Best Enduro Bikes
Now the essential accessory of this sport is the bikes, and this is why riders expect enduro bikes that offer maximum speed on their descent without sacrificing control over their bike. If you have decided that regular biking is just not cutting it anymore and want to venture into the extreme sport of enduro biking, but do not know where to start in finding great enduro bikes, check out our top ten picks below and hit the road!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Traction
Tires are the things that are making contact with the mountain terrain, so it’s no surprise that this was an important aspect when considering the best enduro bikes. 29ers are generally considered to be the best tires for mountain bikes because they are thick and are able to glide over rocky and uneven terrain effortlessly.
However, when it comes to enduro biking, you want your bike to not only be rugged and able to scale treacherous obstacles, but you also want it to be agile enough to to make quick turns when needed. In this instance, the 27.5-inch tires are going to be your best bet. Luckily, most enduro bikes come with standard 27.5-inch tires. However, if you feel more comfortable in 29ers, they can all be easily switched out to meet your specific needs.
Durability
When you are racing down hills at high speeds, you want to ensure that the frame is constructed from sturdy and high-quality materials. Ideally, carbon fiber is considered to be both the most durable materials available on the market.
If the enduro bike is constructed from carbon fiber, it often makes it much more expensive than bikes made out of anything else, but it also makes it more lightweight and sturdy than others.
If you aren’t willing to pay top dollar for your bike, you could save some money by opting for models made from aluminum or other alloy medals. Keep in mind that if you choose to take this route, your bike will be significantly more substantial than those constructed with a carbon fiber frame.
Brand
Bikers tend to find a brand of bike that they like and stay very loyal to that brand. Brand recognition is essential because many of the more trusted names have been in the bike game for over 100 years. Brands such as Diamondback, Raleigh, and Eagle are some of the most trusted brands currently on the market.
Of course, these brands tend to be more expensive than lesser known brands, but you know that when you purchase a bike from these brands that you are not only receiving the best bike that is made with the best components, but you can also know that they typically come with a guarantee that they will stand behind their product.
Features
Many of the enduro bikes are on our list are incredibly lightweight and have a short rear section and steep steering angle make for great agility. The most notable additional feature about some enduro bikes is their ability to be folded to keep in storage or for transport.
This feature makes traveling to distant locations a simple and easy feat when your bike can fit in the trunk of your car or on the train. One might assume that the gimmick of foldability would mean that the bike isn’t a serious enduro bike- and they would be wrong. These bikes are made from some of the best components on the market.
Top 10 Picks
1. Diamondback Bicycles Mission 2
Diamondback is one of the top manufacturers of all-mountain or enduro bikes. This bike is made from the some of the most trusted components on the market, offers a sharp design, and is capable of scaling some of the most difficult terrains.
Read moreFrame:
The frame is made from hydroformed aluminum, making this frame lighter than some of the other aluminum framed on the market. It is available in a light grey with sharp yellow accents.
Price:
This is one of the more expensive enduro bikes to make this list. However, if you were looking to buy a new bike that is from a trusted company, and that is made from the best components, this is how much you will have to pay.
Tires:
The tires on this bike are Vigilante 2.3 27.5”. These types of tires make for a fast acceleration when gaining momentum for those downhill rides. Vigilante tires are some of the most popular and highest rated tires for enduro bikes by consumers.
Additional Features:
One of the most important aspects of an effective enduro bike is the suspension. The Fox Performance 36 Float 160mm travel fork gives to the stability to drop into any trail with confidence that you will be able to maintain control over your bike even at top speeds. For an effective drivetrain, riders know that any bike with Shimano components is a quality product. This bike comes with Shimano SLX 1x11 speed drivetrain with Race Face cranks. This allows the rider to crank up even the steepest of hills with ease.
Assembly:
When you buy a Diamondback product, it will arrive at your door partially put together. For an experienced mechanic, the bike can be fully assembled in approximately 30 minutes. For those with no experience, it can take up to 120 minutes. If you are feeling unsure about your ability to put your bike together, you can take it to a local bike shop to have them assemble it for you for a fee.
Summary:
This bike is a great choice for riders that are in the market for a great quality bike that is able to scale any type of terrain. If you are able to look past the padded price tag, this bike will not disappoint you on those long mountain trails.
2. BEIOU Carbon
BEIOU may not be a name that you necessarily recognize as one of the top brands of bikes. However, made from some of the best components on the market- such as Shimano and Maxxis- this bike offers all of the things that riders want out of a great enduro bike without the hefty price tag.
Read moreFrame:
The frame is composed of an 18” Toray T700 carbon fiber frame, making this bike incredibly lightweight but it also can take quite the beating out there on those difficult trails. It is available in a matte black with sharp orange accents.
Price:
Considering that this bike is equipped with some of the best and most trusted components on the market- this bike comes at an incredibly affordable price. It is not nearly as expensive as some of the more recognized brands, but it is not the least expensive enduro bike that is currently on the market.
Tires:
The aluminum wheel set comes with carbon fiber hubs, and the tires are MAXXIS 27.5×2.10 65TPI All Mountain Tires. Maxxis is a trusted brand in the tire community- for both bikes and automobiles- and provides great acceleration for maximum speed on downhill descents.
Additional Features:
This model comes with a dual suspension, allowing riders to scale rocky terrain with minimal quiver. It has a Shimano Deore 10 Speed System, and a Shimano 315 Hydraulic Braking. To really pick up speed while traveling downhill, the BEIOU offers a 27.5-Inch Air Suspension Fork, and an AIR HYPER DNM AO-22 190MM*50MM Rear Suspension. These features keep the rider in control of their bike while picking up speeds over rocky and uneven terrains.
Assembly:
Users have reported that assembly of this product is relatively easy, and can take approximately 30 minutes. If you are unsure about assembling it yourself, or have already assembled it and are unsure that it is safe, you can always take it to a local bike shop for an inspection.
Summary:
If you are in the market for a great all-terrain enduro bike that is rugged and lightweight, and you are not willing to pay the price tag of some of the well known brands, this bike in an excellent choice. The design is sleek and sharp, and riders can trust that this bike will hold up with components such as Shimano and Maxxis.
3. Raleigh Bikes Kodiak 2
Raleigh have been making great quality bicycles since 1887. They have spend 130 years creating bikes that fit the demands of all kinds of cyclists. This fire engine red enduro bike packs a real punch on those difficult trails, and is an excellent choice for those looking for a great bike to take out on those long and treacherous mountain trails.
Read moreFrame:
The sharp red frame is crafted from an alloy plus, making it a tad heavier than some of the other bikes to make this list. It has a 12 x 148 boost thru-axle and tapered headtube.
Price:
For a brand named company that has been in the business of making bikes for over 130 years, this bike comes at an affordable price tag. It is not as expensive as a brand such as Diamondback, and runs about the same price as BEIOU.
Tires:
The Weinmann U50TL tubeless ready rims support Kenda Havoc Sport 27.5 x 2.8 tires. Kenda tires are generally a trusted tire brand, and the 27.5” tires will aid riders in acceleration and keep control over rocky and uneven terrains.
Additional Features:
Any effective enduro bike needs to have an excellent suspension- and this bike meets those requirements. It as a Rockshox Monarch R rear suspension, that reduces annoying quiver on bumps and provides responsive handling. This model also has an all new SRAM NX 1x11 drivetrain with 11-42 wide range cassette and narrow-wide CNC chainring.
Assembly:
This bike comes 85% assembled, and takes approximately 30-120 minutes to complete (depending upon your mechanic skill level). If you are unwilling or unsure of how to put the remaining components on, you can always take it to a local bike shop and they can do it for you for a fee.
Summary:
For the price, this is an excellent bike to take out on basically every type of terrain. It is made from quality components that can take a real beating, it has a sharp design, it’s made from a company that has been in business for over 130 years, and is set at a reasonable price point.
4. Diamondback Bicycles Atroz
As with any Diamondback product, the user knows that they are receiving a quality bike. The Atroz was designed for the biker that wishes to purchase a Diamondback product, but cannot afford the higher price tag as some of the other models
Read moreFrame:
The frame of the Diamondback Atroz is made from an aluminum alloy, which makes it lighter than some other models that are made simply from metal alloy, but heavier than those made from carbon fiber. It comes in a glossy back with sharp red and yellow accents.
Price:
One of the best features of this bike is the piece point. Riders can be confident that they are receiving a quality Diamondback product, yet pay the price of some of the more affordable bikes on this list.
Tires:
The Atroz comes with Kenda Nevegal Lite 27.5x2.35" tires. Kenda Tires have been making great quality rubber tires specifically for bikes and scooters since 1962. These tires are great for all terrains- they are agile enough to navigate sharp turns and corners, but rugged enough to reduce quiver on rocky and uneven trails.
Additional Features:
This model comes with a reliable SRAM NX 1x11 speed drivetrain, which provides riders with a sturdy and steady ride. The brakes are Tektro Gemini hydraulic disc brakes with an 180mm front, and 160mm rear rotors. The suspension on this model has been streamlined to cut costs and save the buyer a little bit of money. As with any Diamondback model, it comes with RockShox Recon fork that soaks up bumps and significantly reduces annoying quiver.
Assembly:
Just like with any other Diamondback product, this bike is shipped 85% assembled, and the user is responsible for assembling additional component parts. For a seasoned mechanic, this can take approximately 30 minutes, and for those with zero experience, it can take up to 120 minutes. If you don’t have time for this, there is always the option of taking it to your local bike shop and they can do it for you for a fee.
Summary:
This is an excellent model for riders that are looking to buy a brand named product, but are uneasy about dishing out the extra cash. You are not going to receive as many as the additional features as the higher end models, but you can know that you are receiving a quality product with this bike.
5. Montague Paratrooper Highline
Montague bikes are known for their unique and futuristic designs, offering a fantastic ride, and using quality components. However, what Montague is most known for is their compatibility- this is a feature that isn’t available on any other model and is worth mentioning on this list for the rider that wants to take their bike everywhere with little hassle.
Read moreFrame:
The frame of this bike is composed of custom drawn 7005 Series Aluminum with DirectConnect System. It is available in a sleek gunmetal matte grey.
Price:
Surprisingly, this bike isn’t as expensive as one would imagine. This bike is incredibly affordable, and runs about the same price as some of the more unknown models of bikes on this list. It’s not the most expensive bike on the market, but it’s be far the least expensive.
Tires:
The 27.5” Kenda Kadre tires are an excellent choice for navigating rocky and uneven terrain without sacrificing the ease of movement and agility. Kenda has been making quality tires for bikes and scooters since 1962.
Additional Features:
The most notable additional feature about this enduro bike is its ability to be folded to approximately ? its original size- or just a little wider than one of the tires. This feature makes traveling to distant locations a simple and easy feat when your bike can fit in the trunk of your car or on the train. One might assume that the gimmick of foldability would mean that this bike isn’t a serious enduro bike- and they would be wrong. This bike is made from some of the best components on the market. The shifters are
Shimano Deore Rapid Fire. It has a 2-Speed on the left, and 10-Speed on the right.. Both have optical gear display. The front and the rear Derailleur are also the high-end Shimano brand. The seat is Mountain Aero with a center gap comfort technology.
Assembly:
Due to the folding mechanisms, assembling this bike at home is not ideal. In fact, to ensure that the one-year warranty remains valid, it’s mandatory that this bike be assembled by a professional a a bike store.
Summary:
Even with it’s unique foldable design, this bike does not scrimp on quality of components used. If you are in the market for a great enduro bike that can take you up any mountain, and also want a bike that is easily transported, this is an excellent choice.
6. Diamondback Sync'r Hard Tail
This is another great product from Diamondback that will get you everywhere you want to go and won’t break the bank. It has a cool and sleek black design, high end and affordable components, and offers a Diamondback guarantee.
Read moreFrame:
The frame of this bike is composed of a handmade and reliable 6061-t6 aluminum alloy hardtail- making it lighter than some of the framed made from alloy metals, but heavier than those made from carbon fiber.
Price:
For a Diamondback bike, this bike is incredibly affordable. It may not have all of the bells and whistles as one of Diamondbacks more higher end models, and it’s made for a little heavier and bulkier materials, but the quality is still there.
Tires:
The tires are Kenda Nevegal 27.5” tires- a dependable and recognized brand. These tires offer excellent traction, acceleration, and reliability.
Additional Features:
The SRAM 1x10 drivetrain is able to shift smoothly and effortlessly over all types of rugged terrains. It has a relaxed front end geometry and a beefy Rock Shox XC32 120mm front end fork. The RaceFace NarrowWide chainring prevents annoying dropped chains, and there is no front derailleur to deal with- which can be a common complaint with many enduro bikes.
Assembly:
As with any Diamondback bike, this bike will arrive to you 85% assembled and it will be up to you to assemble the various component pieces. For an experienced mechanic this process can take up to approximately 30 minutes, and for a novice it can take up to 120 minutes. Users can also take their bike to a local bike shop and have a professional assemble it for a fee.
Summary:
Users who have purchased this bike can sum it up in one word: fun. It has a simple design, great features, and can take a real beating on uphill climbs and is able to pick up real speed on downhill descents. If you are in the market for a simple and rugged bike to take on some of the most difficult trails without breaking the bank, this bike is an
excellent fit.
7. Eagle Patriot
This is a beast of a bike- it looks as if it could swallow the side of a mountain in one bite. It’s sleek and modern design is brought to you by Eagle, a company that has been making bikes since the 1880’s. It delivers everything a biker would want from an enduro bike- maneuverability, traction, stability, and speed.
Read moreFrame:
The frame is composed of high end carbon fiber making it one of the most lightest bikes to make this list. It is offered in a sharp black with bold white accents and an incredibly stylish gold chain. Years of fine tuning and tweaking its geometry give riders a seamless ride on all types of terrain.
Price:
This is where things get a little dicey: the price of this bike is almost double that of the high end Diamondback bikes, making it the most expensive enduro bikes to make this list. However, it is one of the most highest performing bikes to make this list as well.
Tires:
The tires are classic 29ers, meaning they are thicker and more rugged than the other 27.5” tires to make this list. What makes these tires different than the others is they have a larger contact patch, making for better traction, they conserve momentum over rough terrain, and they roll over obstacle more easily. The downside to 29ers is that they are a little less agile than the other 27.5” tires.
Additional Features:
The Hydraulic Disc Brakes have a 100m Travel Suntour Front Suspension, and function like the brakes of a motorcycle. Users can feel good about the Shimano drivetrain with the light,, stiff FlyTech featherlite carbon.The suspension fork is a hefty RockShox Reba that provide a smooth ride with limited quiver, and is easily removed the the user to change the suspension that fits your specific riding needs.
Assembly:
This is the best part of the Eagle Patriot- it ships completely assembled and all the user is left to do it simply screw on the handlebar and the front wheel, and you are ready to tackle those mountains in style.
Summary:
For riders that are willing to spare no expense in their journey to scale the highest of mountains, and sail down in smooth style, the Eagle Patriot allows riders to do exactly that. And since Eagle has been crafting bikes in the USA since the 1880’s, riders know that they are receiving the best quality products that are currently on the market for ease of use.
8. Steppenwolf Tycoon
Steppenwolf has been making great quality bicycles for over 20 years, and provides riders with all of the things they would want out of enduro bike- durability, stability, ease of use, and maneuverability. This bike is sleek and able to take riders over any type of terrain.
Read moreFrame:
The frame is composed of a triple-butted and lightweight aluminum that is 16.5 inches. This model is available in chrome with sharp navy blue accents.
Price:
This is a little more expensive than some of the other models to make this list. It runs about the same as some of the higher end Diamondback models, but it isn’t as expensive as the Eagle Patriot.
Tires:
The tires are continental Mountain King ii Race Sport falt tires on dt swiss e 1900 spline wheels, and are 27.5”. These tires offer fantastic maneuverability without sacrificing traction to climb difficult and uneven terrains. Continental has been making excellent quality tires since 1871, so you know that you are getting a highly regarded tire with this bike.
Additional Features:
This bike comes with all of the brands that experienced bikers know are the highest quality components on the market. The drivetrain is a Shimano XT 175 mm crankset with 40/30/22 Z with a Shimano SLX/SLX chain. The cockpit is equipped with Shimano XT 180/160 mm brakes, RaceFace Evolve Lowrizer 750 mm handlebars, and are placed upon a RaceFace Ride 70 mm stem. It also has an impressive Fox Float CTD Remote suspension with 140 mm of travel on the front and rear wheels.
Assembly:
This bike is shipped 99% assembled. All the user needs to do to get out on the trails is to screw on the seat and front wheel.
Summary:
Using high end and trusted brands for the component parts such as Shimano, and Fox, this bike performs at the top of its class. For the rider that is looking for a great bike to take into the mountains and is willing to pay just a little bit more than other bikes, this bike is a great selection.
9. Steppenwolf Tundra
This is another great product from Steppenwolf- the Tundra LTD Hardtail Mountain Bike. It delivers everything that a rider would want in a great all-terrain bike through high quality components, and offered at a slightly lower price point than some of the other models.
Read moreFrame:
The frame is composed of a triple-butted and lightweight aluminum frame. Aluminum makes this bike a tad heavier than the carbon fiber models, and significantly lighter than the frames that are composed of alloy medals. It’s available in a polished chrome with sharp navy blue accents.
Price:
The price of this bike runs in the middle of the road. It is not the most expensive bike on the market, however it is not the least expensive either. For the quality of components from a well-known brand, this bike is well worth the money.
Tires:
The tires for the model are Schwalbe Rocket Ron 29x2.25 Evo tires on Shimano XT/DT Swiss wheels, and are available in two different sizes: 27.5’ and 29’. The 27.5” tires are great for difficult terrains where you want to also maintain a great deal of maneuverability. The 29” tires are ideal for the most rocky, muddy, and treacherous terrains that exist out there on the mountains.
Additional Features:
Steppenwolf uses the highly regarded Shimano for the majority of their bikes component parts. The sturdy drivetrain is a Shimano XT shifter and a Shimano XT/XT chain , and it also has Shimano XT front/rear derailleurs. The cockpit is composed of Shimano XT 180/160 mm brakes; Easton EA50 Flat 685 mm handlebars on Easton EA50 90 mm stem, all atop a SIRIO S1 saddle on Easton EA50 stem. This bike is incredibly lightweight and has a short rear section and steep steering angle make for great agility.
Assembly:
This bike is shipped 99% assembled. All the user needs to do to get out on the trails is to screw on the seat and front wheel.
Summary:
For riders looking for a great quality bike that can hold up on the toughest of trails and really take a beating, but are unwilling to pay the high price tag of some of the higher end models, this is an excellent choice.
10. Savadeck 700
SAVADECK isn’t a very well know brand among bikers because they have just recently opened in 2016. It may be a little unnerving to take a chance on a relatively unknown brand. However, the component parts are trusted brands in the industry- such as Shimano and Michelin- and the price is more affordable than other models making this list. The SAVADECK 700 is a bike that should not be discounted just because the brand is relatively unknown.
Read moreFrame:
The frame is composed of carbon fiber, which not only makes this bike incredibly lightweight but it also makes it very strong and able to take a beating. Also, unlike many other bikes on this list, the SAVADECK 700 is available in a myriad of colors that include: grey, orange, white, green, red, and yellow.
Price:
Another great feature of this enduro bike is it’s affordable price. It is one of the least expensive models to make this list, but is not the least expensive of bikes that are currently on the market.
Tires:
There are three different size tires available on this model- 26”, 27.5”, and 29”. The tires are made Michielin- a well known and trusted brand of tires from automobiles to bicycles since 1889.
Additional Features:
The Manituo Suspension Fork has a lockout to deliver an excellent damping system no matter where you ride.The fork allows you to choose whether you need suspension function according to your riding environment, which is a feature not many of the other enduro bikes on this list have. It also comes with a trusted Shimano M8000 DEORE 2*11S Derailleur System which also includes the Shimano SL-M8000 DEORE XT shift lever, Shimano FD-M8025-H DEORE XT front derailleur, and Shimano RD-M8000 DEORE XT rear derailleur- which enables ease of operation and fast acceleration.
Assembly:
This bike comes almost completely assembled and requires a limited amount a assembly by the user. If you are able to screw on handlebar, affix a front tire and a seat, you will be ready to head up to those trails.
Summary:
If you are willing to take a chance on an new company- this enduro bike is built with trusted components and is offered at a fraction of the cost as some of the ther models. It is offered in many colors and the consumer even has the option to pick from three different sizes of tires.
Sources
- OFF-ROAD ENDURO, Article ,
- Best enduro mountain bikes , Review ,