Attention: Now it's getting complicated. But don't worry, only very briefly. After that, everyone is guaranteed to be in the know and can join in the conversation when we talk about enduro bikes, freeriders or even downhillers.
Admittedly: A few years ago it was still easy. There were three bike classes. Enduros: Bikes with 160 mm of suspension travel, with which tours, climbs and descents could be mastered well. The emphasis is on "good". Because compromises had to be made on the descents.
Then freerider: Bikes trimmed for downhill riding. With their robust steel suspension elements and sturdy wheels, they weighed almost 17 kilos. 180 millimetres of travel at the front and rear emphasised the downhill characteristics and turned them into bike park speedsters. They could only be pedalled up the mountain at a snail's pace.
CANCELLED - Massive freeriders over 16.5 kilos: too heavy, too special
The classic freerider with its robust construction and heavy steel suspension elements is the loser of recent years. You can hardly find them anymore, because even gravity bikers know that lighter is better. They also want a wide range of use and better handling. Nevertheless, the freeride bike genre lives on. The bikes are now significantly lighter, but are still characterised by their generous travel. At least 170 millimetres at the rear and 180 millimetres at the front. In short, the two bike classes of freeriders and enduro bikes are now much closer together than they were back then.
Last but not least, downhillers: With a double-bridge fork and 200 millimetres of travel, they can only ride downhill - but better than any other bike.
Everything is different now. Modern suspension elements revolutionised the market and pushed the classic freerider to the sidelines. Enduro bikes can now not only go uphill well, but also downhill really fast. However, if you only want a bike for a visit to the park, you can still opt for a downhiller. With its generous suspension travel, it forgives mistakes and allows even more speed and drop height. Freeriders are still around, but slimmed down. Top models now easily come in under 15 kilos. Thanks to 180 millimetres of travel and the robust design, you can really let it rip on bike park descents. Basically, freeriders are more potent enduro bikes with more suspension travel and weight. So it's not that complicated after all.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 4/2015 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Laurin Lehner
Editor
