Specialized Enduro 2018: first ride

Specialized's pursuit of perfection

Photos by Dominic Hook @dominichookphotovideo (the good ones)

The rate of development in the bike indsutry has been pretty quick for the past decade. Think back to what you were riding 10 years ago, or 5 years ago. And compare that to now. Sure, you might be still on the same bike. But what about the new bikes hitting the floor for 2018 – how do they compare?

There have been huge changes in bike geometry, suspension kinematics, shock technology, wheel and tyre standards and strengths, and of course leaps and bounds in drivetrains. One of many companies leading the drive for innovation is Specialized. From bikes, to shoes, clothing, helmets, tyres and bike fit – they pursue perfection. And looking over the 2018 model range, it's clear they are never prepared to settle for 'pretty good'.

The 2018 Specialized Enduro

The Specialized Enduro was revamped for 2017, and while it was super popular, and had options for 27.5” or 29” wheels, for some riders it wasn't perfect. Riders really pushing the limits of the bike had feedback on the geometry and suspension performance. Thanks to team riders like Curits Keene and Jared Graves, plus committed shop staff, some tweaks were made to an already impressive bike.

Early in the 2017 EWS season Jared Graves was riding a Stumpjumper – but he's now moved to the Enduro. A sign that his feedback, and that from others, really got those final fine tuning changes perfect.

Aesthetically the bike looks the same, but the cockpit length has increased, by about 10mm across the range. The result for jumping between a 650B Enduro and a 29” Enduro is the length feels the same.

But there are changes out the back too, with a new yoke on the 29er, and a new yoke and chip for the 650B. Why? Well it adds bottom out resistance, and slackens the head angle, while also lowering the bottom bracket height. All demands from the pro riders, and people looking to push the limits of their riding.

The Ohlins shock has had a different tune and seals.

The Ohlins shock has had improved seals too, taking higher pressures from long runs and heavier hits better. The tuning has also changed to work even better with the new suspension kinematics.

Riding the 2018 Specialized Enduro

On a short ride, the improvements are noticeable. The biked is super stable descending but still nimble thanks to the short back end. The suspension has a progressive feel that's evident deeper into the stroke. It's a really silent ride thanks to the internal routing housed in it's own cavity – something that is often missing on other bikes with in internal routing.

The suspension and handling truly work in sync, and lead to a balanced bike and ride. This brief ride was at the You Yangs, which don't really have much vert up or down. So you'd be forgiven for thinking the Enduro would be a bit of a tank – but it wasn't. Even on mild terrain the bike encourages you to thrash around and find features, and even in longer rock gardens the agility of the short back end makes it easy to switch lines, or just plough.

With both the 650B and 29er to choose from, it's still up to you whether you prefer the handling characeristics of the smaller or bigger wheel. But with 29×2.6" tyres on the way – we know what we'd be choosing.

We're impressed that Specialized were happy to invest in the Enduro again after just one year. Most brands aim to get 3 years out of carbon moulds but Specialized knew they wanted to be the best, not pretty damn good, so worked on the small but significant design changes and got them done – complete with new moulds for all sizes and wheel options.

You can get the 2018 yoke or chip for your 2017 Enduro, but the front triangles are different, so the complete change takes a new bike.

Keep your eyes peeled for pricing from Specialized.

Finer details 

Specialized have also added the Wu-Post to the Enduro. It runs 150mm drop, and has to have a 34.9mm seat tube. So it's pretty exclusive. What's unique though is the 14 degree sadle tilt when compressed. So you drop the post, and the tail drops too.

And how does it feel? Well it's pretty good. The only down side is that it takes up some seatpost real estate. So would you prefer the saddle angle change, or maybe running a 170mm drop post? That's a call you need to make – but kudos to Specialized for pushing for a new design, which will likely work for a lot of people, and makes a point of difference on an already stunning bike.

Another addition is the SWAT multitool that fits in the head tube. Yep, they've got it springloaded into the void. You have your allen keys, chain breaker and a chain link. 

Swivel the top cap and this pops out. Yep, it's spring-loaded.

 

If you were on the fence with the Enduro this year, it's time to jump off and get to a demo day. The Enduro is ideal for the progressive trail riding that is booming right now.