The Specialized Enduro is without doubt one of the most popular bikes in the 160 millimetre class. Over the past 18 years, the model has been continuously developed and has very little to do with the original model, which came with 26-inch wheels and 109 millimetres of suspension travel. The ninth generation of the enduro bike is now more downhill-focussed and detail-obsessed than ever.
What's new for 20187 on the Specialized Enduro?
As with the 2017 model series of the Enduro, the rider now has the choice between two wheel sizes. Either 27.5 inches with 170 millimetres of suspension travel or 29 inches/6Fattie with 160 millimetres at the fork and rear. With 6Fatttie, Specialized designates 27.5+, which allows a tyre width of 2.8 or 3.0 inches in the frame and fork. The bottom bracket is around seven millimetres lower than on a 29-inch bike.
Additional steel spring model
There will be four equipment variants of each of the two wheel options. The cheapest models cost 3499 euros, while the two S-Works enduro bikes are listed for 8999 euros. The S-Works frame is priced at 3499 euros. For the first time, there will also be a coil model (steel spring fork and shock) in 29 inch for 6999 euros, which should offer even more downhill performance.
New geometry with adjustment
In addition to a revised geometry, the latest enduro bike also has a geometry adjustment feature that allows the steering angle to be changed by 0.5 degrees and the bottom bracket height by eight millimetres. A washer is positioned either in front of or behind the yoke that attaches the shock. (Incidentally, the adjustment option including yoke also fits the previous model and will be offered in a service kit for retrofitting). In the slack setting, this gives the 29er Enduro a steering angle of 65.5 degrees and the 27.5 Enduro a steering angle of 65 degrees. The bottom bracket height is between 346-354 millimetres on the 29er and between 342.5-350.5 millimetres on the 27.5. The chainstay length for both models is 433 millimetres. Compared to its predecessor, the reach has also been increased by between 15-18 millimetres, depending on the frame size. In frame size L, the reach is now a generous 462 or 466 millimetres (29er or 27.5er). The top tube is now slimmer for more freedom of movement.
SWAT in the head tube
Instead of the previous mini-tool under the top tube and a chain tool in the head tube, the latest SWAT generation (Storage, Water, Air, Tools) has everything in the head tube. Instead of a claw in the head tube of the fork, Specialized uses the space for a quickly accessible mini tool and a chain tool including a spare chain lock. The tool is concealed under a swivelling cover and extends automatically thanks to a spring.
WU Mail
Another completely new feature is the WU post, which is fitted as standard on the more expensive models. Although the new telescopic post only has a stroke of 120 millimetres, it tilts the saddle backwards by 14 degrees when descending, which should provide additional freedom of movement.
Öhlins suspension
Only the cheapest entry-level models with an aluminium frame are fitted with a complete Rock Shox suspension system. All models above this have at least an Öhlins fork or a complete suspension system from the Swedish suspension manufacturer.
Ride report and availability of the Specialized Enduro 2018
Some of the Models of the new Specialised Enduro are already available in stores. A first ride report of the new Specialized Enduro will be available in BIKE 12/17 from 3 November.
