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Enduro bikes are expensive. Anyone browsing the websites of popular bike brands will quickly realise that many enduro models come with hefty price tags exceeding 8,000 euros. Even though the top-of-the-range models from most manufacturers are purely prestige items with minuscule sales figures, their allure still captivates even those on average incomes. When considering one’s own budget, the question quickly arises: is there a cheaper option? How well does an enduro bike costing 3,000 euros perform, for example, when there are bikes available for over 8,000 euros? Or is this question even dangerous? In his theory of social comparison, the American social psychologist Leon Festinger warned as far back as 1954 that constantly comparing oneself to those above can undermine one’s self-esteem – not a good foundation for confident trail rides. We took the plunge anyway and ordered nine relatively affordable enduro bikes for a comparison test. Does a mid-range enduro really dent one’s fragile ego, or do these bargain-priced bikes ultimately perform just as well as the top-of-the-range models?
The spec lists provide some initial clues. Naturally, you shouldn’t expect golden Fox Kashima suspension forks and SRAM XX1 Eagle cassettes in this price range, but the spec on most of the bikes is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. With the exception of the Fuji, all the test bikes feature the latest 1x12 drivetrains. However, despite featuring Eagle technology, the Canyon, Cube and Rocky Mountain models, which are fitted with the more affordable SRAM NX cassette, only offer a gear ratio range of 455 per cent instead of the usual 500 per cent. This is a minor drawback compared to the top-of-the-range models. At least all the suspension forks and rear shocks come from the two most renowned manufacturers, Fox and RockShox. Four test bikes even feature full-carbon frames. The mail-order brands Radon and Rose manage to keep the total weight, including pedals, below 14 kilos thanks to a lightweight frame and good spec. As a specialist retailer brand, Cube’s 29er bike comes in just above that. An interesting finding when comparing higher-end models: the bikes don’t get any lighter even if you pay more than double the price.
In BIKE 12/18 We had published an enduro test with no price limit. Despite significantly higher prices, the test bikes weighed on average over 14 kilos including pedals at the time. The wheel acceleration and frame stiffness of the top models were roughly on a par with those in our current test line-up. On paper, then, most bikes in the 3,000-euro price range look quite good. But what about in practice?
The test group
3,000 euros
Below this price point, it’s very difficult to find decent enduro mountain bikes. That’s why, in this test, we’re referring to these as budget bikes – even though 3,000 euros is quite a lot of money.
Mail order supplier or specialist retailer
Of our nine test bikes, three can only be ordered online. Rose, Radon and Canyon do have a few flagship stores, but no nationwide dealer network. These online retailers are known for their good value for money, but offer less local service as a result. Complaints or repairs mean more hassle for customers. This is where specialist retail brands such as Cube, Trek and Rocky Mountain come into their own.
Impeller sizes
More and more bikes are now fitted with large 29-inch wheels. However, two of the very good bikes in this test – the Radon and the Rose – have small 27.5-inch wheels. Both wheel sizes have their place in the market.
You can find the full comparison test of these nine enduro bikes, including score tables, laboratory measurements and test ride reports, as a PDF in the download section below:
- Canyon Strive CF 5.0
- Cube Stereo 150 C:62 Race
- Fuji Auric 27.5 LT 1.3
- KTM Prowler 291 12
- Polygon Siskiu N9
- Radon Jab 10.0
- Rocky Mountain Altitude A50
- Rose Pikes Peak 2 EN
- Trek Slash 8
You can find the full comparison test, including all the data, score tables and an overview of the ratings, in BIKE 9/2019. The comparison test is available as a PDF for 1.99 euros. Why isn’t it free? Because quality journalism comes at a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies particularly to the tests in BIKE. We don’t get paid for them; on the contrary, they cost us money – hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
You can read the full digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the print edition from the DK Shop Reorder – whilst stocks last: