Enter the 2005 Enduro Pro
posted 6/22/05

My new Specialized Enduro Pro showed up at the warehouse today. It's pretty exciting to have a new bike in the stable.

I've been coveting the new Fox 36 for some time now. I was looking to pick one up to run on my Heckler. However, after pricing them out, I realized that buying a bike with one already on it may be more cost effective. Enter the Enduro. I was extremely impressed with Specialized's Enduro after riding one almost one year ago.

What impressed me the most after riding the Enduro was how comfortable I was while riding it. It's longish top tub had me stretched out like I was on a trail bike, but the short stem on the descents gave the bike a feel not unlike a downhill bike.

It's been a year since I took this ride though, and since then, have become very comfortable on my shorter, more maneuverable Santa Cruz. Tonight after work will be the real test, when I take the enduro on it's first spin in the dirt at China Camp.

Initial Impresssions:
The Fox 36 is a well designed and well put together fork. Like all Fox Forks, it features laser etched adjustment knobs and caps. An important feature to note as well are the removeable threaded inserts for the axle pinch bolts. I've seen many stripped lower leg assemblies, and this prevents that issue altogether. During the parking lot test, the action of the suspension felt good. Not plush as a coil, but it felt great for an air fork. The real test is in the dirt anyway.Tweaking with the rebound settings was a positive experiance, as the knob spins freely and the rebound action changed accordingly. I have heard a few negative remarks on the boards regarding the TALAS system of travel adjustment, but I haven't seen any problems with it yet; it changes the travel exactly how the instruction manuals say.

The 5th element air shock so far feels positive to me as well. It has a good feel to it, and with its minimal amount of adjustments, I won't have to keep a diary just to tune it. The Internal Floating Piston (IFP) pressure adjustment is the main setting, as it not only varies the starting compression force, (the stable pedaling platform feature)but the high-speed blow-off as well. Once an initial pressure is set, one sets the main air spring pressure by measuring sag to 25% of the shock stroke. And that's it. Then you're off an riding. The shock also has a rebound damping adjustment knob that is adjustable on the fly, unlike the some of the other Progressive Shocks, which require a 4mm allen key.

When comparing the Enduro to the Demo downhill bikes, you'll see a lot of features that trickled down from last year's Demo9 series of bikes. The Enduro shares a simular forged headtube and hydroformed tubing. Ah technology. What this means is this baby is strong. I plan on using all six inches of travel on this bike, and because of it's relative light weight (32.5 lbs stock), I'll be doing this everywhere. I've already swapped out a number of components in an effort to shed some pounds, (King Headset, Thompson Seat Post) as well as some parts due to my personal preferences.( SRAM X-9 triggers and derailleur, WTB saddle)

I'll be updating my initial impressions after I get some time in at China Camp soon.