Are you an enduro mountain biker?
You want one bike for everything. However, it must not weigh more than 14 kilos. You don't want to make any compromises when touring or riding round your home, but want plenty of propulsion thanks to platform suspension elements. Bike parks and hairy drops are of little interest to you. However, you should be able to compete in enduro races, even if only in theory. Because the new bike has to be able to cope with the odd mountain tour with a rough descent. You can accept small compromises here or make up for them with a lot of riding ability.
ED - Enduro: 160/160 mm Many claim that the slogan "one bike for everything" fits best here. The focus is on riding fun on technical trails. The frame and chassis can also cope with rough trails. However, enduro bikes cannot match the downhill performance of freeriders. Top enduro bikes weigh around 13 kilos. Solid enduro bikes are available from 2500 euros.
ENDURO-BIKES
1 Frame Many manufacturers offer lightweight carbon frames. If you want to save money, it's better to go for the aluminium version and treat yourself to better components for the money you save.
2 Fork & damper Classic enduro bikes have 160 mm travel in the rear and front. Thanks to modern forks, 170 mm forks are also frequently used. Platform suspension elements ensure better uphill capabilities.
3 Impellers Almost exclusively 27.5" wheels are now used here. Enduro wheels are a compromise between stability and weight.
FREERIDE BIKES
Freeride blood is bubbling in your veins. Because you love descents and even want to go to a bike park from time to time. You don't want to be afraid of your bike buckling on jumps, drops and angry descents. What's more, you want a bike that can iron out the odd riding mistake for you. In return, you are happy to make a compromise on your mountain tour or home ride and accept a weight of around 15 kilos. After all, you have enough power in your calves. And let's be honest. 15 kilos isn't that much.
You can find everything you need to know about freeriding in FREERIDE MAGAZINE
FR - Freeride: 170/180 mm No trail is too rough for freeriders, no drop too high, no jump too far. With their 180 millimetres, they can swallow almost anything. Stability comes first when it comes to components - so they weigh around 1.5 kilos more on average. This weakens the uphill and touring suitability somewhat. However, bike park visits are possible. Powerful freeride bikes cost from 2500 euros.
DH - Downhill: Bigbikes/Downhillers Nothing is too much for downhillers. No jump, no stone field. They are as stable as an anvil. With at least 200 millimetres of suspension travel at the rear and front, they rumble over everything in their path. Their geometry is trimmed for riding downhill - pedalling is difficult. Modern big bikes make it under the 16.5-kilo limit. Good models are available from as little as 3000 euros.
FREERIDE
1 Frame Aluminium has proven its worth and is hardly questioned in this bike class. The geometries differ only slightly. The steering angle is often slightly slacker (-0.5° degrees).
2 Fork & damper 170 mm-190 mm of travel at the rear demonstrate real taker qualities. At the front, a potent 180 mm fork ensures smooth running on rough descents.
3 Impellers In this bike class, the battle between 26 and 27.5 inches has not yet been decided. For many current freeriders, manufacturers still rely on the more playful 26-inch wheel size.
The best enduro and freeride mountain bikes
- For 3000 euros: Enduros up to 3000 euros are serious sports equipment. Consignors in particular shine in this price segment with a good price/performance ratio.
- For 2500 euros: Solid freeriders with proven components are available for 2500 euros. Here too, mail order companies in particular offer a good price/performance ratio.
- For 3500 euros: From 3500 euros you can get solid freeride bikes under 15 kilos. (e.g. Kona Process 167 ... to the test... )
PRIORITIES | TYRES | CHASSIS
Priorities Enduros are on a diet. Carbon models and lightweight components reduce the weight and make them strong for touring. Freeriders don't mind a few extra grams. They are usually made of aluminium and equipped with robust wheels and powerful brakes. Telescopic stabilisers are now standard on both bike classes.
Tyres The focus of freeriders is on downhill riding. They are therefore usually fitted with wide tyres (2.3-2.4 inches) which, thanks to the downhill carcass, provide plenty of puncture protection and good damping. Enduro tyres need to be light and have low rolling resistance. They are similarly wide, but are usually fitted as a lighter version.
Chassis Enduros are almost always equipped with platform suspension elements. This means that the shock usually has three modes. An open mode for descents, a medium mode for trails and a firm mode for uphills. This is rarely the case with freeriders. However, many freeride forks can also be lowered for more comfort on uphills.
Equipment for enduro mountain bikers
1 Helmet The Endurist gets by with an open-face helmet (exception: official racing use). Goggles protect the eyes from mud. To the test on www.freeride-magazine.com...
2 Backpack Endurists are travelling in the outback. So always have a pump, inner tubes and a tool with you. Ideally packed in a rucksack with an integrated back protector.
3 Gloves provide grip and protection in the event of an involuntary dismount. To the test...
4 Outfit Flappy trousers and colourful jerseys are the trademark of enduro riders. They don't make you faster, but more beautiful, say trendsetters.
5 knee protectors Knee pads are a must for enduro riders, as the descents are often rough. To the test...
6 Shoes/pedals Clipless pedals or bear paws - opinions differ here. The former stand for more efficient acceleration, the latter for playful handling.
Equipment for freeriders
1 Helmet The freerider reaches for a full-face helmet because it also protects the chin and face. That's better, because bike park missions and jumps can be dangerous. To the test on www.freeride-magazine.com...
2 Back protector A foam plate
on the back protects against nasty injuries. Protector waistcoats are barely visible under the jersey. Test in FREERIDE 2/2015 - to order the magazine...
3 arm protectors Foam pads on the arms protect the elbows from abrasions.
4 Outfit Baggy shorts and a loose jersey or T-shirt are the hallmarks of a freerider. However, freeriders can wear whatever they want. Their motto: ride free!
5 knee protectors You can hardly do without them: good knee pads are part of every freerider's equipment. To the test... | Test joint protectors on www.freeride-magazine.com...
6 Shoes/pedals Freeriders attach more importance to playful handling than efficient acceleration. They mount bear paw pedals and wear robust shoes with plenty of grip. To the test on www.freeride.com...
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2015 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Laurin Lehner
Editor
