While mountain biking comes in many flavours - from slopestyle with its tricks and judged disciplines to the big-mountain Red Bull Rampage huckfests - one discipline that has really taken off over recent years is enduro racing. Downhill racing requires balls of steel and deep pockets - all those broken bike parts don't pay for themselves - while cross-country is largely about fitness and isn't everyone's cup of tea. But anyone with a decent trail bike and stamina to ride their local trails can have a bash at enduro.
Enduro is big business too with a world series and sponsored riders galore. Never to be left out, Specialized have just announced the roster for a brand new enduro team to take on 2019 events. With experienced riders side-lined or retired, we've gone all-in with young talent. It might look a risky strategy, but we're talking some serious talent. Irishman Killian Callaghan already has an U21 Enduro World Series World Championship under his belt, while Switzerland's Maxime Chapuis has been taking top 20 spots at the EWS despite only switching from downhill two years ago. Finally, 17-year old French wonder kid Francescu-Maria Camoin is already putting in top 20 performances despite racing four years below the age limit for his category.
Specialized's 2019 Enduro range
So, what will our young talent be riding? Enduro racing is the one discipline in which riders compete on the bikes we ride every day and which are suitable for everyday trail riding -capable of going up the hill just as well as flying back down the other side. Enduro requires riders to use the same bike, as well as wheels, forks and brakes, for the whole race. So enduro bikes need to be robust all-rounders, a true master of all trades, able to take a beating and come back for more.
Specialized have taken their years of experience and put it all into their 2019 Enduro line. Lightweight and with plenty of travel, the 2019 range climbs as easy as it descends, inspiring you to explore wherever you want to. Each bike is available in both 27.5" and 29er set-up throughout the range.
The 2019 Enduro Comp shows that there's still a lot of love for aluminium-framed senders. The more than capable M5 aluminium frame copies the frame geometry found on its more pricey carbon brothers, resulting in a stable, nimble and super-snappy trail bike. The 170mm of RockShox-designed travel (160mm on the 29er) on the stock machines can take on big hits and bumpy terrain with supreme speed and efficiency, while the RockShox Monarch Plus rear shock houses a 3-position compression adjustment along with a rebound adjustment.
A SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM Guide R brakes, Roval wheels and bombproof Butcher GRID tyres mean this is one hell of a trail slayer. We have the Enduro Comp 27.5 in store - come down and check it out.
{:B2195}
The 2019 Enduro Elite steps things up a little, with the strength and lighter weight of FACT 9m carbon fibre used for the front triangle. The back end is constructed of M5 aluminium - trail capable, responsive and built to last. Again, this model is available in 27.5" or 29er geometry, so you can dial in the bike to the exact demands of your local trails. With a Fox Rhythm 36 front shock and DPX2 rear, SRAM GX Eagle gearing and Code R brakes, there's nothing the Enduro Elite can't handle.
The 2019 Enduro Pro is all about peak performance - an awesome long travel machine with components to match. Incredibly stable at speed over the roughest of terrain while staying compliant and keeping its renowned frame stiffness, we just know you will love this bike.
The 2019 Enduro World Series kicks off in March and we'll be eagerly awaiting the arrival of our all-new Specialized Factory Racing Team. We're sure the young and multi-national squad are going to shred, skid and speed their way to many a success as the season ripens.
All this talk about enduro - and the Enduro, of course - has got us seriously excited. Tree-topping spec for hammering descents and ruling the whole mountain, this beauty will put a massive smile on your face every time you ride it, wherever you ride it. If you want to come into one of our stores to ask about any of the bikes in the range, our team will always be happy to help.
