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Enduro Bike Buying Guides

Introduction

Enduro mountain bikes are designed for enduro racing, where the rider is timed based on downhill sections but has to climb up the hill and even transfer between sections themselves. This means the bikes focus on maximizing downhill performance without tiring the rider out too much on the uphill sections. Even if it might be slow going, you can still get up the hill on an enduro bike.

Who Should Ride an Enduro Bike?

Enduro bikes are the best choice for riders who are totally focused on the downhill, and want a bike that will let them get back up to the top again so they can do it all over again. Modern designs have made it possible to improve climbing performance while still keeping highly optimized downhill performance.

They are ideal for:

  • Enduro racers looking to win the timed downhill sections
  • Aggressive riders who enjoy hitting big jumps, drops, and technical features on natural terrain
  • Riders who split their time between chairlift- or shuttle-powered bike park rides and backcountry pedal-powered rides

Model Guides - Enduro Bikes

2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude

2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude

Win Every Race on the Altitude
2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay

2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay

The eMTB of your dreams.
2022 Santa Cruz Heckler 9

2022 Santa Cruz Heckler 9

Ride on and on and on.
2022 Santa Cruz Megatower 2

2022 Santa Cruz Megatower 2

The ultimate trail sidekick for the trails.
2022 SCOR 4060 LT

2022 SCOR 4060 LT

Have serious fun on this enduro bike.
2022 Yeti SB165

2022 Yeti SB165

Comfortable, fearless, and ready for chaos.
2023 Rocky Mountain Altitude

2023 Rocky Mountain Altitude

The Altitude has you covered for race and recreation.
2023 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay

2023 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay

The Altitude Powerplay is made for aggressive enduro e-biking.
2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3

2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3

Feel right at home on any terrain.
2023 Santa Cruz Nomad 6

2023 Santa Cruz Nomad 6

A bike for
2023 Yeti SB160

2023 Yeti SB160

Built from the legacy of the SB150.
2023 Yeti SB165

2023 Yeti SB165

The most fearless MTB companion.
2024 Rocky Mountain Altitude

2024 Rocky Mountain Altitude

Unleash Your Racing Potential With the New Altitude
2024 Yeti SB165

2024 Yeti SB165

The Ultimate Enduro Bike for Trail Dominators
Nukeproof Mega Carbon 290

Nukeproof Mega Carbon 290

Your enduro trail companion.

Key Features of a Modern Enduro Bike

Key features of enduro-style mountain bikes include:

  • Durable frame and components that can take hits and crashes
  • Rear suspension travel: Typically ranging from 150mm to 180mm, which gives you a lot of cushioning for jumps
  • Front suspension travel: Ranging from 160mm to 180mm, which is near the top end of the spectrum for mountain bikes
  • Wheel size: 27.5” wheels are popular for their agility and maneuverability, although some models offer 29” options for increased rollover capability.
  • Tire width: 2.4” to 2.6” tires with aggressive tread
  • Tubeless tires
  • Handlebar width: Typically wide handlebars (around 800mm) for enhanced stability and control
  • Stem length: Short stems for responsive handling and control in technical terrain, providing quick steering input.
  • Dropper seatpost: Included as a standard feature in high-end bikes so riders to quickly adjust saddle height for the terrain
  • Head angle: Slack head angle ranging from 65 to 66 degrees for stability and confidence on steep descents while maintaining agility for climbing.