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Common Ground News

What is the best bike for enduro?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on March 03, 2026

What is the best bike for enduro?

We have highlighted seven of the best enduro MTBs on the market in 2021, based on their reliability, pedigree and versatility.
  1. Commencal Meta AM 29.
  2. Forbidden Druid.
  3. Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon.
  4. Specialized Enduro.
  5. Nukeproof Mega Carbon 290.
  6. Pivot Firebird 29.
  7. Yeti SB 150 T Series.

Similarly, what should I look for in an Enduro bike?

Next to suspension travel, geometry is the biggest thing to look for in an enduro bike. A slack head angle is standard for confidence in steep terrain while a steep seat tube angle is important so that the bike still has some climbing capability and keeps the rider's weight centered and not too far back.

Also, what is the difference between a trail bike and Enduro? Wheelbase is where we see a big difference between trail and enduro bikes. The average 27.5″ enduro bike has a wheelbase 40mm longer than a 27.5″ trail bike, and 29″ enduro bikes are 43mm longer, on average. That's a difference of over 1.5″ in length which has an enormous impact on handling.

Keeping this in view, are Enduro bikes good for climbing?

Enduro bikes are even more capable on the descents. They take big hits in their stride and let you conquer the roughest terrain with ease. Climbs are no problem on enduro bikes, but they're only a means to an end.

What are enduro bikes for?

Enduro combines elements of all racing disciplines from the physical fitness necessary for cross-country racing, the mental stamina necessary for XC-style stage races and the bike-handling skills to navigate technical gravity-fed singletrack.

Should I buy enduro or trail bike?

Longer, lower and slacker than both XC and Trail bikes, Enduro bikes are all about enjoying the downs. A longer reach figure allows the rider to get lower on technical descents whereas a Trail bike rivaling seat tube angle ensures that riders can climb the up trail with ease for another lap.

Should I get an enduro or trail bike?

For most riding, a trail bike rides fine, if you want to cover the spectrum of riding INCLUDING stuff that is straight "DH" riding (where people will do shuttle runs), then an enduro bike kind of makes sense IMO.

Is a 450 a good starter bike?

Can A 450 Be A Beginner Bike? The short answer is maybe. For those riders in the unique position of returning to riding after a long time off of a bike, have street skills, or perhaps is a mountain bike enthusiast, a 450, in particular this RMX450Z, can be just the right beginner bike.

Is 120mm travel enough for Enduro?

120mm bikes generally seemed to be big XC bikes, fast and efficient with enough travel to keep you out of trouble on the downs. Even the newest Enduro only has 15mm more travel. Newer bikes might be better and more developed, but they're not really making a new genre of bike/riding.

Is 100mm fork travel enough?

I'd say that if you're happy with your 120mm 26″ hardtail then a 100mm 29er FS is going to feel very plush in comparison. That said, there are some good 120mm+ 29ers out there now – it's all a compromise as ever – the more travel, the heavier and typically less efficient climbers they'll be. yes, it's plenty.

Is 140mm enough for Enduro?

140mm trail mountain bikes is a tough bracket to characterise. On one hand you could say that these bikes are a bit too fragile for enduro duties but a bit too burly to be fun at trail centres or on back country romps. For us, a 140mm ride is simply a trail bike with bite.

Is 150mm travel enough for Enduro?

An enduro bike is basically a mountain bike with at least 150mm of suspension travel. They're built for the rigours of racing full-bore downhill whilst being sufficiently efficient on climbs and contouring trails too.

Are KTM parts more expensive?

KTM parts are much less expensive than say Suzuki. And I actually believe the KTM shops do a better job at stocking the parts that most people need. thats because KTM makes there bikes smart,the same shift levers,rear brake levers,cables,fenders etc,they share alot of parts from 125 to 300's.

Can I use a downhill bike for enduro?

Certain people have started to ask: in the age of enduro is there any life left in the downhill bike? The answer of course is yes, it's a stupid question and, as capable as they are, you simply can't ride an enduro bike as fast or as hard as a downhill rig.
2: Enduro Bikes

It is similar to the Motocross Bikes in appearance and it is a road-legal motocross bike. These bikes have turn signals, mirror, lights, number plates and silencers. These bikes are not suitable for long-distance travel because of less comfort.

What's the difference between downhill and enduro?

Enduro mountain biking is a newer and evolving form of riding. These bikes are created for darting downhill as fast as possible. Unlike downhill bikes, they do have a dropper post. The handles for these bikes are steeper, much steeper.

Why are mountain bikes so expensive?

Mountain bikes are expensive because of the use of high-quality components and technology, some MTB's go up to $13,000. In order to keep your ride safe, you'll need proper bike parts that are durable and can take a beating.

What is the lightest enduro bike?

Recently-tested enduro bike weights, from heaviest to lightest with size tested
  • Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro 27.5: 14.26kg (S2)
  • NS Bikes Define 150 1: 13.85kg (L)
  • Santa Cruz Hightower CC X01 Reserve: 13.7kg (M)
  • Intense Primer S Pro: 13.67kg (L)
  • Mondraker Foxy Carbon XR: 13.52kg (M)
  • Scott Genius 900 Tuned: 13kg (L)

What is the fastest enduro bike?

Why don't we mention the bikes' prices?
BikeWeightTravel/h
Specialized S-Works Enduro Team Edition (Click for review)15.89 kg170/170 mm
Trek SLASH 9.9 2021 (Click for review)14.70 kg170/160 mm
Yeti SB150 Team (Click for review)15.56 kg170/150 mm
YT CAPRA Elite 29 (Click for review)15.40 kg170/170 mm

Is all mountain the same as Enduro?

all-mountain bikes are the centerpiece of the race format called “Enduro,” where climbing is necessary, but only the downhill sections are timed and scored on. Long wheelbase and reach, low bottom bracket and slack head angle are key terms when talking about modern all mountain/enduro geometry.

Is 160mm travel too much for trail riding?

160mm of travel is only really needed if you're hitting big hucks, or you're smashing really long bouldery fast descents. I ride Inners DH trails, golfie, etc regularly, and I don't need 160mm of travel at all. We've all drank and 160mm Enduro bike Koolaid, and its good, but could be better.

Can you use a downhill bike for trails?

if your strong and you set your mind to it, You can actually ride a DH bike uphill and for trail riding. You just will sacrifice some speed for climbing and it will not be as fun on the climbs. DH bike has different geometery and is usually much heavier.

Can you jump a trail bike?

The short answer is that you can probably do up to 2 foot jumps along the trails and be fine on a good quality xc bike. If the jump is too big on downhill, just go around it or slow down a little so the bike lives to ride another day. If it's a big drop, just take a path around it and enjoy the rest of the course.

What does Enduro mean in English?

stressing endurance rather than speed

What's the difference between XC and Enduro?

Enduro tracks are more technical than XC which involves bigger drops and jump sections to fuel your adrenaline thirst. Enduro riders generally choose full-suspension bikes with larger width tires, longer rear suspension travel and longer front suspension travel.