Preview Issue #015 | Are Enduro Bikes really as versatile as we think?

18.02.2015
by

No question: enduro bikes are extremely versatile machines. But is there anything behind the marketing claims like “this bike climbs like a XC machine and descends like a downhill bike”? We set off to Finale Ligure to find out. You’ll find the results and the full story in issue #015 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

A total of six bikes were in our luggage as we set off to Italy in order to measure the brand new Canyon Strive CF representing the enduro bike class against experts from each other bike category. The question we wanted answering: how versatile is an enduro bike really? We were: test rider Jens, photographer and tester Christoph accompanied by Sebastian from SPORTident who helped to support our test impressions with hard facts.

Die Testbikes stehen bereit um in ihrer Paradedisziplin gegen das Canyon Strive CF anzutreten
The test bikes are ready to take on the Canyon Strive CF in their respective special disciplines.

The bikes, which the Canyon Strive CF had to prove itself against, were:

  • XC-Bike: BMC Fourstroke FS01 XX1
  • Trail bike: Yeti SB5C
  • Freeride-Bike: Scott Voltage FR 710
  • Downhill bike: Specialized S-Works Demo
Vor jeder gezeiteten Runde wurden die Bikes penibel an die Vorlieben der Tester angepasst
Before each timed run the bikes were meticulously adjusted to the individual preferences of the test rider
Ausgestattet mit den Transpondern von SPORTident ging es mit den Bikes auf die Strecke
Equipped with SPORTident transponders we set off on the test track. This enabled us to measure exact times to hundredths of a second

In Finale Ligure we didn’t just find top weather conditions but also the perfect tracks for the different duals. Part of a 24 hr racecourse served as scene for the XC against enduro comparison. The legendary Varigotti downhill was where we tested the downhill performance of the Specialized Demo both with times measured down to hundredths of a second. For the freeride and trail bike comparisons fun was a bigger factor than time. How does an enduro bike measure up on flow trails? How confident does it feel flying over big jumps? We found out.

Mit Vollgas über den Racetrack des 24h Rennen. Die Strecke haben wir in mehrere Sektoren unterteil und Zwischenzeiten genommen.
Full speed on the 24 hr racetrack. We divided the course up into several sections and measured the intervals.
Jens gibt mit dem BMC Fourstroke FS01 Vollgas
Jens at full speed aboard the BMC Fourstroke FS01
Vor dem Start noch einmal den Helm festziehen ...
Make sure the helmet is tight before setting off…….
... und dann mit Highspeed auf den Downhill-Track
… and then hit the downhill track at high speed
Mensch und Material am Limit
Rider and bike at the limit
Am Ende jedes Runs wurden die Zeiten ausgelesen
At the end of each run the times were recorded
Kann es das Enduro mit dem Downhillbike aufnehmen? Sebastian weiß es bereits, ihr erfahrt es in der Ausgabe #015
Can an enduro bike take on a downhiller? Sebastian already knows, you’ll find out in issue #015
Top Wetter, geniale Trails und feinstes Essen - Finale Ligure ist immer eine Reise wert
Top weather, awesome trails and finest cuisine – Finale Ligure is always worth a visit
In den Wintermonaten ist der Ort an der Mittelmeerküste wie ausgestorben - etwas leckeres zu essen haben wir aber dennoch gefunden
In the winter months the Mediterranean town is a little bit deserted – but we still always managed to find tasty food

Jens takes you on the downhill test track:

Find out the exciting results of our comparative test in issue #015 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine – download it from 23.02 as always digital and free

Words & Pictures: Christoph Bayer

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