Nasty root fields, loose boulders or big drops and jumps. With an enduro bike, you are equipped for even the most difficult trails. Wide rims, stable tyres and suspension forks with thick stanchions destroy even the trickiest downhill metres. Once you reach the valley, the enduro bike craves the next single trail orgy. If it weren't for the path to the trail entrance. Even though enduro suspension with 150 to 170 millimetres of travel climbs much more efficiently than a few years ago, the high weight and poorly rolling tyres require a good level of fitness. If the opportunity arises, many enduro riders resort to shuttle vehicles or lifts to avoid the exhausting climbs and manage more trail descents in one day. Wide handlebars and chain guides leave no doubt about the range of use. There are lightweight enduro bikes suitable for touring, but they are expensive. Large 29er wheels are also increasingly being used in this genre.
PRICE Good models from 3000 euros
WEIGHT 13 to 15 kilos (without pedals)
FEDERWEG 150 to 170 millimetres
AREA OF APPLICATION Bike parks, steep descents, blocked trails; enduro races
Trek Remedy 9.7
The Remedy has been a classic among enduro bikes for years, and the 2018 version also lives up to its reputation. The rear suspension and fork work sensitively and offer plenty of comfort. The steering angle and bottom bracket height can even be adjusted using a flip chip. The slacker setting is ideal for gliding over bumpy trails at full throttle. The low weight is impressive on the climbs. The carbon main frame is an absolutely unique selling point in this price range. The workmanship of the entire bike is of a very high standard.
Price 2999 Euro
Weight 13.77 kilos without pedals
Tested in BIKE 1/18
Judgement very good / 187.75 points
Votec VM Pro
The Votec is extremely well equipped, as is typical of direct mail order companies, and despite its aluminium frame is one of the lighter bikes, at least in this price range. This is particularly pleasing for enduro riders who also want to tackle long tours. Bucking the trend, Votec surprises with a playful geometry. The 66.5-degree steering angle and the short wheelbase are particularly fun in winding terrain. However, the high-quality suspension can also cope with fast rides over bumpy trails. Coherent details, such as an integrated spare bolt for the derailleur hanger or a flipchip for geometry adjustment, round off the overall appearance. The tyres are a little weak for an enduro bike.
Price 3199 Euro
Weight 13.61 kilos without pedals
Tested in BIKE 1/18
Judgement very good / 193.3 points
Radon Jab 10.0
With its striking lines, the design is reminiscent of a US Army stealth bomber, while the price of €5,000 is more in line with a DIY kit for gliders. But you don't have to compromise on the equipment, because Radon only uses the best parts the market has to offer. The weight of 12.85 kilos underlines the all-rounder ambitions of the direct mail order company. The Jab doesn't flinch on the descents or climbs. Quite the opposite. The high-quality suspension and balanced geometry clearly secured the Jab's victory in the duel against the Giant Reign in BIKE 12/17. The Jab easily copes with both racing and extended tours.
Price 4999 Euro
Weight12.85 kilos without pedals
Tested in BIKE 12/17
Judgement very good / 203.25 points
Cannondale Jekyll CRB 1
Since its first release in 2000, the Jekyll has always been an outstanding bike that has taken the state of the art to the next level. The latest addition to the American range is no exception. A generous 170 millimetres of travel and a successful geometry make reaching for the brake lever a rare experience on the descent. The extremely short rear triangle ensures plenty of playfulness on tight singletrails, even at high speeds. The low overall weight and the easy-to-accelerate wheels make even the way to the trail entrance a pleasure. The suspension can be tightened and the geometry changed at the touch of a button, which further improves the climbing characteristics. The Jekyll may be expensive, but it is one of the best enduro bikes currently on the market.
Price 7499 Euro
Weight 13.12 kilos without pedals
Tested in BIKE 9/17
Judgement super / 217.25 points
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 4/2018 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
