PINKBIKE FIELD TEST
Enduro / Freeride Bike Round Table
The five bikes that ended up in the enduro / freeride segment of our latest Field Test provide an interesting cross-section of these categories. All of the bikes have at least 160mm of travel, but lots of travel doesn't necessarily mean a bike is only suitable for shuttle and bike park laps – the 170mm Santa Cruz Nomad and 180mm Propain Spindrift are prime examples of bikes with generous amounts of suspension that still worked very well on less wild trails.
The Norco Shore was the bike that stood out as being the most singlemindedly focused on the descents. It does have a comfortable climbing position, but there's no hiding that 63-degree head angle and 37 pound weight, and it felt like a handful unless the trail was extra-steep, and preferably contained more than a few high speed sections.
The Rocky Mountain Altitude and the Trek Slash are the most purebred enduro race bikes in this group, the two options that could easily handle the range of tracks found on the Enduro World Series circuit, everything from the tight, switchback filled trails of France to the fast and rough stages that the Whistler stop has become known for.
I ended up with my fastest lap time on the Altitude, but the Slash
felt fastest, likely due to the extra length and stiffer frame. Is one better than the other? That's entirely a matter of personal preference, although if I had to pick an 'every day' bike out of these five that I could also race I'd go with the Altitude. If overall speed wasn't as much of a concern I'd pick the Nomad and its 27.5” wheels - that was another bike I could hop on and instantly feel right at home.
What about last year's winner, the Specialized Enduro? Where does that fit into the mix? Well, it still holds its own – a year later and remains a very relevant bike. Compared to the Altitude, that extra 10mm of rear travel and low-slung suspension layout give it the edge when it comes to plowing straight through chunky sections of trail, and if I could only have one for a day in the Whistler Bike Park I'd go with the Enduro. On the flip side, the Altitude is a little more maneuverable, and in the tight stuff it'll wriggle quicker than the Enduro. The same goes for climbing – the Altitude's a little easier to get to the top, which fits with its do-it-all nature.
You'll notice there hasn't been any mention of price or value yet – that's on the way. Stay tuned for a comparison video where we dig into the list of models for each bike and pick out the ones that offer the most bang for your buck, and the ones that don't.
The 2020 Pinkbike Field Test was made possible with support from Dainese apparel & protection, Sierra Nevada refreshments, and Smith eyewear and helmets. Thanks also to Maxxis, Garmin, and Freelap.
It would also show improvement or the lack of in one year. Without fresh back-to-back test, you can rely only on memory..and we all know our human brain tendency to alter the perceived emotion/feelings/even facts from a past time.
Who knows, maybe Mike takes the bike back from Mike, throws a set of control tires on it and goes for a timed run.
They're trying to sell bikes, which means selling us the idea that our current bike isn't up to it. Constant, perpetual obsalesence!
Also, was there potential for a separate grouptest on freeride/park bikes?
Curious about this too.
You mention a few times how the spindrift climbed much better than you expected. And about how it felt “poppier” than you thought it would be.
But how well does it compare to “all mountain” bikes like the Norco Sight, Transition Sentinel, or Banshee Titan?
Could it be a fun 1 bike solution for the PNW? Or would it make places that aren’t Galbraith or tiger mountain feel super boring?
Seems like people are interested in riding a bike that is both compatible with dual crown forks and pedals better than two new EWS race bikes (and nearly identically to the SC VPP platform).
I know I'm curious.
It "almost" seems like you can have your cake and eat it too potentially. Something that sounds like you could ride it at your local place (in certain locations) and still take to the bikepark comfortably.
This is an observation rather than a complaint - but the PB team's comments often seem to assume buyers would only have the one bike.
However, I like to have two or three bikes to cover different kinds of trails. The Spindrift could be a good option to replace my current 170mm / 190mm super-enduro sled (which I ride/carry up mountains and do push-up/pedal UP DH on) - but I wonder if its bump-eating abilities are lesser than something like the Specialized Enduro?
Not surprising though. Who doesn't want to try out a 180mm bike that pedals better than an two EWS race bikes? And also, Propain isn't all that common in the US, so I'm curious how they feel as well.
Looks like lots of people feel the same .
Very solid reviews though Mike, Mike and the PB team, exceptionally well done! We just love to nit pick...
(Great field test by the way - thanks)
I sometimes wonder how different the feeling of a bike would be for you if you would review 5 different bike but choosing size on wheelbase instead of reach. Or front center length instead of reach. You and @mikelevy aren't super tall but are always reviewing size large. I understand it from a couple of years ago but not anymore. It seems like most EWS riders choose shorter bikes than what you're on.
I also climb for the exercise - I'm getting to the top no matter what, but I've gotta work harder for longer on a 35 lb. behemoth! My wife appreciates the extra calories I burn. Helps to offset the post-ride beer.
All the numbers are:
Fox 36 170mm from the S-works 2020: 577.1 mm
Fox 38 170mm: 583.7mm
Fox 38 180mm: 593.7mm(obviously)
Lyrik 170mm: 581mm
Lyrik 180mm: 591mm
Zeb 170mm: 586mm
Zeb 180mm: 596mm
I always thought that the 2020 enduro would look great with a 180mm fork, as the chasis is so competent it looks like the front would benefit from a slight increase in travel. That's problematic with the '38 and the Zeb, as they are by default at a higher axle-to-crown at the same travel height. At 180, especially for the Zeb, things go a little off.
17mm(16.6 actually) for the 180mm fox or 19mm for the 180mm zeb on the other hand, that might make a difference..at least that's what she said.
Thb, I'd be less concerned for the atc and more concerned for the bb height.
Hope to see a Cassidy review soon!!!
All the best and keep up the good work.
Wanna get woke, do something that benefits others, donate to causes that provide direct assistance to those without, help someone other than your white arse this holiday season.
Let’s grab the pitchforks and drive them out! Power to the people!
Despite this, I don't think that's how things went in this case. I have a feeling it began with a little, "We have 5 spots to fill and feel your bike would fit nicely in the comparison. How much are you willing to 'invest' so we select your bike in the write up? followed up with a little bit of laziness. LOL.