Specialized were arguably one of the first pioneers that opted for 29er enduro bikes a few years ago, and they must have realized that they were onto a good thing, leaving the Enduro 29 unchanged until mid-way through 2016. Last summer they launched the next generation of the Specialized Enduro 29, and we’ve put their entry-level model to test.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
Having reached legendary status, the Specialized Enduro lives up to its name and embodies a lifestyle: leisurely on the ups, fearsomely fast on the downs. With 165 mm of rear travel and 29er wheels, there’s no reason for it to be stopped on the descents. The Enduro 29 Comp retails at € 3,299, which makes it the second cheapest bike on test – and it shows. If you’re looking for some showy bling, then head down to your local jewelers. This bike is all about regular fare: the SRAM NX drivetrain (including a 10 – 42 cassette) provides sufficient gear range, but simply doesn’t shift with as much precision as its pricier counterparts. However, aside from upgrading the seatpost to one with 150 mm drop, it’s hard to fault the Enduro 29 – everything works as it should.
The Specialized Enduro 29 Comp has all the traits of a Specialized with a comfortable riding position and an immediate sense of being right at home on the bike, which lends itself to long days in the saddle. While it’s the heaviest bike on test at 14.47 kg, the weight is easy to overlook as the bike handles so well on both climbs and descents. The Enduro 29 Comp steers superbly and keeps balanced at high speeds.
The chainstays on this iteration are now longer at 432 mm, and the 66° head angle is fairly slack for 29er, so these elements contribute to stability and tracking at speed. It inspired more confidence in the test riders than any other bike on test, enticing us to pick the most radical lines. The suspension is responsive and supple, soaking up hits of any size without an issue.
The Specialized Enduro 29 Comp in detail
Fork RockShox Yari RC 160 mm
Shock RockShox Monarch Plus 155 mm
Brakes SRAM GUIDE R
Drivetrain SRAM NX
Seatpost Specialized Command Post IRCC
Stem Specialized Trail 50 mm
Handlebar Specilized DH 780 mm
Tires Specialized Butcher Grid / Specialized Slaughter Grid
Wheelset Roval Traverse 29
The Specialized Enduro was never known for durable bearings, but the brand claim to have improved the situation by using the same size bearings across the board, which means you won’t have to buy any expensive bearing kits just for the odd replacement.
No more incorrectly set up suspension: those new to Specialized have often suffered at the hands of the rear shock, but the new Autosag valve should simplify setting up and guarantee a better ride.
Many brands fall prey to the mistake of overly large chainrings on 1x setups, making steep climbs a nightmare for those less fit riders out there. Specialized have gone for a 28t chainring, which is a great choice for the big wheels.
Right now the Specialized Enduro 29 has a Command Post seatpost with 125 mm of adjustment. It is fixed with a shim in a seat tube that is actually intended for a thicker seatpost, so we’re excited to see whether Specialized may be launching something else in the future.
Die Geometrie des Specialized Enduro 29
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 396 mm | 430 mm | 468 mm | 523 mm |
| Top Tube [A] | 555 mm | 575 mm | 600 mm | 625 mm |
| Head Angle [D] | 66 ° | 66 ° | 66 ° | 66 ° |
| Seat Angle [B] | 76.5 ° | 76.5 ° | 76.5 ° | 76.5 °° |
| Chainstays [C] | 432 mm | 432 mm | 432 mm | 432 mm |
| BB Drop [J] | 19 mm | 19 mm | 19 mm | 19 mm |
| Wheelbase [E] | 1159 mm | 1179 mm | 1205 mm | 1231 mm |
| Reach [G] | 410 mm | 430 mm | 450 mm | 470 mm |
| Stack [H] | 609 mm | 609 mm | 622 mm | 636 mm |
| Wheel Size [F] | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ |
Conclusion
The Specialized doesn’t come with the loudest or most high-end spec, but the brand have the handling dialed in. None of the other bikes on test demonstrate as much balance, composure, or incitement for a good time. A well-deserved victory! (Plus, as it falls so short under budget, there’s still some cash for some upgrades if desired!)
Strengths
– Pushes your confidence
– Agile yet stable
– Super-comfortable
Weaknesses
– Budget spec
– Heavy (but easy to overlook)
For more info head to: specialized.com!
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
All bikes in test: Bergamont ENCORE 9.0 | Canyon Strive CF 7.0 Race | Giant Reign 1.5 LTD | Merida ONE-SIXTY 5000 | Propain Tyee CF Free | Radon SWOOP 170 10.0 | Rose UNCLE JIMBO 3 | Trek Remedy 9 Race Shop Limited | VOTEC VE ELITE 2017 | YT CAPRA CF PRO
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