Who Should Ride An Enduro MTB?

[@PaulThePunter]

Grab that Zero Dabs merch right meow - not long left! 👉bit.ly/ZeroDabs

[@Happy_Biker]

I prefer the "slow championship bike race" merch, as it more accurately reflects my riding style. 😏

[@CharlieWentOutside]

One thing that never seems to get mentioned in these discussions is that the point of mountain bikes is fun. The right bike for 99% of people is the bike that they're stoked about, the bike that they want that's going to get them outside and ride. Having the exact perfect amount of travel for your trails is less important than that imo. If getting that cool Enduro bike you saw on ews is what's going to make you psyched, I really don't think you should care about being "overbiked" or how many days per month you plan to ride park.

[@MK4vDubbin]

You nailed it dude. I ride “over forked” bikes even though I’m riding local stuff 80% of the time and parks the other 20%. I’ll gladly sacrifice a bit of pedal efficiency for a bike that absolutely smashes downhill sections and drops. It’s also worth noting how far geometry/suspension design has come in the last 5 years. A 170mm forked bike for every day riding would’ve seemed obsurd 5 years ago. It’s almost the norm now. It seems like a lot of the people scoffing at such a set up are people that haven’t rode bikes like that in years and are basing opinions off of outdated designs.

[@CharlieWentOutside]

@@MK4vDubbin Yeah, I think we're at a great point where even high-travel (like 170mm) bikes are fun to ride everywhere. So if you're going to have one bike...why not the enduro bike that you can use at the park or the local XC trail? A short-travel XC bike, yeah it might be faster on the XC trail but it's not going to be fun on gnarly downhill or at the park. To me, if you're going to have one bike these days, it should probably be in that all mountain/enduro category, assuming you're going to ride lots of different types of terrain.

[@oskarstaudte]

Thats the best opinion ever

[@jackkelly21110]

this^^^

[@huntergibson9359]

@@CharlieWentOutside tl;dr trail bikes are NOT xc bikes Yeah, but what you are missing is that trail bikes in the 120-140mm travel range also benefit from that modern geometry and design. They are more capable than ever. Speaking from experience going from a 6" all mountain bike from 2013 to a 2020 120mm trail bike, the trail bike is loads more capable. Most people don't realize that a modern trail bike is pretty much as capable as a dh bike from 10 years ago. People really underestimate trail bikes. Yes an xc bike is the wrong bike for most people because you cant really take that bike to a bike park and it is limiting heavily based on rider skill (often underbiked), but an enduro bike isn't the best bike for most riders either as it begins to skew in the opposite direction. An enduro bike will not be as fun as an xc bike on those flat fast tight trails that a lot of people call home. Trail bikes exist to fit this market, where xc is too small, enduro is too big. Also, obviously there is a range of trail bikes that range from almost xc (dare I say downcountry) like the Trek Topfuel, to almost enduro/all mountain (all mountain is again a little smaller (read less downhill oriented) than enduro bikes) like the 2020 Devinci Django (which is what I am on right now).

[@ctsingletrack]

Getting on an enduro bike immediately changed my riding style. Quickly started saying hell yeah to stuff I had previously said hell no to.

[@topspot4834]

This ... I'm always that dude who goes first, and I'm often in a sling or cast or laid up with broken ribs ... BUT I'm 40 now and tryna make it to work the next day. No doubt I can still enjoy the stuff I used to do on my hardtail with a lot less trips to the ER. If it means I'm over-biked sometimes, so be it. The things I enjoy doing most on a bike are stuff you'd do with an enduro, and I'd rather put my money into that, even if it's only 30-40% of what I typically ride.

[@Happy_Shopper]

That's why I bought one.

[@CoderShare]

It was immediate going from a trail bike to enduro. Everything clicked and became ultra sendy.

[@terr256]

Yep same

[@Simon-df2ku]

yep they are real skills compensators

[@silaschambers7413]

Paul: Whats the best thing to happen to Enduro bikes? Remi: 29" wheels *Jordan Boostmaster with a 26er DH bike*

[@homeboyactual]

the true og

[@michaeledwards5241]

Fair play to JB for the 26er but he’s not a world champion is he?

[@mattgies]

@@michaeledwards5241 He was the KZbinr EWS 100 champion last year, though.

[@michaeledwards5241]

@@mattgies Wow🙄

[@mattgies]

@@michaeledwards5241 Let us know when you earn your rainbow jersey.

[@amargnwalkr]

Got an Enduro Bike last year. Love it! Yep, I'm over-biked most of the time, but the more important thing to me is I'm never under-biked. With good MTBs costing north of $3k, most of us aren't going to have multiple mountain bikes, so it's best to have one bike that can do (almost) everything.

[@rolux4853]

@Machine Fack yeah I absolutely want to trade my Nukeproof Mega 290 for a Downcountry bike! The Nukeproof is super fun and it’s also okay to use it as a touring bike, but often the trails feel a bit boring. I don’t have super steep stuff around so the Mega just eats up every trail in my area. I could ride most of these trails sitting down and one handed on my Mega and I’m not overexaggerating here.. I want to feel thrilled again and if that means that one or two times a year I can’t ride a festtraten my Mega would allow me too, I’m definitely okay with that now. When I bought the Mega I definitely wanted a bike that can handle it all, but now that I rode it for about two years and maybe 2500km I just feel that Downcountry(or a shorter travel Trail bike) would be the perfect bike for my kind of riding. The only big problem is, that these Downcountry bikes (or the Santa Cruz 5010) are crazy expensive. I’m trying to sell my Mega 290 at the moment and it seems like I don’t even get half the money that I’ll need to buy a Downcountry bike like the Transition Spur.. My Mega is equipped with high end parts, like a custom tuned Ext Storia Lok Coil Shock (this shock alone costed 1200€+200€ for the custom tune and service), a Formula Selva Fork (again almost 1200€), Halo Vortex wheels with the insane Halo Supadrive Hub that has 120 points of engagement and the sickest sound on the market (Sam Pilgrim and Matt Jones ride these on their Enduro and Trail bikes), full SRAM GX drivetrain, SRAM Code breaks with 203mm rotors front and rear, the bar with the best geometry on The whole world: SQ Labs 30X, SQ Labs 611 Saddle etc. You see most of the stuff is high end and there is nothing under „high mid tier“ . Nonetheless nobody wants to trade for a Downcountry or even a nice Trailbike. And when people want to buy it they tell me they give me 2000€ max.... thanks but no! The parts come up to 6500€ or more I think, so at least 3000€ is the minimum amount that I’d give it away for.. So if anyone of you guys in the lovely KZbin comment section is interesting in a buy or trade, just hit me up, I’m desperatere to get a nice low travel Bike!

[@Simon-df2ku]

@@rolux4853 i sold my whyte 160 and Yeti SB130 for a 'downcountry' bike, its faster on the majority of trails and more fun on the rough stuff. far too many people relying on their bike to get them down the hill rather than any actual skill

[@jokermtb]

Being first to the top of the hill is not in my playbook anymore!

[@adamniswonger8015]

Bam. I can afford one bike for everything. That means grabbing one that can handle everything.

[@darrinkulyk9560]

Love 💞 My CF Warden 😎

[@ov3rcl0cked]

I like your nuanced and detailed approach to who should ride an enduro. I live in Colorado and frequently ride in Utah, and I'd say that an enduro bike works pretty damn well for a lot of these areas. I used to ride a bike with 120mm travel in the rear and found that it held me back because the suspension would just get overwhelmed. I bought an enduro bike with 150mm travel recently and have crushed just about every PR I have along my local trails within 2 weeks of having the new bike. People told me I'd be over biked, the internet told me it is too much bike unless I'm always riding park or racing. That was simply not true for me, and frankly the most gnarly trails I've ridden aren't at bike parks. I think the recommendation that people living or commonly riding in actually mountainous areas should consider enduro bikes is good advice. I'm sure you can get down just about anything with 120mm, I've done it, but you're probably not doing it fast.

[@madmiata1887]

Going from a XC hard tail to enduro. 2 months ago I ended up with a enduro/all-mountain bike because none of the trail bikes were in-stock. I am happy with the extra capabilities. I find myself going for the drops, jumps, and rough terrain. Definitely confidence inspiring.

[@8sim6]

Same for me switch recently from an xc hardtail to enduro with 160mm fork it's a tank

[@prajwalpingali]

Dude it's the same story for me. I race my grassroots local DH on my XC full squish, I need more travel and a sendy bike. My new Enduro bike will be here next week!

[@darrinkulyk9560]

Definitely I Started in June With a 08HT26er .... Crashed 5X in a Month .... Got a RM Thunderbolt Awesome Starter Bike 😎 4 Months Later I Now Own A 2019CF Knolly Warden 160/150 Bikes AMAZING 😎 I Live In VanCity And Literally ST Home From Work i Ride it 20Km a Day LOVE IT 😎 Starting To Jump Alot Now 😁

[@patdrumm3770]

I got really lucky and when I was shopping for my 'next big bike investment' 5 years ago a friend told me to get a Giant Trance trail bike. I didnt know much of anything so I took him up on the suggestion and did it. 140mm travel F+R sounded good to me and at the time lots of my friends were giving me grief for so much travel. 5 years later and I have progressed a TON and the bike has suited me so well for New England jank. I just upped the front to 150 to slacken it a bit for the bigger sends and faster rips but the bike is still perfect. I honestly couldnt see having an enduro bike in New England unless I was riding in the Whites all the time or hitting Highland every weekend. Trail for the WIN! Thanks for doing these Paul. The bike categories is such a gray area to newbies and these should help a ton.

[@chrisgobeil4751]

I've got a 19 Trance, awesome bike, even does a little park. But i'm moving to a Ransom this coming season as i do park a lot as well and want one bike to do both.

[@jaujud]

I have Trance 2 LTD from 2016. Just like you I put a 150 (RS Pike) to the front after riding it for some time. I even rode it on EWS tracks in Madeira and even though I was under biked for some of them it was hell of a fun. I feel like my riding has progressed a lot more compared to what it would be if I was riding long, slack and mean enduro bike. Satisfaction you get when you hit gnarly and steep stuff to find out you came out on top is second to none.

[@vinylholicsanonymous3871]

I ride a 2015 Trance SX with 140 rear and 160 up front. It's light, climbs well, and handles drops and descents well enough for me. I love my Trance and it feels about perfect for me and my riding style.

[@Agent_27_]

I rode a rental enduro bike and I had my favorite ride ever!

[@nrg4285]

Awesome narration? Good explanations? An explanation of the history? Featuring fellow MTB KZbinrs? Featuring MTB pros? Epic B-roll? This is gonna be sweet series Paul 🔥🔥🔥

[@johnnymcmurdo]

I got a 2017 specialized enduro a few months ago, best decision I ever made, perfect bike for where I live.

[@DeadsetYT]

My enduro bike reminds me a lot of my motorbike. So much FUN!!

[@riptheguys3635]

BRO YOU ARE EVERY WHERE I JUST SAW YOU ON MATT JONES VIDS WHAT 😂😂😂😂

[@th_js]

Even though I've never had a motorbike I still agree with you somehow

[@DeadsetYT]

@@riptheguys3635 hahaha, yeah buddy!!

[@blakefisher7205]

I sold my moto bike just to buy my mountain bike because I couldn't ride my moto bike much except the weekends so I was like fuck it

[@motov8-garage832]

@@blakefisher7205 Man...you sold the dirtbike for a mtn bike..smh lol. Na no shame..I've been contemplating the same thing🤔 but cant seem to wrap my head around that trade..the moto is worth the money but a bicycle.. not as much value there for me. That said..I still debate what moto bike to sell for a super nice enduro bike like a evil or yt😄

[@pbrenneman5]

I think you guys got it right, another thing I might add is the fitness level is going to play a role as well. A 150-170mm enduro bike is going to allow someone with less fitness to maybe ride all the way down a 3-4 minute trail and if they had a shorter travel bike they might start getting fatigued and need to take breaks. I think the enduro bike is perfect for either someone who rides a ton and pushes the limits every single ride or someone who rides once or twice a week and just wants to have fun and keep up without getting exhausted. Someone who wants to ride a ton of miles and have maximum fun like myself is probably better off on a shorter travel bike

[@jake_slopestyle]

I think it all depends on what you feel most comfortable on. For example I'm 6'2" and own a 130mm trail bike, now I live in Minnesota so honestly that's even a little over biked for the trails that I go to often! However I have traveled to the rocky mountains many times and rented full DH rigs, and they feel great to me I think because they generally have bigger reach numbers and longer wheelbases so I'm riding a MUCH bigger bike but I rarely notice it because I'm a big dude! Basically what I'm trying to say is if you are a smaller person you will notice a bigger difference than a bigger person might!

[@Sick-o]

Currently riding a Scott Genius and it’s my favorite bike I’ve ever owned. It bridges the gap perfectly between full enduro and trail. With 150mm travel, a 65 degree head tube, and big 29 inch wagon wheels it’s the perfect all around bike for someone who wants that extra squish and stability but also wants to crush climbs and flats.

[@deanemberley2333]

Ransom isn’t much different. Don’t put too much stock in travel.

[@gabrieldean9559]

I ride the ransom with 170mm up fron amd back and i feel the same way bro! I Was actually looking at the genius but it sold while I was deciding on the purchase lol

[@Sick-o]

@@deanemberley2333 yeah, geometry is near identical. Don’t get me wrong I love the ransom but the extra squish just isn’t necessary for where I’m riding. If I live in BC then I’d probably be riding a ransom.

[@Sick-o]

@@gabrieldean9559 haha Ransom is awesome. If I were to ever get a full on enduro then that would probably be it. I rode one once and was surprised with how playful it was.

[@gabrieldean9559]

@@Sick-o very true. I live in santa fe nm so some awesome riding but if i was being honest im probably a little over biked haha

[@samnyb7266]

I live in a flat area (but with some good trails). I had only owned XC bikes, but in 2013 I bought a new Specialized Enduro. I actually thought I would rarely ride it at home and only use it when I took trips to hills or mountainous areas and bike parks. After I got it set up just the way I like it, I soon quit riding the XC bike and ended up selling it, lol. My 160 travel bike is so much fun. I can keep up with the smaller bikes including XC 29r bikes on the local trails - I may have to pedal harder than them (I have the advantage on the rough stuff though), but I've gotten used to it. I can ride so much longer and consecutive days without wearing myself out and beating my body up. And of course bigger drops and jumps and rougher technical sections are no problem, and a lot of fun. I can take the bike and ride it on any kind of trail when I do go out of town. I never expected it, but It's become my all around and the only bike I need or want. I just can't imagine going back to a smaller travel bike.

[@reggieringgoldjr68]

I'm a Retired Army Veteran, and I live in El Paso, TX. At 55 years old, I truly think that my Diamondback Mason 2 w/ 120MM of Travel out FRONT is just enough for me. I've ridden FS Bikes and I don't really like them. So the HT it is w/ 120MM of Travel on this Chunky stuff out here in El Paso, TX.......🤝🏾🇺🇲💪🏾👍🏾Thanks Paul for the Videos, and I'll definitely keep Watching them. I just Subscribed to the Channel as well. And I'm 6'2" 270, and it handles me very well. As long as I'm out in the Trail I'm HAPPY GUYS.

[@Flyfishingnoverlanding]

i just got a trance giant 3 29er and i’ve only took it out to my locals twice (i got it three days ago) but i love it so much i already blew my time out of the water on the main downhill course of my local trail. it’s nowhere near an enduro bike like the scott in this video but it definitely beats my old giant talon 3 hard tail, can’t wait to get out again and keep shredding

[@michaelegiazarian9011]

im looking into getting a trance as well

[@nathancheung3601]

I absolutely loved my trance 29er when I had it, but I kept blowing through the rear travel so I went big travel

[@thebarofclay6100]

Interesting watch Paul, I bought an enduro bike after I had had my first big crash (busted ribs) now I have zero confidence on it when in the air it just feels like a boat, when wheels are ok the ground it's great. It is as you've pointed out probably too much bike (170 upfront) and I'm looking to change down and maybe even back to a hardtail lol can't wait to see the next one of this series, top work lad 👍

[@RedDaemon69420]

Great video. I love my enduro (GT Sanction 170/165, 27.5). I live in a hilly area. The trails I ride on are rough and can be very fast. Even so, I realistically only need all my suspension in 30-50% of the trails I ride locally. Going to the bike park 2 hours away from home, my bike feels perfect. I think the issue with my enduro for me is more that not all the people I ride with have comparable travel to me and they can struggle to do some trails locally that I find enjoyable.

[@workhorsemtb7075]

Great video my friend, great work. I love my Enduro bike even though it is more bike than I need about 80% of the time. The other 20% though...

[@YBMTB]

Everyone can relate to this lol, ur good

[@gratver]

My thoughts exactly. Plus I already have a normal hardtail. ;)

[@SpencerBaum]

I feel the same way

[@danhull4376]

I fully agree. I typically have more fun being under-biked than over-biked. I am fortunate enough to live in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, so my Giant Reign definitely gets put to use. Absolutely love it. Just like you, Paul, I've taken it down In And Out Burger a couple times and it handles it with ease. Having said all that, I also have an hardtail as well as a FS XC bike with 120mm for when things aren't as gnarly.

[@prawnis]

hey hey i live in the british properties so im decently close to you

[@saml8119]

Haha still riding my 26” enduro. Still just as fun as it was in 2014

[@kyledickerson80]

2014? Sheet I’m still rocking my 2007 Transition Covert

[@MrDarni78]

I also ride bike from 2007. Santa Cruz Nomad. :) Thinking of getting a Trek Remedy. Or Fuel EX...?

[@Ungrijzeovlov]

@@MrDarni78 Trek’s brand new slash looks amazing for an new enduro bike

[@HomieJeans]

Trek fuel ex 7

[@danilo81115]

Gary Fisher king-fisher 26"

[@gpearce11]

Until recently trail bikes generally meant anything from 110-130mm of travel, and Enduro meant 140mm+. When this was the case, I wouldn't have necessary agreed with this video, as if you ever rode anything to gnarly, or visited bike parks even only occasionally, its wasn't hard to find yourself underbiked on a trail bike. Since Enduro bikes have grown to 150rear/160front plus, however, we've also seen trail bikes split into one of two categories: short travel (110-125mm) and mid travel (130-145mm). Mid travel trail bikes not only offer damn near enduro performance down, but its not uncommon for them to handle steep and twisty terrain damn near a well as their short travel siblings. These day you'd need to ride some pretty hectic terrain, or very regularly visit bike parks, before a mid-travel trail bike leaves you underbiked and needing to upgrade to an enduro.

[@alexlaventure8968]

Looks at my Ripmo AF, am I over biked for living in the midwest yup 100% overkill on most trails around me. That said as more advanced trails and bike parks are starting to pop up I am super happy to be rocking out an "enduro" bike. I also am confident I will be able to take my bike anywhere and have just as great of a time as I have at home. In my opinion, if you are a normal rider and like doing a variety of things but can only afford 1 bike Enduro is the way to go! Hit it all with confidence and have a good time then follow the ride up with a cold beer.

[@TheRotundRider]

Merch idea: “All the Dabs” Mountain biker riding through some jank. Steep rock on one side; various rocks and logs on the other. The rider has a Shiva number of legs extending from their body dabbing as many spots as possible (maybe even branches or birds overhead). Whether rider looks zen or stressed I’ll leave open for debate.

[@alexiadroz]

I ride a Scott Ransom in the 27.5 set up (I'm 5'3") and l live in Squamish, BC. I'm not super skilled, but the enduro bike opened a bunch of new lines for me and is very forgiving when I screw up!

[@josephjung9078]

I absolutely love the new direction of your videos. Content, delivery, cinematography, editing, colour grading. It is so polished and well executed. Well worth the wait between vids. Thank you for clearly putting a lot of thought and care into each video.

[@ignae]

Agreed, but the thumbnails are terrible. Don’t do the KZbin stupid face, you are better than that Paul

[@markRUshredding]

I moved up from a 150mm 27.5 wheel trail bike to a 170mm 29 wheel enduro bike 2 years ago. The trail bike was fun but I am riding steeper and more technical trails with the enduro bike. My bike skills have definitely improved over the past 2 years, but I can’t tell you how many times the enduro bike saved me from a big crash. I often tap it on the handle bars and say ‘thanks for saving me on that one”. I mostly ride park or shuttle runs with the enduro and when I want to ride up I have a 170mm 29 wheel hardtail which climbs fast and gives me the confidence to descend fast too. Great vid. Looking forward to the rest in the series.

[@mrvwbug4423]

That is the boat I'm in, I'm currently on a 27.5 140/160 Giant Trance, it's fine for most trails and has enough travel to soak up cased jumps and tech that isn't super steep. Once things get steep or fast the small size of the bike makes itself known, steep tech definitely has some pucker factor with the conservative geo.

[@JinPheh]

Whoa - I can really notice the improved video quality from the new camera rig. Also, your pull focus bokeh control is on point! Nice!

[@33jayy]

MTBers fighting over Enduro, trail, and DH bikes. Sam Pilgrim : Hold my hardtail

[@shemshem9998]

Jayesh *free bike

[@homeboyactual]

hold my enduro which is actually a trail bike

[@Rawkus919]

How do you know someone rides a hardtail? They tell you.

[@stephenlord599]

Rawkus919 it’s a lot of fun... it’s also sometimes better to just put it out there before you get condescending comments

[@Rawkus919]

@@stephenlord599 haha, dude i have a rigid fatbike. We all have a kink somewhere in us.

[@ianfurqueron5850]

I agree. I'm lucky enough to have three bikes that I can set up for different types of riding, and enduro bike for more gravity oriented rides and riding bike parks, a trail bike for most of my regular trail rides, and a hardtail for a bit of a change once in awhile (plus a couple of road bikes). But if I had to pick just one bike to take with me on trips, it would be the enduro bike, preferably with two sets of wheels - one set of heavier duty wheels with DH tires and a set of lighter wheels with lighter trail tires.

[@jokermtb]

I ride a GT Sensor, which is the same basic frame as the enduro GT Force (pre idler). I view my bike as ‘enduro lite’ , set up with bash guard, burly wheelset, saint 4-pot hydros, beefier 140mm fork, as my local terrain (Michigan) isn’t that gnarly, but it’s a ton of fun hitting all the ‘non-lines’ every trail offers if you look for it and have a creative mind

[@ocjimleonard]

I am intermediate, and have a 2015 Specialized Enduro Elite 29er (160f, 155r) and absolutely love it. It is great for SOCAL Blue trails, and when I graduate to Blacks, It will still be great. I bought it used for less than my Trance 2, and but like it a little better. Enduro mt bikes allow the average rider to branch off to more tech downhills, without much cost when riding green/blue trails.

[@evdavis85]

Nice start to your series for helping punters like myself! I had to find the pros and cons about enduro bikes the hard way. I think its one of the biggest challenges new riders face when choosing where to invest there money into the sport.

[@FreymHD]

THANKS Guys! I mostly ride around in the hills and forests around my home. I only go to the bike park every 1-2 months. My friends just bought some big 180 sus bikes and i got the feeling I was underbiked with my 130 mm Canyon Neuron. But your video gave me confidence in my bike again! It's enough for my local Trails and even for a few visits to the park. Im fine with my bike again. Thank you for that!

[@likeaboss882]

I love monster trucking around on my giant reign. Equipped with a 180mm dvo onyx and a jade coil, it feels like a magic carpet ride. So good.

[@caraintimidante9472]

I have a 26 trail bike and i still do everything other people do with an enduro bike. The point is to have fun and learn everyday something new

[@marcgallant5270]

-Local Trail system, 30-45min fire-road climbs with 10-15min DH's (mostly blue some black trails) -4-6 bike park visits per year -4-5 trips per year to Trail bike oriented trail systems(lots of singletrack climbs). -Current Bike 2015 Giant Trance SX 66 degree HA -Heavy rider (200-230lbs) Debating going with a modern trail bike or an "enduro", I have a feeling that the current Reign 29 with the steeper seat angle probably climbs better than my 2015 Trance.

[@adamdavis354]

I’ve got a big fancy enduro bike, 170 front and rear travel, which is perfect for all the riding I do out in Los Angeles. Now that I’m in Colorado, and don’t have access to as much burly riding nearby, I find myself wishing I had a short travel XC/trail bike as well. Nothing like a snappy little bike on trails that don’t require long travel.

[@syntrax-og]

I feel you're calling me out, since I have a Nomad 4 CC with 180/170 and live in Chicago. lol But I do travel out west to the mountains several times a year!

[@TheBluefardown]

Same boat as you, I'm in northwest Indiana and get called out with my Bronson all the time,lol. They change their tune when they see how fast I am on the climbs and DH is a whole different level.

[@BoloMTB]

oh I missed your videos so much! I see more and more trailbikes are "evolving" towards enduro while enduros are becoming mini-DH so I chose a trail bike and upgraded with some enduro features such a 160mm fork and a more capable suspension, 4-calipers breaks and it's the bike for me!

[@adcashmo]

I think it's not just about what kind of riding you do now but what you aspire to do. If you have a more capable bike it might push you to do things you may have shied away from on a trail bike.

[@mountainviper3205]

When you said that all enduro bikes had only one chain ring on the front and I cried because of how bad I felt for the Forbidden Druid, my number 3 dream bike, that has a second chain ring halfway up towards the seat and the main chain ring.

[@bimmermac]

I just got a Specialized Status 160; June 2021, and have yet to take it to a DH trail or even a regular trail because of the rain. So far I’ve taken it down a bunch of long staircases and yes it has been fun but, the one place it sucks is trying to bunny hop something, that much travel sucks the energy out you but, I love this thing and can’t wait to take it to Spider Mountain in Texas. It’s also my first full suspension, I’m coming from a SC Chameleon + mode.

[@OntheTrailMTB]

I've got a enduro bike, Ibis Ripmo V1, and you could easily argue I'm over biked both for the trails I usually ride and my skills. But I still love it. But then, I loved riding the same trails on my 2009 Giant Reign, and on my 2004 Cannondale f600, as well as my GT RTS or my rigid Miyata back in the nineties. So I guess, what matters is if you love riding, you love riding. With that said, my next mountain bike might be more of a trail bike with almost the same geometry but with a slightly shorter travel. Who knows?

[@AD690smcr]

I bought a Norco Range A1 with 170mm and coil out back. Even though I was coming back to riding after a 10 yr break I wanted something with really good feedback through the front and the ability to make up for my mistakes. What I found was I could make line choices and just KNOW my bike would take it and get me out the other side. Now I am on the DH track again and loving my choice

[@colindixon9543]

I feel over biked on my Jeffsy with most UK terrain, still love though.

[@MilatovichFamily]

You can sell it and buy the new izzo. 😊

[@1977philc]

That how I feel on the Scott ransom

[@ShadLife]

I actually just downsized from a Ripmo AF to a Salsa Rustler for this reason. I loved the Ripmo, but it was too much bike for most of the riding I do. The Rustler is perfect! I can still send it too because it really is well designed and handles all the same jumps and drops my Ripmo did. Oh, and I love my hardtail, and Esker Hayduke. For most trails and riders, you don't even need full suspension.

[@thejameshowells]

It is SO good to have you back Paul, lockdown Wales is definitely more bearable, next video quickly please!!!..

[@MilatovichFamily]

I have 140mm 29er fs bike with 68 hta, 72 sta, 80 or 90mm stem, 1xqq and it came with xc 2.1 tires and 720mm flat handlebars. I changed bar to 780mm rise by 20mm; tyres are now 2.4 front and 2.2, last year I had 2.45 dh enduro tyres and I ride technical trails. Rock gardens, roots, rocks, drops... I am privlaged that I live in Slovenia wich is very mountainous and forested country.

[@uncopino]

i wanted to try the bike parks (as they are popping out here in italy as well) but also occasionally go for a ride in a very easy xc kind of context, so i was looking for a do-it-all trail bike. bad news, there are not many trail bikes around here. couldn't find one used, couldn't find new either (everything is freaking sold out) so... i bought a used 2018 giant reign 1.5 (27 wheels, 160mm travel). i'll give it a try for a season, i'll use it to progress faster, i'll concentrate on parks, i'll take classes, next year i'll decide: keep it or trade it in for an xc or trail (depending on wether i wanna keep hitting the park from time to time or not). what i mean with all this is: don't be afraid of trying something that is a little extreme to you. if you realized you overshot it... sell the damn thing and you'll be left with one more crazy experience and more knowledge in your baggage

[@tylerpeck3476]

Picked up my enduro bike in January. I have progressed more in the last 10 months than I had in 3 whole years of riding. I 100% believe it is because of the confidence boost I got by switching from only riding xc race bikes. My strava times have split in half and I've done jumps and drops way bigger than I could've imagined. I don't care if I'm over bikes half the time because when I do find long descents there just so much more fun. Get the big boy. It's worth it.

[@BlizzardSnowMew]

I live in Arkansas, so once my enduro bike gets here I’ll be using it in Leatherwood, Coler, Mt. Kessler, and Centennial Park. Definitely keeping the hardtail for Slaughter Pen, Lake Atalanta, and Blowing Springs. Can’t wait til I’ve got the money to travel to different bike parks too!

[@furtherdead]

I'm in Fayetteville and I run my Scott genius almost Exclusively....even if it's overkill most of the time. Peace

[@BlizzardSnowMew]

@@furtherdead Dude hell yeah. I’m at the U of A

[@charlesscott8520]

New bike is definatly gonna be an enduro Marin Hawk Hill 3!! I recently built up my 2020 Giant Talon hardtail over pandemic.. more super aggressive hardtail then entry xc now lol, 2.5 Maxxis Assegai 3c exo maxx terra TR up front, 2.3 Minion dhr2 same casing in rear , 2020 Rockshox Judy gold a3 rl fork , 2021 fox transfer stealth 125 mm dropper post, race face grippler 33 mm double lock on grips, race face bar stem, Bontrager elite flat pedals (kicks garbage chesters in trash), Advent Microsoft 1x9 clutch derailleur( absoluty rocks!), Magura trail mt5 4 piston in front & mt4 2 piston on rear w/t charbotecture brake levers, Wuse 1 narrow wide chainring(40 grams !), custom fork, wheel , & frame decals 2 set off rest of bike, mucky nutz mud guard & Blackburn frame bag & bottle cage. That's it 4 this bike lol. Thanx 4 the helpful tips & happy trails & ride safe !!!

[@thisoldbelair]

I have an enduro. Its my first non-base mtb. Its definitely way too much bike for my area, it beats me up on climbs, my base hardtrail is faster, but its a blast to ride and i love it. Great video tho 👍 i appreciate the insights

[@kainpwnsu]

Finally got an Enduro and it feels like it was made for me. I was immediately able to take on just about anything the bike park threw at me (some pro likes are pretty fierce!). Loving it!

[@melwestlake8539]

I bought a 2020 Norco Sight A3 just in December. !60/150 travel and it is sooo smooth! More bike than my skills deserve but who cares?? I can always be a better rider. And at 55 in a month I'm not getting any younger. I am going to love getting to know this bike on the trails this year. Confidence inspiring and comfortable are understatements.

[@serenityinsilence]

For me I just bought an undersized frame hardtail because I wanted to be able to toss it with ease. I used to bmx mostly on dirt, so I’m used to flying down stuff easily. Plus, I live in an area that has almost exclusively flow trails or flat land because we are at sea level. If I had access to some more downhill I’d be getting something similar to the bikes shown in the video. I still think a hardtail can do enough for most riders to have fun and challenge themselves.

[@bobvaniterson6631]

Living in the flat Netherlands with a maximum of 30 seconds climbs and one or two visits to the alps per year my scott genius with 150 mm of travel and a lockout system is just the best of both worlds. I can do so much on this one bike, but i would definitely would go towards a more enduro style bike when i would be living in a area with more mountains Great video, keep up the good work

[@danielchapter70128]

Well... you should buy whatever bike you want. I use my XC Procaliber as a road/gravel bike for short fitness rides 5-20 miles. If I want to swap out the tires I can go hit some dirt jumps.

[@volume311]

I’m here for the “♾ Dabs” t-shirt. A large will do 😂

[@dbo1111]

I live in minnesota and ride my enduro/trail this thing makes me smile so much more then my hardtail

[@kwilson4880]

Paul: every modern bike has a one by drivetrain Walmart bikes:

[@ctsingletrack]

You'd think they'd want to save manufacturing costs by not manufacturing and assembling an extra chain ring, derailleur, and shifter. I guess their strategy is to save by not retooling their factories for 15 years straight.

[@mattgies]

@@ctsingletrack Walmart customers are probably still in the "more gears = better" mindset. So they'd expect to pay more for a 3 x 7 = 21 speed bike, than a 1 x 12.

[@bobbyhempel1513]

Or my 2020 Giant Talon.

[@zbynekbroda4729]

@@bobbyhempel1513 talon isn't enduro/dh bruh lol

[@cookingconfessions]

@@mattgies Depends 100% on where you ride. A 1 by 12 is a dream in the woods or mountain setting, but if you use your bike across several disciplines and ride to events or go bike packing a 2 by or even the good old 3 by still rocks and will get you up those hills an down again faster than a 1 by will

[@kungfumtb310]

I have a YT Capra with 170 trail and I love it. It’s perfect for Colorado’s steep and rough Terrain. I ride it more then my downhill

[@mtbboy1993]

For me coil is a must, no more adjusting pressure 10 mins after I go out, or further in after few hours, yes it has happen to me. and that's not with big elevation change sometimes not any elevation change at all. I will never switch back to air. so I want all my bikes to have coil on it, despite the weight.

[@rah4981]

Coil suspension is just awesome it takes alle the small bumps away. Much more sensitive, my enduro bike came delivered with coil shock and I will never change it out for something lighter.

[@sebastianknebel1438]

Thank you for the shots from the Squamish woods. I miss them and it is very nice to see the trail again..... !!!!!!!!! 💙 for Squamish

[@calebdowman1494]

Yep, I have just purchased a 2021 specialized enduro. Best bike ever. Climbs amazing and descends like a downhill bike. Though my local is Rotorua so lots a steep tech.

[@ichewtoast111]

I really like my 27.5 trail/enduro. 50mm in the rear and an upgraded fox factory 36 with 60mm of travel in the front. I can climb technical all day and it’s more than enough on the downhills.

[@seantierson2633]

I had a trek slash. I loved it, but was a lot of bike. Now I have a "light" enduro bike...a Hightower. Much more fun, has made me a better rider, and even feels more capable sometimes!

[@wpf312]

8:32 that sexy slo-mo remote lockout shot though!

[@mrvwbug4423]

If you're doing more than a few park days a season and don't want a separate park bike, then you should probably look into an enduro bike. I'm in that same boat. I bought a 27.5 trail bike in February, it's fine for the trails in Colorado, but I also got into riding park and did 4 park days this last summer, yes I rode park on my trail bike, but definitely was feeling underbiked on some of the trails. I'm now looking at moving into an enduro bike after having demoed a few, knowing I'm likely going to be doing park days at least once every couple weeks in the summer. The steep seat tube + long reach is actually great for climbing, especially on punchy tech climbs, the length is less of an issue than you think because on the longer bike you don't have to deal with knees smacking into bars on climbing switchbacks, which is an issue on smaller trail bikes.

[@niteryder50]

Had 160mm bike now on 130mm with 150mm fork and it rides pretty similar downhill but more playful and fun on jumps. Maybe bit slower in bike park but unless that's all you rider less travel with aggressive geo can be better. Get bike that works best for 90% of your riding. Much of Brian's riding doesn't need more than 140mm bike with aggressive geo but those 160 to 180mm bikes give big confidence for riding gnarly stuff. For racing gnarly enduro and gravity bike park enduro way to go for most other trail riding aggressive trail bike more fun and can still push them really hard.

[@grantfeddema5332]

Went to an enduro for my current bike. As a bigger guy 220 approx. I wanted the bigger suspension. I have a 2018 Cannondale Jekyll III. Great bike with an extra lockout on the rear shock for climbing. Love it. Great video!

[@bedetorrance5437]

2 out of 3 people in this clip do not need 160mm of travel.

[@asher8336]

so true

[@samnyb7266]

need and want are two complete different things

[@reboundrides8132]

@@samnyb7266 so many people are way over biked these days

[@shingnosis]

Obviously they need 180mm of travel.

[@bedetorrance5437]

@@shingnosis between them, yes.

[@PickledShark]

I’ve currently got an EVIL Following MB, that’s been “endurofied” with some beefier components(27.5 plus, boost spacing, 140/120mm travel, etc), but to me, it’s still not enough bike for some of the gnarly(/stupid) lines I wanna ride. Ultimately, what I’d reallly like to do is bring the Following down to the Trail/XC side of the equation by putting ultralight components back on it, and get a Wreckoning with some heavy components to fill in the Enduro/DH categories. That, or sell the Following for a more mid range Wreckoning with a slight trail emphasis for that elusive one-bike-quiver unicorn.

[@MillerRL96]

My first full suspension was 170-160mm and as I got better and more confident I decided I didn’t need all that cushion for what I was ridding. As long as I had the Geo numbers I didn’t need the travel. Ended up with a slack trail bike with 29in wheels and 4 pot brakes and it’s everything I need. But I know its all personal

[@terr256]

I went from a Hard Tail 130mm travel to an enduro with a 63 deg head angle and 180mm travel fork. Felt like I went from a small scooter to a superbike. Love every second of it even though I feel like I'm gonna die every time I ride it.

[@matthewbarrett8859]

Enduro bike for the bike big South Wales weekend rides, hardtail for the local evenings in the woods. The ultimate two bike combo!

[@cookingconfessions]

As a 90's teen I just cannot make the jump to full suspension. I still ride hardtails and find them more pure and challenging in the terrain where I usually ride. I also think that most riders are over-biking themselves with bikes meant for aggressive downhill / Enduro and using them for XC and a bit of single track. Never the less both have fun and as long as you get out there and RIDE - more power to you. Hell, I may even consider expanding my bike collection with an Enduro at one moment of the other. Getting another bike is not so much a matter of will, as it is s question of garage space and staying on good terms with my wife ;)

[@BogdanMiliu]

Great vid! I’ve got a Megatower (Enduro bike 160/160 29er) and it’s my one mountain bike. I prefer bigger bikes because even though for 80% of my riding i don’t need it, the 20% makes up for it. Same idea why I have 118mm wide power skis ... sure they aren’t the best most of the time ... but for those few times they are epic! Same goes for an enduro bike. It’s fine though not perfect most of the time and it’s stellar those few times you need it. Plus I want to be able to do the occasional bike park day on it and go to places like Whistler and Squamish and I do live in eastern canada which has some rough techy stuff.

[@dadventuretv2538]

I ride a Bronson- right on the line of big trail bike / enduro, it can do both. Although my riding is probably more like 60%/40%, I’m with you- I’d rather not crash during that 20% of the time than be perfectly biked 80% of the time but in over my head for the 20%. It only takes one wrong crash to take you off your bike for a while with an injury. And at 48 I’ve racked up enough of those over the years. SC 🤘

[@mrvwbug4423]

A lot of it has to do with geometry too. Example. I ride a Giant Trance 27.5, it is 140/160 travel, but has the small size and more conservative geo of a trail bike. it's got the travel to soak up cased/overshot jumps and plow truck tech, but gets a tad puckery on steep sections due to the steeper head tube and short reach, also tends to wheelie on tech climbs due to the slack seat tube and short length (I'm basically sitting on the back tire).

[@adamniswonger8015]

@@dadventuretv2538 exactly.

[@TheRotundRider]

I need a video on all these geometry terms. Slack, reach, aggressive, etc. It means nothing to me because I don’t have a base for comparison.

[@dairatars]

Check out GMBN, they have a new video about that and a bit older about geometry too.

[@AZMTB]

Brian's comment about "if you like to go and look for epic trails to ride down, then get the enduro" is spot on. I got a Santa Cruz Hightower LT and it's perfect for what I ride here in Phoenix which is steep technical chunky trails, and it's good at climbing up to the top of them.

[@MartinTeerly]

This video is right on time 😂 My hard tail frame cracked and I bought full suspension enduro frame 👍🏻👍🏻

[@markgolding8946]

I have both a 140mm travel trail bike and a 160 mm enduro bike and just love the bomb proof feeling that the enduro bike gives me

[@drappennen5704]

Good to see you Paul. Loving my 160/150 Canyon Strive. Geo wise it’s probably not as slack as most bikes out there but it gives me access all the fun I want and is pretty easy on the climbs. At 48yrs old this month it’s probably more bike than I should be on but well, I’m growing old disgracefully and that’s all I care about.

[@laurencegreen1705]

Easy to be over-biked sometimes with big Enduro bikes though. I've always enjoyed my Trek Fuel ex 8, which is a trail bike, but smash some wider tyres with strong casing on the sides, shorter stem, and wider bars, and I've not come across much in years of riding that made me wish I had more travel and an Enduro bike... Often on downhill and Enduro trails as well as races... Everybody is different, but for me a trail bike is easily the most versatile and can be adapted for XC and Enduro (great if you cant afford more than 1 bike :-)

[@modash1231]

I ride like 80% of the time on local trails where enduros are overkills but 20% of the time, I am flying out with my bike to places like AZ for an 8000ft descent. I just can't afford to keep two bikes (especially in terms of space) and the trail bikes just aren't gonna cut it so I got an enduro. The alternative is to get rentals locally and I've grown to not trust rentals.

[@chrisp2249]

Just spent the weekend up Mt. Washington, Vancouver island doing down hill tracks with hard tail kona kahuna deluxe 29’. With the abuse the dead end of my bike took I realized how important a FS bike could be. Never ridden one. Definitely interested in enduro bikes after watching this.

[@lajfa]

If a bike pedals o.k. on an up hill it will work in the flats. I live in florida and everything is pedally but punchy and you go fast and smash where you can I use every bit of my 153 x 160 HD4's suspension. Love it! '

[@THESEGMENTPR]

Man I really loved what you said here and where the channel is going!! AWESOME!!!! Giving back from your wealth of experience is going to really impact so many. Especially right now with so many new folks coming into the sport.

[@igethanxcmtb9437]

I have a thorough bread xc bike and love it!

[@Baksan_Dog1988]

My Trek Fuel I must say is a good all rounder bike. Except for those big jumps tho.

[@282ldr]

I ride a 140 mm trail bike. Here it’s relatively flat with not too much climbing but I have taken it to the local bike park and it’s more than enough for the level of rider that I am.

[@UhtredOfBamburgh]

As he listed each individual part of the enduro bike i started feeling increasingly excited and indulgent about the good parts like, "yes.. Yes.. YES... YES.. YES!... YESS!!.. YESSS!!!... YEESSS!!!!!!!! " kinda like the Vince McMahon meme

[@gr8fulride]

Great video defining enduro. I ride a long travel trail bike most often on trails & paths all over north america. So I'm slower than road bikes on urban settings and able to descend above my skill level . I'm overbiked most of the time and that's great. Oddly enough would upgrade to a 160 fork and a 27.5 x 2.6 tire front. Keep the 29x2.4 rear to retain some clearance and avoid pedal strikes.

[@bobbyhempel1513]

I'm riding a 2x9 2020 Giant talon cross-country bike I'll ride on a lot of the stuff you're riding right now on this video it's fun as hell 100 mm travel fork only. Hardtail for life.

[@thomasboard7350]

the main difference i noticed when i switched from a 26" 120mm trailbike to a 29" enduro bike was now I ride alot more black diamond trails, before I was riding mostly blues.

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

I live on the side of a volcano. No joke. Rocks are abundant and jagged. I do ok with a trail bike. I was very underbiked when riding a FS XC and worse yet on a hardtail XC. I think enduro would be warranted as this is definitely mountainous terrain and not even a little smooth.... currently thinking about going to a bigger fork, but not the full enduro bike.

[@Diqed]

Honestly, to anyone watching this - buy the enduro bike. You'll always have more fun on the downhills and unless you're racing XC, who really gives a shit about taking an extra 20 seconds on the climb?

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Totally agree on this statement! Nate Hills always says it's best to be over biked than underbiked, more is better. Now if you have a Ripmo, you might be 10 sec. slower on the climbs.

[@gorillagirlgorilla]

Hold my beer ........ gets a Cube Stereo e-bike