Ten enduro bikes from 5799 to 13500 euros in the mega test

Peter Nilges

· 17.02.2022

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke

Ten enduro bikes from 5799 to 13500 euros in the mega test

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Geometries and suspension travel seem to have found each other in the enduro sector. So far, everything is the same. If it weren't for the current trend towards high-pivot rear triangles. Will the new bikes with chain deflection knock the established enduro elite off their thrones? Ten top models in a mega test.

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It is said that standing still means going backwards. You might think so, Enduro mountain bikes are on the decline. A closer look at the geometry tables shows that not much has actually changed compared to the test a good year ago.

The steering angle has been slackened by a quarter of a degree on average, while the seat angle has been steepened by 0.8 degrees. At least the wheelbase has increased by a few centimetres. In terms of suspension travel, on the other hand, the Optimum for an enduro bike.

At this point, we could simply refer to our previous test - if it weren't for this Highpivot movementthe long vanished Chain deflection and blow a breath of fresh air through the Enduro camp.

Thanks to the high pivot point on high-pivot rear triangles (here on the Cannondale Jeckyll), the rear wheel can move further back if it hits an obstacle. Chain deflection is therefore mandatory.

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Thanks to the high pivot point on high-pivot rear triangles (here on the Cannondale Jeckyll), the rear wheel can move further back if it hits an obstacle. Chain deflection is therefore mandatory.

After the small German Custom manufacturer Cavenz now also draw Major brands Cannondale and GT have brought back the almost forgotten concept of rear triangles with a high pivot point.

In the Downhill sport the high pivot hype has been bubbling for some time. Commencal, Norco, Trek and GT - all rely on the system that offers a better ride. Wheel lift curve should make this possible. So there must be something to it when it comes to winning the battle against the clock.

Christian "Texi" Textor (31), the reigning German Enduro champion, rides for the Bulls Gravity Team and is wearing the championship jersey for the fourth time. He also demonstrates his class with top 20 finishes in the Enduro World Series. At the end of the season, the fast rider from Siegerland is a welcome test rider at BIKE.

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Christian "Texi" Textor (31), the reigning German Enduro champion, rides for the Bulls Gravity Team and is wearing the championship jersey for the fourth time. He also demonstrates his class with top 20 finishes in the Enduro World Series. At the end of the season, the fast rider from Siegerland is a welcome test rider at BIKE.

Adjusting, tuning, making notes. Everyday testing is not just about riding. Enduro bikes in particular offer a wide range of setup options for the suspension alone.

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Adjusting, tuning, making notes. Everyday testing is not just about riding. Enduro bikes in particular offer a wide range of setup options for the suspension alone.

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You can download the complete comparison test of the ten enduro bikes from BIKE 02/2022 as a PDF below the article. The test report costs 2.99 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 pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, namely tens of thousands of euros every year.