What the Heck is Enduro?
What is Enduro Mountain Biking? Enduro is a form of MTB racing where you are not timed uphill and timed downhill. Enduro started in the early 2010s and has become a popular form of mountain biking. But what exactly is enduro? Read more to learn about who can race, the best enduro bikes, what gear you need, and races.
Who Can Race Enduros?
Anyone! Enduro is great for both expert racers and new riders. Most regional races will have different courses for all abilities.
What is an Enduro Bike?
An enduro bike usually has 150 to 180mm of travel. The difference between an enduro bike and a cross country (xc) bike is a xc bike has a more aggressive geometry vs the slack geometry of an enduro bike. Aggressive geometry makes it harder to ride on steeper descents and has less travel making it harder to do bigger drops and rock gardens. The difference between an enduro bike and a DH bike is that a DH bike has less gears making it harder to pedal up steep uphills and a more slack geometry making it harder to pedal. An enduro bike is a perfect combination of slack geometry that’s also able to pedal uphill.
Best Enduro Bikes
I currently ride the Evil Insurgent (Starting at $5,899.00 USD) and would highly recommend it for all different terrain. The flip chip allows you to give the bike 7 degrees more slack geometry for the bike park and a more aggressive geometry for climbing.
If that is a bit out of your price range, I also recommend:
Canyon Spectral (Starting at $3,999.00 USD) The Spectral is a great bike with many different build options. the Spectral also has a flip chip giving the bike 5 degrees more slack.
Trek Slash 8 (Starting at $4,299.99 USD) Trek is a great brand run by many pro riders. The trek slash has what is called an active braking pivot, the ABT allows the wheel to stay on the ground under braking providing more traction when turning are going down steep terrain,
Giant Reign Advanced Pro 29 2 (Starting at $5,100 USD) The Giant Reign is a great bike that has “Long and low” enduro-frame geometry with 64.56 to 76.36 degree headtube and seat tube angles (depending on size) deliver smooth handling on aggressive terrain. Frameset is tailored for 29-inch wheels to optimize roll-over capabilities and high-speed momentum.
What Wheel Size Should I Run?
There are two sizes of wheels for adults 27.5 and 29. You can also run a mullet which is a 29er in the front and a 27.5 in the rear. For enduro, I recommend running a 29er or a mullet. I run a mullet because I found that I buzzed my butt with a 29er in the rear, but I know a lot of people that run 29er with no problems.
Best Enduro Gear
Unlike cross country and road cycling, enduro clothing is more like normal outdoor clothing and more comfortable. Enduro gear (like pads) are a good investment to keep you safe and you might find you need a different helmet from your other riding. Here’s the gear you should consider:
Helmets
I highly recommend a full face helmet. I have the Leatt Enduro 4.0 which has a removable chin guard so you can use it as a half shell on normal ride and as a full face when your racing are doing harder trails. We also use the Troy Lee Stages helmet which is one of the lightest DH rated helmets available. It does not have a removable chin guard.
Pads/Body Armor
I run knee pads and a chest protector for enduro races. I recommend the Leatt AirFlex line up. I have also used the G Form pads and those are lightweight and hold up well. Technically you should also wear elbow pads but those aren’t as popular in the enduro world.
Goggles
If you have a full face helmet you need goggles. Goggles are important to keep mud, bugs, rocks and the air off your eyes. If you don’t want to buy two lenses go with a clear lens if you race in trees and other colors in you race in more wide open spaces.
Hydration Packs
I run a hip pack for less weight and it usually holds all of the water I need. I will carry a water bottle either in the pack or on my bike just in case.
Shoes/Pedals
I run clipless pedals for enduro as it allows me to go trough rock gardens without having to worry about my feet falling of the pedals. If you are just starting out and not comfortable with clipless pedals then flat pedals are probably best. For pedals, I recommend the Crank Brother mallets (clipless) or the OneUp Components Aluminum Platform Pedals (flat pedals). For shoes, I recommend Leatt, Ride Concepts, and Five Ten.
Tools
What should you carry during an enduro race? I carry a tube, pump, and some tools just in case I get a flat or mechanical. Since the race courses can be rugged and technical you need to be prepared. I have a OneUp Components Pump and EDC tool on my bike. It’s really lightweight and compact and I’ve had to use it a few times. The EDC multi tool includes: 2,3,4,5,6,8 hex keys, T25 Torx, and flathead screwdriver. Tire lever/chain breaker also features 0, 1, 2 & 3 spoke keys, presta valve core remover & spare rotor bolt.
Recommended Enduro Gear
Where are Enduro Events?
There are enduro races all over the world from local series to EWS races.
Do your research before you pick and event because enduros vary in terrain and distance. Some races may only cover 10 miles with little climbing and have a total of about 15 minutes of timed stages, while others could be up to 40 miles, tons of climbing, and 30-60 min of timed stages.
Here are some events to check out:
Event 1: Cascadia Dirt Cup (CDC) is a great beginner to intermediate race in the pacific northwest of the USA with different courses for different ability. Whether you are an expert rider going for wins or you are new to the sport and just trying to have fun they will have something for you.
Event 2: North American Enduro Cup (NAEC) is a national level event so I would definitely get a good amount of races in before signing up for this one. The steep rocky and root filled terrain of Silver Mountain is a challenge for even the best of riders.
Event 3: Revolution Enduro in Colorado. I have not gotten the chance to take part in this Enduro but heard great things about it. If you live in Colorado I would recommend looking into this race.
Event 4: Team Big Bear Enduro Series was actually my first Enduro and I would definitely recommend it to anyone in SoCal. Very friendly riders and plenty of hecklers to cheer you on.
Event 5: Big Mountain Enduro (BME) is another national level event that often has stages over two full days! Most of their events are at ski resorts where you mix in climbing with lifts. I would recommend having a good amount of experience before taking part in these races as they are difficult.
Kids Only! For anyone in the Utah area, check out the ONLY Youth Enduro Series in the nation! They have a series of 4 races over the Spring and Summer.
Interested in riding enduro trails? Check out our destination posts for trail recommendations.
Have you ever done an enduro race? Tell us which one in the comments.