Just like marathon fullys, enduro bikes are also real specialists - only for the downhill-hungry adrenaline faction. Whether bike park, alpine trails or natural enduro tracks: the mountain bike genre of enduro bikes knows no limits downhill. With up to 170 millimetres of suspension travel and extremely long geometries, the bikes are designed for high speed to such an extent that they can seem unwieldy when ridden normally. Models for racing use usually roll on standardised 29-inch wheels. If, on the other hand, you are more interested in riding fun than speed, you can also get bikes with a mullet set-up - i.e. 29 inches at the front and 27.5 inches at the rear. Some manufacturers even offer enduro bikes with only 27.5 inches.
Durability more important than weight for enduro bikes
Weight plays a subordinate role. Durability and stability, on the other hand, are very important. Thick tyres and wide rims, massive suspension forks and robust frame constructions help to master even the wildest descents without damage. Unfortunately, the solid equipment, especially on the cheaper models, drives up the weight, which is why many enduro bikers like to avoid sweaty uphills with the gondola or in the shuttle. Lightweight models weighing around 14 kilos are only available from 7000 euros and more.
The best enduro bikes 2022:
Specialised S-Works Enduro
- Price 14000 Euro
- Weight 14.7 kilos
- Tested in BIKE 2/22
- Judgement super / 213.5 points
With the S-Works Enduro, Specialized scores more points than any other current enduro mountain bike. The bike delivers an aha experience in almost all areas. In terms of price, handling and rear suspension function. Despite the conventional four-bar rear suspension, the Specialized S-Works Enduro outshines the competition in terms of its ability to swallow and its responsiveness. Even the most demanding enduro trails are levelled without any problems. On the other hand, the bike sprints so well that it's hard to believe how Specialized manages to reconcile these two worlds.
Trek Slash 9.9
- Price 8999 Euro
- Weight 14.47 kilos
- Tested in BIKE 1/21
- Judgement super / 207.5 points
For € 8999, Trek has put together an impeccable overall package with the Slash 9.9. The equipment on the Trek enduro bike is top-notch and offers additional added value with the storage compartment in the down tube and the hidden mini-tool. The very slack geometry gives the Slash an extremely smooth ride. In combination with the solid suspension, the enduro bike is one of the best on the market, especially on high-speed sections. Thanks to the fairly light wheels and the good rolling Bontrager tyres, the Slash still climbs well and is one of the fastest enduro bikes on the climbs.
Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 70
- Price 6700 Euro
- Weight 14.4 kilos
- Tested in BIKE 2/22
- Judgement super / 205.25 points
When testing the Rocky Mountain Altitude, our test crew was unanimous: everything is just right here. From the spec and handling to the suspension, the Rocky impresses across the board. The secret recipe behind the outstanding performance lies on the one hand in the balance of uphill and downhill capabilities, and on the other in the perfect handling, which completely impressed all the testers. In our mega test of enduro bikes, the Rocky was only beaten on points by the Specialized, which is almost twice as expensive. However, the Rocky Mountain Altitude Enduro bike is the clear winner for the best handling.
Last Coal
- Price 4089 Euro
- Weight 14.86 kilos
- Tested in BIKE 10/21
- Judgement very good / 189.75 points
Our recommendation for a solid entry-level enduro bike comes from Dortmund and goes by the name of Coal. For just under 4000 euros, the Rockshox Select+ suspension and a Sram GX drivetrain are impressive. The aluminium bike from Last weighs just under 15 kilos. On the trail, the Last Coal really gets going and is brimming with confidence on any terrain. With its smooth geometry, long wheelbase and powerful suspension, it shines even on rough terrain. Uphill, the Last ranks in the middle of the field and thus fulfils the requirements of an enduro bike to a tee.
Conclusion from Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
Enduro bikes are more downhill-capable than ever. Thicker suspension forks and extremely flat geometries make the majority of new models almost mini downhillers. The latest development trend is also fuelling this tendency. Because with the so-called High-pivot bikes With a higher pivot point, the rear wheel can move further backwards when rolling over obstacles, which gives the suspension even more capacity to absorb shocks. However, a good enduro bike cannot be reduced to the type of rear suspension system alone. Due to their high weights, enduro MTBs have unfortunately long since surpassed their claim to be downhill-orientated all-round mountain bikes. All Mountains assigned.
Max Fuchs
Editor
