Enduro bikes have undergone a profound evolution in the last five years, mainly as a result of developments in international competitions such as the Enduro World Series, Megavalanches, and similar events. Their importance among users remains very strong, even despite the recent boom in long-travel e-bikes. There are many models on the market, each with different features and components that sometimes make choosing difficult. Beyond the brand, when buying an enduro bike, it is necessary to pay attention to details such as the type of wheel it uses, the head angle of the fork, and especially the suspension travel. In this article, we tell you some aspects you should know when choosing an enduro bike. We will also talk about our 5 favorite models.
29" Wheels vs 27.5" Wheels
Competition brought the 29” wheel standard to enduro. A wheel size that a decade ago seemed unthinkable for this discipline. But now it is the definitive choice in the segment, and all major brands’ reference models come with these wheels as standard. The reason for this radical change of standard in so few years is due to the need for a bike that is faster and safer on descents and rolls better on other terrains, both flat and uphill. A good enduro bike must have these qualities, since it is not only used for going down, but also for climbing steep slopes or riding flat sections. 2021/09/Depositphotos-10.jpg"> 29” wheels can balance all these characteristics and even improve them compared to 27.5” wheels. A 29” tire has a bit more contact surface with the ground than a 27.5”. In addition, its larger diameter allows it to maintain a more constant and faster speed on descents. Likewise, as has been proven in cross country, a 29” wheel boosts the bike’s rolling capacity both on flat terrain and climbing. Where 27.5” enduro bikes can still compete with 29” ones is in agility and handling. On the latter, the frame geometry has been redefined, getting closer to the measurements and angles of a downhill bike. But the chainstay length has also been shortened and the fork offset reduced to give the bike that desired nimbleness and agility in corners.
Differences Between Enduro and All Mountain
The adoption of 29” wheels in enduro has redefined the concept of all mountain, the less radical alternative to the former. Sometimes, enduro and all mountain are even confused within the same bike. Some current all mountain bikes have increased their travel compared to previous generations, and you can find models with 150 mm or 160 mm of travel (Trek Remedy, Radon Slide Trail, etc). This creates confusion about whether these all mountain they can also be used for enduro rides. Without a doubt, they are valid options and, depending on the level or type of routes taken, with more flat sections and climbs, they may even be a better choice. But a current enduro bike has travel up to 170 mm and 180 mm in some cases, as well as geometry aimed more at pure downhill than the more balanced and rolling all mountain setup. To simplify, if what you want is to go down fast, an enduro bike should definitely be your choice. But if you don't have the most refined downhill technique or speed doesn't matter to you, your attention should be on all mountain bikes.
5 essential enduro bikes
Below, we have gathered five models of successful enduro bikes on the market. Each of them features one or more of the characteristics we mentioned earlier, whether with 29” wheels, 27.5”, more or less travel, and different design concepts.
Trek Slash
The Trek Slash is one of the best examples of a long-standing enduro bike that has evolved from the now discontinued 26” wheels in the early years of the last decade to the current 29”, passing through the intermediate 27.5”. The current range consists of four carbon models and two aluminum ones, as well as frame-only sale options. In 2021, it was updated by increasing the suspension travel to 160 mm on the rear shock and 170 mm on the fork.
Giant Reign
The Giant Reign is another example of a long-lived enduro bike on the market (now in its 7th generation), which has also ended up using 29” wheels. But, unlike the Trek Slash, at Giant they have limited the suspension travel to offer a concept of a 29” bike for descending but versatile at the same time, with a renewed Maestro rear suspension system with 146 mm of travel. The fork, however, offers 170 mm. At the same time, Giant also updated the 27.5” model, called Advanced, to offer a more agile and balanced version, but without losing potential in the suspension. This one maintains 160 mm of rear suspension and 170 mm at the front. Thus, three series are distinguished in the current range: Advanced Pro, 29” and carbon frame; Advanced, 27.5” in carbon; and Reign 29, aluminum with 29” wheels.
Orbea Occam
The Orbea Occam stands out as one of the best enduro bike options for its combination of lightness, durability, and modern geometry. Designed for balanced performance on climbs and descents, this bike features a 140 mm rear suspension and a 150 mm fork, which provides optimal absorption on technical terrain and challenging descents. The 29-inch wheels they improve traction and stability in varied conditions, making the Occam a perfect bike for all types of routes, from mountain trails to less demanding paths. Ideal for cyclists looking for a versatile enduro bike, capable of facing any challenge.
Scott Ransom
The Scott Ransom Tuned is one of the most complete enduro bikes on the market, specifically designed for aggressive descents and extreme terrains. With 170 mm of suspension travel on both wheels and TwinLoc technology to adjust the travel according to the terrain, this bike provides exceptional versatility on enduro routes. Its high-end carbon frame keeps the weight low and ensures optimal strength to withstand the demands of enduro. Equipped with 29-inch wheels and geometry that maximizes control and stability, this Scott model is the perfect choice for advanced enduro riders looking to take their skills to the next level.
Santa Cruz Nomad
Finally, it is worth highlighting one of the enduro bikes that, over the years, has remained faithful to 27.5” wheels. The Santa Cruz Nomad remains a benchmark in carbon fiber and intermediate wheel standard, also offering a wide range of suspension travel: 170 mm on both axles. It was also the brand’s first full-suspension model to feature the VPP suspension design, inherited from the V10 Downhill model, with the shock absorber mounted almost horizontally over the bottom bracket and partially hidden in the seat tube. This solution creates more space in the front triangle (to fit a bottle cage) and provides greater progressiveness to the rear suspension curve. It is currently available in six different build options.