New kids on the rocks: 6 enduro bikes in 2 price categories put to the test

Six enduro bikes in two price categories. Up in Nals and down in Latsch. When analysing the qualities of an enduro bike, uphill capability is a must. Downhill capability is taking centre stage more than ever. But what is enduro anyway?

Even more potent, even more EWS-compatible, even heavier. Let's not kid ourselves: The days when an enduro bike was really fun everywhere are numbered. In this case, everywhere also means uphill and on flat, pedalling-heavy trails, without the help of gravity pulling you downhill. The all-rounder mentality has given way to an unconditional sovereignty that can only be achieved through specialisation. Smooth-running race geometries, sophisticated rear suspension systems and fat forks dominate the enduro market. While all of our enduro bikes in last year's special weighed less than 16 kilos, only half of them are now just under this weight. With an average weight of 16.1 kilos, 170 millimetres at the front and a good 160 at the rear, it takes a decent gradient and often more than just low mountain trails to offer the gifted downhill riders a "species-appropriate position". If you are less focussed on downhill performance (keyword all-rounder), it is better to opt for an all-mountain or even a more pedal-friendly trail bike. So much for the application area of a modern enduro bike.

With the Canyon Strive CFR, Santa Cruz Megatower and the new aluminium version of the YT Capra, there are three absolute novelties in this test. The recently introduced Norco Range, the Cube One77 and Radon Swoop complete the test. Cube, Radon and YT are aimed at the price-conscious shredder with a price of less than 3300 euros. The other candidates with carbon frames start at 6000 euros. As the previous Strive from the Koblenz-based mail order company had already gathered dust and was overtaken by the All Mountain Spectral, it was time for an update. The new Strive is clearly dedicated to enduro racing and radically breaks with the geometry of its predecessor. Three degrees less head angle, more than seven centimetres more wheelbase and more suspension travel at the rear prepare the Strive for the future. The Norco Range was also designed as a race enduro bike. In our test, however, the bike turned out to be more of a mini downhiller than a racer. The long wheelbase, steel spring setup and a weight of 17.2 kilos speak for themselves. In contrast, the Radon Swoop represents the virtues of a pedallable, classic enduro bike.

You can download the complete comparison test of the 6 enduro bikes from the Enduro Special in BIKE 6/2022 as a PDF below the article.

The test report costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't charge for them, but the opposite is the case: we do charge for them - tens of thousands of euros every year.

You will find these 6 enduro bikes in the test:

• Canyon Strive CFR
• Cube Stereo One77
• Norco Range C2
• Radon Swoop 9.0
• Santa Cruz Megatower C
• YT Capra 29 Core 2

Downloads:

Test Enduros (pdf)