Specialized S-Works Enduro 2020 Unveiled | First Ride Review

Specialized Enduro unveiled for 2020
Following 20 years of evolution, the latest iteration of the Specialized Enduro arrives as the biggest and baddest one yet.
As EWS stages have become as gnarly and as steep as your average World Cup DH race track, the requirements for a modern enduro bike have changed. These days, to survive a weekend of EWS racing you basically need a downhill bike that you can pedal up.
With this in mind, Specialized’s designers set themselves two relatively simple but challenging goals with the new Enduro. Firstly, they wanted to make it a faster bike when pedalling. Secondly, they wanted to make it faster when plowing really rough, and very technical terrain.
Sounds easy enough right?
Demo-Inspired Design
In order to achieve these two attributes within the same bike, Specialized’s engineers went back to the drawing board to build an all-new Enduro platform from the ground-up.
It’s immediately apparent from first glance that the 2020 Enduro is a completely different beast from the current model. There’s a brand new frame, new geometry and sizing, and an all-new suspension platform.
Drawing upon the latest Demo downhill race bike, the Enduro makes use of a low-slung linkage that drops the shock right down into the belly of the frame. As well as lowering the centre of gravity, Specialized says the new shock placement has allowed it to build a stronger and lighter frame, since it no longer needs the cross-brace like the previous X-Wing frame design. Front-end stiffness stays the same, while the back end is purportedly 12% stiffer than the old bike.
Read the full story here - singletrackwor...

[@nl3712]

Hey look, a reviewer that actually RIDES the bike! Thanks for a decent review.

[@notbaymax5499]

Kidney: *bro don’t leave me*

[@notbaymax5499]

Donald Joe Trump Haha so true bro!

[@mitchwarren1600]

Your “ABOUT “ has to be the most descriptive about I’ve ever read ! Nice bike but I’m still enduring my old enduro , and keeping it rolling using parts of even older enduros ! When all that’s gone this current bike will be old! Same as me really!

[@sarahdell4042]

Pricing is out of control

[@stuartarmstrong4650]

completely agree Sarah, not just specialized though i think they are all guilty of this, also this will be superseeded by next years models, or new standards.but, i do understand that this is really aimed at the pro's.

[@bwest6275]

For your budget obviously. But then this isn’t designed as a budget friendly bike, so you’re best to look elsewhere (ie: aluminum frame, mid to lower spec drive train, etc...). There are plenty of people who find this price acceptable for the materials and quality.

[@lifelivedfuller2388]

$10000 for a top of the line bike has been pretty standard for years now so you're a little late to the party. Don't like it, don't buy it. Shop within your budget. Besides that pricing isn't specific to Specialized, its across the board, yet I see you're making the rounds on all the enduro reviews repeating the same things. Smells fishy....

[@shbastian]

make an equal idiot

[@RedRaider14]

Look up each and every part that went into this bike as if you were building it yourself from the ground up, and you'll find that its actually MORE expensive. This price point is right where its supposed to be given the quality parts that went into it.

[@matthewkantola8638]

I will keep riding my 2015 Enduro Comp with Fox Factory suspension. Good enough for me!

[@bike_somm]

Just want to thank you for you're honesty by not going into detail about how the bike climbs at Northstar Bike park! Unlike (Bike Radar) where they posed for 1 climbing picture on the fire road.. showed it multiple times in the video, and then proceeded to say "they aren't sure if it is that much better of a climber as Specialized claimed". This bothers me because I want a truthful climbing test where a bike tester goes out and ACTUALLY climbs the bike for extended periods of time with sweat and tears to be able to then make an arguable claim as to weather or not the bike "is or isn't" better at climbing. So thank you for that and i hope to see more of what you think in the future! Cheers!

[@dadventuretv2538]

Jay Wood gotta get away from bike industry journalist reviews if you really want honesty. They might not be as slick looking but they’re usually a lot more honest and from the heart.

[@bwest6275]

This is like the first Specialized bike I actually like. And I normally hate Specialized 😧

[@max_435]

Take a shot every time he says carbon fibre

[@slayer6936]

I just got the new stumpjumper and it looks like i am getting read of 5 bikes to get the endero,, so i went from 9 bikes to 3 2mtb. And one road..i will be set.. great video..

[@SamsBikes]

thanks mate... your reviews are the best..

[@Jonofthejungle26]

I think I’m in love.

[@razifraship]

The front is 170mm max. What’s the min front travel you can use if you are planning on building it from frameset?

[@heirilosman4926]

Hi Will, what is your height? I just ordered an S2 based on comparisons with my other bikes and sizes that I tested before. I prefer a nimble small bike feel. Did not manage to hop on a demo bike for sizing cos I was too excited to order. Now your review making me nervous if I ordered a size too small. Is the S2 close to Small sizing for other bikes? Hope it's not XS. I'm screwed if it is.

[@mb7762]

How tall are you? And how are you liking the s2? I had my LBS order an s2 and an s3 for me to sit on. I was aiming for the same thing you are with hopes of good DH stability. If i were to guess its effing awesome in s2!

[@heirilosman4926]

@@mb7762 you got that right. 1.65m, 29' inseam. S2 with 40mm stem is bang on.

[@mb7762]

I’m 5’8 30” inseam. How long is your wingspan in comparison to your height. The S3 wheel base is 50mm longer than my medium stumpjumper 29er, i fear if i go with s3 it will be a dog in the turns and too big for tricks.

[@mb7762]

How tall are you mate? Did the s3 have a nice agile feel?

[@mttec23]

Would have thought they’d spec this bike with 2.6 tires front and rear. My Stumpy Evo came with 2.6’s.

[@yi-vanstudenov464]

2.6 are good for mud, other than that they're just slowing you down.

[@johnmcknight3456]

How does it pedal uphill?

[@alwaystwoam]

Thanks Will! Trying to get some more details on how you felt about the sizing. Did you feel the S3 was a tad too large or just right and comfortable? Do you think you would have liked the S2 size more? Did Specialized recommend for you to ride the S3 at your height? I guess that was 3 questions. :) Best in depth video so far.

[@mttec23]

Michael Dorian Bach For what it’s worth, I own the Stumpy Evo Pro in the S3 size, 470mm reach. I’m 5’11, 200lbs. I wouldn’t want it any smaller for the type of riding I bought it for. The 1252mm wheelbase is noticeable on table tops and jumps, but the grin on my face charging down steep chunky rocky sections makes it worth it. It’s a lot of bike but I’ve yet to find it’s limits. The reach on this Enduro S3 is 464, S4 is 487. If I bought one, I’d probably demo both sizes.

[@alwaystwoam]

Mike T thank you!

[@alwaystwoam]

Mike T I’m currently on an S2 Evo 27.5. But wonder if the S3 is going to feel like a boat most of the time with 29 wheels.

[@mttec23]

Michael Dorian Bach How tall are you? I ride out in San Diego, Temecula, San Bernardino, where it’s dry, rocky, and can go from mellow to gnarly in an instant. I’ve noticed with the S3, situations where I used to get that going over the bar feeling (if I wasn’t on my game), is completely eliminated. In a way, the bike lets me be a lazy, and I enjoy that. I purposely went for a big bike with the slackest head angle. I actually didn’t demo the S2, I should have, but the S3 just felt right. I did demo the Ripmo in size L, and that bike felt more poppy and playful on Jumpline at Skypark. The Evo S3, its not as poppy or playful on the jumps as the Ripmo. But, I knew I wanted a bike that would handle gnarly descents and make me a better/safer rider. A longer wheel base sacrifices nimbleness for stability. Ya gotta choose which one is more important to you I guess.

[@alwaystwoam]

Mike T - That makes total sense. It’s really is choosing between nimble and stable but the S2 already seems bigger then most bikes based on wheelbase. I’m the same height as Will who did the review. 5’ 6.5” 169cm. Wish Specialized game some sort of ball park size guidance because demoing different sizes might not be feasible for some.

[@dem2ruffnicetune]

Nice review will , but I have a question on those pedals? Have seen them about and as a person who struggles with my pedal position I’m interested in giving them a go I have gone back to spd,s atm because I’m always adjusting my position tried a lot of flats but I’m not really a fan of clips but am sick of keep looking at my feet while riding , I think these ones may help alleviate my issue Cheers will and keep shredding 🤘

[@barrylee8196]

They are from Pedaling Inovations, James Wilson invented them. They are great. I have 2 sets one on a DH V10 and another on a Bronson. The science is on his web site and makes sense.www.pedalinginovations.com

[@dadventuretv2538]

Review- “so let’s start with the frame. It’s a Santa Cruz Megatower.” Bahahahaha.

[@raheemgahelable]

Very similar.

[@sebastiansolari2530]

You could say santa cruz copied theirs from the 2011 demo 8, as it the shock algo goes through the frame above the bb

[@efrenm8826]

I would like a 27.5 please My next bike for sure

[@edmaori5601]

If Spec know that placing the rear shock low in the frame gives a better gravity handling....why do they wait till 2020 to revised the frame designs instead of introducing it way back in 2015

[@DOLPsc]

I was checking my bank until I heard 29er only.

[@smallnuts2]

Fiance with affirm

[@joejoemtb8011]

Wow that is one rusty chain. Just kidding! Nice review. I currently have a 2017 Enduro, a decent bike. The 2020 model looks much nicer!

[@ronin550]

Bike is a monster...👀

[@kingrat738]

2.3 tire on a mini DH bike!? o_0

[@dickysamad]

Whats your height btw??

[@roberttate4816]

Nice bike, 180 fork upgrade or downhill fork 190mm options 😘

[@ryanyoung7433]

yea, 10mm is an upgrade LOL

[@tataboi156]

Nice repaint Santa Cruz Nomad..just kidding😂✌️

[@bwest6275]

Nice dig. Although I’d rather go VPP than FSR between the two.

[@raheemgahelable]

Great descender! Have you mentioned that it climbs like shit too?!!

[@carlosagonzalez3394]

I own one and it climbs great, better then stumpjumper, best bike ever for climbing

[@beanucardwell8528]

Oh dear me I must have it

[@samdavison-wall4972]

Why bring it out as a carbon only bike if it means you're going to price half the potential market out!? Does everyone want to race an EWS or would we just like to ride a good platform at a reasonable price? In 2020 you should be able to buy this bike, in alloy with say a Lyrik up front, top shock out back, respectable drivetrain, wheels etc for AUD$5000 - $6000.

[@Yo_ishere]

a dream bike with nightmare price T_T

[@Mr_RichardH]

I thought he worked for Flow now?

[@basljh]

Me too. Are you doing both Will?

[@privilegedbiker9887]

What's up with the seat post? No more WU or Command Post? AXS seatpost with XTR drivetrain on the S-works... Fork offset still 51mm? No O'hlins for two years straight? No m12 carbon?

[@RobBradshawG]

He said at least 2 times that it's 44mm offset fork :-)

[@privilegedbiker9887]

@@RobBradshawG information overload...missed it

[@Stchamps]

I think you can still run a command post wu. the diameter is 34.9. they put a shim in the seat post to make smaller droppers fit.

[@jameslee5237]

How do they handle the internal dropper post cable through that pierced seat tube?

[@Peanutdenver]

@@jameslee5237 They don't...it's a wireless Rockshox Reverb.

[@michaelhorner4011]

End-dooo-row

[@MrZeko3rs]

Santacruz design right there

[@DM-hw4cr]

"You don't have to run a 34mm dropper " but you should. Stiffer and longer lasting then standard dropper diamater

[@pangmenmtbadventures6972]

a white nomad nice😁

[@BMfins]

Not expensive enough. Wish I had that kind of cash🤔

[@fabbike1805]

il vaut pas 11000 euros ? fox 36 .... bof bof ?

[@notbaymax5499]

Megatower: you dare oppose me mortal???

[@jakewomacksunday]

I don't like carbon, and for that reason im out.....

[@JimsonMTB]

I thought its Santa Cruz

[@turner02]

that santa crus

[@germancreatives88]

Wow Giant is really a good frame supplier but bad specialized overpriced it

[@jorgepetalver3801]

am I the only one or this really looks like a copy of the Sta. Cruz Nomad CC... 🤣🤣🤣

[@readikus]

EVERY. SINGLE. COMMENT. AGREES. Completely agree - looks like it, just not anywhere near as desirable

[@rokbukejlovic]

im not sure i like it