Best Bike at Specialized: Enduro Expert Evo

Aug 18, 2013 at 18:16
by Richard Cunningham  

Specialized was all over Whistler during Crankworx, testing, competing, lending demo bikes and showing off next year's models. Two of Specialized's 2014 bikes were on hand at the expo with the new Ohlins TTX shock: The Demo 8, and the Enduro Expert Evo. Before we go any further, the best bike at the Specialized booth is not completely new for 2014, but that doesn't matter. The 2014 Enduro Expert Evo has been improved - 'supercharged' may be a better word for it - to fulfill the 'one bike' role for DH senders who have yet to find an all-around bike that could make a decent run down their favorite trail.

Specialized Enduro Expert Evo
  Specialized's Enduro Expert Evo replaces the SX trail - and insiders there say it really isn't an Enduro racer as much as it is as close to a true DH rig as one can get in a bike that can be comfortably ridden on trail.


Beginning at the front of the aluminum-framed Enduro Expert Evo, you will find a 26-inch wheel spinning on a 20-millimeter axle. Yep, and it is bolted to a 180-millimeter-stroke Fox Factory 36 Kashima fork. Specialized laced the Evo's wheels to it's house-brand Roval DH rims and DT Swiss 340 hubs. The drivetrain and brakes are SRAM's new X01, with a 34-tooth chainring - low enough gears, when paired with a 42-tooth cassette cog, to manhandle the 34-pound AM/freerider up significant climbs. The swingarm is the same as its Enduro cousins, so Evo owners can bolt on a direct-mount front derailleur, but we would like to see a backup chainguide bolted to the Evo's ISCG bosses instead. The cockpit is furnished with a DH-width handlebar and stem, and under its Specialized-branded saddle is a man-sized, 125-millimeter Specialized Command Post dropper. Sizes are small, medium and large and in Canada, the MSRP is $5799.

Specialized Enduro Expert Evo details
  The jewel in the Enduro Expert Evo's crown is its tuned-for-the-bike, Ohlins TTX shock. SRAM's X01 eleven-speed cassette gives the 26-inch-wheel Evo a stump-puller low gear. Specialized's Butcher 2.3-inch AM tire is as sticky and as large as most DH rubber. SRAM's X01 chainrings are known for their tenacity, but we would still like to see a bit of a chain guide on such a DH-capable bike.


As mentioned, the Enduro Expert Evo showcases the new Ohlins TTX coil/over reservoir shock, so expectations are at an all-time high that, backed up by the battle-proven Fox 36 fork and the excellent road-holding ability of the Enduro's FSR rear suspension, the Evo will roll all but the roughest DH tracks smooth. Specialized says that the Evo's chassis is otherwise the same as its 2013, model, which is a good thing, because its geometry is slightly steeper and its wheelbase, shorter than the Demo or Status DH bikes, which is exactly what makes the Evo feel like a magic bike in the forest without robbing much, if any, of its technical performance in flat-out gravity situations. Specialized's Enduro Expert Evo is not for everybody, but if you are a top bike-handler, and you like steep, you owe it to yourself to ride it at least once.

Specialized

Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles
Must Read This Week
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
62576 views
Kona Bicycles' Parent Company Appoints New CFO, Intends to Sell Brand
61587 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
45612 views
Randoms Round 3: Dario's Treasures
40097 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in TWO WEEKS!
37656 views
Randoms Round 1 - Sea Otter 2024
36457 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Araxá XC World Cup 2024
36152 views
Spotted: Frameworks Racing DH Bike with Electronic Fox Shock & Unreleased Enve Rims
35535 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

240 Comments
  • 70 5
 This bike is a do it all machine! It's a beast!
  • 189 43
 I know that shock is super smooth and fancy and high tech, but the yellow coil turns me off of it
  • 31 8
 I was thinking like a red coloured coil or just good old black. It ain't gonna happen. Just my opinion.
  • 25 47
flag tdoyle1995 (Aug 19, 2013 at 15:29) (Below Threshold)
 everything but climb...
  • 81 3
 I want it , anyone want to buy a kidney ?
  • 18 15
 You know what I see that as a shortfall on Specialised's behalf. They know better than anyone that Ohlins is yellow. You can argue function over fashion til the cows come home, but that shock sticks out and not in a good way.
  • 9 9
 Exactly.
  • 13 7
 They should have used yellow as the main colour imo, that way the shock wouldn't stand out like a sore thumb.
  • 65 11
 If you're spending $6000 on a bike the colour is everything
  • 7 11
flag bdjbradley (Aug 19, 2013 at 15:39) (Below Threshold)
 The yellow worked on the demo. I don't know if it would look as good on the enduro though?
  • 37 4
 www.amazon.com/Cane-Creek-Steel-coil-spring/dp/B007XXMPEQ/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1376951982&sr=8-22&keywords=mountain+bike+coil+spring

Substitute correct spring weight/coil length.

Jesus guys. If a yellow spring is THAT big of a deal, Im sure your dealer wouldnt mind subbing out a black coil.
  • 8 8
 Does it come in red?
  • 5 15
flag Chuckbike (Aug 19, 2013 at 15:48) (Below Threshold)
 Raw the spring out , is it that hard to imagine ???
  • 18 22
flag miff (Aug 19, 2013 at 15:49) (Below Threshold)
 You're missing the point. It's a $6000 bike and they gimped the colour.
  • 3 2
 @cata1yst - The coils for that shock only come in yellow, I dunno if others fit (I would imagine they will), they come in 24 lbs increments too, and only in steel. Some fun facts I learned from Dirt mag...
  • 23 5
 find the $5799,the coil is not problem for $20-30 you can paint RED or BLACK or what color you want Smile )
  • 3 9
flag bdjbradley (Aug 19, 2013 at 15:53) (Below Threshold)
 It was sarcasm.
  • 26 3
 the yellow would look awesome on a nukeproof
  • 21 3
 Is it me or the angle on that saddle looks like pain while pedaling uphill?
  • 3 13
flag bdjbradley (Aug 19, 2013 at 15:59) (Below Threshold)
 This was already discussed on other comments.
  • 50 5
 The yellow instantly shows that you don't have some ordinary shock, you have an OHLINS!!
  • 1 1
 ive never seen that shock before looks great though also how do they attach the rear shock to the frame it doesn't appear to have the through bolts that im used to
  • 18 2
 Just my opinion but I kind of like the yellow. As somebody stated, Specialized knew that it was yellow, they could have changed it but they didn't. But I highly doubt it was an oversight. You cant miss a bright yellow coil like that. I'd buy it if I was in the market for an aggressive AM bike.
  • 32 3
 i dont mind the yellow at all since it is an ohlins. if anything deserves to stick out like a sore thumb its an ohlins shock.
  • 10 2
 Radrider has it right. Ride ohlins suspension on a motorcycle, and the yellow looks just fine. To get,it on a mtn bike would be awesome. Could be the difference in purchases of this style of bike.
  • 37 4
 Some of you guys crack me up. If your not going to buy a sweet bike because of the color of the coil, your priorities are all messed up.
  • 5 2
 Well I'm glad specialized has a crew of designers who provably took months of sketching and painting to come up with this final product. Gotta love how everybody knows best...
  • 7 3
 I agree with u nasty. Makes me think of the guys at the trail head with the coolest bikes, new gear, and high fiving about how they are going to shred the gnar only to pass them at the first creek crossing as they walk their pretty bikes across. I dig the bike.
  • 4 2
 They put a yellow one on it, because you'll switch it out for Ti anyway
  • 3 1
 Man sized 150mm?
  • 3 1
 Its not the shock that is the problem. Ohlins are, have been, and will always be yellow, but specialized failed at blending these colors. It is obviously a sore thumb that too many people are noticing. And yes, if im spending 6,000 I want the bike to perform ANDD look good too.
  • 57 3
 I'd love to know who actually thinks someone else would care that they were riding a bicycle that wasn't colour coordinated. No one cares. Chicks sure as hell don't care. When you are in the woods shredding on a shit hot bike no one cares, when you are sitting in the lift line covered in mud with a shit eating grin on your face because of how much fun you are having on a great bike, no one cares about your shock colour, when you are driving to the hill excited to catch up with the fellas, no one cares, when you are pulled over on an awesome AM trail eating trail side wild raspberries while waiting for your slow ass friends, no one cares. I can only see someone noticing the shock and knowing that its an spesh enduro ohlins, and approaching you to ask about how the bike performs and whether or not you are content with your purchase. And they are asking because the yellow stood out. For some reason I think it's people who own clapped out shitbikes with no realistic ability to purchase bikes like this, who actually moan about something like colour coordination. Or else its the cool dudes who make sure their pajamas match their gloves before they jump on their bike. In the end, id like to takoe this bike for a ride. Its on my short list when its time to put my Nomad to pasture.
  • 9 1
 The force is strong with obee1. Well said.
  • 11 1
 Here's the bike with yellow details. Kinda makes me wanna puke just a little bit.

www.pinkbike.com/photo/9989437
  • 10 2
 Who gives a crap about the color? what a bunch of whiny bitches!!!
  • 2 1
 Its almost the same color as the kashima in the pictures
  • 15 1
 I think they used the yellow coil on purpose so pansy poser color matchers wouldn't be seen on their bad ass bike..
  • 1 4
 Looks good and all.. But I bet it's quite similar to a lapierre froggy which has been out since 2009. When I had a froggy I hauled it around 50km trails and smashed it DH on uplifts and Alps.
  • 1 0
 obee1 words of wisdom! I am wearing red TLD shorts and Sombrio jersey they dont match at all but when I am wet and covered in mud and dirt who gives a f*ck? Probably some fancy fashion boys wearing latest colours of the summer.
  • 5 0
 How these kids winge about an Ohlins shock being yellow? Maybe you have to have experienced their level of performance on a Motorcycle to get it.It's Ohlins, it's yellow, that's how it is. In this case yellow = Ohlins = muts nuts.
  • 1 1
 Where is the top shock mount, or is it glued into that cradle at the top?
  • 2 2
 @Obee 1 It won't climb nearly as well as the Nomad, if you want a bike that is as nice as the Nomad with more travel its hard to beat the Uzzi
  • 1 0
 tuned-for-the-bike, Ohlins TTX shock... nice but painted-for-different-one !
  • 1 0
 @jaame - it's fixed with a bolt, which you can see on the other side of the bike. The thread for the bolt is in the frame.
  • 6 2
 It has an Ohlins shock and you dumb turds are complaining about the color? Classic pinkbike I guess...
  • 1 0
 thats what gwins racebike will be for worlds then.....
  • 3 0
 @ironxcross, I stopped reading the comments on pinkbike a long time ago for that very reason, and yes I get the irony that I'm commenting, I just happened to see yours and thought I'd give you some advice, the articles are worth reading, everything below them don't bother, you'll just get annoyed.
  • 4 0
 gozer, i see those comments a little bit different. i'm reading them always, sittin' in my chair laughing.. Big Grin
  • 2 1
 Ohlins shocks are always yellow , it's their signature color, Specialized should be glad a quality comp. would wants to add their product
  • 1 1
 Just like NORCO-RIDER7 said a few posts back. It's pretty close to matching the kashima up front. I've never heard of someone griping about the kashima coat not matching the rest of their bike. They could have done a lot worse with the color scheme. I'm excited to take one of these bikes for a spin regardless of color.
  • 1 0
 Exactly , these people have nothing better to do than bitch about stupid shit When you buy a set of Deemaxx rims you know what your looking at right away , you don't bitch about the color You know your getting a quality piece
  • 2 0
 A lot people here: "Something new? Let's hate it and bitch about it!"
  • 2 0
 having now read quite a few of the quotes regarding this bike and its shock, I think theres a few positives to take from how many people actually piggybacked the opinion that the colour scheme was a marginal concern at best, and the performance of the bike was the focal point. that, and the background knowledge related to the pedigree of ohlins suspension systems by many of the comment givers, makes me think that the collective opinion/knowledge of the pinkbike-eestas is better than one might suggest.
in conclusion, I might even go farther by saying that- myself included- we have bitched more about people bitching the colour of the shock, than the number of people who have bitched about the colour of the shock. so I'm done, thanks pinkbike for sharing the post about the bike itself, it looks good. my nomad is good, I like trek remedys, I like ibis, this enduro is now in the mix.
  • 29 11
 a jack of all trades is a master of none
  • 6 11
flag Protour (Aug 19, 2013 at 15:55) (Below Threshold)
 True, I don't envision any race this bike could win on. Fun bike though, and not too heavy for having coils.
  • 15 2
 I'd say it's more a bike for adventures than racing.
  • 11 16
flag Kichu182 (Aug 19, 2013 at 16:32) (Below Threshold)
 I wish it was, I really do. But fact is it's not. On a gnarly trail, you'll wish you had your DH bike, and you'll be cursing on the climbs. I much prefer my 140 travel bike, that with good line choice can handle most trails, but climbs like a dream. The bike sounds sick, but I know I would never find a good use for it.
  • 5 10
flag renio (Aug 19, 2013 at 16:49) (Below Threshold)
 my thoughts exactly
  • 20 2
 I would rather know a jack of all trades than a master of one, odds are the jack will be far more useful to me. These jack of all trades bikes, while not as fast as any pure bread, are some of the most fun to rip around on, and isn't that the point of riding in the first place? Bikes in this segment are too often overlooked and some of the best bikes for many riders out there.
  • 13 0
 Well, the enduros in the northeast have been somewhat rugged and abusive on bikes. When the uphill isn't timed and bike and rider needs to get to the bottom in one piece and at maximum speed, I would think this would be a great choice.
  • 2 2
 Silvbullit, I totally agree there. I just know that for my type of riding that I do in my area, it would have little use. If I lived in a more mountainous region, then this would be on top of my list
  • 5 0
 a jack of all trades can also be a master of all(or some)...protour you dont see any races this could win? how about a lot of DH races, lets say every DH race ontario has to offer for example, i dont see a better bike for that, also any highly aggressive enduro races or tame dh races it would shine im sure. And as far as true mountain DH I would prefer this at places like whistler trails then a dedicated DH bike too, much lighter and playful.
  • 7 0
 I prefer the saying "Jack of all trades, master of none, though often times better than a master of one." If I was taking a weekend trip with a nice DH run and some AM, I would rather have this than bring two bikes.
  • 9 0
 Get fit, ride a 180mm bike, it's amazing. Fitness negates the need for featherweight race spec trail bikes (as long as you're not racing!), and it's free!
  • 1 7
flag dchill (Aug 20, 2013 at 4:08) (Below Threshold)
 @kichu I totally agree, considering my Demo is very close to 34lbs I would not bother with a bike that won't handle the dh and rough as well Not like its going to climb any better
  • 4 0
 I said I'd never have a do it all bike, but now I do and I love it. Switch out the wheels for DH or trail, hit the talas switch, lift the seat post and its a different animal. I doubt its for everyone but only having to take 1 bike no matter where you go, thats pretty special. Also I'd say only a small fraction of mountain bikers race, therefore the majority of sales are pitched towards non-racers.
  • 2 0
 Im going to have to agree, getting fit just makes it easier to get to that downhill.
  • 3 1
 Wasn't Shaun Palmer a 'jack of all trades'… I vaguely remember him doing pretty well.
  • 1 0
 Demo, 34lbs? Do what? My 2012 was 40lbs. setup tubeless with a lighter wheel set.
  • 3 2
 T1mb0, palmer still is a 'jack of all trades' but bikes aren't as adaptable Big Grin
  • 1 0
 What size was your frame?
Take a look at my pics. Tubeless, Boxxer converted to WC, Ti spring, Sixc cranks and bars
  • 2 2
 @ dchill- Weight is far from the only, let alone most important, factor in what makes a bike able to climb. Geo and seating position trump weight all day long. Idk how you can seriously state that a 6-7" AM/FR/mini DH bike "wont climb any better" than your Demo, 34lbs or not. I know you know your stuff which is what makes me all the more confused that you would state this.
  • 3 1
 I wouldn't climb with my Demo. That's what the trail bike is for. Just feel that Enduro Evo is too heavy for trail and probably lacking in the dh dept. For dh I would rather have a real dh bike I have had an 07 and 2010 SX Trail 36 and 34lbs respectively and they climbed like poop. They were not all that great in the rough either. My Uzzi was completely different. It climed great and was very good on rough stuff. Every time I tried to go with one do all bike I always turn back to wanting 2 dedicated bikes. Right tool for right application.
  • 2 0
 I have to agree with the Uzzi being a real do all, I've been very happy with mine though and find no desire to have a bunch of different bikes again.
  • 29 13
 That saddle angle.... clearly not ridden up a hill. More great marketing from Specialized.
  • 27 1
 Maybe because it's at the Whistler bike park....
  • 40 1
 some people just like a saddle in the butt hole on those steep climbs
  • 10 15
flag cyrix (Aug 19, 2013 at 15:48) (Below Threshold)
 Do you know how much that angle will change once you're on the bike and the sag has set in?

Not only that, but the saddle angle can be adjusted. I've been able to do it on every bike I've owned.
  • 9 1
 move the saddle ye self?
  • 18 4
 YELLOW COIL AND A SLACK SADDLE ANGLE SET UP?@!?@?! OMG TYPICAL SPECIALIZED BULLCRAP!!!!

what would pinkbike be if there was no specialized for you clowns to hate on?

that bike looks SICK
  • 2 1
 Some people run that seat angle to knee grip the nose when doing no-handers, bars, etc. =)
  • 3 1
 I don't get why everybody is commenting about it's ability as a "do-it-all" bike. That's not what it is, that's the Enduro.
This is for riding up just enough to shred some downhills.
  • 10 2
 @Bigbossman , You are clearly an idiot!
  • 3 0
 Ms1201..... Well said
  • 3 0
 I run quite a steep backwards on my seats including on my XC bike. Just feels more comfortable... Guess its personal preference.
  • 3 4
 XC and Road guys don't ride with nosedown seats. I don't know where you got your information from, but it's clearly wrong.
  • 3 2
 funny thing about seat posts: you can adjust the angle of the saddle to your own liking.
  • 4 1
 For those who dont know.... worth a read.
www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=84072
  • 2 0
 Stop talking!
  • 6 0
 Bigbossman, it was good to have few chats with you here, usualy you ended up real wierd, but fk it I start weird. Then I read your comments here, one by one and I was like, mnah he's just trolling. But then I read your comment on crossing on red light and my brain jest refused to treat your information feed as anything worth considering. My deeper self really wants to like you, and I hope I might chat with you again, but my brain is convinced that you are an idiot. It was like when I thought that deeeight knows something about bikes and 650B, until I learned he forms his opinions about modern trends basing on experience of riding junk from previous millenium. My brain will just not allow me to analyze anything you write. I just got that message trying to read your last comment here: Classified as a class 1 Fkng idiot - Ignore command, block reception of any content, Force with neuroshock if needed.

Cross on red light as an excuse to stand up from pedals, which apparently, is excellent for your penis... I can barely write "what a twat..." brain just wants to ignore and refuses to spend any energy to write to you..
  • 2 0
 go on with the heating! you're probably an asshole, how has so few things to do that find pleasure on heating, writing stupid comments, and mocking on people. I really fill sorry for you. Go on with the trash , you will probably have a very happy future with that attitude! ASS!
  • 1 0
 ...and about the little guy thing, WTF!! your name is Bigbossman!! Who the hell could be so lame to put himself a nickname like that! hahaha, Go on , you are in the perfect path! ASS!
  • 3 0
 OK BIG BOSS MAN hahahahaha!!! you got it all right. Sadly for you , the only misserable dude here is you and you now it. What a saaaad feeling you must live through everyday hating. I never write in any threads until I saw your stupids posts. Just wanted to let you now that you are a f**king a*shole. Go on with the heating! It would probably take you to very good places in life! But what ever, as you say , I better grab my bike instead of waisting the time trying to convince an a*shole of not being an a*shole! Peace!
  • 2 0
 god. SHUT UP
  • 3 0
 You too, shut up.
  • 3 0
 Bigbossman - no, please continue typing, here's some topics: Do you miss Twin Towers? Would Brooklyn Bridge still hang without one of the pylons? If the Statue of Liberty was proven to be a lesbian model, would Southern states demand its deconstruction? Ever wanted to be a NY fire man? Have you ever drunk from Hudson river? Which district has better sewage system: Brooklyn or Queens? Is "Sex in The city" contributing to the good or bad image of NY?

Tell us! We want to know about the city that never sleeps!
  • 4 0
 More please
  • 18 2
 Here is a photo of a bike. Buy it.
  • 22 10
 "Do it all" 180 mm fork - I don't think so ...
  • 4 7
 Agree
  • 11 8
 yup. for the most part I think "do it all" to be around 150 mm
  • 9 3
 You "can do it all" on a 170mm
  • 4 9
flag samblagy (Aug 19, 2013 at 16:18) (Below Threshold)
 No chance... In theory yes but when it comes down to it and you have a 25 minute fire road climb you're going to be dead at the top
  • 8 2
 I ride a 180 fork and it does it all, anything in the 150-180 region will pretty much do it all just comes to preference.
  • 21 0
 I have much more piece of mind when hitting the steep and nasty with 36mm stanctions instead of piddly 32 or 34mm. I always grab the bigger travel bike despite the slight weight penalty because it is so much more fun up and down. Cleaning technical uphills with a 65.5 degree headtube angle just feels heroic. Its like setting the fastest time at Nurburgring with Grave Digger.
  • 4 0
 i own the 2012 version of this bike, and the LS compression damping is so good on the 170 fox vanilla that i pedal anywhere with ease. the way the fork (and the rear shock) stiffens up is dramatic, and i weigh 230lbs.

very pedalable mini DH
  • 2 2
 i ride with a 180mm fork and for tight technical trail riding it,s too much travel
  • 3 7
flag dirtworks911 (Aug 19, 2013 at 17:38) (Below Threshold)
 I'd call it a "Do it all...but not great at all" bike.
  • 2 2
 The bike I ride (trek scratch) has been used to barspin huge step downs, and to win enduro races, and it did it pretty well
  • 7 0
 This isn't a do-it-all bike. It's a freeride bike, for use anywhere without a chairlift. I know quite a few fire-road access DH sections this would kill at.
  • 1 0
 comment of the year!
  • 1 0
 My boxxer can do it all and have for 3 years...
  • 2 0
 Ninja that's because you have a real bike. Hard to beat the Uzzi in that category
  • 7 0
 Öhlins is the pinnacle of suspension perfection! I really hope that they expand beyond Specialized, as I would LOVE to rock an Öhlins shock on my SC V10.5
If you knew enough about how good Öhlins suspension is you would be proud to rock the yellow spring....
  • 12 2
 Like to see a head to head against the Intense Uzzi...
  • 4 1
 My thoughts exactly. Funny how little marketing Intense does in general let alone Pinkbike.
  • 3 1
 Uzzi? Hell I would throw my SS2 up against that thing any day.
  • 1 1
 Too bad they stopped producing those.
  • 11 2
 That's what I'll tell my wife...I owe it to myself! Thanks PB
  • 7 1
 I still can't believe they discontinued the sx trail, I still like the flowy looks of my sxt more than the enduro, but I would like to try one off these soon
  • 4 0
 I was also a huge fan of the SX, just a great looking bike.
  • 3 0
 yes they were, I love mine. they look more solid and freeride based than the enduro, but then again I haven't heard anything about how the enduro's hold up to heavy fr. I guess time will tell
  • 2 1
 This is the newer sx trail. Better version of it.
  • 7 1
 beautiful, but is it better than the Nomad. Thoughts?

Which one would you buy?
  • 2 0
 I bought the carbon Nomad and built it for about the same price. I run it with Renthal bar and stem, Vivid Air, 160mm Kashima Fox Fork, 1x10 drivetrain with Straitline chainguide and XT groupo. Pretty nice ride and still going strong after 18 months of abuse. Next upgrade will probably be X01 when that comes out and goes on sale somewhere. I think the Nomad is a bit more versatile that this bike. This Enduro is a little more niche. The other Spec Enduro's are pretty sweet though.
  • 2 0
 Littlermac, neither. The Uzzi kills it in this niche category
  • 1 0
 Not to be splitting hairs but I don't think you can compare this particular bike to a Nomad; if you were to compare a Nomad to one of the other Enduros with 160 travel you would be in more the same ball park - maybe that's what you meant tho?

Even so it's difficult, Specialized's Lifetime Warranty makes their bikes very attractive when you comapre that with some one like Santa Cruz. I'm saving for a 150-160mm enduro rig ATM and I'm having a similar dillemma. Specialized's pricing when compared to Santa Cruz in Europe also changes things drastically - I'm considering a shopping trip to somewhere in Oregon to pick up a Santa Cruz Bronson c when the time comes. If it all turns out to be too much of a pain in ass I might just throw my chips in with TREK or Lapierre. I'm all over the place!
  • 2 0
 I think its pretty comparable to a nomad. I'm on a carbon nomad with a 180 float and a double barrel coil. Exact same plan as that expert evo... I think the biggest difference would be a longer top tube and a shorter chainstay on the enduro.
  • 1 2
 No comparison at all. A nomad pedals up hill vey well, fsr does not. Going downhill fsr is great but that's where it ends
  • 4 1
 Its crazy to see that ohlins dont use titanium spring. Any top bike should use titanium spring not just couse the weight but the shock absortion. Nice to see that they use more fractioned spring weight to fine tune the shpck acording to riders weight but dont use ti is strange..
  • 4 1
 Specialized kind of blew it with this one. With a few component changes and air fork and shock you could build it sub 30lbs pretty easy. Built my large 2011 up at 28.5 lbs with 180mm fork, offset bushing, 65 degree head angle and a friendlier seat angle for climbing.
  • 2 0
 Ohlins shocks have had yellow springs on EVERYTHING, from $20k Supersport bikes, to $2mil MotoGP bikes.. EVERYTHING, from said motorcycles, to racing cars that have Ohlins suspension, have Y-E-L-L-O-W springs.
But the spandex-wearing weenie crowd gets their panties in a bunch because Heaven forbid, it doesn't match the color(s) on the rest of this bike.
Hopefully Specialized realizes that those of us who actually buy and RIDE these bikes, are HAPPY Ohlins suspension is now in the mountain-biking world-YELLOW SPRINGS AND ALL.
You whiners that cry on your boyfriend's shoulder(s) over the color of a fricken coil spring are invited to MOVE ON...there's NOTHING for you to see here.
  • 3 2
 Love it, great to see a coil shock, 26 inch wheels, 180mm for w 20mm thru axle!
All specs are tried and true! I'd like to see this against Intense Uzzi, Trek Scratch 9 (trek, bring back the scratch 9!)
Well done to the folks at Specialized!
  • 2 1
 I know they are working hard on the Ohlins shock but I would love this bike for all-around aggresive riding if they would put an air shock and a Talas fork on it and do a slightly lighter build. It would save a pound or so. I ended up building a 2010 Big Hit just like this instead because it had a normal shock mount and exactly the long, low and slack geometry that I wanted. I don't know why there aren't more 180mm 30lb. bikes out there.
  • 1 0
 Who cares on spring color. that shock is sick as, one ride and you'd forget that on performance alone, I actually quite like it, but then being a long time Ohlins fan I know what Im getting that and 26" wheels I don't often give the big S many props but the nailed it on those 2 alone, now if they'd route they're cables like they do on the Demo I call it a real mtn bike and a total 10, shes an 8 with road bike cable fittings common Specialised sort that out FFS.. Otherwise good job on the big stuff.
  • 5 2
 I knew that shock was ohlins as soon as I saw it, looks like my dad's ducati rear shock
  • 2 0
 And I bet you wouldn't change the colour, unlike half the posters here.
  • 6 1
 Posters? you mean posers...
  • 2 0
 Yup my titanium coloured zx10r had YELLOW ohlins shock. Looks just the same and it stuck out like a sore thumb the same too ! And I loved it lol
  • 3 1
 They should really rename this site BITCH BIKE!!!!!! seat angle,coil color,26,650,29,carbon, steel,aluminum,pivot location to many not enoughWTF!!!!!!!
  • 1 1
 I think "do it all" needs to be replaced with the term. "I like having fun to much to work to much to afford more then one bike so I am stuck with just one Frown " And in that section of bikes for sell they also have a long list of used up gf's you can get real cheap or thrown in if you pay cash... Smile
  • 8 4
 Now that's one hell of a bike . Now to remorg my house to buy one
  • 4 2
 Well done Specialized. That is an excellent price for a bike that is so capable.

Great fork choice, but one has to wonder if an Ohlins fork is in the pipeline for next year?
  • 2 2
 It really is a good price for it , they could've hammered out another grand for sure
  • 4 2
 This steed has been on my radar for a while now. Thanks PB for makin that itch to get it more worse. Early Bday gift to myself?? Sure whh not.
  • 4 1
 I think it'd look better with black and yellow rims and frame to go with the shock.
  • 9 1
 Yeah they would look pretty sick with some deemaxs
  • 4 2
 As bikes like this get popular in the market (180mm travel AM bikes) I wonder if we'll see a reappearance of the trek scratch
  • 2 0
 My bought-used-parts-on-ebay-and-pinkbike, homebrew knockoff build, FAR cheaper than $6k and lighter to boot: www.pinkbike.com/photo/9867504
  • 2 0
 Now that is a bike built by someone who knows exactly what they want. Nice.
  • 2 0
 if these frames don't hold up like the sx trails, I might have to start hoarding sx frames like a crazy cat lady. best frame ever made
  • 1 0
 I bet they are stronger than the sx trails. Considering the 2011 carbon 160 enduro was stronger than an aluminum demo. I loved my sx trail, even after I snapped the chain stays and replaced them.
  • 2 0
 I reckon my big hit is about a vivid air and a reverb away from giving this a run for its money at whatever it is it proclaims to excel at...
  • 1 0
 All this talk over the colour of a spring! Takes me 20mins at work to strip prepare prime and coat a spring.another 30mins in oven.job done! Any colour you want. Powercoilspring.co.uk. Sorted
  • 2 0
 The whole bike looks amazing including the shock it works , a red spring would look shit and tacky
  • 1 0
 Im thinking/Probably getting this bike and one of the reason is that ohlins shock, the colour stands out, it makes you look at it
  • 1 0
 If this is anything like my 2010 Enduro, and i know it would be and then some, it's a great ride! Love the coil shock. Too much red IMO
  • 1 1
 the best BIKE OF TH CRANKWORCK 2013....EVO ENDURO...FOR RIDING ...RIDE DONT SLIDE. TRESSPASSER. BIKE PARC ETC.. WOW....A REAL B.C BIKE FOR THE TOUGH TRAIL ,THE WHISTLER AND PEMBERTON THANK SPÉCIALIZED..
  • 4 1
 Can it look any more badass?
  • 1 1
 Yes it could be a Uzzi
  • 1 1
 Uzzis are sweet and all, but there are other sweet bikes out there too. Vpp isn't for everybody.
  • 4 1
 Shuh-freakin'-huwiiiiiinnng!
  • 6 4
 Put a Marzocchi 66 on it, ditch the stupid PressFit bb and unreliable brakes, then I'm sold.
  • 1 0
 they don't even produce the 66 any more, and this is why most companies provide frame only options, but I don't see a frame-only option on spesh website so boo on them
  • 1 1
 I know the 66 is gone, just hoping it comes back.
  • 5 2
 Oooooooh looky looky!!! Specialized paid SPAM.
  • 3 2
 This bike would be gold for 90% of us mid pack, sports class warriors who don't have our moms to shuttle us on the weekend. I want!
  • 5 2
 WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MACHINE Smile
just Perfect !

Dear Santa..
  • 2 0
 Great! "The one" bike just happens to cost as much as two awesome dh/xc bikes!
  • 4 1
 Is that not the best god damn looking bike? Wow.
  • 3 1
 am I the only one that thinks this bike is ugly. I like the part spec but man that frame is stupid looking
  • 3 0
 My Nicolai (with Cane Creek by Ohlins) laughs at it.
  • 2 0
 love the death of the front derailleur, but with how much that XX1 costs, we need a bash guard
  • 3 2
 House brand components on a 6k bike?!?! Like hell. Ill stick to my SB66 with a full XT grouppo, Thompson everything else and hope wheels for the same price thanks.
  • 1 0
 Still nice to see someone is still making freeride bikes. Perhaps the marketing dept at Spesh picked up on the huge vacuum being created in that market by enduromania.
  • 2 1
 All of Ohlins shock's tend to be yellow, well from my experience anyway - I think they should stick with it Smile
  • 5 4
 quit yo bitching yo! this bike is f*cking unreal! look at it you foools! fu*k me im robbing a bank!
  • 1 0
 That's it! I'm going down to the quickie mart and buying a lottery ticket! GOTTA GET ONE OF THOSE BIKES!!!!
  • 2 0
 I think this could be my midlife crisis bike.
  • 1 0
 Replace the rear shock with a Fox and you have Aaron Gwins winning PMB World Champ bike.
  • 1 0
 Just sold my Demo 8 for one of these bad boys...Will look good next to my SJ Evo
  • 5 3
 Can I order mine with a longer rear end please?
  • 15 1
 ," asked Aaron Gwin.
  • 2 1
 My money is on that the specialized boys are going to be running this at world champs
  • 1 1
 So we build around this bright yellow shock, with a all red and black motif. Why not yellow and black, or as Wiz Khalifa would sing "Black and Yellow"?
  • 1 0
 "I would like to order an Enduro Expert Evo 27.5, please. Here is all my money."
  • 1 0
 It probably rides ok but Christ that frame is hideous. Reminds me of the full suspension frames of the 90's.
  • 1 0
 New... shapes the same and lets be honest its gonna be another expensive thing that I probably won't look at
  • 1 0
 I have to laugh when I see a bike labeled "The Next Latest Greatest Do It All Machine" and it has a saddle set up that way.
  • 1 0
 Seems like spesh is changing shocks alot on their top bikes... 2 years ago it was fox then cane creek and now ohlins
  • 1 0
 I had to check this one out again, might be the best all-rounder out there.
  • 2 1
 The yellow coil is fuckin dope!
  • 1 0
 That yellow Öhlins are realy dope the MAXX!
  • 1 0
 I sell my Demo 8 S-Works now for this Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Hi can I put a tripple clamper fox 40 on this boy and swopto siut my need
  • 1 0
 In box me qhilberg@hotmail.com if I can
  • 1 0
 So can you put a chain guide on it or not? That would be an oversight.
  • 3 2
 This bike would make a lot of sense for me!
  • 7 6
 Anyone else catch "new Ohlins" and think New Orleans?
  • 2 1
 180mm, ofcourse it's almost a dh bike.
  • 3 2
 As much as I hate on Spesh, this bike is pretty bad ass
  • 2 2
 love the bike but i am not a fan of the look of the rear shock i would put a air one in instead
  • 1 0
 If only they made it in an XL...
  • 2 2
 Why do we still see cable and hose routing under the bb shell??? Dumb place IMO...
  • 1 0
 @scottlink ... why do you think that ?
  • 2 0
 ORGASMIC!
  • 2 0
 Sticky keyboard...
  • 2 1
 "I love this sh!t. This sh!t gets me hard." (Tim Gutterson)
  • 1 0
 rad, i would drop my pants for that bike in a hurry!
  • 1 0
 If batman had a bicycle, this would be it...
  • 1 0
 Will they sell this in the UK?
  • 1 0
 not a fan of the graphics
  • 1 0
 I want
  • 3 2
 Sweet
  • 3 3
 Very impressed with the pricing,seems to low for Specialized!
  • 1 1
 Just spoke to spesh and try will be releasing it in yellow
  • 1 0
 Damn!! 6000$!
  • 1 0
 26" yeahSmile
  • 1 2
 Knolly Endorphin looks way better. Spec EEE2013 missed.
  • 2 4
 Very cheap
  • 2 4
 I think it's fugly
  • 2 4
 Looks RETARD!
  • 2 4
 dream bike!!!
  • 2 5
 Dream bike
  • 8 11
 new coil color please
  • 6 3
 that's not gonna happen unless you repaint it yourself
  • 15 2
 If you don't like yellow, don't get an Öhlins. As simple as that.
  • 1 0
 It comes stock tho
  • 5 0
 Dude, that's sacrilege. You obviously don't know the history and lore of Öhlins (see how I, and Primoz above, even used the diaeresis on the O there?!).
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.043224
Mobile Version of Website