Everything about the SCOTT Ransom hints at a love for speed – 29 “wheels, 170 mm travel, and a 64.5° head angle. Surprisingly, on the trail the bike turns out to be one of the most versatile of the competition. Our test reveals why that is. For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | 170/170 mm (f/r) | 13.53 kg | € 7,599 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); In the past, this bike was a classic in SCOTT’s portfolio, but over the last few years, things have been very quiet around the SCOTT Ransom. Now it’s back, but apart from the name, this reincarnation has little in common with its predecessor. The pull-shock has given way to a FOX Nude with TwinLoc technology. The progression of the shock can also be adjusted via a small lever without the need for tools. At the front, you’ve got a FOX 36 Factory Performance fork, which can also be locked out via the TwinLoc remote. As has become typical for SCOTT, our top-of-the-range € 7,599 model features their futuristic Syncros Hixon iC Rise cockpit. The componentry is rounded off with a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, a 150 mm FOX Transfer dropper seat post and Syncros Revelstoke 1.5 wheels. Most noticeable are the big 29 x 2.6″ wide MAXXIS Minion DHF tires. Thanks to a flip-chip in the rocker link, the Ransom is available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. Weighing in at 13.53 kg, it was also one of the lightest bikes in the group test. The SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned in detail Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 170 mm Shock FOX NUDE TR EVOL Trunnion 170 mm Brakes SRAM Code RSC Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle Seatpost FOX Transfer 150 mm Handlebar & Stem Syncros Hixon iC Rise 780 mm Wheels Syncros Revelstoke 1.5 29″ Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF 2.6″ Weight 13.53 kg Price € 7,599 SuboptimalSCOTT has managed to neatly integrate all the levers. Unfortunately, the dropper post lever we used most often is difficult to reach. SilentThe chainstay guard effectively quietens the chain, making the bike ride very quietly! Too wide?The 2.6″ wide MAXXIS Minion DHF lacks puncture protection. We would rather resort to the slightly narrower 2.5 WT variant. For really gnarly riding, we’d go for a tire with the Double-Down casing. Ramp it up!The progression on the Ransom’s shock can be adjusted via a small lever. We liked the more progressive setup most. It offers more support and ensures a balanced weight distribution. Very prettyThe Syncros Hixon iC Rise Cockpit looks futuristic and if the dimensions suit your preferences, it’s awesome. Some of our testers prefer less backsweep and would replace the handlebar and stem. The geometry of the SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned Size S M L XL Seat tube 420 mm 440 mm 470 mm 500 mm Top tube 571 mm 604 mm 635 mm 671 mm Head tube 100 mm 100 mm 115 mm 130 mm Head angle 64.5° 64.5° 64.5° 64.5° Seat angle 75° 75° 75° 75° Chainstays 438 mm 438 mm 438 mm 438 mm BB Drop 22 mm 22 mm 22 mm 22 mm Wheelbase 1183 mm 1216 mm 1249 mm 1289 mm Reach 406 mm 440 mm 467 mm 500 mm Stack 614 mm 614 mm 628 mm 641 mm Helmet Fox Rampage | Goggle 100% Accuri | Jersey ION Tee LS Traze Amp | Shorts ION Bikeshorts Traze Amp | Knee pads ION K-Pact The SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned on the trail You can immediately feel the bike’s weight, or lack thereof, as you get on to it. The Ransom accelerates extremely quickly, willingly sprinting forward. The sitting position is perfect and with the TwinLoc system in traction control mode, the Ransom climbs more efficiently than many trail bikes. We would prefer it if only the shock got locked out and the fork remained fully open. A little bit of extra comfort would have been especially helpful on very steep and technical climbs, as would the steeper seat tube angle you would get with slightly more sag in the fork. Once you open the suspension from the bar remote, the rear end is very sensitive and plush on the trail. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); From trans-alpine adventures to days in the bike park – the Ransom is ready for everything! We preferred the setting with more progression on the shock. The rear suspension stays higher in its travel that way, providing more support when dropping off ledges and better overall balance on the bike. The SCOTT changes direction with speed and precision. Unfortunately, in corners and in demanding terrain you feel like you are perched on top of the bike rather than being integrated with it. This could be due to the relatively high bottom bracket, which means the Ransom lacks some composure and makes it harder for the rider to get enough grip in open corners. With heavier and sturdier tires you could improve the stability by adding more rotating mass, and you would also significantly reduce the likelihood of punctures – the thin-walled 2.6″ tires really can’t handle much. However, with heavier tires, the bike loses its climbing prowess. Tuning tip: Deactivate the TwinLoc on the fork | Heavier, tougher tires | If necessary, adjust the cockpit to your preferences Conclusion The SCOTT Ransom is one of the most versatile bikes in this group test thanks to its TwinLoc system and low weight. However, climbing performance comes at the cost of downhill capability. If you really want to ride the Ransom hard, we recommend investing in the added weight of sturdier tires. TopsVery versatileEfficient climberIntuitive and calm on the descentsFlopsLacking composureLight + wide tires = punctures UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: scottsports.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned 2019 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

The Trek Slash seems to be a permanent fixture in our group tests and we look forward to testing it every time. For 2019, Trek has specced the bike with very high-end componentry. Will that be enough to catapult the now somewhat dated frame back to the top? For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Trek Slash 9.9 | 160/150 mm (f/r) | 13.26 kg | € 7,499 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); The Trek Slash was one of the first proper 29″ enduro bikes and it’s got a huge fan base. Although the frame itself has not changed since its launch in 2016, Trek updated the bike last year with their Thru-Shaft shock, developed in cooperation with Penske Racing. For the new season, the Slash now comes with lots of top-notch componentry. The € 7,499 top-end model features a sensitive FOX Factory GRIP2 fork and sturdy Shimano XT four-piston brakes. Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM GX/X01 Eagle drivetrain, and a set of lightweight Bontrager Line Carbon 30 wheels directly translate the rider’s power into forward propulsion. The Bontrager Line dropper seat post has been redesigned and now offers 150 mm travel. The Slash is also available in two colour options for 2019 – a svelte matte-black like our test bike or the colourful Miami paint job. The Trek Slash 9.9 in detail Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 160 mm Shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 Thru Shaft 150 mm Brakes Shimano Deore XT Vierkolben Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle Seatpost Bontrager Line 150 mm Stem Bontrager Line Pro 50 mm Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon 780 mm Wheels Bontrager Line Carbon 30 29″ Tires Bontrager SE4 Team Issue 2.4″ Weight 13.26 kg Price € 7,499 Lots of tractionWith Trek’s Thru Shaft shock, the piston rod moves downward through the shock during compression. As a result, no oil is displaced and it doesn’t need a reservoir. Fewer pressure seals also significantly reduce the amount of friction in the system. Top classThe matte-black frame with its clean lines still looks amazing. AnnoyingThe Knock Block prevents the fork from damaging the down tube but it also makes it difficult to load the bike into the back of your vehicle. It’s more of an annoyance than a feature to us. A lot of powerThe Shimano XT four-piston brake convinces with lots of power and reliability. However, you must bleed them meticulously, otherwise, the bite point becomes inconsistent. THe geometry of the Trek Slash 9.9 Size 15.5″ 17.5″ 19.5″ 21.5″ Top tube 590 mm 605 mm 635 mm 661 mm Head tube 100 mm 100 mm 110 mm 125 mm Head angle 65.6/65.1° 65.6/65.1° 65.6/65.1° 65.6/65.1° Seat angle 74.1/ 73.6° 74.1/ 73.6° 74.1/ 73.6° 74.1/ 73.6° Chainstays 433/434 mm 433/434 mm 433/434 mm 433/434 mm BB hight 352/345 mm 352/345 mm 352/345 mm 352/345 mm Wheelbase 1171/1172 mm 1186/1187 mm 1219/1219 mm 1247/1248 mm Reach 416/410 mm 431/430 mm 459/445 mm 481/475 mm Stack 608/612 mm 608/612 mm 618/628 mm 631/635 mm Helmet Giro Switchblade | Goggle ETHEN ZEROQUATTRO | Shirt POC Raceday Jersey | Shorts POC Resistance DH Shorts | Shoes Specialized 2FO Cliplite The Trek Slash 9.9 on the trail In times when bikes are getting longer and longer, the 445 mm reach of the Slash seems somewhat outdated. But within the first few meters, it convinced our testers with one thing in particular, its balance. The balance of the bike is spot on despite the short reach and the weight distribution between the wheels is excellent. Riding input gets converted with immediate precision by the stiff bike. On tight trails, the Slash manoeuvres around corners with ease. However, when things get fast and bumpy, it takes a strong rider to keep the bike on track. The suspension works fine, but it is tuned rather firmly. If you ride actively and pump the bike, it will let you quickly build up a lot of speed. However, for those who are less fit, the bike will quickly tire you out. Through its firm and direct setup, the Slash rewards active riders with plenty of speed. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); The Slash accelerates very quickly out of corners and when you get on the pedals. In steep terrain, it remains unphased and due to the short front triangle, you can easily get your weight over the rear wheel. Despite the low weight of 13.26 kg, climbing with the Slash isn’t much fun because of the extremely slack seat tube angle. Despite shifting the saddle as far forward as it will go, the rider’s position is far over the rear wheel and you have to drop your upper body on steep climbs to shift your centre of gravity more to the front. Tuning tip: Push the saddle all the way to the front Conclusion The Trek Slash is still a very good Enduro bike, scoring points for the excellent suspension and balanced handling. In the meantime, however, it’s noticeable that the geometry has become dated. The top-end version is specced with lots of carbon components which results in a rather harsh and demanding ride on fast descents. TopsDirect, lively handlingSuper stylish lookCan be ridden activelyFlopsDemands a lot of energy from the driverUncomfortable climbing position UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: trekbikes.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Trek Slash 9.9 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

The Pivot Firebird 29 makes a compelling case for us to sell our kidneys to buy one. But before making an appointment with a shady backstreet doctor, you should read our review – this bike is not for everyone! For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | 170/162 mm (f/r) | 13.66 kg | € 10,899 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); Eddie Masters had some notable successes in the EWS onboard the Pivot Firebird 29 last year. Pivot designed this looker of a bike to take on the roughest trails, equipping it with a plush 162 mm of travel at the rear and a 170 mm travel fork. As with all of Pivot’s full suspension bikes, it relies on DW-Link suspension kinematics and the overall quality and finishing is superb. From the cable guides to the chainstay protector, the attention to detail on this bike is impeccable! However, for the hefty price tag of €10,899, you wouldn’t expect any less. That price also means that Pivot specs this bike with only the finest parts. The SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, FOX Factory suspension and Reynolds carbon wheels with Industry Nine hubs are enough to make our palms sweat. We were less thrilled with the weak SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes. However, for next year, Pivot is speccing the more powerful SRAM CODE RSC. We weren’t fans of the PadLoc grips either. The soft compound results in the handling feeling a bit vague. The Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 in detail Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP 2 170 mm Shock Fox Float X2 Performance 162 mm Brakes SRAM CODE RSC Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle Seatpost Kind Shock LEV INTEGRA 150 mm Stem Phoenix Team Enduro 45 mm Handlebar Phoenix Team Carbon 800 mm Wheels Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro/Industry Nine Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/DHR II 29″ x 2.5″/2.4″ Weight 13.66 kg Price € 10,899 Well protectedNot only the chainstays but also the seat stays are effectively protected on the Firebird 29, making for a very quiet bike. Wide and stiffPivot relies on their own Super Boost standard for the rear axle. Unfortunately, this leads to wheel compatibility issues. We also found the increased stiffness to be more of a disadvantage because it makes for a harsher more fatiguing ride on the descents. More sag = more performanceThe suspension of the Firebird 29 is very progressive and offers plenty of mid-stroke support. We found a sag setting of 30% ideal to use the travel effectively. ImprovedIn the past, the rear linkages on Pivot’s bikes’ tended to get scratched, as small stones jammed between the rocker link and the frame. The new protective cover helps solve the problem. The geometry of the Pivot Firebird 29 Size S M L XL Seat tube 394 mm 424 mm 457 mm 495 mm Top tube 594 mm 625 mm 648 mm 671 mm Head tube 95 mm 105 mm 115 mm 125 mm Head angle 65° 65° 65° 65° Seat angle 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° Chainstays 429 mm 429 mm 429 mm 429 mm Wheelbase 1186 mm 1217 mm 1242 mm 1265 mm Reach 429 mm 455 mm 475 mm 495 mm Stack 605 mm 612 mm 622 mm 633 mm Helmet Fox Rampage | Goggle 100% | Jersey Mons Royale Redwood ¾ Raglan Tee | Shorts Giro Venture Shorts II | Knee pads ION K-Pact googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); The Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 on the trail width of 157 mm. This decision has allowed Pivot to design the bike with extra short chainstays. However, that limits the choice of wheels, with 148 mm hubs not being compatible, and we found the wheels fitted quite harsh.. You’ll immediately feel the effect of the short, stiff rear end on the trail. It’s easy to launch the Pivot off of ledges and the steering is lightning fast and very direct. However, the Firebird has to be ridden actively to generate have enough traction on the front wheel – those who don’t will not be able to realise its full potential. The rear suspension performs brilliantly, supportive in the mid-stroke with a lot of progression towards the end. For this reason, you should ride the bike with at least 30% SAG. With the suspension set up that way, the Pivot stays firmly planted on the trail at high speeds and stays composed. In demanding terrain, you can feel the immense stiffness of the frame and the wheels. Some riders will like it, but it will tire you out quicker on rough downhill runs, making the bike less comfortable overall. With the saddle pushed forward, the rider’s position on the Pivot is nicely central and the rear suspension remains relatively neutral while pedalling. Combined with the light wheels, this helps take the sting out of long climbs. Bergauf sitzt man mit nach vorn geschobenem Sattel angenehm zentral auf dem Pivot und der relativ antriebsneutrale Hinterbau mit den leichten Laufrädern nimmt auch langen Uphills den Schrecken. Let’s get loose! With the Pivot, you can really get on the gas – provided you know what you are doing. Tuning tip: More powerful brakes | Less stiff wheels Conclusion The pivot Firebird 29 is a bike with character. It quickly responds to input from the rider and comes to life with an active riding style. With its long front end and plush suspension, it is made for tough, demanding trails. But the short, stiff rear end combined with the stiff carbon wheels can be quite punishing, demanding a very active riding style. TopsCapable rear suspension Poppy Beautiful finishFlopsDemands an active riding style in corners Very stiff chassis Expensive UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: pivotcycles.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

If you think Swiss brand Bold only makes pretty, but conservative bikes, you’re about to learn otherwise. The all-new Bold Unplugged with its radical geometry offers innumerable configuration options – but you need to know what you’re doing! For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Bold Unplugged | 170/165 mm (f/r) | 14.46 kg | € 7,939 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); The Bold Unplugged is unique in several ways. Apart from the integrated shock, you’ll be hard pressed to find another bike that has the same progressive geometry with its countless configuration options or the many smart details as found here. Unlike their previous model, the Linkin Trail, the Unplugged has space for a piggyback shock. Our test bike came fitted with a RockShox Super Deluxe. You’re free to configure the bike however you like in Bold’s online shop. You’ll not only have your choice of different components but you can also customise the geometry. A NEWMEN angleset gives you the choice of three different head angles, and two different flip chips allow you to vary the bottom bracket height and chainstay length into any of four different positions. Bold has refined the details to help facilitate setting up the internal shock, and they’ve given the bike an XXL chainstay protector that wraps all the way round to the non-driveside chainstay. The Bold Unplugged in detail Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory GRIP2 170 mm Shock FOX FLOAT DPS Factory 165 mm Brakes SRAM Code RSC Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle Seatpost Kind Shock LEV 175 mm Stem Race Face Turbine R 32 mm Handlebar Race Face Next R 800 mm Wheels DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline One 29″ Tires MAXXIS Assegain DD 2.5″ Weight 14.46 kg Price € 7,939 VariableThe NEWMEN headset gives you two options: simply turn the cups and you can choose between a 63.3° and 65.9° head angle. Bold also offers a neutral ACROS version, which is exactly in the middle – that’s the one we would choose. SimpleThe SAG indicator on the rocker link makes the setup a lot easier. AdjustableThe chainstay length and bottom bracket height can be varied using the rear axle inserts. Here you’ve got a choice between four different settings. Easy to reachThe air valve and the rebound adjustment lever of the shock are easy to reach thanks to a large, removable cover on the down tube. A small window in the seat tube also provides information about how much travel you’ve used. Carefully thought throughBold has extended the chainstay protector across to the opposite side to protect as much of the chainstays as possible. The geometry of the Bold Unplugged Size S M L Top tube 559 – 565 mm 599 – 605 mm 641 – 647 mm Head tube 90 mm 90 mm 110 mm Head angle 63.3 – 65.9° 63.3 – 65.9° 63.3 – 65.9° Seat angle 75.5 – 77.4° 76.5 – 78.3° 76.5 – 78.3° Chainstay 433 – 444 mm 433 – 444 mm 433 – 444 mm BB height 8.4 – 27.3 mm 8.4 – 27.5 mm 8.7 – 28 mm Wheelbase 1.175 – 1.203 mm 1.226 – 1.254 mm 1.274 – 1302 mm Reach 407 – 424 mm 458 – 475 mm 498 – 514 mm Stack 600 – 612 mm 600 – 612 mm 618 – 631 mm Helmet Giro Switchblade | Goggle 100% Accuri | Jersey Troy Lee Designs Sprint Jersey | Short Troy Lee Designs Ruckus The Bold Unplugged on the trail If you’re approximately 180 cm tall, the riding position on the bike is pleasantly upright and very central. Turning the RockShox TwistLoc locks out the shock, turning the Unplugged into an efficient climber in spite of the heavy MAXXIS Assegai tires. Unfortunately, the 175mm dropper post was too long for our 180 cm tall test riders, even with it fully inserted – we’d advise riders with shorter legs to opt for a 150 mm version in the configurator. Despite heavy Double Down tires, the overall weight of the Unplugged is pretty low at 14.42 kg. Our size L test bike was delivered with the slackest head angle setting and a short, 35 mm stem. Set up this way, it was difficult to get enough weight on the front wheel when riding flatter terrain. Due to the distance from the handlebar to the front wheel and the resulting lack of leverage, the front end can feel a little wobbly at times. Unplugged gives you more choices than a drive-thru! With it, you can definitely keep up with all the geometry trends for the next seven years. You’ll also notice on steep descents that the low cockpit makes you feel exposed, and that massive reach tends to pull the rider forward. A handlebar with significantly more rise, a steeper head angle and a minimally longer stem (45 mm) helped solve the problem. With these adjustments we felt a lot more confident and could ride the bike to its full potential. The rear suspension is very sensitive while offering a lot of support. Due to its length, the bike is extremely composed, though tight sections and quick direction changes, require you to muscle the bike around more than others. If you’re not sure about the frame size, we recommend sizing down. Tuning tip: before ordering the bike, be sure to discuss your preferences with the guys and girls at Bold googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Conclusion The Bold Unplugged is a bike for those who know exactly what they want. It offers an incredible number of configuration options, allowing you to adapt every detail to your exact specifications. And if you’re not sure about something, the competent team at Bold will be happy to help. With the right setup, the Unplugged convinced us with its incredible stability and excellent rear suspension, not to mention the unique design and the attention to detail that the Swiss are known for. Tight, winding trails are not one of its strengths though. TopsHighly customisableIncredibly composedThe frame is packed with clever detailsFlopsProper geometry setup requires in-depth know-howVery low cockpitCumbersome in the long setup UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: boldcycles.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Bold Unplugged 2019 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

What does the Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 have in common with a Porsche 911? Both are classics you’ll easily recognise by their silhouette, and they both come with a hefty price tag. Can the Enduro also keep up with the performance of a Porsche? For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | 160/160 mm (f/r) | 14.00 kg | € 9,799 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); At first glance, little has changed on the Specialized Enduro over the years. The silhouette of the bike has stayed virtually unchanged for years, but Specialized has improved the details year after year, making small improvements every time. In the latest version, the top-end model comes with FOX Factory suspension instead of Öhlins components. You can adjust the geometry of the Enduro via a flip-chip on the shock mount, but we kept it in its standard slack setting. The spec of the Enduro gave us almost no reason for complaint. The SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain and CODE RSC brakes perform without fault. The lightweight Roval carbon wheels are great for day-to-day riding, but it’s almost a shame to hammer them through bike parks. Specialized’s in-house cockpit fits nicely in terms of ergonomics, but unfortunately, the chunky looking stem doesn’t do the bike justice. Our test riders also criticised the Command Post WU dropper post. Although it features a complex mechanism for dropping the back of the saddle, the adjustment range is too small in practice and there is quite a lot of play in the system. The Specialized brand tires convinced us with plenty of grip and low rolling resistance. One of our favourite features is still the SWAT box, letting you store all your trail essentials in the downtube. The Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 in detail Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 160 mm Shock FOX X2 Factory 160 mm Brakes SRAM Code RSC Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle Seatpost Command Post Wu 125/150 mm Stem Specialized Trail 50 mm Handlebar Specialized Carbon 800 mm Wheels Roval Traverse SL 29″ Tires Specialized Butcher GRID 2.6″ Weight 14.00 kg Price € 9,799 Very progressiveIn combination with the FOX FLOAT X2 with its new bottom-out protection, the rear end of the Enduro 29 is very progressive. This makes it difficult to effectively use all of the available travel. Too little“Good idea, bad execution” is our conclusion about the Specialized Command Post WU dropper post. The mechanism for lowering the back of the saddle increases the length of the seat post with less adjustment range. Beauty and The BeastWe immediately fell in love with the integrated tool in the steerer tube, but not the chunky stem. A reason to buy itTo us, the Specialized SWAT box is a revelation. The practical storage compartment makes it unnecessary for you to carry a backpack, so it has an indirect effect on the riding experience. The geometry of the Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 Size S M L XL Top tube 559 mm 584 mm 611 mm 637 mm Head tube 95 mm 95 mm 110 mm 125 mm Head angle 66° 66° 66° 66° Seat angle 76.7° 76.7° 76.5° 76.3° Chainstays 433 mm 433 mm 433 mm 433 mm BB hight 354 mm 354 mm 354 mm 354 mm Wheelbase 1165 mm 1190 mm 1218 mm 1245 mm Reach 415 mm 440 mm 462 mm 483 mm Stack 606 mm 606 mm 619 mm 633 mm Helmet Fox Rampage | Goggle 100% Accuri | Jacket ZIENER EFEN MAN | Shorts Alpinestars Sight Pants The Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 on the trail As with all of Specialized’s bikes, the Enduro hardly takes any getting used to when riding it for the first time. After only a few meters everything feels totally familiar and the handling is intuitive and easy to control through corners. From narrow, winding sections to drawn out berms, you can ride it all as if the bike were on rails and without much effort. Even quick direction changes are easy on the Enduro. As the rider, you feel very integrated with the bike, inspiring you with confidence. The suspension of the Enduro 29 is almost as firm as that of a Porsche 911. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); However, the suspension is rather firm with a lot of progression, which limits its potential. The Enduro lets you quickly reach a certain speed, but if you want to go any faster, the bike becomes challenging to handle. It’s a lot of fun for day to day riding, but racers and those looking for pure speed will get annoyed. Going uphill, the Specialized has no real weak points. Although the seat tube angle could be a bit steeper, if you push the saddle forward, you’ll comfortably be able to master even long climbs. Here the bike easily scores with the acceleration of its light wheels. Tuning tip: Swap seat post | Tougher BLK DMND casing tires Conclusion Having fun comes first with the Specialized Enduro. With its agile handling and progressive suspension, it rides very directly and turns every trail into a massive playground. However, it does have a few weak points in fast, demanding terrain as well as in the componentry spec. Like a Series 911, it’s sexy and fast, but better suited to daily riding rather than the real racetrack. TopsAgile, playful handlingProgressive suspension with a lot of popSWAT box is just awesomeFlopsLess capable in rough terrainToo little travel on the dropper UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: specialized.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 2019 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

How a bike rides depends heavily on the preferences of its designers and often has a lot to do with where a company is based and where it does its testing. Case in point: the COMMENCAL META AM 29 – it’s perfect for the steep, demanding trails of Andorra. For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | 170/160 mm (f/r) | 15.48 kg | € 4,399 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); The COMMENCAL META AM 29 is as stylish as actors dressed up for the Oscars. Not only are the components perfectly colour matched, but the technical features make a hell of a lot of sense too. The linkage driven single-pivot suspension is controlled by a FOX DHX 2 shock and provides 160mm of travel. In front, you’ve got a FOX 36 FLOAT Factory GRIP2 fork offering up 170 mm of travel. The Shimano XT four-piston brakes paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear provide more than enough braking power, no matter how steep the terrain – but be sure to bleed them properly or you might end up with inconsistent bite points. The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain is not high-end, but it performs its task reliably and at a price of € 4,399 we wouldn’t have expected more. The cockpit is from COMMENCAL’s in-house brand, RIDE ALPHA. Whilst it doesn’t look as premium as some offerings the 780 mm bar width and 40 mm stem provide an excellent fit. Unlike the bikes that COMMENCAL sends to its customers, our test bike came fitted with an old Schwalbe Hans Dampf tire with the thin Snake Skin casing. As standard, however, the bike is specced with the latest Schwalbe Hans Dampf with the Super-Gravity casing. And that’s a good thing, as we quickly found out on the trail. The COMMENCAL META AM 29 in detail Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 170 mm Shock RockShox Super Deluxe RCT3 160 mm Brakes Shimano XT Vierkolben Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle Seatpost Kindshox LEV Integra 150 mm Stem RIDE Alpha 40 mm Handlebar RIDE Alpha 780 mm Wheels E13 TRS 29″ Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Hans Dampf 2.35″ Weight 15.48 kg Price € 4,399 € Lots of tractionBy mounting the brake on the chainstay, the rear triangle remains fully active even when braking, generating even more traction – nice! Well silencedThe thick chainstay protector provides a lot of cushioning and effectively quietens chain slap. AnnoyingThe rubber covers came loose on every ride, which then meant the cables rattled around. Commencal need to come up with a better and more effective solution here. Seriously?Pressfit on an aluminium frame? Here we would have preferred a much more service friendly threaded BSA BB. The geometry of the COMMENCAL META AM 29 Size S M L XL Top tube 563 mm 586 mm 619 mm 634 mm Seat tube 105 mm 110 mm 115 mm 120 mm Head angle 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° Sesat angle 76.5° 76.5° 76.5° 76.5° Chainstays 432 mm 432 mm 432 mm 432 mm BB Drop 25 mm 25 mm 25 mm 25 mm Wheelbase 1173 mm 1197 mm 1222 mm 1283 mm Reach 413 mm 435 mm 460 mm 480 mm Stack 604 mm 603 mm 603 mm 603 mm Helmet Troy Lee D3 | Goggle Oakley Crowbar | Jersey ION Scrub_AMP | Short ION Scrub_AMP | Shoes ION Rascal The COMMENCAL META AM 29 on the trail The META 29 is a bike that likes to play hard. The rear triangle is extremely sensitive and effectively filters out even the finest trail chatter. It continues that performance while braking, providing enormous amounts of traction, which you’ll quickly notice with regards to the bike’s stability. In combination with the somewhat short reach (460 mm) and the plush rear end, you tend to ride the META AM from the back. This riding position instils the rider with confidence in steep terrain while making for agile handling in tight sections. Over jumps and ledges, however, the META isn’t easy to get airborne. The rear end absorbs a lot of the rider’s input, offering too little support through high-speed berms. From Andorra for Andorra! The META AM 29 is built for steep, fast trails. This behaviour is more pronounced with the FOX DHX2 than with the Super Deluxe Coil that we’ve tested on the bike in the past. If you prefer a more direct feel, it’s best to use an air shock. It would save some weight too. At 15.48 kg, the META AM is anything but a lightweight and prefers a leisurely climbing pace, but with the help of the climb switch on the shock and the central sitting position, you’ll get there comfortably. For particularly steep climbs, we recommend exchanging the 34T chainring for a 32T. Tuning tip: air shock for more pop and less weight googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Conclusion The COMMENCAL META AM 29 is the perfect bike for anyone looking to spend their summers in bike parks, regularly getting a shuttle and letting it rip on the descents. Due to its super plush suspension, it sticks to the ground and the steeper and faster things get, the bigger the grin on your the face. With the standard FOX DHX 2 shock, the bike isn’t poppy enough for our liking and offers too little support in berms and jumps. Getting to the top of the trail-head with the COMMENCAL under your own steam is really only a means to an end. TopsRear suspension generates a lot of tractionFun and balanced handlingConfidence inspiring in steep sectionsFlopsRear suspension tends to wallowSluggish climberThe quality of the finish UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: commencal-store.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post COMMENCAL META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

The Santa Cruz Nomad proves that geometry never reveals the whole truth about the handling of a bike. Although the individual values are not extreme, this bike’s handling is extraordinary. For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Santa Cruz Nomad CC | 170/170 mm (f/r) | 13.64 kg | € 8,699 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); The attention to detail on the Santa Cruz Nomad is fantastic. No bike in the test field looks as high-quality and features so many smart details. On top of that, you get a lifetime warranty on the frame as well as the bearings. Santa Cruz has given the current Nomad a complete overhaul with significant updates from its predecessor. The biggest changes are in the geometry and the rear suspension. The latter was inspired by its big brother, the V10, promising to perform sensitively and offering a lot of support. The componentry spec is top notch, as you’d expect from Santa Cruz. Our € 8,699 test bike features a SRAM X01 drivetrain and CODE RSC brakes. The suspension consists of a FOX 36 FLOAT GRIP2 fork and a RockShox Super Deluxe shock. Optionally, the Nomad can be fitted with a Super Deluxe coil shock instead. The Santa Cruz Reserve carbon wheels are a particular highlight. They are worth the upgrade cost, offering fantastic acceleration, excellent durability and a good mix of stiffness and flex. The Santa Cruz Nomad X01 in detail Fork FOX 36 Float Performance Elite 170 mm Shock RockShox Super Deluxe RCT 170 mm Brakes SRAM Code RSC Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth Stem Race Face Aeffect R 50mm Handlebar SCB AM Carbon 800 mm Wheels Santa Cruz Reserve 30 Carbon 27,5″ Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF 2.5“/DHR II 2.4″ Weight 13.64 kg Price € 8,699 Stay highWe hardly ever used the low setting on the rear of the Nomad, even on the gnarliest trails. The high-setting is damn low as it is! Somewhat longThe 50 mm stem is a bit too long. As little as 5 mm can make a big difference here. Drop it like it’s hotDThe 170 mm RockShox Reverb dropper seat post gives you a lot of freedom of movement on the bike which is terrific, especially in steep terrain! The best in the test fieldWe aren’t typically fans of carbon wheels, but Santa Cruz has managed to incorporate only the positive qualities of carbon fibre in these rims. Top! The geometry of the Santa Cruz Nomad X01 Size XS S M L XL Seat tube 375 mm 390 mm 420 mm 450 mm 480 mm Top tube 540 mm 573 mm 596 mm 619 mm 653 mm Head tube 90 mm 100 mm 110 mm 120 mm 130 mm Head angle 65° 65° 65° 65° 65° Seat angle 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° Chainstays 430 mm 430 mm 430 mm 430 mm 430 mm BB hight 344 mm 344 mm 344 mm 344 mm 344 mm Wheelbase 1134 mm 1168 mm 1192 mm 1217 mm 1251 mm Reach 390 mm 420 mm 440 mm 460 mm 490 mm Stack 584 mm 593 mm 602 mm 611 mm 620 mm Helmet Troy Lee D3 | Goggle Oakley Crowbar | Jersey ION Scrub_Amp | Short ION Scrub_Amp | Shoes ION Rascal The Santa Cruz Nomad X01 on the trail As soon as you climb onboard the Nomad, the bike knows only one thing – full-speed ahead. Riding the Nomad, you feel as if you are standing a little behind the bottom bracket, which means that it only reveals its full potential at high speeds and on steep slopes. The faster things get, the more the rear end sticks to the ground. It performs very sensitively while offering a lot of mid-stroke support. If you’ve got an active riding style, you will definitely be rewarded by the Nomad. It will build up a lot of speed if you pump it through rollers and if you want to pop off ledges, it will do so playfully. However, open and tight corners are not its favourite terrain. Just gonna send it! The Nomad takes even the biggest jumps in its stride – provided you’ve got the riding technique. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Here, the rider has to constantly shift their centre of gravity to get through with enough grip on the front wheel. Thanks to the small wheels, the bike is easy to control when you’re airborne. If one downhill run isn’t enough, the Nomad will get you back to the top of the trail quickly thanks to its central sitting position, well-judged anti-squat and lightweight wheels. Tuning tip: If necessary, shorten the handlebar slightly and fit a shorter stem Conclusion The Santa Cruz Nomad is a ripper. The rear suspension offers outstanding performance and remains composed in the roughest terrain. It feels very poppy too and provides a lot of mid-stroke support for an active riding style. However, if you don’t actively adjust and shift your weight, you will quickly become a passenger – experienced riders only! TopsVery composedBrilliant suspensionGreat wheelsExtremely quietFlopsCalls for an active riding styleOverkill on flat trails UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: santacruzbicycles.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Santa Cruz Nomad X01 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

We live in crazy times where the geometry of many Enduro bikes has become more extreme than downhill bikes. How do you find out what their limits are? Quite simply, by putting them through the ultimate test. For this group test of 14 Enduro bikes, we pushed ourselves and the bikes to the limit. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); What makes an Enduro bike? Bikes have evolved in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Trail bikes have become more and more potent, while Enduro bikes have become more efficient. Traditional parameters such as travel or wheel size have become irrelevant when defining a bike’s intended use. Nevertheless, the difference between trail and Enduro bikes is relatively easy to explain: Trail bikes are meant to be true all-rounders, mastering every kind of trail, as our group test in issue #036 showed. Enduro bikes are focussed even more on gravity oriented fun. Taking big hits in their stride, they let you conquer the roughest terrain with style and speed. Even full-on downhill tracks shouldn’t phase them. Compared to Trail bikes, Enduro bikes are better able to carry speed through rough terrain. Conversely, on flowy, flat trails, Enduro bikes often feel overpowered and lack the nimble excitement of a good Trail bike. The testing grounds To expose the full potential of the test field, we rode the bikes on a varied selection of trails. We challenged them to fast laps of our home-trails in the foothills of the Alps and travelled to the Sanremo bike resort in the Mediterranean to thoroughly push the bikes to their limits. Guiding us, we had the Italian enduro veteran Manuel Ducci. We rode the bikes on back-to-back laps of the rugged Due Muri trail in Sanremo. After a high-speed top section with open corners, rock-slabs, terraces and huge compressions, the demanding lower part of the trail offered up steep slopes, drops, rock gardens and tight hairpin bends. For a bike to come out on top it had to perform flawlessly everywhere, it wouldn’t suffice to perform well on only one section of the trail. The riders Our team for this group test consisted of five riders with different backgrounds and preferences. Gregor is a former BMX pro and just the man to test the bikes’ jumping qualities. Felix and Markus are both passionate enduro racers regularly going between the tapes at EWS races. Instead of racing against the clock, Fred and Christoph ride purely to have a good time, so they both attach a lot of importance to having the most balanced handling possible. The bikes We compared a whopping 14 bikes in this test, more than ever before. Not only did the bikes differ in wheel size, but also in the amount of travel on offer, and most of all in geometry. From bikes with supposedly more conservative geometries to radical concepts like the Bold Unplugged or the Pole MACHINE, our test field could not have been more diverse. If you were to build an average bike from the contenders, it would have a reach of 472.6 mm, a head angle of 64.9°, it would cost € 7,287.63 and roll on 28.67″ wheels – did we just come up with the ultimate new wheel size standard? Bike Price Weight**All bikes in size L Travel (f/r) Wheel size Bold Unplugged € 7,939 14.46 kg 170/165 mm 29″ Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team € 5,499 14.26 kg 170/150 mm 29″ Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE € 4,399 15.48 kg 170/160 mm 29″ Giant Reign Advanced 0 € 7,399 13.42 kg 170/160 mm 27.5″ Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate € 5,999 14.56 kg 160/160 mm 29″ Nukeproof Mega 275c RS € 4,799 14.18 kg 170/165 mm 27.5″ Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 € 8,899 14.18 kg 160/150 mm 29″ Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 € 10,899 13.66 kg 170/162 mm 29″ Pole Machine EN € 7,300 14.84 kg 180/160 mm 29″ Santa Cruz Nomad CC € 8,699 13.64 kg 170/170 mm 27.5″ Scott Ransom 900 Tuned € 7,599 13.53 kg 170/170 mm 29″ Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 € 9,799 14.00 kg 160/160 mm 29″ Trek Slash 9.9 € 7.499 13.26 kg 160/150 mm 29″ YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race € 5,299 14.54 kg 170/170 mm 29″ ø € 7,287 ø 14.01 kg Bold Unplugged | 170/165 mm | 14.46 kg | € 7,939 Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | 170/150 mm | 14.26 kg | € 5,499 Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | 170/160 mm | 15.48 kg | € 4,399 Giant Reign Advanced 0 | 170/160 mm | 13.42 kg | € 7,399 Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | 160/160 mm | 14.56 kg | € 5,999 Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | 170/165 mm | 14.18 kg | € 4,799 Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | 160/150 mm | 14.18 kg | € 8,899 Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | 170/162 mm | 13.66 kg | € 10,899 Pole Machine EN | 180/160 mm | 14.84 kg | € 7,300 Santa Cruz Nomad CC | 170/170 mm | 13.64 kg | € 8,699 Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | 170/170 mm | 13.53 kg | € 7,599 Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | 160/160 mm | 14.00 kg | € 9,799 Trek Slash 9.9 | 160/150 mm | 13.26 kg | € 7,499 YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race | 170/170 mm | 14.54 kg | € 5,299 Is radical geometry better in demanding terrain? The reach of Enduro bikes has grown and grown in recent years, and the head angles have become ever slacker. Even downhill bikes are starting to look compact in comparison. But are long and super slack bikes really at an advantage on the descents? The clear answer is: no! Of course, you’ll feel very well integrated between the wheels, never feeling like you might go over the bars and you’ll have plenty of room to shift your weight around on the bike. All of these factors make sense on high-speed sections with long, open turns, but in day-to-day riding, you will often encounter situations where these characteristics make significantly less sense. The reason: due to the enormous length of the bike, the rider’s body movements have little influence on the bike’s handling. Although it will spare the rider in certain situations, the flip side is that fast direction changes, jumps or tight sections, require a lot more work. On longer trails, this can quickly wear you out. What matters is how well you’re integrated with the bike Many riders – and we’re no exception – pay too much attention to a bike’s reach. Reach is just one of many variables that influence how a bike feels on the trail. If we discuss reach, we must also look at the stack, or the ratio of stack to reach. The stack is measured from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube. If the reach is long, the stack has to grow with it. Otherwise, the length of the bike pulls the rider forward, resulting in a less than ideal position, especially in steep terrain. What you really want on steep descents is to feel centred on the bike, defined by the balance between bottom bracket height, chainstay length, reach and stack. A low bottom bracket not only increases the stack but also lowers the rider’s centre of gravity in relation to the axles of the wheels. You’ll immediately notice the difference on the trail. You simply can’t reduce the handling of a bike to single values though, as we’ve previously discussed in an article dedicated to the topic. Extreme numbers usually have a flip side Speaking of being centred, no matter what data or which components you’re talking about – if you have extreme values, while they may bring certain advantages, they will almost certainly come with disadvantages. Take a super short 35 mm stem. Although it gives the bike slightly more direct handling, you’ll also have noticeably less leverage on the front wheel. If the short stem is combined with a very slack head angle (63-64°), the front wheel will want to flop from side to side due to the distance between the wheel and the handlebars. Another example is very short chainstays. Traditionally, they have been claimed to increase the bike’s agility. However, they shift your weight distribution more to the rear wheel. Our group test has shown that balanced numbers usually work better as a whole. Enduro bikes also have to climb well If you think we only tested the bikes’ descending limits, you’re wrong. Even Enduro bikes have to be able to climb efficiently, and an essential aspect of comfortable climbing is the rider’s seated position on the bike. This is primarily influenced by the seat tube angle, though other factors alos play a role. If the seat tube angle is too slack, you’ll feel like you’re sitting over the rear wheel. Negative examples of this case were the Trek Slash and the Giant Reign. By contrast, the extremely steep seat tube angle of the Pole MACHINE positions you very far forward on the bike. All in all, the majority of the bikes climbed okay, but the SCOTT Ransom was the most efficient. Enduro bikes also have to climb well The days when you bought direct-to-consumer bikes only for the components are now a distant memory. The bikes from brands such as Canyon, YT and company perform as well as bikes from traditional brands like Trek, Specialized or Giant, if not better! Boutique brands like Santa Cruz and Pivot wowed the riders in this group test, each with their own unique character, although they couldn’t keep up with Canyon, Nukeproof and YT in terms of versatility and overall performance. Tops & Flops Often small details can make a huge difference: seamless integration, first-class ergonomics and carefully selected parts. Easier said than done – here are some of the tops and flops from this grouptest. Tops That integrated feelingLow bottom brackets on Enduro bikes are a blessing: they allow the rider to be much better integrated with the bike, not only giving you more cornering grip but also more control in demanding terrain. Here the Canyon Strive shows how it’s done, and thanks to the Shapeshifter technology, the bottom bracket isn’t too low when climbing. Practical storageRiders are looking for ways to leave their backpack at home, so it’s nice to be able to carry your trail essentials on the bike. … … Leading the way in this regard are Lapierre and Specialized. SurprisingThe Michelin Wild Enduro tire combination surprised us in the test. It scored well with outstanding levels of grip, good damping and a successful mix of stability and weight. The stalwart MAXXIS tires with their DoubleDown casing were just as able to convince the test team. Flops Too long and too slackYes, there is a point at which the head angle becomes too slack, the stem too short and the reach too long. The Bold Unplugged gives you the option of very extreme settings, but we advise giving a lot of thought to whether or not you really want it that way before making your choice in the configurator. Too stiffStiffer isn’t always better. On the Orbea Rallon, the combination of stiff carbon rims, stiff forks, an overbuilt carbon frame and a stiff cockpit leads to a very harsh ride. OutdatedIf the seat tube angle is too slack, climbing can become very uncomfortable. And with a large forward offset in the seat tube, the effective angle of the seat tube slackens as you extend the dropper seat post. A steep seat tube angle, on the other hand, requires a longer reach to avoid being overly compact – ultimately, there’ll have to be a compromise. On the Trek, Lapierre and Giant, the rider’s sitting position is too far back and above the rear wheel. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); The best Enduro bike of 2019 Inviting bike brands to take part in the group test, we wrote the following: “an Enduro bike should be as convincing on full-blown racing stages as it is on a day at the bike park, while also being fun on after work rides. Apart from well-balanced handling, dialled geometry and good suspension, a sensible selection of componentry is crucial.” This test was never about speed, so we didn’t bother with timing. We wanted to find the bike that shines on all trails and doesn’t shy away from hard hits. The best Enduro bike is not the one with the most extreme angles. Although the handling of the Pole MACHINE is significantly more balanced and more forgiving than it might at first seem, it’s too cumbersome in tight sections and with quick direction changes. The Bold Unplugged can be adapted to the preferences of the rider in every way you can think of, but the countless configuration options require a lot of know-how. Besides, size L was too long for our 180 cm tall test riders, whereas M was too short. However, if you find a size that fits and you get the setup just right, this bike performs brilliantly. The Orbea Rallon is an excellent climber, but it’s too stiff and direct on the downhills. Annoyingly, the cables also rattled and the actuation of the dropper seat post was very sticky. You’ll feel right at home on board the Specialized Enduro with its intuitive handling. However, if you really want to go fast, the progressive rear linkage requires a lot of power and a very active and muscular riding style. The SCOTT Ransom climbs amazingly, but going downhill you don’t feel completely at one with the bike. That’s a shame because the suspension performs excellently despite having a reservoir-less shock. The Trek Slash 9.9, on the other hand, rides with extreme precision but its compact geometry and slack seat tube angle are a bit dated compared to the other bikes. The reach is a bit short and the seat tube angle is too slack. The size L COMMENCAL META AM 29 is on the shorter side of the spectrum, but despite not climbing quite as well as the competition, it promises to be a lot of fun for those who mostly take shuttles or lifts to the top. The Lapierre isn’t much of a mountain goat either, although it convinced our testers with balanced handling and excellent suspension on the descents. The storage options for tools and a tube are practical, but the Guide brakes don’t do the bike justice. The outstanding performance of the DVO Jade Coil shock breathes new life into the proven Giant Reign. With it, the bike has become much more agile and light-footed than in previous years, but we certainly could have used a climb switch to help suppress the pedal-bob on the climbs. Both the Pivot Firebird 29 and the Santa Cruz Nomad require an active riding style to tease out their full potential. Nonetheless, the attention to detail on them is stunning, and the suspension performance is nigh-on flawless. In the end, however, it was the two direct-to-consumer bikes and the Nukeproof Mega that made the best impression on our testers. Both the YT CAPRA CF Pro Race and the Nukeproof Mega 275 C RS impressed with very plush rear ends, brilliant balance and unbeatable value for money. If you prefer to ride a longer bike with 29″ wheels, we recommend the YT. Those who like things a bit more lively and agile are better advised to go with the Nukeproof. The € 4,799 Nukeproof comes out ahead on the climbs too with its steeper seat tube angle, though the YT, scores with a somewhat higher quality spec. It does also cost € 400 more. In the end, the Nukeproof Mega secures our coveted Best Value tip. Best In Test – Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team Best value tip – Nukeproof Mega 275c RS The only bike remaining is the brand new Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team priced at € 5,499. Ultimately, this is the bike that left the competition behind. No other bike was so composed while also being highly agile. On the bike, you feel nicely centred between the wheels while always remaining completely in control. The suspension is not as plush as that of the Mega or the CAPRA, but it does offer a little more pop. Going uphill, the Strive climbs very efficiently thanks to its Shapeshifter technology. No bike performs as well on such a wide variety of trails, no matter whether downhill, tight trails or in the bike park. That’s why the Canyon Strive CFR has to secure our coveted Best In Test! All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post The best enduro bike you can buy appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

The Pole MACHINE is one of the most revolutionary bikes on the market. It not only draws attention with its radical geometry but also with its unique design. It has helped create a new understanding of geometry, winning the 2019 Design & Innovation Award and showing how important the balance of a bike is. For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Pole Machine EN | 180/160 mm (f/r) | 14.84 kg | € 7,300 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); Before getting on the Pole MACHINE for the first time, you could spend an eternity marvelling at the details of the frame. The two halves of the front triangle are machined from solid blocks of aluminium and then joined using bolts and glue. The machining results in a unique surface texture and the raw aluminium finish shimmers different colours depending on the light – just beautiful! But besides the radical look, the geometry of the Pole has gone its own extreme way too. The reach of the bike in size L measures in at a whopping 510 mm, the chainstays are 455 mm long and the head angle is 63.9° slack. As a result, the wheelbase is 10.5 cm longer than, for example, the Canyon Strive. At the front, the MACHINE has a 180 mm travel fork, with a 160 mm of travel at the rear. The componentry on the € 7,300 bike is high-quality and cleverly specced: a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, CODE brakes, a RockShox Lyrik fork and a Super Deluxe shock come standard on this bike. If you want, the shock can be replaced with an EXT coil model. Unfortunately, at the time of testing, it wasn’t available. The Pole MACHINE in detail Fork RockShox Lyrik RC2 180 mm Shock RockShox Super Deluxe 160 mm Brakes SRAM Code RSC Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle Seatpost BikeYoke Revive 160 mm Stem Truvativ Descendant 40 mm Handlebar Truvativ Descendant 800 mm Wheels MAVIC Deemax Pro Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/DHR II 2.3″ Weight 14.84 kg Price € 7.300 UniqueIf you’re into mechanical engineering, you will love the look of the Pole! The raw, machined frame, shimmers in different colours depending on the light. Neatly collectedThe cables are all collected on the left side of the bike. This gives the right side of the bike a very clean look. The cables are simply attached with a cable tie. Under attackThe asymmetrically mounted shock gets permanently bombarded with dirt from the trail. Super steepLong climbs are very comfortable onboard the Pole MACHINE thanks to the steep seat tube angle. The upright riding position is a lot more demanding on the gluteal muscles, which are more powerful, but it feels very unfamiliar at first. The geometry of the Pole MACHINE Size S M L XL Top tube 577 mm 607 mm 637 mm 662 mm Head tube 115 mm 135 mm 135 mm 145 mm Head angle 63.9° 63.9° 63.9° 63.9° Seat angle 79° 79° 79° 79° Chainstays 455 mm 455 mm 455 mm 455 mm BB Drop 20 mm 20 mm 20 mm 20 mm Wheelbase 1275 mm 1305 mm 1335 mm 1360 mm Reach 450 mm 480 mm 510 mm 535 mm Stack 640 mm 650 mm 660 mm 670 mm Helmet Giro Switchblade | Goggle 100% Accuri | Jersey Leatt DBX 3.0 X-Ruby | Short iXS ASPER SHORTS | Knee pads Race Face Ambush The Pole MACHINE on the trail The Pole team has gone all out with the seat tube angle. It is an extremely steep 79°, resulting in a super central sitting position. When you’re climbing, you never have to drop your upper body to shift your weight more to the front, regardless of how steep the terrain is, allowing you to relax and keep pedalling. On level terrain, you will feel a bit more weight on your hands, but we didn’t find it uncomfortable. Dropping into the first descent, you will be really surprised by just how how balanced and ‘normal’ the bike feels despite its extreme geometry. Tucked in between the big wheels, you’re positioned very centrally and feel nigh-on indestructible. Barking dogs don’t bite – the Pole rides very calmly despite its radical looks. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); On fast sections, the Pole flies and in long, open corners you have tons of grip with both wheels. On steep terrain you’ll feel confident in most situations, but there are moments when the long wheelbase becomes a disadvantage. For example, when the rear wheel is still higher up on a step and your front wheel is already going down the next drop, it can feel a little unbalanced. Due to the extreme length of the bike, the rider’s shift in weight has less influence on the handling and so narrow sections require a lot more input. Popping off ledges and manuals also require a lot of strength because of the long chainstays. The suspension uses the available travel very efficiently, but without isolating the rider too much from the trail. You can quickly build up a lot of speed when pumping the MACHINE through rollers. Tuning tip: Chainstay protection for a quieter ride | If in doubt, go for the smaller frame size Conclusion The Pole MACHINE is a radical bike and was made for those who mostly ride on very fast tracks. It rides calmly and instils the rider with confidence, but it requires a powerful rider when things get tighter. If the super-long concept is too extreme, you can often resort to a smaller frame size and still get a relatively long and stable bike. TopsConfidence inspiringVery composed handlingUnique look and constructionFlopsHard to manoeuvre in tight sectionsNot playful UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: polebicycles.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Pole MACHINE review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

The all-new Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate hasn’t got it easy. It’s got really big shoes to fill with its predecessor delivering an outstanding package. With 29″ wheels, new geometry and cleverly integrated tools, the new model promises to be even better. We were itching to try it out! For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | 160/160 mm (f/r) | 14.56 kg | € 5,999 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); The first improvement is clear from the very first glance at the new Lapierre Spicy: the shape. Gone are the days of the hump in the top tube – the straight lines of the new design look a lot cleaner. Depending on the frame size, Lapierre specs either 27.5 “(S and M) or 29” (M, L, XL) wheels. The French brand also adapts the contact points to suit the rider and the flex of the frame is designed to be tailored to the respective frame size. One of our highlights has to be compartment Lapierre created under the bottle bosses on the down tube with enough storage space for tools and a tube. The top model Spicy Team Ultimate we tested is priced at € 5,999 and comes with a good choice of components. The suspension consists of a RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork and a Super Deluxe coil shock and shifting is handled by a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain. The reliable DT Swiss EX 1501 SPLINE ONE wheels are fitted with very grippy and puncture resistant Michelin Wild Enduro tires. Unfortunately, the SRAM Guide RSC brakes aren’t powerful enough for a bike of this calibre. The Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate in detail Fork RockShox Lyrik RCT3 160 mm Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Coil RCT 160 mm Brakes SRAM Guide RSC 200/200 mm Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle Seatpost LP 7075 Dropper 150 mm Stem LP FULL CNC 35 mm Handlebar Race Face SixC Carbon 785 mm Wheels DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline Tires Michelin Wild Enduro 29″ x 2,4″ Weight 14.56 kg Price € 5,999 Big trunkThere is enough space for a spare tube and small tools in the compartment under the down tube. Top!The rear suspension of the Lapierre gives plenty of feedback and doesn’t wallow in compressions while effectively ironing out trail chatter. UnderpoweredThe SRAM Guide brakes lack power and reliability on long downhills. CODEs should be mandatory on an Enduro bike. GrippyThanks to the soft rubber compound, good damping properties and a sturdy casing, the Michelin Wild Enduro offers plenty of grip. A real insider tip! The geometry of the Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate Size S (27,5″) M (27,5″) M (29″) L (29″) XL (29″) Seat tube 400 mm 430 mm 430 mm 460 mm 500 mm Top tube 573 mm 607 mm 610 mm 639 mm 668 mm Head angle 90 mm 105 mm 105 mm 120 mm 135 mm Head angle 64.5° 64.5° 65 65° 65° Seat angle 75° 75° 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° Chainstays 425 mm 425 mm 433 mm 433 mm 433 mm BB hight 15 mm 15 mm 28 mm 28 mm 28 mm Reach 415 mm 445 mm 440 mm 465 mm 490 mm Stack 602 mm 615 mm 622 mm 636 mm 649 mm Helmet 100% Aircraft | Goggle 100% Accuri | Jersey Mons Royal Icon T-Shirt | Shorts iXS ASPER SHORTS | Knee pads ION K-Pact | Shoes ION Rascal googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); The Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate on the trail You shouldn’t be in a hurry when you’re climbing on board the Lapierre. This is partly due to the slow rolling tires. Moreover, without the climb switch engaged on the shock, the rear end bobs while pedalling. The sitting position is somewhat tail-heavy too. Once at the top, the bike rewards the rider for all their efforts. Descending, you’ll immediately feel at home on the bike. The weight distribution of the 14.56 kg trail-rocket is spot on, and in combination with the low centre of gravity of the shock, its handling feels balanced and intuitive. The Spicy responds to steering inputs with precision, and even when you’re at the limit, the bike stays extremely predictable. The rear suspension is not quite as plush as the other coil shock suspensions in the test field, but it responds sensitively while also offering a lot of pop and support through compressions. As a result, the Lapierre is quick to pick up momentum and directly transfers the rider’s every input. The RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork is not quite as sensitive as the RC2 version we would have preferred to see on the bike. The mix of agility and composure is excellent and the Lapierre wasn’t once phased by the steepness of a trail or the roughness of the terrain. The Michelin Wild Enduro tires also impressed our test team, providing excellent grip and damping on all kinds of surfaces. Get on and go – you won’t need any time to get used to the Spicy! Tuning tip: More powerful brakes | Possibly a slightly longer stem (45-50 mm) Conclusion The all-new Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate is a superb Enduro bike that looks great on any downhill terrain. The biggest strengths of the Spicy are its balance, the rear suspension and the good-natured handling. Unfortunately, the clever integration of tools can’t hide the mediocre climbing performance and the flaws in the componentry spec. Too bad, the base for this bike is awesome! TopsVery balanced in cornersPerfectly tuned rear suspensionClever tool integrationFlopsSeat tube angle too slack for climbingBrakes lack power UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: lapierrebikes.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate 2019 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.