Grouptest: EWS Race Bikes - Specialized S-Works Enduro 29

“How could we make a bike like this better?” These were the words of the Specialized boys when we asked them why the bike they had given us was the same as the standard model on sale. They were right, of course. At first glance there was no obvious way to improve a bike like this with such a great spec. 12.4 kg total weight, 160mm travel, and 29” wheels speak for themselves.

Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 (1 von 13) — It’s mainly the downhill performance that counts today.

2‘01.31 — The Specialized impressed us downhill at the stage with a stunning time of 2’01.31.

The rider sits centrally and compactly on the Enduro 29, and the Climb Switch on the Cane Creek Double Barrel shock makes pedaling uphill relaxed and efficient.

On the race course this bike displays real toughness. The rear suspension and RockShox Pike hug the ground and filter out even the smallest bumps with ease. This and the big 29” wheels create enormous stability. If you fail to hit the ideal line, the bike just rolls over the new obstacles without a murmur. This is especially advantageous in races where you have to react spontaneously to the course.

Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 (4 von 13)

The suspension may be super-responsive, but it remains high in its travel and provides the rider with good feedback about the terrain at all times. The rear is very linear, but has enough progression at the end of the travel to avoid excessive bottom-outs.

It is now clear to most people that 29” wheels don’t have to result in sluggish handling, but the Specialized Enduro 29 surprised us again and again with its agility and maneuverability. This is in no small part due to the short 430mm chain stays. The bike impressed us with its balanced and intuitive ride qualities in both fast,
hard sections and tight turns equally.

Only the cockpit of the test bike must take some criticism. The relatively narrow 720mm bars, brakes without adjustable stroke controls, and the slightly overlong stem didn’t go down well with any of our testers. Tires with a bit more cushioning would also help to keep the bike stable in high speed sections. Minimalists who like to start with as little equipment as possible will love the new SWAT system, which lets you put all the tools you need directly onto the frame.

Request program. The Cane Creek Double Barrel shock gives the rider the perfect opportunity to set up his bike the way he wants it. Whether using the separate high and low speed compression and rebound damping, or by reducing the volume of the air chamber, the adjustment possibilities know no bounds. — Request program: The Cane Creek Double Barrel shock gives the rider the perfect opportunity to set up his bike the way he wants it. Whether using the separate high and low speed compression and rebound damping, or
by reducing the volume of the air chamber, the adjustment possibilities know no bounds.

SWAT. Storage, Water, Air and Tools is what the new Specialized SWAT system stands for, and it ensures that the rider always has the necessary tools even without a rucksack. The clever construction makes life easier and this is why we awarded the SWAT system the Design and Innovation Award 2014 in Barcelona. — SWAT: Storage, Water, Air and Tools is what the new Specialized SWAT system stands for, and it ensures that the rider always has the necessary tools even without a rucksack. The clever construction makes life easier and this is why we awarded the SWAT system the Design and Innovation Award 2014 in Barcelona.

Sorely missed. The otherwise perfect Avid Elixir X0 Trail brakes could do with a stroke adjuster to enable them to suit different personal tastes. — Sorely missed: The otherwise perfect Avid Elixir X0 Trail brakes could do with a stroke adjuster to enable them to suit different personal tastes.

Perfect placement. The adjustment lever of the Specialized
Command Post dropper also serves as the locking ring on the grip and is thus perfectly placed for the rider to reach. — Perfect placement: The adjustment lever of the Specialized
Command Post dropper also serves as the locking ring on the grip and is thus perfectly placed for the rider to reach.

The Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 is available for 7.999 EUR.

Conclusion: The Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 is impressive in all respects. Its first class suspension and superb handling enthused all of our testers. With one or two small changes in the spec, the bike has the ability to reach the top step of the podium.

Go back to the article: Grouptest: Enduro World Series Bikes

You can read an in-depth feature about the EWS Race Bike test and our conclusions in the ENDURO issue #010! As usual it’s free & only digital for iPad, Android-Tablets and Online-Viewer: Issue #010.

Text & Photos Christoph Bayer

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Grouptest: EWS Race Bikes – Specialized S-Works Enduro 29

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