Enduro bikes are designed to be hard-charging, hill-climbing, long-lasting beasts. They are tough enough to withstand the perils of steep, gnarly terrain and capable of ascending without leeching all of your energy. Although they are traditionally used in multi-stage races that consist of timed descents and untimed uphill climbs, enduro bikes can just as easily be found in the backcountry or on your local trails. Here’s what to look for when picking the best enduro bikes.
What Makes a Good Enduro Bike?
In the age of versatility, there is no one set of characteristics that categorizes a specific style. You’ll find gravel bikes with longer travel and XC bikes with slacker geometry. But even though the lines are becoming blurred, there are still definite qualities that your next enduro bike should have.
- Long, Slack Head Tube: A Long, slack head tube forces the front wheel further ahead of the handlebars. The slacker the head tube angle, the more composure you’ll find on steep hills. Typically, head tube angles on enduro bikes will average around 64-65 degrees.
- High Travel Suspension: Enduro bikes have more front travel than other styles, typically falling between 150mm & 180mm. This helps your bike absorb brutal landings and dampens bumps to reduce fatigue.
- Long Wheelbase: The distance between your enduro bike’s front and rear axles will be longer than it would be for a gravel bike of a similar size. The extra length increases stability and improves handling.
- Steep Seat Tube: When you have a steep seat tube, your body will be further forward on the bike. This helps improve pedaling efficiency and allows for easier ascents. You should look for a quality enduro bike to have a seat tube angle of around 76 degrees.
Top Picks for an Enduro Bike
IBIS RIPMO
The Ibis Ripmo excels when climbing uphill and maintains stability when bombing down steep grades. With 147m of DW-Link rear travel, the Ripmo provides traction that grips rocks and roots for those gnarly climbs.
Orbea Rallon
When it comes to speed, the Orbea Rallon delivers. It also provides a hefty amount of front and rear travel for more forgiving landings, making this bike an enduro favorite. However, it’s still easy to pedal making it a great everyday ride.
Santa Cruz Nomad
The word that comes to mind when thinking of the Santa Cruz Nomad is confidence. Its slack geometry and generous travel give the impression of perpetual flow, and the responsive handling gives you control that you can trust.
Yeti SB-150
Although it falls on the lower end when it comes to front travel (150mm), the Yeti SB-150 can still absorb some big hits. Its steep seat tube angle gives you comfort in the saddle and allows for comfortable and efficient ascents.
Picking the best Enduro Bikes at Your Local Bike Shop
Just like anything else, the best ultimately comes down to personal preference. Before deciding on the enduro bike for you, make sure to pay a visit to your local bike shop and check out the enduro bike in person. Base Camp Cyclery has expert riders who have decades of experience, and with locations in Denver and Castle Rock, we’re ready to get you riding.