Originally from Spain, Ainhoa has been living in Squamish BC for the last 5 years and joined the Canyon Collective Team this year. Ainhoa is racing Enduro on her Canyon Strive.


Miranda Miller
Miranda Miller

Miranda Miller and her Kona Process 153 with the all new Rockshox Zeb up front.


Finn Iles
Finn Iles

Finn Iles opting for the more versatile Stumpjumper over the Enduro big bike.


Henry Fitzgerald
Henry Fitzgerald

Another contender for best looking bike of the week. Henry Fitzgerald's Norco Sight 29 in team edition sparkles.


Lucy Schick
Lucy Schick

Lucy Schick is the current EWS U21 champ so will be one to watch this week. Here she is with her Norco Sight 29.

Author Info:
chrispilling avatar

Member since May 6, 2001
34 articles

161 Comments
  • 123 3
 Thoughts and prayers for Finn's Stumpy . Thoughts and prayers
  • 8 0
 where is @Protour when you need him.
  • 2 0
 why so?
  • 18 0
 He must be using an extremely heavy spring rate on that coil shock. Or just bottoming constantly.
  • 5 0
 @WalrusRider: i'm pretty sure he is
  • 12 0
 @Bikerdude137: to both....
  • 22 2
 I would like to think a rider of his caliber has done plenty of testing on both bikes, and this decision issue of numbers and science. I wouldn’t be too worried about it.
  • 35 1
 @Clifflane3: Whoa now...get outta here with that rational thinking.
  • 16 10
 At least get the poor guy a Cascade link! Seriously though, as the owner of both an Enduro and Stumpy this choice makes zero sense. The Enduro sprints better, climbs better, is more supple in the small chop and handles the big impacts way better. Simply no downside to the bigger bike until they update the SJ to the new suspension layout.
  • 36 2
 @salespunk: Specialized has no Enduro's to sell and lots of Stumpy's on the sales floor. Makes sense to me.
  • 21 17
 @salespunk: Enduro sprints better? Climbs better? More supple in the small chop? No, no no. Stumpy out performs the enduro in 1, 2, & 3. Bigger is not always faster. Also if he's overshocked and/or running a stumpy cascade link, he very well could be on more bike than most here (stock link with a 210x55 shock stroke = 154mm+/- rear travel; 210x55 with a CC link could be 165+mm rear travel).
  • 2 4
 Maybe he could only ship 1 bike for both Enduro & Dual Slalom? We saw how that worked for Anneke in Rotura but different course I guess...
  • 2 0
 @salespunk: he’s probably running a custom linkage
  • 1 0
 i just hope he isnt running spec tires. seemed like poor jared graves flatted every race on those things. Finn for the win.
  • 5 4
 @eteyber: you don't know your kinematics of the bikes. The SJ is light years behind on the Enduro. The only advantage for the SJ is the weight but that's not going to help in most of the events. It's a big S marketing ploy...
  • 5 0
 @salespunk: he has his dh bike with him as well and the stumpy is better for the dual slalom so he might as well use it for enduro too
  • 3 0
 @Dangerhill: He's not. On Maxxis.
  • 6 0
 @Clifflane3: nah, Trump just told him to do it; I mean, he even added further confidence by stating his advice was not based on numbers and science, but a natural instinct for such things.
  • 1 0
 @Dangerhill: no reason he rides other tires than maxxis as he and Bruni ride them for years...
  • 9 0
 Here we go, lets all dispute a pros choice of bike.
  • 5 1
 Yea cause he looks terribly slow on the Stumpy!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKfX4P5Nvgo
  • 2 0
 @fartymarty: Nobody needs @Protour. Ever.
  • 1 3
 @Kiwizak: he was still going fast on the stumpy, obviously you haven't ridden that trail since you live in new Zealand it seems, that trail isn't very fast, it's very difficult to go fast on it...
  • 2 1
 @stunnanumma1: nah bro, he’s Canadian. They closed their boarders to that logic.
  • 1 0
 @fartymarty: he is working for specialized now
  • 3 0
 he is riding the SJ because it wouldnt be fair if he rides the enduro
  • 3 0
 @Bikerdude137: Kiwizak was probably being sarcastic anyway.
I'm from the UK,lived in BC for 2 years and now live in NZ, but you'd never know that from the little Kiwi flag next to my name. Kiwizak may have traveled and ridden all over the world for all you know. Don't assume.
  • 2 0
 @Kiwizak: as they watch on their television...
  • 3 0
 @Clifflane3: I don’t know. Elite athletes don’t really think too much about numbers and science. They just perform. I could be wrong, but I doubt the decision here came down to anything more complex than, “I like the way the bike feels and handles on this type of course.”
  • 8 1
 @salespunk: Agreed! Finn if you're there hit us up... We have a link with your name on it!
  • 1 0
 @WalrusRider: think he said 525lb on the other video, one of the stiffest Ohlins make apparently.
  • 1 0
 @2d-cutout: yeah, the reason i said that was because the chance that he came to silverstar instead of whistler and rode one of the less popular trails is pretty low, i probably should have written that more obviously above...
  • 1 0
 @pimpin-gimp: i think it is the stiffest ohlins make, although he normally rides a 200 mm dh bike so...
  • 1 0
 @Bikerdude137: Sorry dude, I think you missed my sarcasm, hes clearly very fast in the video. My initial comments were pointing out that he doesn't need the Enduro to be fast.

@2d-cutout: I was indeed being sarcastic, maybe its my kiwi humor!
  • 1 0
 @Kiwizak: yeah, i realized you were being sarcastic when i read it but i just posted it anyways lol, and he definitely doesn't need the enduro to be fast, i'm also pretty sure that since he's from whistler he probably rode the stumpy because he didn't have space for more then his dh and another (he might have been riding with friends too) and the stumpjumper is better for the dual slalom and the air dh...
  • 3 3
 @eteyber: I have an SWorks SJ, Enduro and SJ Evo and have ridden them all extensively so pretty sure I know how each of them rides. Both standard and Cascade links have been installed in the SJ's along with 50 and 55 stroke rear shocks. I also have the Strava data to back it up as well, so....
  • 2 0
 @TheR: I think this is pretty accurate. He most likely rides the SJ for training and is comfortable on it which is the most important thing.
  • 1 3
 @jaydawg69: curious how u explain Finn, um, winning on the SJ since I don’t understand kinematics at all.
  • 1 5
flag eteyber (Jul 31, 2020 at 4:12) (Below Threshold)
 @salespunk: sorry u got a SJ evo, such a miss of a bike. I rode an Enduro yesterday & it pedals like warm dog shit. I think the 52.5 stroke coil is perfect for my SJ but glad u like urs with 50 and 55.
  • 5 1
 @eteyber: you obviously have your personal bias against anything slack. Several of reviewers have Evo's as their personal bikes because they ride so well and Specialized has had trouble keeping them in stock.

As for the Enduro pedaling poorly, you seem to be the only person to ride one with that opinion, but I am sure you learned everything about the bike from 45 seconds in a parking lot. I couldn't possibly have a better idea of how they all compare since I have hundreds of miles on each of them back to back.

But, you go ahead and keep arguing "My bike is the BEST on the planet"
  • 1 1
 @salespunk: obviously both eteyber and Finn knew something more about the SJ. Congrats Finn
  • 1 4
 @salespunk: I’m just saying bigger & slacker is not always faster (granted a lot of spots it is faster). I.e. Finn’s SJ winning Enduro & 2d in DH air. See also, Woolley making the DH podium on his yeti single crown trail bike.

& don’t get me wrong the S Enduro is rad! It just doesn’t pedal as well as the Evil Following, Revel Rail, or SC Megatower, yet alone a true 140/150 trail bike.
  • 1 0
 @TheR: I've always assumed the mechanic was responsible for tuning a bike given proper feedback from the rider just as stated above.
  • 1 0
 That looks properly quick!
  • 65 0
 More birkenstock than fox
  • 26 0
 I'll take some birkenfox with chromag leather and kashima buckle in boost plz.
  • 5 0
 Lowkey birkenstocks grip pedals really well
  • 1 4
 @DaFreerider44: True. Probably won't last though! I found them good shoes for slacklining too if you're into that.
  • 2 0
 Love me my Birkencrocks! Thinking about bolting in some SPD cleats for when the Shimano clipless sandals are a little too sporty.
  • 3 0
 Slides guy myself.
  • 17 2
 Why can't joe public also buy longer/adjustable chainstays for their Kona 153's. In size XL the 510 reach with the super short rear end makes for a weird handling bike...you literally need to be doing push ups on the bar all the time to make the damn thing turn.
  • 8 0
 It's the rear end of the Operator DH bike on the back of Miranda's bike.
  • 2 0
 @SonofBovril:

Can these be purchased anywhere? I want them on my Process XL if its a bolt on...

Asking my local dealer is not an alternative. Because there is none.
  • 4 0
 @SonofBovril: I had endless discussions with Kona on this, and the answer was just, NO! This year (or 2021) there is supposed to be an Enduro race bike arriving with update geo. Maybe we are already looking at it on Miranda's bike and just don't know it yet....
  • 2 0
 @vreklank: First I've heard this about the rear end. I love my XL 153, its way more comfortable than the L. Im just a hair over 6' and the large felt so small. I havent noticed it being weird in the turns on downhill. Granted, its a pain in the dick to make any tight switchback going up but, with a wheelbase that long its expected. What length stem are you running?
  • 2 1
 @ridealltheb1kes: I used to run a 40mm stem, but after a broken collarbone and broken scapula 4 months thereafter I rather traded it for a Ripmo V1.

Both crashes were on downhill turns, on the same trail actually, just different locations on it.
  • 3 0
 @ridealltheb1kes: maybe I just need to do more push ups?
  • 4 3
 @ridealltheb1kes: Yeah I hate to mention it but 6' is not tall so you are on the short end of sizing for an XL as far as your COM creating leverage behind the BB is concerned.

The handling deficit you note is nothing to do with the wheel base and is probably all as a result of the short chain stay length. My XL Sight runs a 445 mm chain stay and it nails tight uphill switch backs like a boss (as does the Pole Stamina 180 and several other bikes with balanced rear ends).
  • 2 1
 @vreklank: more pushups and a longer stem. 50mm stems pair well with short stay/long reach combos
  • 2 0
 @vreklank: So ridiculous in this age of adjustability. I see no downsides to it, and upsides on the larger sizes. Both Miranda and Connor run it on their Enduro 153's... Hmmmm...
  • 1 0
 @andrewbikeguide: I see what your saying. I know im on the smaller side for the XL but i had a large (carbon) for a year before i blew out the heat tube and got an aluminum XL. The large just felt so crammed while in the saddle. I threw a 170mm Helm on there too. HT is just at 65.5.
  • 2 14
flag wobblegoblin (Jul 28, 2020 at 7:15) (Below Threshold)
 Haha!!! Kona’s Customer service is the worst in the industry!!!!
  • 2 0
 @vreklank: I don't think the seat stays work out perfectly. Ir maybe the CS geo isnt exactly the same, either way, I think either the CS or SS is a grafted piece of an operator to a process part.

Its a bummer. I've tried to talk to Kona about it too. They seem reluctant to even give details about it and when they acknowledge a question regarding that setup they are still not particularly excited about it.

I do know about the rumors of a "Process X" coming out soon, its supposedly updated, longer and 63.5 degree HA. I really hope its not the bike Miranda is holding, because that looks like a tweaked 153. They owe the bike world a reworked bike with better geo (STA, CS length, slacker HA) and that bike looks like a normal 153 with a longer fork and grafted rear end.
  • 7 19
flag wobblegoblin (Jul 28, 2020 at 7:30) (Below Threshold)
 @nskerb: if Kona went out of business would anyone even notice?
  • 5 1
 @nskerb: I honestly hope they don't go full slack. Having some big travel rigs with relatively moderate head angles (65-66 degrees) is good actually. Where Kona screwed up with the super short chainstay, so the modern trend of adjusting chainstay length based on the size would suit them well.
  • 4 0
 @vreklank: Process X. 63.5 HA, same or similar travel, and Zeb/38 on all builds.
  • 2 0
 @roma258: I hope they do... That hope being contingent on keeping around the standard/current 153. I say all this while not wanting a big travel enduro bike. They need a playful bike like the 153 and a slack monster like the supposed Process X coming out.

I have a gen1 process 153 that I'll never sell because given current bikes it feels like a long travel dirt jumper. It is super jibby and cant be beat in some flowy jump trails. My only gripe is that it starts to really suck (as mentioned above) when you have to get to bar humping through tight uphill tech. Being on a 2020 sight with longer wheelbase now I cannot believe how much even a little more CS length makes climbing significantly easier and less involved.
  • 7 1
 Think you're riding the process wrong bro. Turns like its on rails
  • 1 0
 @ridealltheb1kes: Im in the same boat as you. 6'1" on an XL. The large doesn't feel nearly as good to ride. I do wonder about the longer stays. I don't have issues getting the bike around corners so any additional stability at speed would be great.

You got a coil on it?
  • 1 0
 @Deep-Friar: I dont...yet. That might be the last thing I upgrade. You? Love it? Still able to make 1k-2k climbs?
  • 2 2
 @vreklank: Per Miranda's IG post, yes this is the new drop-out on her bike.
  • 1 0
 @ridealltheb1kes: I'm 5'10 and the medium fits like a dream with the 50mm to offset the short chain stays. I would think XL is HUGE for someone who is 6'
  • 3 0
 SO MUCH THIS.

I'm 6'1", and on a size L Process 153 AL. I'm split between regret that I didn't go with the XL, and relief because I am on the L. Because while I feel I could use more reach on the downhills... but then the difference between front center and rear center length would get even more lopsided than they are now.

The short chainstays make it harder than I'd like to weight the front. Even with a 50mm stem.

Short chainstays make the bike feel lively, its true... but they also make it feel twitchier at speed. Case in point, both Miranda, and Connor are running longer rear chainstays on their Process race bikes.

And... I'm not claiming I"m anywhere near as fast as them. I'm not, I'm a peasant, but a peasant who thinks he would benefit from a more centered position on the bike.
  • 2 0
 Luckily for my short arse the medium feels really nicely balanced, I'm toying with getting an angleset and maybe taking 1 ° off.
  • 2 0
 @ocnlogan: Im mostly pointing mine downhill. I noticed a pretty big difference in how stable the bike felt at speed from L to XL. Granted its much harder to 180 and i gotta really lay it over off the lip to whip it but, i love it. Im running a 35mm stem, a 50mm seems like it would have me too far forward. Also a 170mm fork and switched to 170mm cranks because that thing squats and the pedal strikes were brutal. No issues once I switched to the 170 cranks.
  • 2 0
 @ridealltheb1kes: I think if I didn't have to pedal so damn much on the east coast, the 170 cranks would be tempting. I smoked everything when it was still stock 160. Slightly better at 170.
  • 2 0
 @ridealltheb1kes:

I ride mine as a trail bike. So I pedal up everything.

From the sound of it, I'm also pretty far under your skill level. I've only been riding for 1.5yrs, and just starting to dabble in black trails. I'm sending 4-6ft drops now, but larger jumps still mess with my mind a bit.

I think I'd really love the extra reach on the XL. The 50mm stem was an attempt to give me some more space on the size L. I've also slammed my stem, even though it was more comfortable with the spacers under it, but I found I cornered better with some spacers removed and dropping my stack height some. I'm assuming just because it gets more weight on the front tire.

I've thought about both 170mm cranks, and fork, just haven't done either yet.

But yeah, if Kona released a long chainstay kit for the Process, I'd be really interested.
  • 1 0
 @ocnlogan: For the bars, you can also try to switch to 35mm rise bar. It will keep your weight point similar, but let your hands stay higher up. I switched to one and I really think it helped me get comfortable with the front end of the bike.
  • 3 0
 @Kimbers: Miranda's bike looks like it has an angleset, or at least the top cup of the headset looks exactly like my works components angleset on my process 153!
  • 2 0
 @ridealltheb1kes: I want to. When I needed a new rear shock I got an X2. At the time fox didn't make a dhx2 that fit. But I think it would probably fix some of the chatter from the rear of the bike. Its doesnt float up the climbs but I get there just fine. I don't think a coil would make it much worse climbing either. But most of my climbs are logging roads so they are smooth and decently graded.
  • 1 0
 @Deep-Friar: now youve got me on the hunt for a coil :-D
  • 15 0
 That Norco sparkle paintjob though..... dang!
  • 1 0
 i saw blenkys at crankworx rotorua and it looks WAY WAY better in the flesh
  • 7 0
 Mckay Vezina's Giant Reign 29 and Henry Fitzgerald's Norco Sight are two sexy rigs.
  • 2 0
 Hope that frame he has is the the one headed my way????????????
  • 3 0
 Anyone have spot the custom longer rear end un Miller Process 153?

It should also provide a little bit more travel, I wonder how it transform the bike.
  • 5 0
 Kirk's got the best mask tho
  • 3 0
 Does anyone spy the blue camo Rocky Mountain's in the far right? Looks like that new bike that the enduro team has been riding recently.
  • 1 0
 yes saw that all the rocky riders have been really trying to hide the frame but obviously it looks the same as all of their other trail bikes
  • 4 0
 The Giant Reign is smart!
  • 1 0
 they managed to new the rocky mountain that the pros have been trying hard to hide in the top right of some of the photos and it looks exactly the same as every other trail bike rocky mountain has made
  • 4 0
 @Pinkbike: that's Fabien Cousinié, not "Fabiene".
  • 2 1
 That's been corrected now - thank you!
  • 3 0
 I was gonna say name the riders….that canyon and Silver Norco looks mint!
  • 1 0
 i saw blenkys at crankworx rotorua and it looks WAY WAY better in the flesh
  • 1 0
 @dylansanderson2004: cool, I wish the frame only option was cheaper....mint paint job on them
  • 5 3
 "Fabiene Cousine" ?? I did not know that Fabien changed sex recently haha ! Fabien Cousinié is a better interpretation of his identity Wink
  • 2 1
 That's been corrected now - thank you!
  • 1 0
 @sarahmoore: NP Sarah Wink
  • 1 0
 @sarahmoore: It stills says "Cousine" (not Cousinié) in the text.
  • 4 0
 ...originally from Canada but now residing in B.C...........
  • 5 1
 Daaaaamn... Henry's Norco Sight is next-level gorgeous.
  • 1 0
 i saw blenkys at crankworx rotorua and it looks WAY WAY better in the flesh
  • 2 1
 Anyone know how tall Finn Iles is now? The Wiki listed height of 5’11 never look right to me. In fairness I’ve never actually stood next to the guy.
  • 1 0
 yeah he's around 5'11 he might be a little taller but not by a lot...
  • 1 0
 5 11 will be about right, met him at crankworx rotorua
  • 2 0
 I see someone not running at least one minion, probably the wildest choice you can make these days.
  • 3 0
 Aggressor/Assegai looks good to me!
  • 2 0
 Wildcard Entry: Mike Levy on the Grim Donut
  • 2 0
 Interesting to see some running AXS.
  • 2 0
 Where's the new rockys give the people what they want
  • 2 0
 Pandemic.... quick everyone inside for a bike picture.
  • 1 0
 New altitude in the background of several of these photos. custom painted fellow in the top right from Ijurko and onward.
  • 1 0
 Just me or does that new reign look a lot like the previous Sentinel Carbon model?
  • 1 0
 Anyone else notice that nearly all of these bikes have the same rear suspension design?
  • 1 0
 There has certainly been a lot of convergence in suspension design towards some proven ideas that balance performance, durability and cost. But I still see plenty of different designs here:

linkage-driven single pivot, aka four bar: 2
Split pivot: 2
Horst link: 4
twin mini link (Maestro): 1
twin mini link (VPP): 1
  • 1 0
 @showmethemountains: linkage driven single pivot isn't also known as four bar but other then that you're correct
  • 2 0
 @Bikerdude137: You're right. I should have said "faux bar"
  • 1 0
 What tyres are finn iles running
  • 1 0
 Maxxis, like his DH bike. Because Specialized doesn't make 29er DH tires.
  • 1 0
 DHR II rear, and I think DHF up front. DH casing Maxxgrip I guess.
  • 1 0
 I spy two new unreleased bikes in the background.
  • 1 0
 SRAM just dominating the drivetrains
  • 2 0
 Came for the masks
  • 3 1
 Orange forks so fugly
  • 1 0
 I agree, except on an orange bike or a bike with a multitude of other orange components or accents.
  • 1 0
 @SuperHighBeam: ya it becomes really obvious when one tries to 'blend' one into a build. "What am i gna do with this?"...hmm, orange nipples i guess lol
  • 1 0
 It's interesting why Fabien rides the Siskiu 29 not the T or N model
  • 1 0
 Miranda with those Operator rears?
  • 1 0
 That's the best lecture hall I've ever seen.
  • 2 0
 27.5 isn't dead
  • 1 0
 Cool bikes
  • 1 1
 #enduroaintdead

(plus no need for Levy´s nipples on this content)
  • 1 0
 #freethenipple
  • 1 0
 wes mai wallet
  • 1 0
 Sorry wrong post
  • 1 1
 No love for Ibis! No Ripmo or Ripley!! :-(
  • 2 2
 Am I the only one who gets annoyed by the photos with the dropped saddles?
  • 1 0
 Holy birkenstocks
  • 1 1
 bikes
  • 1 2
 Some got poor tire choices or just a cheap sponsor.
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