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The new EnduroIs this the new all-rounder?

Laurin Lehner

 · 13.08.2019

The new Enduro: Is this the new all-rounder?Photo: Specialized
The new Enduro: Is this the new all-rounder?
The Specialized Enduro founded its own bike category 20 years ago and gave it its name. For the 2020 season, the Californians are completely redesigning the former all-rounder bike.

The Specialized Enduro is the original Enduro. 20 years ago, the Americans presented their first all-rounder bike and called it the Enduro. It only took a few years for the Enduro wave to sweep the bike industry. For the 2020 season, the Californians are completely redesigning their model.

We have already had the opportunity to test the new enduro near Lake Tahoe - even uphill. Thanks to the platform function, there is no bobbing at the rear. Minimal in open mode. The operating weight of 14.7 kilos with pedals on the top model is okay, but not sensational for a bike costing over ten thousand euros.Photo: Specialized We have already had the opportunity to test the new enduro near Lake Tahoe - even uphill. Thanks to the platform function, there is no bobbing at the rear. Minimal in open mode. The operating weight of 14.7 kilos with pedals on the top model is okay, but not sensational for a bike costing over ten thousand euros. With 170 millimetres of travel in the front and rear, the Specialized Enduro takes drops and jumps in its stride. We think the new Enduro has really blossomed into a downhill machine.Photo: Specialized With 170 millimetres of travel in the front and rear, the Specialized Enduro takes drops and jumps in its stride. We think the new Enduro has really blossomed into a downhill machine.

When designing the frame, a lot was taken from its big brother, the Demo (downhill big bike). The fact is that the new Enduro has a completely new geometry, a new frame design and more travel: 170 millimetres at the front and rear.

The 2020 enduro bike will also only be available as a carbon version designed for 29-inch wheels. If you want to fit 27.5-inch wheels to the frame, you can of course do so, says Specialized. However, the frame is not optimised for this.

The idea behind the development was to make the kinematics of the rear more sensitive to small bumps but still potent enough for big drops and fast hard hits, says developer Brad Benedict.

Geometry, new sizes and prices from 4999 euros

Specialized has opted for new sizes. Instead of frame sizes S, M, L, XL, the Californians now call their sizes S2 to S5. The geometry of the new Specialized Enduro is longer, flatter and lower. This is a trend that has prevailed for many years now, both in new designs and model upgrades. Prices for complete bikes start at 4999 euros for the entry-level Enduro Comp model and go up to 10999 euros for the top-of-the-range S-Works model. The stylish S-Works frame is also available separately for customised builds for 3999 euros.

Elegant solution: The mini-tool can be removed from the headset on the 2020 model. Clever!Photo: Specialized Elegant solution: The mini-tool can be removed from the headset on the 2020 model. Clever! You can expect this for 11,000 euros: The S-Works model is equipped with the electronic Sram XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain.Photo: Specialized You can expect this for 11,000 euros: The S-Works model is equipped with the electronic Sram XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain.
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Stylish and fast: The new Specialized Enduro will initially only be available as a carbon version. And only with 29-inch wheels. The Enduro Comp 29 starts at 4999 euros. For the S-Works model (photo) you have to put a whole 10999 euros on the table, ouch!Photo: Specialized Stylish and fast: The new Specialized Enduro will initially only be available as a carbon version. And only with 29-inch wheels. The Enduro Comp 29 starts at 4999 euros. For the S-Works model (photo) you have to put a whole 10999 euros on the table, ouch!

Riding impression: Still an all-rounder bike or already a specialist

The aim of the designers was to construct the fastest enduro bike on the market. Perhaps they have succeeded, but would faster be better? We have already had the opportunity to test the new Specialized Enduro. You can read the detailed ride report and our verdict in the new issue BIKE 10/2019, on newsstands from 3 September.

Specialised Enduro 2020 - the models

"Entry-level model": Specialized Enduro Comp. 4999 EUR.Photo: Specialized "Entry-level model": Specialized Enduro Comp. 4999 EUR.
Specialised Enduro Elite. 5999 EUR.Photo: Specialized Specialised Enduro Elite. 5999 EUR. Chic, eye-catching colour scheme: Specialized Enduro Expert. 6999 EUR.Photo: Specialized Chic, eye-catching colour scheme: Specialized Enduro Expert. 6999 EUR. Top model: Specialised Enduro S-Works. 10999 EUR.Photo: Specialized Top model: Specialised Enduro S-Works. 10999 EUR. Anything but a wallflower: The Specialized Enduro S-Works frame is also available separately. 3999 EUR.Photo: Specialized Anything but a wallflower: The Specialized Enduro S-Works frame is also available separately. 3999 EUR.
Laurin Lehner

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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