We reduce by they hype and suggest the easiest enduro mountain bikes available on the market; bikes that mix the downhill functionality of a DH bike with the uphill prowess of a path bike.
To be aggressive, the very best enduro mountain bikes must strike the proper steadiness between pace and effectivity on flatter trails, but nonetheless be capable to blast descents that wouldn’t look misplaced on the World Cup DH circuit.
Even in case you’re not competing, as a result of mechanical help at races is minimised, the greatest mountain bike rigs destined for enduro race tape have to be ultra-reliable too. Search for journey between 160mm and 180mm mixed with both 29in wheels entrance and rear, or mullet set-ups (29in entrance, 27.5in rear). Large rotors are a should (200mm) and bolstered tyres with a tender compound up entrance. Chain guides get fitted for further safety and it’s possible you’ll even discover a couple of coil shocks on some fashions.
Trek Slash check winner
Precise one bike quiver
Wheel dimension: 29in | Body sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL | Weight: 15.02kg (33.11lb) | Suspension journey: 170mm f/160mm r | Score: 10/10
Professionals: Quick, enjoyable and environment friendly. Tight, reactive experience. Progressive geometry. Versatile, composed. A do-it-all bike
Cons: XL would profit from a steeper seat angle
For an enduro bike with progressive geometry, the Trek Slash 9.8 XT is extremely versatile. Get on the fuel and it responds with a way of urgency that’s normally reserved for shorter journey bikes. Land deep of a drop, or soar, nonetheless, and the rear suspension graces you with a featherlight touchdown. Cool and composed in each state of affairs the Trek Slash shouldn’t be the outright plushed bike we’ve ever examined, however the suspension response is at all times proportional and measured, so that you by no means really feel underneath or over-biked. It’s what makes the Slash the best alternative for anybody searching for that one do-it-all experience.
Read our full evaluate of the Trek Slash 9.8 XT
Vitus Sommet 297 AMP
Bike park mullet grasp
Wheel dimension: 29/27.5in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.37kg (33.9lb) | Suspension journey: 170mm f/170mm r | Score: 9/10
Professionals: Clean, comfy and quick, steeper seat angles for higher climbing, very good sensitivity
Cons: Rear shock bobs underneath energy
Even with a smaller rear wheel that usually ramps up path suggestions, the Vitus 297 AMP is each bit as {smooth} an operator as loads of top-level 29in enduro bikes. The truth is, with extra rear journey on this mullet guise, it is likely to be its greatest enduro bike from Vitus but. The spectacular value doesn’t damage both for a high quality body with equipment, dealing with and suspension that doesn’t skip a beat. The Vitus excels at tempo with sufficient smoothness to devour downhills shortly whereas holding your hand down the steeps. Precisely what you need from a 170mm bike.
Learn our full evaluate of the Vitus Sommet 297 AMP
Devours the roughest tracks but climbs with poise and effectivity
Wheel dimension: 27.5, 29in or mullet | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 15.4kg | Suspension journey: 180mm f/170mm r | Score: 10/10
Professionals: All the journey, not one of the downside.
Cons: Michelin tyres are temperature delicate.
The Giga is testomony to the adage which you can have your pudding and eat it. You possibly can all the all-ness all the time. A great deal of journey. Slack AF head angle. The largest of wheel sizes. And probably the most outstanding factor? It rides identical to a standard mountain bike when the gradient suggestions up. The Giga actually is a race-worthy enduro bike that doesn’t really feel like a chore to pedal round in your Sunday Social rides. Poppy and playful, the Giga isn’t any passive plough.
Learn our full evaluate of the Nukeproof Giga 290 Carbon Manufacturing facility
The Forbidden Dreadnought is a high-pivot idle bike with 170mm entrance journey and 29er wheels
Excessive pivot, excessive efficiency
Wheel dimension: 29in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.99kg (35.25lb)| Suspension journey: 170mm f/154mm r | Score: 9/10
Professionals: Distinctive experience high quality. Nice sizing with balanced weight distribution throughout all sizes. Buttery-smooth suspension. Steep seat angle.
Cons: Wants a high-rise bar. Finish-stroke development makes it more durable to get full journey. Loafer is noisy when it’s muddy. Longer chainstay and rearward axle path means you need to put extra effort into lifting the entrance finish.
In a world of copycat designs the Forbidden Dreadnought stands out as a real trailblazer. It’s not the primary or the one loafer design, however Forbidden’s method with the size-specific chain stays lengths, 100% rearward axle path and related chainstay progress at sag provides the Dreadnought a really distinct experience high quality. It’s greater than the static geometry suggests and in case you like going quick in tough terrain, there’s most likely no higher 150mm journey bike – hey, if Connor Fearon can qualify at a World Cup DH on one, what’s stopping you?
Learn our full evaluate of the Forbidden Dreadnought
Whyte G180
Pedigree large hitter that’s designed and developed within the UK
Wheel dimension: 29in or mullet | Body sizes: M, L, XL | Weight: 15.53kg | Suspension journey: F 180mm R 167mm | Score: 9/10
Professionals: Calm and composed.
Cons: Solely three body sizes in 29in.
Whyte has made in its suspension kinematics and geometry. Certain, you may anticipate a carbon body at this value, however at 15.53kg (34.24lb) the alloy G-180 continues to be lighter than the full-carbon Nukeproof Giga and presumably extra sturdy too. And whereas each bikes are level-pegging on the descents, Whyte loses out to Nukeproof on the ascents – its slacker seat angle and shorter stays making the G-180 a much less comfy place to be on lengthy, arduous climbs. New for 2022, Whyte has launched a mullet wheel model of the G-180, labelled ‘MX’.
Learn our full check evaluate of the Whyte G-180 Works 29er V1
Orange Change 7 SE
Appears to be like like a beast however rides like a delicate big
Wheel dimension: Mullet | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 16.25kg | Suspension journey: 170mm f/170mm r | Score: 10/10
Professionals: Quick and efficient in each state of affairs.
Cons: Not the lightest.
Based mostly in Halifax, and with over 25 years of producing knowhow, it’s arguably the quintessential British bike model. The Orange Change 7 is its newest mannequin, a 170mm mixed-wheelsize enduro bike that justifies being rated as one of many greatest enduro bikes on the market. The load distribution on this MX bike is completely balanced, so that you at all times really feel composed and able to assault the path. It’s quick in every single place too, so for a motorcycle with such excessive numbers it’s far more versatile than you ever may have imagined.
Learn our full evaluate of the Orange Change 7 SE
Hope HB916
British engineering brilliance
Wheel dimension: 29in or mullet | Body sizes: H1, H2, H3, H4 | Weight: 15.28kg | Suspension journey: 170mm f/160mm r | Score: 9/10
Professionals: Quick, {smooth} experience.
Cons: Restricted seat keep clearance at backside out.
The HB916 is Hope’s third full suspension bike, it’s a motorcycle designed for enduro racing, and it’s one of many greatest enduro bikes we’ve examined. The Lancashire model hasn’t used the loafer suspension design to create a mini-DH bike. As a substitute the HB916 advantages from the improved rollover of the extra rearward axle path whereas nonetheless retaining the power to dash and climb with the very best of them. As such, Hope has produced an enduro race bike with high quality experience traits at a value that’s equally aggressive.
Learn our full evaluate of the Hope HB916
Specialised Enduro Comp
Merely superb (disgrace in regards to the price ticket)
Wheel dimension: 29in | Body sizes: S2, S3, S4, S5 | Weight: 14.59kg | Suspension journey: F 170mm R 170mm | Score: 8/10
Professionals: Quick in each state of affairs.
Cons: Inconsistent XTR brakes. Value doesn’t add up with the S-Works model. Restricted seat tube insertion depth.
It took time to familiarize yourself with the most recent Enduro 29. Initially we couldn’t get centred on the bike, and no quantity of suspension tweaking appeared to enhance issues. As soon as we fitted a shorter stem and flipped the geometry to the excessive setting although, we immediately hit it off. This bike is fast, and the rougher the path, the higher it’s. It rides mild too, however most spectacular is that this 170mm beast climbs extra effectively than many path bikes with significantly much less journey. Sure, the XTR brakes can’t be trusted, and the value is simply too excessive, notably the S-Works mannequin, however there’s no disputing the experience high quality of the Enduro 29. It’s merely superb.
Learn our full check evaluate of the Specialised Enduro S-Works 29
Everybody that’s ridden it merely loves it
Wheel dimension: 29in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 13.96kg | Suspension journey: F 170mm R 150mm | Score: 10/10
Professionals: An early incarnation of an enduro race successful machine
Cons: Displaying its age a bit when it comes to geometry
Yeti’s bikes have at all times seemed superb however the brand new SB150 is completely different animal. With 150mm journey on the rear, mixed with a 170mm fork and a slack 64.3º head angle, this 29er enduro bike is an absolute weapon on the descents, but you possibly can nonetheless beast everybody on the climbs. The suspension is fantastically balanced and the sizing is on level. Sure, Yeti has dumbed down some elements of the built-kit from what the race workforce use, however that doesn’t cease the SB150 from being a really spectacular bike.
Learn our full check evaluate of the Yeti SB150 T-Sequence X01
Race-ready 29er enduro bike that blows the doorways off the whole lot else at this value level
Wheel dimension: 29in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.75kg | Suspension journey: 170mm f/160mm r | Score: 9/10
Professionals: Impartial dealing with, killer construct.
Cons: No low-speed adjuster on rear shock.
In the identical vein because the Trek Slash or Yeti SB150, the Vitus Sommet CRS is a 29er enduro bike that’s designed for large days within the saddle, not simply sitting in your ass on a ski carry. And by merely swapping the sticky Maxxis MaxxGrip entrance tyre for a sooner rolling MaxxTerra, it may simply serve double responsibility as a quick, environment friendly big-hitting path bike. The truth that the entire bike prices lower than the Yeti or Trek body and weighs underneath 16kg, goes to indicate that you just don’t must promote your automotive to have a very nice bike.
Learn our full evaluate of the Vitus Sommet CRS
Specialised S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL
All of the agility of an enduro bike with serving to hand on the climbs
Body: Carbon, 170mm journey | Motor: Specialised Turbo SL 2.2, 35Nm | Battery: Specialised 320Wh | Score: 8/10
Professionals: Can descend with the very best enduro bikes and depart them for lifeless on the climbs. Unobtrusive motor.
Cons: Battery can’t be eliminated simply. Seat tube lacks insertion depth. Value.
Sure, it’s an e-bike, however the Kenevo is the e-bike of the longer term, obtainable now. Specialised’s extremely regarded Enduro will get a light-weight motor and battery and the result’s greater than the sum of its (not inconsiderable) components. Agile and highly effective, each flip, each soar, each drift, each burst of acceleration – they usually come thick and quick – felt pure and acquainted on the Kenevo SL, but additionally by some means extra intense and satisfying than both a pure analogue bike or a full energy e-bike may ship. It impressed us to present extra and it gave me extra again in return. Each joule of power we invested turned to revenue – extra pace, extra management, extra engagement, extra enjoyable. We actually don’t wish to be this gushing a couple of push bike that prices twelve and a half grand, however it’s the whole lot we hoped for and extra.
Learn our full check evaluate of the Specialised S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL
Sam Hill turned his hand to enduro, and his immense ability introduced him quite a few victories
What ought to I search for in the very best enduro mountain bikes?
An enduro bike is mainly a mountain bike with a minimum of 150mm of suspension journey, however extra generally 160-180mm. They’re constructed for the rigours of racing full-bore downhill while being sufficiently environment friendly on climbs and contouring trails too. As racing is difficult, days are lengthy, trails are punishing and outdoors mechanical help is minimal, the bikes should be extraordinarily sturdy and dependable too. First it must be lightning quick downhill. That’s as a result of downhill sections make up the majority of the timed runs in an enduro race. With some phases lasting upwards of ten minutes, and with restricted observe time to be taught the programs, the bike must be straightforward to experience and forgiving of unhealthy line selections and cock-ups which can be inevitable within the warmth of the second when fatigue units in.
The Daring Unplugged Professional has a distant swap that reduces the journey and will increase the compression damping to enhance climbing efficiency
How vital is climbing efficiency on an enduro bike?
Enduro isn’t merely about high-alpine marathon DH runs. The bikes additionally must climb and pedal effectively. With lengthy liaison phases linking up the timed sections, the load of the bike can be an element as you don’t wish to be carrying extra baggage on the climbs. Lighter bikes additionally wants much less manhandling to information them once you get drained, which turns into a large bonus for these lengthy days within the saddle. In a nutshell, a great enduro bike must be each bit as succesful as a downhill bike, however as agile and environment friendly as a typical path bike. That’s a reasonably tall order, however the very best fashionable enduro bikes fulfil that transient.
Canyon’s newest Attempt enduro bike has a number of geometry changes
What kind of geometry does an enduro bike have?
The underside bracket heights of numerous our bikes hover at across the 350mm mark. However this measurement can’t be taken at full worth, as all the bikes have completely different quantities of suspension journey. If the bikes are all set with the identical quantity of suspension sag, then the bike with the shorter journey could have the next backside bracket. One other level to notice in regards to the BB peak is that the axles of the 29 in wheels are greater than for the 650b wheels, so there’s a better BB drop, giving added stability. Head angles might be as slack as 62º, however most are within the 63-64º vary. Producers usually add some form of geometry adjustment, too, so riders can select to prioritise sure dealing with traits. For extra on this subject, learn our deep dive into mountain bike geometry.
Bikes just like the Santa Cruz Megatower are as enjoyable to experience as they’re quick to race
Does an enduro race bike make a great enduro bike for non-racers?
It’s superb how enduro bikes have advanced in such a brief house of time; the very best new designs at the moment are primarily light-weight mini-downhill bikes and, it appears, each man and his canine is now an enduro racer (mbr employees included). Lower by the advertising spiel, nonetheless, and one factor is crystal clear: longer-travel bikes are higher than ever earlier than, and we have now enduro to thank for it. The reason being easy; racing breeds growth. The most recent enduro bike could not look dissimilar to the all-mountain bikes of yesteryear, however in reality they’re very completely different animals. As a result of nature of the racing, this new breed is extra DH targeted, with slacker angles and higher high-speed dealing with. The truth is, the geometry isn’t too far off what you’d see in case you strolled the pits at a World Cup DH race. However enhancements to climbing efficiency and adjustable geometry means they make nice bikes for riders who are usually not eager about racing – simply hitting their native descents or driving a motorcycle park. These are versatile rigs, begged to be ridden onerous.
