We tested these 6 enduro bikes:
Click to go to the individual rating.
The test bikes at a glance
The question is not really new and can be applied to any mountain bike category. But in view of the current environment of inflation and price increases at every turn, it is more pressing than ever: How much money do you actually have to spend on a good enduro bike?
Bargains: Prices fall in autumn
To answer this question, we originally capped our test field of six enduro bikes at 4000 euros. As the test was planned well in advance and we produced the photos for this test group last year in Livigno in autumn, a lot has happened to the prices in the meantime. Due to the fact that most stocks are still well-stocked, the majority of manufacturers are offering big discounts, as our research on the respective websites confirms. For example, the Radon Jab 10.0 is available for just € 3199, the Specialized Status 160 for € 3300 and the Canyon Torque 29 CF 7 has also been reduced by a further € 700 to € 3299. YT is even offering the Capra 29 Core 2 for an incredibly favourable 2599 euros. Propain and Cube prices remain stable.
But be careful: many of the models are usually no longer available in all frame sizes or sometimes only in limited quantities towards the end of the season.
In addition, stock levels can change quickly, so you have to be quick to get your hands on a suitable model. However, as the model cycles are currently somewhat longer due to the aforementioned stock problems, this test still provides valuable information on the bike you want, even if it may no longer be exactly the same equipment. The frames of most models will probably remain identical for the time being.
Most enduro frames are still made of aluminium
Which brings us to the centrepiece of the test candidates. Carbon as a frame material cannot be expected across the board in the price range up to 4000 euros. Only the two mail-order companies Radon and Canyon equip their Jab and Torque models with carbon fibre frames. The rest of the field relies on aluminium. Looking at the scales, the choice of frame material is clearly noticeable. Both carbon fibre frames remain under the 3000 gram mark and are also ahead in the STW ranking (frame weight in relation to stiffness), albeit only just. At almost four kilos in some cases, the aluminium frames of the competition weigh up to 1.3 kilos more. The disadvantage of carbon frames is their higher manufacturing costs.
Carbon frame or better equipment?
As we all know, you can't spend money twice, so the question for every product manager is: do I put the money into the more expensive frame or do I invest in higher quality equipment? A fundamentally justified question, but one that does not apply in the case of Canyon and Radon. Neither the Jab nor the Torque tested by us faltered in terms of spec and were able to hold their own in the test field. Only Cube bolts even higher quality parts to the aluminium frame of its price-performance banger and surprises with first-class suspension from Rockshox. The second specialist brand in the group drops significantly in terms of equipment level. Despite its lightweight aluminium frame, the Specialized offers less equipment for the money. A Fox 36 Rhythm suspension fork and a low-bandwidth Sram NX drivetrain bring up the rear in this comparison.
Top dogs: Fox and Rockshox forks
In addition to the frame and its geometry, the suspension plays a decisive role in the capabilities of an enduro bike. A look at the equipment list of our test bikes shows that Fox and Rockshox are evenly matched here. The Rockshox ZEB with thick 38 mm stanchions dominates the suspension forks, while only the YT uses the Fox equivalent with 38 mm stanchions. Because the Jab is already a few years old and is also intended to differentiate itself from the freerider Swoop, it still uses the slimmer Fox 36 with 170 millimetres of travel - the benchmark in the enduro segment just a few years ago. The Specialized Status also features a Fox 36, but with only 160 millimetres of travel and a single damping cartridge. Clearly the weakest fork in comparison.
Shock absorbers mostly without adjustable compression damping
Fox and Rockshox also divide the field of shocks between them. Interesting: None of the Fox enduro bikes use the voluminous and powerful, but also very expensive X2 shock. Here, the slimmer Float X and the DPX2 are the means of choice, both of which still leave room for improvement. Thanks to its larger oil volume, the X2 would also offer more consistent damping on long descents and could also be adjusted more flexibly. In this price range, you often have to do without adjustable compression damping. On the Rockshox rear suspension, a Super Deluxe shock absorbs the impacts. The Propain Tyee, which can be customised using the configurator, is the only enduro bike in the comparison to have a coil shock. The coil shock weighs around 400 grams more, but works beautifully linear and reacts very actively and sensitively.
Tuning potential for wheels and tyres
When looking at the wheels, you will look in vain for price drivers such as carbon rims. There is still a little tuning potential here for easier acceleration, but as the tyres make up the lion's share of the inertia of the wheels anyway, carbon is unnecessary for enduro use. If the tyres are to withstand brutal use, a certain amount of puncture protection is essential, which inevitably has a negative effect on weight.
All in all, the enduro bikes in this comparison show that there is little room for improvement - and every small improvement would have to be paid for dearly. What's more, with the current hammer offers, it's easier to overlook small shortcomings.
Conclusion from Peter Nilges, Head of BIKE Testing:
The Canyon Torque takes the test victory by a clear margin and is the only enduro bike in the field to achieve the rating Very Good. Despite the expensive carbon frame, the equipment is of high quality and the suspension is above average. The Propain Tyee delivers strong downhill performance, but is not very balanced due to its high weight. The versatile YT Capra cuts a great figure both up and down and impresses with its intuitive handling.
What the testers say
Laurin Lehner, FREERIDE test editor:
When it comes to having fun in the park, I would go for the Propain Tyee. The suspension works well and the bike is a little more manoeuvrable than the Canyon Torque despite its high weight.
Dimitri Lehner, FREERIDE test editor:
Even if the Radon Jab I appreciate the touring qualities and the range of the light enduro bike. Who wants to have to move 17 kilos under their own power?
We noticed this in the details:
Facts, figures and data on the 6 enduro bikes in the test
Points table
The Canyon Torque collects the most points downhill and also climbs passably well. This puts it ahead in the practical evaluation and it also scores well in terms of features, quality and warranty. The YT Capra comes in second place thanks to its all-round qualities, closely followed by the downhill-orientated Propain Tyee.
Stiffnesses
Stiffness: grey: stiffness-to-weight (STW), the quotient of stiffness and frame weight white: absolute stiffness in Newtons per mm deflection. The measurements were taken on a test stand at the Zedler Institute. Moment of inertia of the wheels: the lower the value, the better the wheels can be accelerated.
Impeller inertia
Weights¹
¹ Weight: BIKE measurements, ² with pedals (350 g), ³ without rear shock, with rear thru axle, ⁴ with tyres, cassette and brake discs.
