10 Best Enduro Mountain Bikes in 2020 (Review)
Undeniably mountain biking has increased in popularity across the world. People are fast viewing this energy-intensive activity as a challenge and an excellent way to keep fit, while spending quality time outdoors.
Enduro mountain bikes also enhance your relaxation and strengthen your muscles as they come with a superb design for excellent stability and versatility in rough terrain. However, with so many sellers of Enduro bikes in the market, it can be challenging to find one that meets your lifestyle.
To help you make the right decision, our team of biking experts spent many hours researching the top mountain bikes and developed a detailed review of the 10 best Enduro Mountain bikes to buy today.
Here’s what we found out:
10 Top Enduro Mountain Bikes in 2020 Reviews
1. Santa Cruz Nomad
https://www.backcountry.com/santa-cruz-bicycles-nomad-carbon-s-complete-mountain-bike-snz00ho
Do you live and ride near hilly and sloppy terrain?
Riding in such areas can be tiresome and challenging at times but not with the Santa Cruz Nomad. This long-travel bike that comes with a gravity ring is a giant for steep and park areas. It is one of the best Enduro mountain bikes that you can ride on such areas without any struggle.
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The bike has a 65-degree head tube angle with a high setting that enhances your riding comfort. Its steep 75-degree seat tube angle enables you to have an optimum pedaling position that eases your rides on hilly terrain.
For easy configuration to your riding preferences and terrain, this bike comes with flip-clip fitted on its swing-arm that is adjustable allowing you to choose a high or low pedaling setting to enhance your uphill and downhill riding experience.
This bike also comes with a Carbon C frame that makes it strong and stiff and features an SRAM Eagle with 12-speed drivetrain making it one of few mountain bikes with largest gear range.
The bike’s RockShox Super Deluxe R air shock, and FOX’s 36 Float Performance fork combination in the rear, offers optimal balance for small-bump suppleness and big hit composures. Its shuttle guard, mud-blocking shock guard, and aluminum alloy chain-stay protects your bike from scratches and dropped chain damages.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: B00NJNF1K4
- Brand: Santa Cruz
- Dimensions: S, M, ML, L, XL
- Wheel size: 27.5
- Weight: 31.2lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Matte Black
- Price: $4,769.00
Reviews: 3
Rating: 5
2. Trek Remedy 8
These mountain bikes conquer rough terrain effortlessly as it features an ultra-light and durable Alpha Platinum aluminum frame. It has a 60mm fork fitted with plush springs and Charger 2 RC dampers for easy adjustment and control.
This piece also features RE:Aktiv technology that enhances support for efficient and smooth pedaling on rough trails. It comes with a suspension calculator for easy setting of the suspension to match your riding weight.
The Trek Remedy 8 also has Mino Link adjustable geometry that enables you to fine-tune your pedaling position without hurting the suspension performance. The 12-speed drivetrain puts it among the most reliable trek Enduro mountain bikes in the market. Also, it has four-piston hydraulic disc brakes that offer reliable stopping power
For clean looks and efficient custom setup, this bike features a freak cable control management system, which allows for a swift combination of brakes, lockout, shift, and dropper post lines, enhancing its versatility and unique style.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: 24480
- Brand: Trek Bikes
- Dimension:
- Weight: 31.73lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Matte Black
- Price: $3,999.99
Reviews: 53
Rating: 4.8
3. Trek Slash 8
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/slash/slash-8/p/24328/
Are you searching for a racing bike?
If so, the Trek Slash 8 would be the ideal race bike for you. It feature 29-inch wheels that offer fast rolls and has an Alpha Aluminum frame and high-end suspensions, which deliver superb performance for any rider willing to ride faster than others in the crew.
The 150 mm rear travel and RockShox Deluxe shock absorbers make this bike ultra-responsive ensuring you have maximum control and better grounding on racing tracks. Also, the Slash 8’s RE:Aktiv technology with Thru Shaft makes it faster than other top bikes with normal shock.
If you are looking for mountain bikes that offer both Enduro and trail bike experiences, the Slash 8 is the perfect choice. With Mino Link adjustable geometry, this bike allows you to understand it according to your desired biking experience. The fine-tune head angle that offers a BB height of up to 10mm enables you to set your geometry without affecting the suspension performance.
Besides, these mountain bikes have 1×12 Eagle drivetrains and a 54-tooth Rapid Drive rear hub for super-fast engagement.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: 24328
- Brand: Trek Bikes
- Dimension:
- Weight: 30.38lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Matte Black
- Price: $3,699.99
Reviews: 21
Rating: 4.7
4. Trek Slash 9.8
Like the Slash 8, this bike makes the perfect choice for big hits and rail corners.
It features an OCLV Mountain Carbon frame that makes it tough and strong for rough racing trails. The 150mm rear travel that features RockShox Deluxe RT3 shock and RE:Aktiv technology with Thru Shaft dampers make this bike highly responsive and stable.
The Trek Slash 9.8 comes with 1×12 Eagle drivetrains and 54-tooth Rapid Drive rear hub that offer superb acceleration.
For preferable pedaling positions, the Slash 9.8 has a Mino Link adjustable geometry with an allowance of up to 10mm on its head tube. You only need to turn a nut and set it to your desired head tube height.
In addition, it features a complete tubeless system with tubeless-ready rims that guarantees you better traction by eliminating tire flats issues.
This mountain bike delivers super stopping power thanks to their SRAM G2 RSC hydraulic disc that features a 6-bolt round-edge CenterLine. Essentially, the bike offers you a Mini DH riding experience that enables you to ride uphill and downhill without any struggles.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: 28516
- Brand: Trek Bikes
- Dimension:
- Weight: 28.99lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Red to Magenta
- Price: $5,899.99
Reviews: 21
Rating: 4.7
5. IBIS RIPMO AF NX EAGLE 2020
https://www.jensonusa.com/Ibis-Ripmo-AF-NX-Eagle-Bike-2020
This piece is the best Enduro bike under $3000 on this list and features an aluminum frame that makes it super light. It has DW-Link designed suspensions, which use anti-squat for suspension bob elimination.
Also, the design of the IBIS RIPMO AF NX EAGLE reduces pedaling feedback from the suspension movement and helps to balance acceleration and braking effects leading to enhanced efficiency and traction. The bike comes with 12-speed drivetrains providing you with the perfect gear range to fit your riding needs. Its hydraulic disc brakes system offers superb braking capability.
When considering the geometry aspect, this piece has a head-angle with a slack of up to 64.9-degrees plus a short offset fork that helps the rider to get around tough corners. It has a 435mm chainstay for stability while on high speeds.
The 76-degree seat tube angle helps to manage weight and offer a stable climbing position. Its progressive leverage ratio also provides you with an option to run coil shock preventing any pedal strikes when riding uphill.
Overall, the IBIS is a good and affordable bike that will enhance your riding experience.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: BI001373
- Brand: Ibis
- Dimension:
- Weight: Starting at 28.2lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Red Savina
- Price: $2,999.00
Reviews: 25
Rating: 4.7
6. Trek Remedy 7
The Trek Remedy 7 is the best mountain bike for hilly and technical trails.
It features an Alpha Platinum aluminum frame combining a 150mm rear travel and 160mm RockShox 35 Gold fork that makes it lightweight, durable, and incredibly stable. Its reliable 12-speed drivetrains deliver a gear range to fit your speed and riding needs.
If you’re looking for a mountain bike with a superb geometry, the Remedy 7 is one of the best picks. Its frame offers an amazing geometry that ensures you have a balanced pedaling position downhill, and the drop post seat allows you to pick a preferable saddle position on different pedaling trails with the simple touch of a button.
Also, the frame features Knock Block defense that protects you from fork crowns and spinning bars enhancing your biking comfort and safety. The Straight Shot down tube also provides additional stiffness on rough trails.
Overall, the Remedy 7 is one of the best high-end mountain bikes that deliver superb speed and a playful, unique biking experience.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: 28509
- Brand: Trek Bikes
- Dimension:
- Weight: 32.36lbs
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Teal
- Price: $3,999.99
Reviews: 3
Rating: 5
7. Transition Sentinel Carbon GX
https://www.evo.com/mountain/transition-sentinel-carbon-gx-complete-bike
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This bike focuses on offering you speed and balanced geometry in all your riding sessions. It has a speed-balance design tailored for shorter travel and for harnessing pedal strokes on its 12-speed drivetrains and 29-inch wheels. This aspect offers reliable weight balance while maintaining low-speed agility.
The geometric design features a slacker head tube angle for standardized rear weight distribution that enhances stability on high speed, improves traction, and ensures easy maneuvering.
For firm and efficient pedaling, this bike features a GiddyUp 2.0HH suspension system that offers excellent and progressive travel, while its DPX2 Performance Shock-and-Dual piston base valve provides the ultimate small-bump sensitivity and control during the riding transitions.
Also, the Transition Sentinel Carbon GX uses a 12-speed chain fitted with Hard Chrome technology that helps in boosting the chain performance. This way, you can enjoy high-speed riding without experiencing fatigue.
Other additional features that make this bike stand out include the Reverb Stealth Dropper Post with overlapping bush for enhanced performance.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: 153381
- Brand: Trek Bikes
- Dimension:
- Wheel size: Stans Flow S1 Comp
- Weight: 31.58lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Red
- Price: $3,299.99
Reviews: 19
Rating: 4.4
8. YETI SB140 TURQ T2 BIKE 2020
https://www.jensonusa.com/Yeti-SB140-Turq-T2-Bike-2020
Yeti is a household name for racing bikes that stand out in any competition.
The brand applied the same concept in designing the YETI SB140 TURQ T2. The bike features a Switch Infinity Suspension platform that makes it a beast for huge steep rides.
The platform has a rail-mounted pivot that enhances translation between the switch infinity and anti-squat to reduce and prevent chain decoupling, and the flat peak of the anti-squat maintains pedaling stability.
For extra stability, it comes with a long travel fork featuring a 140mm rear travel and 433mm chainstays as well as 65-degree head angle. Plus the bike caters for your climbing position with a 77-degree seat angle.
This piece also has open shock capability to eliminate any bobbing and for enhanced traction and riding on any bike park. For superb speeding and gear range, the SB140 has 1×12-speed drivetrains with SRAM G2 RSC brakes that provide efficient stopping power. This aspect makes it one of the best Enduro MTB for fun lovers.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: BI001177
- Brand: Trek Bikes
- Dimension:
- Weight: 29.05lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Grey
- Price: $7,399.00
Reviews: 3
Rating: 5
9. Pivot Trail 429
https://www.backcountry.com/pivot-trail-429-carbon-29-enduro-pro-xt-xtr-mountain-bike
Are you searching for Enduro bikes designed for cross-country races?
The Pivot Trail 429 is one of the best XC mountain bikes to consider, and will always feature in top Enduro mountain bike reviews. With a carbon frame that has superb spacing, this bike is a nice choice for responsive rides.
The frame consists of composite fibers and resin mixture that make it stiff, sturdy, durable, and lightweight. As regards its geometric aspects, it has a 140mm fork and 120mm rear travel that enhance front-end stiffness and increase travel speed. Its DX2 shocks enhance the bike’s downhill capability while the longer travel fork makes the bike more stable. This way, you’re certain that you’ll enjoy comfortable biking at both high and low speeds.
Also, the Trail 429 features DW-Link suspension enabling you to deal with rough and tough biking terrain. Its super boost plus rear axle shortens the chainstays, while ensuring efficient mud clearance on sticky and muddy terrains.
Overall, the Pivot Trail has versatile and premium descending capabilities. The shortened rear-end and longer wheelbase improves the stability and performance of the bike all of which boost its reliability.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: N/A
- Brand: Pivot
- Dimension:
- Weight: 26.67lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Grey
- Price: $7,599.99
Reviews: 1
Rating: 5
10. Santa Cruz Bicycles 5010 A D
https://www.evo.com/mountain/santa-cruz-bicycles-5010-a-d-complete-bike-2020
A shoestring budget should not limit you from owning a mountain bike!
If you are searching for a cheap Enduro mountain bike, then the Santa Cruz 5010 AD is the perfect option. This bike comes from Santa Cruz a renowned brand in the racing world. The cheap prices do not negate its capability for durability and fun in your riding sessions.
With a VPP suspension system, it provides a flexible design for easy manipulation of the shock rate to fit in with your needs and purpose. The Aluminum Alloy frame and Float Performance DPS make it one of the best light-weighted mountain bikes in this list. The SX Eagle 12 speed drivetrains provide optimal gear range for superb trail feel and value agility.
For mountain biking, the 5010AD has an efficient pedaling system that lowers the pedal bob when riding up steep terrain. The bike also comes with a longer front wheel and relaxed head angle for stable downhill rides allowing for easy maneuvering on rowdy trails.
It features an upper link on the bottom bracket height that enables you to fine-tune it to fit in with your particular riding terrains. Also, it has a slacken geometry and wide tires that boost its speed and traction in rough and steep terrains.
Key Specs:
- ASIN: 165549
- Brand: Santa Cruz
- Dimension:
- Weight: 28.5lbs.
Key Features
- Wattage:
- Color: Red to Magenta
- Price: $2,699.99
Reviews: 0
Rating: 0
What is an Enduro Mountain Bike?
If you’re new to the world of mountain biking, the term Enduro may not be that familiar. An Enduro is a mountain bike race that involves untimed uphill and timed downhill rides on often steep and rough terrain. These races combine fun and physical endurance.
Manufacturers designed Enduro mountain bikes to meet the riders’ specific needs by ensuring that these bikes feature a suspension length of at least 150mm.
These mountain bikes also have a strong construction and design to provide big hits and strides for conquering hilly and rough terrain. Also, Enduro bikes have features of dual suspension mountain bikes that enhance their capability and stability for both uphill and downhill cycling.
3 Things to Think About Before Buying an Enduro Mountain Bike
If you’re planning on purchasing Enduro mountain bikes, here are three essential things to consider:
Frame Material
The frame material is the first element to consider when purchasing Enduro bikes. These bikes have carbon fiber or aluminum alloy frames. Carbon frames are lighter and sturdy but pricey. On the other hand, aluminum frames are heavier but durable and cheaper. So, depending on your needs and budget, you should pick one that suits your purpose.
Suspensions and Drivetrains
Drivetrains determine the performance levels of your bike. Most mountain bikes have 12-speed drivetrains while others offer 1x 12-speed. For suspensions, check the fork and shock models and ensure that they are adjustable and offer less friction.
Geometry
An Enduro mountain bike should have the capability to serve you on tougher terrain. So, ensure its geometry offers stability and comfort to keep you safe as you ride.
What Are the Most Important Enduro MTB Features?
While every feature in mountain bikes matter, there are those that are a must-have. If you are in the process of buying Enduro bikes, consider the following important features:
- Rear Travel Length – an ideal bike in this category should have a rear travel length of at least 150mm
- Brake Type: ensure your bike uses a hydraulic disc braking system that offers enough stopping power
- Slack Head Tube Angle – these aspects ensure that you enhance your confidence and comfort when cycling on steep slopes and when mountain biking.
- Tire Size – tires play a crucial role during your cycling session. Wide tires offer enhanced grounding and traction. As a result, you enjoy faster speed on rough stretches and rock gardens.
What Are the Best Maintenance Tips for My Enduro MTB?
If you want Enduro bikes to serve you for longer, you must invest in excellent maintenance. Here are some of the best maintenances tips that you can apply to keep your investment in mint condition:
- Always clean your bike after a cycling moment or race
- Ensure its brakes are in good condition and properly adjusted before any cycling session
- Check your wheels regularly and ensure they do not rub against the brakes
- Always inspect your bike’s drivetrain and ensure it has a smooth shift, and if not fix it as soon as possible
- Inspect your tires regularly to ensure that they have the ideal pressure on the front and rear wheel for your expected riding terrain